The MOFFATTS Project

Proposal 2 by Tim Sullivan

The Concept: While the initial proposal, FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, suggested a HARD DAY 'S NIGHT-like musical romp featuring the Moffatts playing themselves, the following proposal presents a scenario in which the guys will play fictional characters in a dramatic storyline with a musical core. These characters, however, will still be greatly modeled after the boys' true personalities- they will even retain their actual first names (though the last name of "Moffatt" will be changed to " Taylor "). The idea is to present a story with 'regular' characters (rather than larger than life rock stars) with whom young audiences can identify with, yet at the same time benefit from The Moffatts' musical abilities and appeal.

The Pitch: When the drive-in movie theater that has served as both their family business and home is about to be torn down, four Midwest brothers who have formed a rock band bid good-bye to their mom and travel to the 'Big City' to perform in a talent contest in hopes of winning the money that will pay off their debts.

The Theme: In a world that's ever changing and challenging, it's hard to stay true to your core beliefs and convictions. But ultimately, being true to yourself is the only way to get where you need to go.

The Story: Midwest brothers SCOTT, DAVE , BOB and CLINT TAYLOR have spent all their lives helping out their single mom ELLEN run the family business- a vintage drive-in movie theater which has also served as their home and playground (They live in a very unique three story building on the lot!). In between working hard to keep the theater going, the boys have honed their musical skills under the humorous tutelage of GRAMPS TAYLOR (a former country-western singing star) and have become local sensations performing rock and roll concerts at the drive-in on weekends. Unfortunately, these gigs have become the only reason anyone even comes to the theater anymore. Well intentioned but naive, Ellen inevitably succumbs to her father's insistence that the theater only show old movies the younger generation considers uncool. (Pirate movies, Abbott & Costello comedies, family films etc..)

Times are changing, but Ellen's not changing with them and now she finds herself greatly in debt. Tired of cutting her slack, the landlord is ready to sell out to DALE SHARPE, a shady developer (who also happens to be Ellen's former boyfriend) who's planning to turn the lot into an auto park.

Faced with losing their home, the Taylor boys unanimously decide to take action and save the theater. Recruiting a local huckster named BOBBY DEVINE to be their driver, chaperone and 'manager', they make plans to hit the big city with dreams of winning the grand prize at a Star Search-type talent contest. Mom, of course, doesn't want her boys to leave (they've never been on their own let alone five miles past the city limits!), but when Gramps suffers a serious heart attack, she simply has no choice. And so, after a tearful farewell, the boys pack their instruments into an old school bus with Bobby at the helm and hit the road.

Getting to the city proves easier said than done. The bus keeps breaking down.... The boys are forced to play bizarre gigs to pay for food and lodging.... Bobby proves he doesn't have the musical connections he bragged about.... And worst of all, the guys must deal with BILLY SHARPE, Dale's bully-of-a-son who was hired by Dale to stop the Taylors from winning the contest. Billy and his obnoxious buddies are constantly on the brothers' tail, setting Road Runner-like traps that backfire at the last minute.

Against the odds, however, the band arrives in the city. At first, it's tons of fun for these fish out of water, but it isn't long before more obstacles arrive in the form of some serious talent show competition. Second guessing themselves, the Taylors experiment with different musical styles, trying out everything from punk angst to boy band choreography.

With time running out and the pressure on, it seems like the brothers may have lost their way in this edgy and fast-paced new world. At one point, the boys take off in different directions; Scott meets a young performer named KELLY who tries to convince him to 'go solo' after hearing one of his 'secret' love songs... Dave gets wrapped up with a greedy promoter who promises him easy money selling 'Taylor Brothers' merchandise.... Identical twins Clint and Bob get chased by crazy groupies who don't realize the brothers are two different people (easy to do when they're both wearing baseball caps!)....

When all seems lost, it's Bobby Devine who comes to the rescue, using his gift of gab to bring the brothers back together for an emotional reunion just in time for the big gig. Unfortunately, when the fateful night finally arrives, the boys discover that their bus -- along with their equipment -- has been stolen by Billy Sharpe and his posse!

The brothers are forced to scrounge up some gear fast and perform anyway. Kelly convinces them to sing Scott's love song and after a bit of practice (and a phone call for support to mom and a recovering Gramps), the Taylors go onstage and give a truly awesome performance. All the girls in the audience fall instantly in love.

Unfortunately, when the winners are announced, the Taylor Brothers are not among them. But their talent does not go unnoticed by ABBY COOPER, a powerful executive from Capitol records. The boys tell her their story. Impressed by their energy and honesty, Abby decides to help them save their home.

Flash-forward to the drive-in. Bobby Devine has promoted his butt off and long lines of cars are waiting to get inside. A special concert featuring the Taylors and the Hottest Young Female Artist in the country (who just happens to be on Abby's label) is taking place and kids are flooding in from everywhere to see them. The boys hit the stage playing their original instruments which they managed to get back. (Once again things have backfired and both Billy and his dad have been locked up for stealing!) It's an awesome show and the box office take is huge, just enough for Mom, Gramps and the brothers to keep the drive-in. And now, maybe, just maybe, Gramps might even let the theater play some 'modern movies'.

It's been a wild rollercoaster ride, but the Taylors are glad to be home, not much older but definitely wiser---integrating the lessons they learned on the road into their music and their lives.