When their beloved father dies on Christmas Eve, his three adult children must figure out what to do with his beloved dog before the holidays end (and their lives resume).
Type:
Feature
Status:
For sale
Page Count:
103pp
Genre:
Comedy, Drama, Family
Budget:
Shoestring
Age Rating:
Everyone
Synopsis/Details

Think "A Dog's Life" meets "Marley & Me."

Rick Stanton, a struggling musician in his late 20s, has been chasing the dream of rock stardom while his faithful dog Bailey remains a constant presence in his life. When Rick’s father, Alan, suddenly passes away, Rick returns home to confront his family's expectations and the legacy his father left behind. Amidst a mountain of unresolved grief, familial tension, and a faltering music career, Rick must navigate life’s harsh realities while figuring out what truly matters.

Alan’s final wishes center around ensuring Bailey's well-being, sparking a family debate about who will take care of the dog. Rick wants Bailey with him, but his transient, uncertain lifestyle as a touring musician raises doubts. Kristen, his pragmatic attorney sister, believes Bailey would be better off with her stable household, despite her allergic husband. Meanwhile, Rick reconnects with his old flame, Lauren, reigniting sparks and memories of a simpler, more hopeful time.

Bailey becomes the emotional heart of the story, his boundless love and loyalty reminding the family of what Alan stood for. As Rick wrestles with tough decisions, including a tempting but tenuous music deal, he learns to balance ambition with responsibility. In the end, Bailey helps Rick realize that family, love, and living authentically are the keys to moving forward.

All Accolades & Coverage

Semifinalist - ISA Family & Holiday Plus Genre Busting Screenplay Competition 2021

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The Writer: Scott Sawitz

I write character-first stories across genres — thrillers, dark comedies, even family drama — but always about people at their worst: flawed, complex, and off-balance. My scripts thrive on pressure-cooker situations, mixing sharp dialogue, raw stakes, and a streak of humor that sneaks in through the cracks. My feature Save State is streaming now on Tubi, Amazon, FuboTV, iTunes, and more. I’ve been optioned four times, published as a freelance sports writer, and I’ll probably make you laugh (or groan) before I do anything else. For the record: my dog is cuter than yours. Go to bio
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Manager: Lisa Simpson @ Elevated Artists - https://elevatedartistsent.com/