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This
script was entered into a Coverfly script writing competition,
making it into the quarter finals. It is presented in Final
Draft, the format preferred by Hollywood.
The script received negative criticism in 2025, needing much
work before resubmission to scriptwriting competitions and festivals. For example, editing down to 90
pages, as the ideal length for competitions. Equating to one
page per minute of screen time, a 90 minute movie.
Though
the concept is acknowledged as being gratifying in terms of
ground work, film companies may baulk at whaling stories, where
box office receipts say not to make such movies. That said, in
terms of raising awareness, as a unique selling point, the
script has potential to stand out from the crowd.
Constructive
criticism (from March-May of 2025) by way of professional
feedback has suggested improving the dialogue (of John Storm)
to give him more depth.
Another
factor is introducing the villain - Zheng
Ling - earlier in the plot, so as to elevate the stakes.
Involving Zheng Ling from an earlier stating point, would
strengthen the general direction and cement his role as
crucial to the plot, as the ultimate villain.
These
are the observations at present, further and future feedback
may be sought from 2026, etc.
These
observations have been taken onboard, as part of reviewing
scripts generally, as the priority of our writer(s) dictates.
With thanks to all contributing readers. Urgency may change
should interest be shown in the project, such as to underpin
the cost of such changes. For example, other screenplays in
this series, such as "Operation Neptune," may strengthen
such proposals.
THE
NEGATIVES
"In the Heart of the
Sea" is a prime example of a film that flopped at the box
office. With a production budget of $100 million, it only grossed $94.3 million worldwide, a significant loss for the studio.
Other examples of films that lost money:
While it's difficult to find a comprehensive list of every film on the topic that lost money, here are a few examples and related themes that highlight the financial risk:
- "The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52" (2021): This documentary had a very limited theatrical run and earned only a fraction of its budget, with a domestic box office of just over $107,000.
- "Whale Rider" (2002): While critically acclaimed and profitable, its success was modest compared to major blockbusters. It's a reminder that even well-received films in this genre may not achieve a wide commercial reach.
- "The Whale" (2011): Not to be confused with the 2022 film starring Brendan Fraser, this documentary about a wild orca named Luna that befriended humans also had a very limited theatrical release and a low box office gross, typical for niche documentaries.
"Free Willy" and "Big Miracle" box office performance:
It would be right to question these films, as they present a more nuanced picture.
- "Free Willy" (1993): This film was a notable exception and a genuine success. With a production budget of $20 million, it grossed over $153 million worldwide. However, its sequels did not fare as well. "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" (1995) had a similar budget but only grossed about $30 million, and "Free Willy 3: The Rescue" (1997) was an even bigger financial disappointment.
- "Big Miracle" (2012): This film, based on a true story about a group of whales trapped in Arctic ice, was a box office disappointment. Against a $40 million budget, it only grossed about $25 million worldwide.
WHY WOULD ANYONE INVEST IN SUCH MOVIES
The financial risks are clear, but there are several reasons why filmmakers and studios still pursue projects in this genre, especially when compared to major franchise films:
1. Critical Acclaim and Awards: Films like "The Cove" (2009) and "My Octopus Teacher" (2020) were not box office giants, but they won Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature. These awards bring prestige, attention, and can lead to a long-term profit through home media, streaming, and educational sales.
2. Cultural and Social Impact: Many of these films are not made with the primary goal of being a blockbuster. They are often vehicles for social change and raising awareness about important environmental issues. For example, "The Cove" and "Blackfish" (2013) had a profound impact on public perception of marine animal captivity and hunting. This can be seen as a form of "return on investment" that goes beyond a simple box office tally.
3. Educational and Documentary Niche: Documentaries, in particular, have a different business model. They often find their audience through film festivals, limited theatrical releases, and, increasingly, streaming services like
Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. The goal is to reach a specific, engaged audience rather than the general public.
4. Passion Projects: For many filmmakers, these are passion projects. The desire to tell a compelling story, share a love for the natural world, or highlight a critical issue can outweigh the desire for a massive payday.
5. Long-term Profitability: While a film may not be a theatrical hit, it can find a new life and profitability through other channels. As seen with "In the Heart of the Sea," a film that bombed theatrically can become a "certified streaming hit" years later. This is increasingly a factor in a world dominated by streaming services looking for content.
THE JOHN STORM ADVENTURES: A CINEMATIC UNIVERSE WITH A
CONSCIENCE
Kulo-Luna:
A majestic humpback whale and a daring eco-adventurer team up to outsmart whalers and combat the silent killer of plastic
pollution. A powerful, emotional story that will have you rooting for the most unlikely of heroes.
Operation Neptune - Atlantis:
Activists framed for protesting oil leaks escape prison, hijack a faulty nuclear sub, and expose corruption through a daring Atlantic
chase. Eco-hero John Storm and his AI-powered trimaran outwit the Navy, leading to a courtroom reckoning that turns the tide.
Blackbeard's Curse and Pirates
Gold: In the hunt for Blackbeard's
legendary pirate's treasure, marine archaeologist, John Storm must solve a centuries-old riddle,
with a clue from Henry Morgan and an old map. A thrilling blend of history, mystery, and modern-day
piracy in the Caribbean.
Cleopatra
Curse: From the sands of ancient Egypt to a futuristic world of cloning and bio-engineering,
the Queen of the Nile returns to reclaim her legacy and guide humanity toward a more enlightened future. An epic story of rebirth, power, and destiny.
Sectasaur: As the Antarctic ice melts, it unleashes a prehistoric terror.
Captain Storm's mission to support a research expedition becomes a fight for survival against a monstrous, bio-engineered threat from the deep past. A pulse-pounding horror-thriller that proves some secrets should stay buried.
The Holy
Compass: Science meets faith in a quest to harness a device of biblical power. As
a radical sect races to use ancient relics to create a synthetic
messiah, Captain Storm and HAL must confront the ultimate question of man's place in the universe.
These fictional chronicles are designed to inspire audiences of all ages, transforming complex issues like
climate change and ocean pollution into unforgettable adventures. They are more than just scripts; they are blueprints for a better future.
They all feature the zero
emission Elizabeth Swann. (A real design BTB)
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