Concrete Jungle // 2016.
We all have an origin story, and this was mine (sort of).
Concrete Jungle was the first television pilot I ever completed. The result was a supernatural action series about vampires, werewolves, and ancient blood feuds with John Wick-style fight choreography.
At the time, I was obsessed with Underworld, Blade, Buffy, Angel, Arrow, and anything that featured leather outfits and dramatic declarations. If there was ever a love letter to those things, this script is it.
One of my favorite moments from Concrete Jungle is this: a rooftop conversation that somehow turns into a vampire recreating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles using the bodies of monsters she killed while waiting for her werewolf boyfriend to arrive.
The darkness of the narrow alley is highlighted by the neon lights of the various closed kiosks and shops.
Helena lands first, then sprints deeper into the alley.
Ethanel lands next to her, watches her go, then follows. By the time he reaches her, she stands under a spot of faint light that trickles in from above.
She faces an indented section of the wall and beams with pride.
Four cans of fresh neon paint and a pair of wet paint brushes lay at her feet.
Ethanel stands behind Helena and beholds her work.
Four Trolli lay dead and propped up against the wall. They each feature a painted mask in a different color across their eyes.
One features a blue painted mask, and holds a broken sword. The second features a red painted mask, and pair of twisted Sai. The third features an orange painted mask, and holds a pair of Nunchakus. The fourth features a purple painted mask, and holds a broken wooden Bo staff.
Helena lets out an impatient sigh and turns to explain.
Anyway, if you’re curious about where my screenwriting journey began, welcome to Concrete Jungle.