The world.
— The story takes place in the fictional city of “Lina” (lee-nuh). It’s written as a place with a nice blend of the urban and the natural, with varied architecture plus greenery and the sea. It’s got to be smaller - a place whose airport might struggle with the unexpected, international flight - but still big enough to hold some dynamism. With a fictional world, we can play with some ideas on society.
The picture below is reference of the general vibes preferred. Currently, there’s a shortlist of four, filming locations but we’ll hold off selecting any place until there’s resources to do a more thorough scouting. The goal is to make Bound on-location and to anchor - meaning build or rent - the main sets within the selected city and then to dive into the surrounding area as much as possible for other sequences.
the spots.
— The two, main sets for the story. … After the flight makes its emergency landing, a few of the passengers are shepherded to a smaller hotel that has seen its better days. A dated sign out front marks it as “The Wild Horse.” It’s envisioned as being in a city center location. It’s quaint and eclectic and with more than a few issues. After a few days in waiting, once the passengers decide to stay, the hotel will act as their home for the near future.
Across the street or down the block stands “The Lime Tree,” a bar and cafe that will soon become a de facto kitchen and living room for the stranded passengers. It’s a one-stop shop for food, drinks, music and other vices. At night, its tall, wide windows should light the street corner. … Below, see an early sketch of the block’s layout. The hotel and bar sit on a central block. In the dream scenario, a trolley would run between them, for one reason only: they’re cool.
NOTE — Next up are the characters. Those labeled as “strangers” are the stranded flight passengers. They serve as the main cast for the series and operate in a co-star format (like that hit show from the ‘90s). The “locals” are native to the city, or have at least lived there a while. They’ll add depth and variety to the setting and story in limited, supporting roles. … Finally, everything below is a starting point and it’s expected that the profiles of characters (and settings) will shift or change altogether during development. As such, we’ve kept the profiles shorter and broader for the time being.
the strangers.
“Devika”
— A hair stylist by day and a musician by night. She’s the most “normal” one; she has big sister energy within the group.
“Mei Ling”
— A pediatric nurse who used to practice ballet. She’s a little dorky but has some spunk to her. She brings sweetness.
“Samirah”
— A sous chef who draws comics in secret. She has a regal manner but still likes to get down. She brings stature to the room.
“Valya”
— An engineer and decorator of random things. She’s a little weird but only because she’s curious - and the most blunt.
“Al-Haj”
— A plumber with a passion for skate-boarding. He’s streetwise and lively. He makes others laugh but by accident.
“Dwi”
— A beekeeper who likes to write and paint. He’s the “chill” one; easygoing but also aloof. He takes spaces in between.
“Gustavo”
— A roofer who used to play guitar in a band. He’s sort of a brute but with some sincerity. He can bring the bash.
“Jonathan”
— A bin man who can make damn near anything by hand. He’s sunny, smooth but with bite. He connects with anyone.
The Locals.
“Fernanda”
— 60s. Owner of “The Wild Horse” hotel. A former teacher; has a worldly quality.
“Katayoun”
— Teen. A housekeeper at “The Wild Horse.” She’s in her bad attitude phase.
“Paz”
— 70s. Runs a small, city newspaper. She’s luminous; she has a killer smile.
“Vicky”
— 40s. The district, delivery driver. She has a kooky, screwball manner to her.
“Boo”
— 60s. Owner of “The Lime Tree” bar/cafe. A former soldier; a real straight arrow.
“Godwil”
— Teen. A security guard on the block. An aspiring policeman. More reserved.
“Jimmu”
— 80s. A bartender at “The Lime Tree.” Used to build ships. A charming guy.
“Red”
— 50s. A hustler and a frequent taxi driver for the hotel. Spiritual; strange.