EVALUATION

RECOMMEND

"Blood Moon Wolf" offers a fresh take on the shapeshifter/werewolf genre by grounding it in authentic Cherokee culture and contemporary Native American life. The script successfully balances supernatural elements with relatable coming-of-age themes, creating a unique entry in the YA fantasy space.

The protagonist's journey from insecurity to confidence feels earned, while the supernatural elements serve the character development rather than overshadowing it. The script handles Dakota's dual heritage thoughtfully, exploring questions of identity and belonging that will resonate with teen audiences.

As Book 2 of the Sleep Warrior series, this adaptation shows strong potential for a continuing television series with its established mythology and character dynamics. The seasonal structure suggested by the three-year blood moon cycle provides a natural framework for future seasons.

The script needs minor refinements in pacing and some dialogue polishing, but the core concept, characters, and cultural elements make this a standout project with multi-demographic appeal. The balance of horror, fantasy, comedy, and romance elements gives the show versatility in its marketing approach.

Recommend pursuing this project as a strong contender in the YA supernatural drama space with significant franchise potential.

LOGLINE

When shy Cherokee teen Dakota rescues an injured she-wolf during a rare blood moon, she transforms into a beautiful girl who helps him find his voice, but their connection is threatened by secrets from his past and the revelation that he belongs to the mystical Wolf Clan.

SUMMARY

TEASER

The teaser introduces us to Chandra, a young red wolf who challenges the alpha female during a blood moon. We meet Grandma Enola telling children at a reservation library about blood moon wolves, claiming that during this rare occurrence, "the rules change."

ACT ONE

Dakota, a shy 16-year-old Cherokee boy who stutters around girls, tries unsuccessfully to talk to Riana, a half-Irish, half-Cherokee girl he's crushing on. His grandmother Enola embarrasses him at school by bringing him fry bread. We learn Dakota was adopted, with his biological mother dead and his biological father, Sam, having been in prison.

Dakota encounters a wolf named Chandra in the woods. While talking to her, he nearly ingests deadly Belladonna but is saved when Chandra attacks him. Amber, a local rancher, shoots Chandra, and Dakota takes it upon himself to heal the injured wolf. He stays with her overnight in a cave during a blood moon. When he wakes the next morning, Chandra has transformed into a beautiful 16-year-old girl.

ACT TWO

Dakota brings Chandra to his home where she struggles to adapt to human ways. Sam, Dakota's biological father, is emotionally distant but agrees to let "Dakota's cousin from North Carolina" stay in the guest room. Dakota enlists his cousin Waya to help maintain the lie and gets clothes for Chandra from Riana under the pretense that he's Two-Spirited.

Chandra becomes possessive of Dakota when she learns he's in love with Riana. She tells Dakota that during a blood moon, the female chooses, and she has chosen him. Dakota discovers the next blood moon won't happen for three years, which means Chandra will remain human until then.

ACT THREE

Chandra, who has developed feelings for Dakota, sets up a "prom proposal" trap with balloons for Riana, helping Dakota gain confidence. Riana arrives at Dakota's house, discovers the proposal, and they share a passionate kiss. Chandra disappears, having fulfilled her purpose to help Dakota overcome his shyness.

ACT FOUR

Dakota's family reveals to him that he is part of the Wolf Clan through his mother's lineage. Later, Dakota finds Chandra in the woods, now back in wolf form. She tells him "Donadagohvi" (until we meet again) and rejoins her pack. Grandma Enola narrates that the next blood moon will happen in three years, and Dakota will have choices to make, but until then, Chandra will return whenever Dakota needs her.

SAVE THE CAT ANALYSIS

Opening Image: Red wolves run up a knoll during a blood moon, establishing the mystical premise.

Theme Stated: When Grandma Enola says, "During the rare blood moon, the rules change," she's establishing the theme about transformation and finding one's true voice/identity.

Set-Up: Dakota is shown to be shy with girls, disconnected from his Native heritage, and struggling to find his place at Sequoyah High School.

Catalyst: Dakota rescues and treats the injured wolf Chandra during a blood moon.

Debate: After Chandra transforms into a human girl, Dakota must figure out how to hide her true nature and decide what this means for his life.

Break into Two: Dakota decides to bring Chandra home and integrate her into his life.

B Story: The romance with Riana serves as the B story, showing Dakota's growth.

Fun and Games: Chandra tries to adapt to human life with comical results - eating cat food, marking territory, not understanding clothes.

Midpoint: Dakota learns that the next blood moon won't happen for three years, raising the stakes of his relationship with Chandra.

Bad Guys Close In: Chandra becomes jealous of Riana and tries to sabotage their relationship, while Dakota struggles with his family legacy.

All Is Lost: When Chandra realizes Dakota truly loves Riana, she decides to help him win her over instead.

Dark Night of the Soul: Dakota feels guilty about Chandra's disappearance.

Break into Three: Dakota embraces his heritage and finds confidence to pursue Riana.

Finale: Chandra returns to her wolf form and rejoins her pack, but with the promise that she will return whenever Dakota needs her.

Final Image: The wolf pack disappears over the knoll, with Chandra as their leader, suggesting her own growth and transformation.

SELLING POINTS

1. Unique Cultural Elements: The script weaves in authentic Cherokee language, customs, and perspectives, offering representation rarely seen in teen fantasy shows.
   
   

2. Coming-of-Age Appeal: The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and finding confidence will resonate with a YA audience.
   
   

3. Fantasy/Supernatural Elements: The werewolf/shapeshifter premise has proven successful in other YA franchises (Teen Wolf, Twilight).
   
   

4. Indigenous Representation: Features Native American characters in a contemporary setting with mythology that honors rather than appropriates their culture.
   
   

5. Built-in Book Audience: Based on Book 2 of the Sleep Warrior YA series, providing established audience and expanded universe potential.
   
   

6. Strong Female Characters: Chandra and Riana offer different models of female strength and agency.
   
   

7. Comedy-Horror-Fantasy Blend: This hybrid genre approach provides multiple marketing angles.
   
   

CHARACTER LIST

Dakota Buschkoetter (16) - Awkward, shy Cherokee teen who stutters around girls. Adopted and recently reconnected with his biological father. Searching for identity and belonging.

Chandra (16) - A red wolf who transforms into a beautiful human girl with golden hair. Direct, instinctive, and determined to help Dakota find his voice.

Riana (17) - Half-Cherokee, half-Irish with bright red hair. Confident, outspoken, and the object of Dakota's affection.

Sam Whitecloud (40s) - Dakota's biological father, a holistic healer who struggles to connect with his son after years of separation. Still grieving Dakota's mother.

Grandma Enola (60s) - Sam's mother, a wise and forthright storyteller who understands the Wolf Clan heritage and guides both Dakota and Chandra.

Waya (14) - Dakota's energetic cousin who provides comic relief and helps maintain the cover story for Chandra.

Maria (16) - Popular girl at school who teases Dakota about his stutter.

Amber (40s) - Riana's mother, a rancher who studies wolf behavior and develops protective devices for livestock.