BEHIND THE STORY...
In the original THE PINK PANTHER, a photographer is asked to rush. He claims, “You can’t rush a genius”. He is immediately given cash and then quietly states, “I’ll rush.” While preparing for a pitch, I felt too many of my ideas were based on funny animal ideas. It is a fact, that I enjoy funny animal cartoons more than human cartoons. Sensing this lack of breadth, I sat down and tried to rush out a series idea about humans and robots and other more boy-friendly objects. When I was done I showed this to my wife. She did a quick read and said she couldn’t really figure out what was going on. My response was, “neither do I.” The network didn’t seem to understand what I was trying to say either, but they showed some initial interest. Eventually, it was passed on.
And now my pitch...
MECHA-MENTALS
A Secret Society That Creates Robots with Their Minds!
Proposal for an animated series by John Cawley
In the near future, a mutant form of human discovers they can create robots with their minds. They call themselves, “Mecha-mentals”. These unique folk keep their talents hidden from society fearing panic.
A young Arkon discovers he is developing the skill. Arkon is whisked away to a hidden city, where the Mecha-mentals live and train themselves to better control their powers. There, he discovers a delicate political system keeping all Mecha-mentals at peace.
The key training comes from the use of the Robo-Cards. These cards feature parts of robots – feet, legs, body, arms, hands and head. In tournaments, the players must use their cards to create a robot powerful enough to defeat their challenger. Arkon’s natural skill soon attracts the interest of both political parties!
This series combines elements of Yu-Gi-Oh, Harry Potter, X-Men and giant robots into one fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful storyline.
CHARACTERS
Arkon – Arkon is a young boy, around 12, who has found himself thrown into a whole new society. Not only is he trying to understand his powers and how to control them, he is attempting to divide the people of this new society good and bad.
Boy2 – Boy2 is another newcomer. He is a bit older than Arkon. Though the boys hit it off as friends, they also compete in the tournaments. On the field they are evenly matched, though Boy2 seems to have better “luck” with the cards. Arkon wants very badly to like Boy2, but he is suspicious of Boy2’s secretive background.
Adult1 – Adult1 has spent his life gathering and protecting the Mecha-mentals. It is his hope that they can eventually announce themselves to the rest of the world and live in peace. It is a grand idea, but not subscribed to by all. Adult1 sees Arkon as a pivotal player in his future world.
Adult2 – Adult2 believes his people have been given their powers for a reason. That reason is to take over the world. Not fully evil, he just believes Mecha-mentals are better suited to run the Earth. Though he has some followers, his dreams are not those of the majority. Adult2 sees Arkon’s natural ability, and ease with people. He believes Arkon could be the key to swing the society to his side.
Girl1 – Girl1, the daughter of Adult1, is one of the most skilled Mecha-mentals. However, she tries not to use her powers. Like her father, she hopes for a peaceful co-existence with the outside world. But she thinks that can best be done by suppressing their abilities and living like normal people.
Teen1 – Teen1 becomes a “big brother” to Arkon. Due to a suspicious injury at a tournament, Teen1’s powers are very diminished. However Teen1 hopes to mentor the younger Arkon into the great warrior Teen1 would have wanted to become.
text, image and format © John Cawley
Back To Perfect Pitch Main Page
Back To cataroo.com