01/24/2023
Jenn McCoy Neubauer
MOVIE IDEA - "CARMEL" By:Todd Steinhauer
Main Characters:
Jamie - The main character, a United States Navy veteran struggling with PTSD.
Mike - Jamie's boyfriend, who supports him through his struggles with PTSD and helps him to adjust to civilian life.
Carmel - Jamie's PTSD service dog, a loyal companion who helps him to cope with his trauma.
Dr. Rodriguez - Jamie's therapist, who helps him to work through his PTSD and understand the role that Carmel plays in his recovery.
Captain Jameson - Jamie's commanding officer in the Navy, who is struggling with his own guilt over Jamie's trauma.
Supporting characters:
6. Jamie's family - His parents, sister, and brother who support him in his journey with PTSD.
Veterans Support Group - A group of veterans who have also struggled with PTSD and have service dogs, who help Jamie to understand that he is not alone.
Mayor - The mayor of the town, who helps to raise awareness about PTSD and service dogs and works to provide more resources for veterans in the community.
Dr. Williams - Carmel's veterinarian, who helps to diagnose and treat her any health issues and becomes a close friend of Jamie.
Script:
FADE IN:
EXT. NAVY BASE - DAY
We see JAMIE, a young man in a Navy uniform, saying goodbye to his family as he prepares to deploy.
CUT TO:
INT. WARZONE - DAY
JAMIE is in the middle of a chaotic battle, gunfire and explosions all around him. He's visibly shaken and struggling to stay focused.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
JAMIE is in a hospital bed, bandaged and bruised. We see CAPTAIN JAMESON, JAMIE's commanding officer, sitting beside him, looking guilty and apologetic.
CAPTAIN JAMESON:
I'm sorry, Jamie. We should never have sent you on that mission.
JAMIE:
(whispering)
It's not your fault, sir.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is back home, struggling to adjust to civilian life. He's visibly anxious and on edge. He's sitting on the porch of his house, staring blankly into the distance.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is sitting in his living room, staring at the photo of him and his family. We see a knock on the door, and JAMIE slowly gets up to answer it.
JAMIE:
(opening the door)
Yes?
DR. RODRIGUEZ, JAMIE'S therapist, is at the door.
DR. RODRIGUEZ:
Hello Jamie, may I come in?
JAMIE:
(hesitantly)
Sure.
DR. RODRIGUEZ enters the house and they sit down on the couch.
DR. RODRIGUEZ:
I know it's been a difficult time for you, Jamie. But I want you to know that you're not alone. I have something that might help.
JAMIE:
(skeptically)
What is it?
DR. RODRIGUEZ:
It's a service dog. Her name is Carmel. She's been specially trained to help veterans like yourself who have PTSD.
JAMIE:
(shaking his head)
I don't know, Dr. Rodriguez. I don't think a dog can help me.
DR. RODRIGUEZ:
Just give it a try, Jamie. You have nothing to lose.
JAMIE reluctantly agrees, and they head to the training center where they meet CARMEL, a beautiful golden retriever.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is walking CARMEL around the neighborhood. He's still skeptical, but we can see a small glimmer of hope in his eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is sitting in his living room, surrounded by his family. They are all happy to see the positive changes in him since he got Carmel.
JAMIE:
I never thought a dog could make such a difference, but she's been a lifesaver.
CUT TO:
INT. MIKE'S APARTMENT - DAY
JAMIE is visiting his boyfriend MIKE, who is cooking dinner. They are both happy and relaxed, enjoying each other's company.
MIKE:
I'm so glad you have Carmel. She's really helped you.
JAMIE:
(nodding)
She has. I couldn't have done it without her.
CUT TO:
INT. VETERANS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING - DAY
JAMIE is at a support group for veterans with PTSD. He's surrounded by other veterans, all of whom have service dogs. They're sharing their stories and offering each other support.
JAMIE:
(to the group)
I never thought I'd be able to leave my house again, but Carmel has given me the strength to do it.
CUT TO:
INT. CITY HALL - DAY
JAMIE, MIKE, and CARMEL are at a meeting with the MAYOR and other city officials. They are discussing ways to raise awareness about PTSD and service dogs and to provide more resources for veterans in the community.
MAYOR:
(to the group)
Thanks to Jamie and his story, we are going to make sure that other veterans have the same opportunity to heal and recover.
FADE IN:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is sitting on his front porch, petting CARMEL, his PTSD service dog. She is getting older but still as affectionate as before. Suddenly, she starts to have a seizure, JAMIE becomes worried and quickly takes her to the veterinarian.
CUT TO:
INT. VETERINARIAN'S OFFICE - DAY
JAMIE is sitting in the waiting room, visibly anxious. He's holding CARMEL in his arms.
DR. WILLIAMS, CARMEL's veterinarian, comes out of the examination room.
DR. WILLIAMS:
I'm sorry, Jamie. Carmel has had a stroke and she's paralyzed in her rear legs.
JAMIE:
(shocked)
What can I do? I can't just let her go, she's my best friend.
DR. WILLIAMS:
It's up to you, Jamie. Some people would consider putting her down, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort, she can still have a good quality of life.
JAMIE:
(determined)
I'll do whatever it takes.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is building a 2-wheel dog wheelchair for CARMEL. He's putting all of his time and energy into making sure that she knows she's still wanted, needed, and loved.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - DAY
JAMIE and CARMEL are at the park. CARMEL is in her wheelchair, wagging her tail and happy. JAMIE is pushing her around, smiling and laughing.
CUT TO:
INT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE is sitting on the couch, petting CARMEL. She's older now
but her spirit is still strong. She's still the same loving companion that JAMIE has grown to depend on. She may not be able to move around like she used to, but JAMIE's love and dedication have helped her to recover.
JAMIE:
(looking at Carmel)
I know it's been tough, girl. But I'm so glad I didn't give up on you. You're still my best friend, and I'll always be here for you.
CUT TO:
INT. VETERANS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING - DAY
JAMIE is at a support group for veterans with PTSD. He's sharing his story about how he refused to give up on CARMEL and how his love and dedication helped her to recover. Other veterans in the group are inspired by his story and they all share their own experiences of how their service dogs have helped them.
CUT TO:
EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE - DAY
JAMIE and CARMEL are sitting on the front porch, enjoying the sunshine. They are surrounded by JAMIE's family, MIKE, and DR. RODRIGUEZ. They are all happy and content, knowing that JAMIE's love for CARMEL has helped both of them to heal.
FADE OUT.
The end.
