LOGLINE:
Under pressure to marry and frustrated by her "rishta auntie" mother's outdated matchmaking methods, a young Muslim woman resolves to start her own matchmaking service.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a comedy/drama TV pilot that I am planning to create a 60 minute animatic for. The script has recently placed as a quarterfinalist in the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards and received two scores of "8" on The Black List, achieving Black List: Top List status (top 2~3% of screenplays).
QUOTES FROM FILM/TV INDUSTRY READER EVALUATIONS:
"This laugh-out-loud, affectionate comedy about the Muslim dating scene in California from the perspective of a single young woman is rich, quick-witted, and won’t remain unattached for long. The opening scene in which Meena and her famous matchmaker mom, Seemi, drive to a fake butcher shop appointment is a canny and innately-comedic cultural introduction. The world is a mix of old and new, rich in conflict and distinct characters. The engaging, energetic writing voice is authentic. The plot and character set make for a story engine with lasting power – there will always be new people who need to get matched up... The family storyline is also very promising. While funny, this show has the kind of dramatic heart and deeply-universal thematic relevance that ensures longevity." -- The Black List
"This show about matchmaking and the social politics of life as a modern Muslim American woman has a similar appeal to that of the delicious Netflix period show BRIDGERTON in which intelligent young characters' dreams and emotions clash with the traditions they can’t ignore, even if they want to. It's also likely to draw comparisons to Hulu’s comedic hit, RAMY, and the dating documentary/reality series, INDIAN MATCHMAKING. The writing voice is authentic. This show could provide opportunities for actors of middle-eastern origin to play real people instead of terrorists and should have its pick of talent to elevate and break. The show is both progressive and network and family-friendly. It is high time a show like this was picked up for U.S. TV. It will have international syndication appeal. Finally: Someone should sign this writer immediately." -- The Black List
"The premise feels like a cross between RAMY and NEVER HAVE I EVER, introducing the audience to a side-achingly funny cultural practice we likely haven't been exposed to before, and could simultaneously be dazzled by, and intimately connect with on a deep personal level, a duality that could make the show local and universal at the same time, in the vein of MONSOON WEDDING. Meena is a dynamite lead and casting opportunity many up and coming leading ladies can launch their career off of. Her opening banter with Seemi, right as she's being set up, is the perfect hook for the show. The dialogue crackles with energy and witty jokes that are organic to the story and keenly reflect the writer's well-honed comedic voice." -- The Black List
Female, Late 20’s, Pakistani American
222 Lines
Spunky, spirited, and strong (just like her mother, Seemi), Meena has just dropped out of graduate school and is moving back into her parents home (where her sister, Samira; Aamir, Samira’s husband; and their two young children, also live). She’s not exactly thrilled at her situation, knowing full well this will mean her mom will double her efforts to get Meena hitched to any and every joe blow that walks through the door. Meena is a bit of a rebel, can be prickly, but has a good heart underneath.
NOTE: This character uses some Urdu words in a few of her lines, so if you aren't South Asian, you will need to work with me on learning the pronunciation.
You mean you don't have another way? (scoffs) To be honest, I'm surprised you're even single. My mom makes it sound like you're the hottest commodity around town.
* Speaking to Hamza.
Samira’s got two kids. Fifa and Fuzzy. For you goras out there, those are just “pet names.” Fifa is Afeefa. Fuzzy is Faraz. Aamir though? He’s an asshole. He’s what HE would call a “serial entrepreneur.” What my mom would call “CEO saab.” Big shot. Very impressive.
* Speaking to the camera in an Office/Modern Family style mockumentary interview.
She set me up with a guy again. Didn’t even tell me we were going until we were actually there. His whole family was waiting, baba. They rolled out the red carpet.
* Speaking about Seemi to Murtaza.
Female, Late 50’s-60’s, Pakistani
103 Lines
Seemi Auntie, the near world famous desi (South Asian) matchmaker! Seemi is somewhat of a legend, having paired more young couples than any other matchmaker in California. She’s loud, proud, and has a motor that just doesn’t quit. She loves her family but often clashes with her youngest daughter, Meena, who she is determined to get hitched “before [Meena’s] biological clock expires.”
NOTE: This character uses some Urdu words in a few of her lines, so if you aren't South Asian, you will need to work with me on learning the pronunciation.
Here you go, beta. I made you your favorite. Chicken biryani with beef jalfrezi and paneer masala.
* Speaking to Meena, nicely. Meena suspects something must be afoot.
Not telling me. Sneaking around my back. You can tell me these things, beta. I know, these days, usually the young people meet by themselves once they have permission from their parents...
(to Murtaza)
Halal dating.
* Speaking to Meena, then Murtaza around the family room couch.
I have been asking that girl to make me a website for years. She never did. Such a lazy, unhelpful, ungrateful daughter I gave birth to. I wish she was more like Samira. I wish she would actually listen to me. Crazy larki.
* Speaking to the camera in an Office/Modern Family mockumentary style interview.
Male, Late 20’s Pakistani American
61 Lines
Tall, handsome, and “fair,” Hamza is on his way to becoming a full fledged doctor. He’s the most sought after Muslim bachelor in the area and has a reputation for being picky, turning down all the young women he meets. Despite all this, Hamza is actually pretty friendly and down to earth.
Dad. Keep your voice down. Please. It’s embarrassing... She’s not my rishta. I haven’t even met her yet.
* Speaking to Khalid, trying not to be too loud and draw attention.
Well, not exactly. I’m in the final year of my residency. I’ll be a doctor soon, inshallah.
* Speaking to Meena upon their first meeting.
I don’t know how to say this but... you remember when we met up at my parents’ house and you said you hated ghosts?
(beat)
Well, I don’t want to be a ghost.
* Speaking to Meena. She can sense he's probably about to reject her as a prospective match.
Female, Early 30’s, Pakistani American
39 Lines
The “good daughter.” Loyal, kind, caring, diligent, and considerate, Samira is the example that Seemi constantly compares Meena against, to the latter’s great annoyance. Samira adores her family members and would do anything for them. There may be cracks surfacing in her picture perfect marriage, which she has not revealed to anyone.
I wouldn’t even be in that situation in the first place. I always did things the old fashioned way. I listened to mama.
* Speaking to Meena.
Don’t call him a FOB, Meena. You haven’t even talked to him yet. He could be a really nice guy.
* Speaking to Meena about Kamran.
We should follow him. We should totally follow him.
* Speaking to Meena about following Aamir to see what he may be up to (a totally out of character action for the ever trusting Samira to take).
Samira’s deadbeat husband. He’s a smarmy startup/tech guy mooching off his in-laws while he gets his next great business idea off the ground.
Hey, look who’s home! What do you got in the bag? Christmas presents?
* Teasing Meena, who has just entered the house carrying a large bag of laundry.
You couldn’t just put her back to sleep? You knew I was gonna have a late start today. You didn’t need to make breakfast so early. (beat) It’s cold now too.
* Speaking to Samira, who has just told him their daughter woke up super early this morning.
Meena? Hamza? Oh. I see what’s going on here...
* Aamir has just bumped in Meena and Hamza who are having lunch at a local cafe. He's teasing them, thinking he's found them on a date.
Male, Mid to Late 60’s, Pakistani
21 Lines
Warm, jolly, and loving, Murtaza is Seemi’s husband and the father of Samira and Meena. He is a doting father and is one of the very few people who can soothe Meena when she’s feeling particularly frustrated.
Meena? Meena jaan? I’m sorry to wake you. You were in such a deep sleep.
Oh, I am fine. I came home early because I knew you were coming. How are you doing, my jaan?
She is worried about you, beta. Your mama already had Samira by the time she was your age.
Male, Late 20’s, Pakistani
10 Lines
F.O.B. alert! Kamran moved to the US to attend university and never left. He’s got a great job in IT and is looking to get hitched now, going the traditional matchmaker route. He seems a well mannered proper gentleman around uncles and aunties but may actually be a creepy, schmoozing, womanizing player underneath.
Oh, that would be lovely, auntie. You have a beautiful home.
* Speaking to Seemi upon their first meeting. She's asked if he'd like a tour of the house.
I’m an engineer. CEO. But I still like to think of myself as a CTO first and foremost. I like getting into the weeds when it comes to code and software... but the other part of me is very interested in business. I am a natural leader and speaker. People tell me I can be very inspiring to them, even the goras.
* Speaking to Meena, trying to impress her upon their first meeting.
Female, Late 50’s-60’s, Pakistani
10 Lines
Hamza’s friendly mother. Eager to see her son get hitched.
Seemi? Seemi!
* Upon seeing Seemi from a distance, as the latter pulls up to the driveway.
Is that her? Meena... Mashallah.
* Speaking to Seemi, then Meena after looking her up and down like a piece of delicious meat.
Of course. No problem. It’s such an honor for us to have the famous Seemi Auntie visit us. Please... We are happy to have you.
* Inviting Seemi and Meena into her home.
Male, Mid to Late 60’s, Pakistani
8 Lines
Hamza’s conservative Muslim father. Immigrated to the US as a college student in the 70’s or 80’s.
Please, why don’t you come have a seat in the family room? I will go get Hamza... HAMZA!
* Speaking to Seemi and Meena, then departing to the staircase
Psst! Hamza, your rishta is here!
* Speaking to Hamza from outside the bathroom door.
Well, come downstairs and meet her. Her biological clock is ticking.
Female, Early to Mid 20’s; Pakistani, Afghan, Central Asian, etc.
7 Lines
Hidaya is like a younger version of Samira; although, more soft spoken. She’s completed her undergraduate degree and is looking to get married through Seemi’s matchmaking service.
Thank you for telling me, Meena. It’s just so hard, you know? It’s hard to find a good guy. Sometimes I wonder if they even exist.
Our parents didn’t have as much trouble as we do when they were growing up. They had marriageable candidates all around them back home. Here, we’re lucky if we even have one Muslim in the same classroom as us. And it doesn’t matter who they are or what they’re like... they’re immediately a prospect. It’s weird, unspoken.
Female, Late 20’s, White
5 Lines
A beautiful, tall coworker of Aamir’s. She specializes in UI/UX design.
User interface, user experience. I draw lots of shapes and diagrams, and mock them up on my computer. Make ‘em look pretty.
* Explaining what she does to Hamza and Meena.
Ooh. McDreamy...
* Teasing Hamza upon being introduced to him by Aamir.
Male, 6 years old, Pakistani
4 Lines
Aamir and Samira’s eldest child; their son. Wanders the halls of the Mirza house munching on Oreos and slurping Coca-Cola while his parents argue at night.
Sup.
I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep.
No. It’s because mama and papa were fighting again.
![[unpaid 17+] mlp doctor whooves: strings of time (season 1) [urgent casting for digital artists, writers, musicians/editors]](https://ccc-audio-uploads-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/image_uploads/1142023/1142023DoctorWhoovesStringsofTimebackgroundconceptfinalWIP.png)
