BUILDING MELISANDE
Synopsis: When death strikes yet again for the well to do McNally’s in 1871, it leaves only their two daughters, Olivia, 20, must now take care of Lilly, 18, and find a place for them to live. The sisters’ travel on a long journey from Boston to California, in search of their brother, only to learn he, too, has died.
Homeless, penniless, and alone, the two women decide they will take their chances living in a place known only to the world as ‘that camp out there’; even if cattlemen are the only residents. Olivia is roped into nursing one of the cattlemen, Andrew back to health only to find he hates her for what seems like nothing yet time will reviles his biggest secret.
In the end, it is clear why the trick rider named their new town Melisande, for Andrew and Olivia become the meaning of its German name: strength and determination.
In this epic novel, the arduous life of the West is contrasted with its beauty as wide as the horizon. The pain of Andrew and Olivia’s relationship is balanced by the hilarity of their spats. The hateful, superficial judgment of strangers is meaningless against the righteous virtue and depth of love found in the central characters.
Film Location: Atlanta & Bremen Ga
Character Breakdown: Olivia, 20-25 years old
Caucasian. Average height, very fit, striking features, long brown hair. Although she was raised in a high-class, well to do family she is very strong spirited women who always says exactly what’s on her mind. She is very protective of her younger sister Lilly, who is the only family she has left as their father has recently died.
Lilly, 18-22 years old
Caucasian. Short, thin, pale skin, long brown hair. Very reserved, only talks when necessary. She was raised in a high-class, well to do family never having to work or worry about money. She was raised very sheltered and looks up to her older sister Olivia for everything especially now that her father has just passed.
Andrew, 25-30 years old
Caucasian. Tall, very built, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes. Orphaned at a very young age Andrew has not only always taken care of himself, but also those around him. He is the leader of the men living in ‘the camp out there’ and is respected by all the men including those older than him. He served in the Civil War taking away with him lots of experience, several tragic incidents, and one big guilt. He is a true cowboy and westerner living in California.
Pete, 30-35 years old
Caucasian. Tall, thin, rough, looks older than he is due to his rough life style of drinking and living in the west. He’s been a robber since childhood but spends all his money on booze and women. He most recently has hired 5 men to be his posse to help him rob Olivia and Lilly in the ‘camp out there’ while the men are all away.
Driver, 25-30 years old
Caucasian or mixed race. Average height, tan from driving, worn and rough. He is the driver of the stagecoach for Dutch Flats, a small town in California. He is familiar with the ‘camp out there’, an all men town but he has never taken any women out there.
Lucky, 35-40 years old
Caucasian. Short, very round, untamed hair and facial hair. He is the oldest of all the men living in ‘the camp out there’, he takes care of any paperwork or trouble in the small town, however he looks-up to Andrew for everything. He came to California during the gold rush before the Civil War even started, yet he’s never made it big like he had hope. He is content and happy with living in the small town but is open to change.
Driver, 25-30 years old
Caucasian or mixed race. Average height, tan from driving, worn and rough. He is the driver of the stagecoach for Dutch Flats, a small town in California. He is familiar with the ‘camp out there’, an all men town but he has never taken any women out there.
Gus, 20-25 years old
Caucasian or mixed race. Average height, darker skin, dark hair. He just got hired to be one of Pete’s men, however he only took the job because he needs money. Very caring and passionate, he loves horses and is a self taught trick rider which he is the very best at. He’s lived his whole like in California and a good majority of it in Dutch Flats.
Robber #1, 20-25 years old
Caucasian, Built, rugged a cowboy.
Robber #2, 20-25 years old
Mixed race, built, rugged a cowboy.
Robber #3, 25-30 years old
Mixed race, built, rugged a cowboy.
Robber #4, 25-30 years old
African American built, rugged a cowboy.
Mrs. Hayworth, 40-50 years old
Caucasian. Small women with frail body. The wife of the owner of the Trading Post in Dutch Flats, she is very kind to everyone. She’s lived her whole life in Dutch Flats. Although married she doesn’t have any kids.
15 background men, 7 woman and 3 children of all ages and nationalities
