Screenplay

“TAKEWING MORNING”

 

SERIES LOG LINE

In the wake of his father’s assassination by illegal loggers in Mexico, Miguel Santana, gifted young guitarist who finds his destiny intertwined with Anne Desjardins, talented Canadian Highland dancer. Their worlds meet in their efforts to save the monarch butterfly and the endangered environment  that it depends on.

 

GENRE

Drama / Environmental / Coming-of-Age / International

 

FORMAT

Limited Series (4 Seasons)

1-hour episodes | Approx. 8–10 episodes per season

 

TONE and STYLE

A lyrical, cross-cultural drama blending emotional intimacy, environmental urgency and the innocence of youth with the corruption of political and corporate systems. Think ‘Anne with an E’ meets Narcos, and add touches of Hidden Figures.

 

SETTING

Mexico – Angangueo & Monarch Biosphere Reserve:

A sacred, mountainous landscape where millions of monarch butterflies return each year. This region is deeply spiritual, steeped in tradition, and under threat from criminal logging operations.

Canada – Glenfield, Ontario:

A small rural farming community where a passionate high school science class, under the mentorship of retiring teachers, becomes the unlikely nexus for global environmental awareness.

 

SEASON BREAKDOWN

 

Season 1: Autumn 2010

 

  • Begins during a Day of the Dead pilgrimage with the death of Andres Santana, forest protector.
  • Ten years later, his son Miguel finds a tagged butterfly that connects him to a science class in Canada.
  • Canadian teachers Dr. D & Dr. T and their students begin an ambitious science project on monarch migration.
  • An international video conference brings Mexican and Canadian students together.
  • A deepening connection forms between guitarist Miguel and Highland dancer Anne.
  • A sinister plot brews in Canada: a corporation spreads toxic chemicals under the guise of winter road care.
  • The murder of environmental leader Anna Gomez shocks both communities.

 

Season 2: Winter 2011

  • Environmental sleuthing begins in Canada as students and teachers uncover the Agent Orange conspiracy.
  • Miguel prepares to travel to Canada for a summer work exchange.
  • The Mexican students conduct fieldwork on monarch habitats and deforestation.
  • Cultural exchanges intensify; Anne and Hortencia grow close.
  • Tensions rise when the cartel enforcer, “Scarface” reappears.
  • Anna Gomez’s funeral galvanizes the community.
  • Justice slowly begins to stir in Mexico through political and citizen action.

 

Season 3: Spring–Summer 2011

  • Canadian investigation gains momentum; Agent Orange link exposed.
  • Joint Mexican & Canadian student science conference brings environmental revelations.
  • Mexican & Canadian cultural bonds deepen.
  • Global collaboration becomes the students’ strength.
  • Mexico and Canada both confront their political demons.
  • Miguel arrives in Canada; Hortencia plans a visit.
  • Highland dancer Anne is flown by emergency helicopter suffering from Agent Orange-induced cancer.

     

    Season 4:  Autumn 2011

    • Canadian investigation into Agent Orange is brought to the Supreme Court of Canada.
    • Youth action and justice are spotlighted.
    • Mexican-Canadian connection grows when Hortencia arrives in Canada.
    • Romantic threads and cultural bonds continue to deepen.
    • Glenfield citizens resolve to rebuild after Agent Orange catastrophe.
    • Anne visits Mexico where her feelings for Miguel blossom and they pledge love to each other.
    • The series climaxes as rivers of monarchs transit from Canada back to Mexico.

     

    MAIN CHARACTERS

    Miguel Santana (Mexico, 18):

    A talented classical guitarist burdened with the legacy of his father’s death. He is thoughtful, passionate, and driven by justice and beauty.

    Anne Desjardins (Canada, 17):

    A spirited Highland-dancer and scholarly science student, she is compassionate, brave, and unafraid of her life’s challenges.

    Dr. Neil Denton (Canada, 65):

    A beloved high school science teacher, he is wise, quietly subversive, with deep environmental ethics.

    Dr. Mary Taylor (Canada, 64):

    A Science teacher and partner to Neil, she is intelligent, nurturing, a fierce advocate for youth-led research.

    Maria Santana (Mexico, 45):

    Miguel’s mother is a science teacher. Fiercely resilient, dedicated to education and remembrance.

    Hortencia Santana (Mexico, 17):

    Miguel’s younger sister is bold, creative, a gifted dancer with a sharp eye for technology and media.

    Jim Murray (Canada, 18):

    A tech-savvy and gentle-hearted classmate of Anne’s who is living under the threat of his abusive stepfather, an undercover government contractor.

    “Scarface” (Mexico, 40):

    Ruthless enforcer for an illegal logging cartel, he is a ghostly figure of dread, symbolic of unchecked corruption.

    Anna Gomez (Mexico, 45):

    Founder of the Ranch of Dreams, she is a martyr-like figure whose work unites environmental and community healing.

     

    THEMES

    • Environmental stewardship & activism.
    • Cross-cultural friendship & understanding.
    • Corruption vs. community resilience.
    • The power of youth & education.
    • Legacy, memory, and justice.
    • Hope through science and the arts.

     

    UNIQUE ELEMENTS

    • Real-world science & citizen research: Based on actual monarch migration tracking.
    • Multi-language dialogue: English, Spanish with subtitles.
    • Music & dance as storytelling: Classical guitar, tango, Highland dance.
    • Authentic ecological settings: Real monarch Biosphere locations.
    • Blended media formats: Includes video conferences, video diaries, field footage, and maps.

     

    TARGET AUDIENCE

    • Teens & young adults.
    • Eco-conscious viewers.
    • Families.
    • Fans of heartfelt dramas with a social cause.

     

    Takewing Morning ISBN

    9781998422371