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TJ Johnson & k. dixon Ludlow
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Pepper In The Wind
Academy Analysis

Analyst: R. Jackson
Writer: TJ Johnson & k. dixon Ludlow
Genre: Historical / Western Adventure
Category: (Feature)
The following scores and comments are objectively presented and intended to be illustrative, instructive, and helpful in guiding the writers along a professional path and informing potential buyers of the screenplay's merits. Scores and comments are in accordance with current professional film and television industry standards.
Scores/Comments:
Concept/Originality 8
The writers have created a cracking historical adventure story with gripping Western elements and a journey-to-freedom story. Strong, memorable characters leap off the page with detail, depth, and distinction. What makes this story unique is the focus on Pepper as the protagonist. His journey west is a well-balanced mix of tragedy and triumph.
The story and its elements were all straightforward to follow, with just enough explanation from characters to keep the reader up-to-speed without becoming repetitive. Organic, believable choices from characters added to the story’s unique combination of friendship and parting-of-ways for an epic execution.
Structure 9
The story veers only slightly from traditional adventure fare, with lots of action to propel the story forward with well-chosen settings for thrilling feats. The theater, the steamship, and the train all bring life to a setting that could have been flatter in a weaker writer’s hands. The writers demonstrate great vocabulary and use of descriptive language that gives the story terrific texture, just the right amount of detail to capture something special without dragging it down.
Plot 8
Pepper’s journey west is a cracking adventure yarn with satisfying arcs for multiple characters, plenty of action to keep things lively, and a vibrant supporting cast to keep the reader engaged. The plot is a well-balanced story of losses and gains, allies and enemies, love and loathing. Characters end up in wholly different places than they started, for a deeply satisfying, if conventional Western.
Stakes are well-established early and often, through Silas’ striking actions and declarations— promising a blood-spattered adventure and delivering in full. Pepper’s confidence, education, and connections are all strengthened throughout the story for a most satisfying read. Details like his lucky nickel and the task of finishing the photo book add precious continuity to the journey, strengthening the impact when he finishes on top.
Pacing 8
The story moves along at a healthy clip. Scenes never overstay their welcome, and a feeling of momentum is deliberately reinforced with the multiple modes of travel Pepper and company take on their journey west. The writers included enough space for characters (and the reader) to catch their breath so that events nor action scenes ever felt tiresome or drawn-out.
Characters 9
The writers demonstrate a strong talent for creating colorful characters. The cast is wonderfully diverse, with a range of distinct personalities and imaginative names. Even the Pinkertons (some of which have little page-time) come equipped with their own personas.
A western yarn can make-or-break on the strength of its villain, and Silas does not disappoint. Loathsome, racist, driven & resourceful, he makes a worthy antagonist, hounding Pepper cross country. A proper hate-sink!
Dialogue 9
The writers prove they have a strong talent for dialogue. Character voices ring distinctly unique, with various accents and speech patterns on display. Authenticity for the western era rings particularly true, given the breadth of dialects and patter characters use. The reader could practically hear the characters’ voices, a sign of real talent. The script’s dialogue also displays a terrific (if sometimes crude) sense of humor.
Tone 9
The tone of western adventure is beautifully captured on every page. Stakes are established early and consistently proven throughout that it’s an adventure involving genuine risk for Pepper, Jacques, and the friends they make on the way.
The writers’ gift for expression and detail informs the story and contributes to the emotional impact, especially humor. Great comedy bits lighten the mood after harrowing action sequences; the clothier’s scene is a stand-out.
The story is an extremely well-balanced blend of action, romance, danger, and comedy, for an immensely satisfying read. Kudos on capturing the specific niche of the freedman’s journey west.
Conflict 9
The risks inherent to a formerly enslaved person in post-civil war America can’t be overstated, and the hazards Pepper faces feel ‘earned’ on every page. Stakes are established early through Silas’ focused hatred and his vendetta against Pepper. Even with Jacques’ support and the help of the Pinkertons, Pepper’s journey still nearly costs him his life.
The frequent deaths of supporting characters (even in flashbacks) added to the inherent stakes; the reader never relaxed until Silas was finally put down for good. The writers’ choice to make Silas vulnerable is a strong one— he’s literally chipped away at through the story. It also makes the villain that much more dangerous, as he has ‘skin in the game.’
Emotional Response/Investment 9
The writers have a commendable ability to invest emotionally in their work, which translates beautifully to the reader. Pepper’s trials and triumphs over the story are varied enough never to grow stale. The reader only became more invested in the hero’s fate as time went on.
Likewise, the reader committed to Silas’ downfall more and more with every hateful word that passed his lips. A villain worth hating is a precious thing, and Silas fully qualifies. His death was quite cathartic— albeit surprising that it wasn’t at Pepper’s hand.
Your hero proves himself to be a man of integrity, courage, and humor, a man easy to root for. His romantic ties were a pleasant surprise, much as Jacque’s choice was to leave Pepper and Catty for his own adventure. Well-placed moments of comedy prevented the mood from ever-growing too heavy. There’s detail on every page that contributes to the overall emotional impact, and it is lovely.
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Marketplace Potential 8
A big-budget Western full of action, humor, and romance could easily draw significant audiences, mainly featuring a cast of diverse characters with Pepper at its center. Given the current trend in bleaker Westerns, PEPPER IN THE WIND would be a welcome palate-cleanser.
Violence might have to be tamped down somewhat to achieve a PG-13 rating and a wider audience. The script does call for some expensive set pieces and action sequences, but with the right star power invested in making it happen, this reader feels the script could do quite well.
Final Comments:
The reader thoroughly enjoyed PEPPER IN THE WIND and believes it deserves every chance at success. The writers have crafted a wonderfully balanced adventure yarn, with vibrant characters in a fleshed-out setting worth exploring.