Works in Progress

Inside Totem Canvas Studios

The following is an excerpt from recent work in process Longing in London.

Longing in London is a psychological drama and feature film; think the drama of Past Lives meets the paranoia of Black Mirror. Cultural and class differences aren’t the only thing standing between the union of an unlikely couple in Longing in London. The story follows a young couple, the son of a multi-million-dollar construction company empire and his girlfriend— the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants who decide that it’s time to take their relationship to the next level. Their nearly perfect picture union is in jeopardy when a popular dating show mirrors every twist and turn in their daily lives which could be a coincidence or is an indication a darker reality. The couple must get to the bottom of their individual hangups before it destroys any chance of them tying the knot.

SYDNEY

Let me see that.

Sydney reaches for the binoculars without turning her head. She is so focused on the restaurant that she drops her phone out of her free hand. She quickly picks it up and places it on the dashboard before pressing her forehead into the binoculars.

SYDNEY

She’s attractive. She kind of reminds me of Audrey.

REBECCA

Right, I’m saying, do you think maybe it’s just an innocent
meeting?

SYDNEY

Probably not, she isn’t on his schedule.

REBECCA

Schedules can change. Let’s get out and get a closer look.

Before they can get out of the car a man walks over. He is tall and muscular. His face is stoic. He is wearing slacks with a suit jacket. There is a shiny silver badge on his upper left shoulder.

SECURITY OFFICER

Ladies this is private property; you cannot park here. Move
along.

He waves them off, steps back for a moment, and turns to walk away before either of them can object.

REBECCA

That was a bit rude, innit?

SYDNEY

I’m saying.

Rebecca turns the car on and pulls off just as Sydney’s phone rings, Audrey’s face illuminates the screen. Both ladies lean in to listen.

AUDREY

Any luck yet?

SYDNEY

Not really, it was just getting good. We do know that he was
meeting with a woman, not a man as it said on his schedule.

REBECCA

They were talking and it looked like they touched hands.

AUDREY

Anything else?

REBECCA

No.

AUDREY

No?

SYDNEY

Actually, some security guy comes over and tells us to move
the car. Something about it being private property.

AUDREY

And what? You left?

REBECCA

Of course. For Christ’s sake you didn’t expect us to stay there
and be arrested.

AUDREY

Of course… not, but surely you could have used your good looks
and charm on him and have stayed a bit longer.

All three friends laugh. The car moves quickly along the street. Their laughs are still heard as the scene dissolves into a cloudy grey.