Crime Dramedy · Television · 2024
Logline
1989, Gold Coast. Young Charlie lands a job at Jupiter’s Casino, unknowingly getting involved with the Japanese mob’s expansion Down Under. They say crime doesn’t pay… But these guys didn’t get the memo.
About the Project
GOLD FEVER is a 6-episode crime dramedy series set in 1989 in the glamourous yet seedy underworld of the Gold Coast’s casino system. Each episode spans approximately 30 minutes in length for mature audiences.
The Story
Charismatic card-counter Charlie emerges from jail with a knack for gambling and a second chance at a straight life. When his prowess grabs the attention of suave casino boss Abraham, he becomes the charming delegate to woo overseas high rollers.
When Charlie is sent to Japan, he unwittingly lures the cunning Japanese mafia, the Yakuza, who see an opportunity to launder their fortunes through Jupiter’s Casino and the Australian real estate market. Not only that, but it’s a chance to expand their syndicate dealings Down Under.
As the glittering world of high-stakes gambling collides with criminal activities, the Australian Federal Police begin to take notice, led by the tenacious Agent Fitzpatrick who seeks to uncover and dismantle the web of organized crime. Charlie’s world also intertwines with Sienna, an enterprising real estate agent where a budding romance simmers.
Charlie is forced to juggle a game of deception and survival through contrasting loyalties, all under the seductive yet tacky façade of the 80s casino system and Gold Coast lifestyle.
Selected Episodes
Episode 1 – Pilot
Newly released from jail, Charlie takes on a small job, spending his earnings at the local casino Jupiter’s. When his card counting skills and charming nature are noticed by owner Abraham, he’s invited to be an employee to catch out others. This promotion sends him into a newly found wealth to buy real estate with the lovely estate agent Sienna and also invite overseas high rollers to the casino – namely Japan and the Yakuza.
Episode 2
The Yakuza have come to Australia led by elder Nakahashi and underling Taro. Sent alone, they are shown the high life of Australian beach culture. With the somewhat humble splurging of spending and glamour, Sienna finds her attraction toward Charlie growing. But Taro’s brash ambition moves faster than his feet, garnering interest from the AFP and Agent Fitzgerald.
Episode 3
Through Charlie’s savvy nature of “making things happen”, he is inadvertently now part of a minor conspiracy to bring in far more foreign currency than anticipated. It’s now brought to light that the Yakuza want to launder money through the casino to buy real estate in order to set up an Australian base of operation for their dealings in prostitution, drugs and uncouth businesses.
Episode 4
Sienna is reaching a breaking point with Charlie as he is becoming consumed by the glitz and glamour, hosting parties for the Yakuza and hanging out with not only the wrong crowd, but the fanciful women that accompany it. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald is on their backs as to what the true dealings of the Yakuza are and threatening casino owner Abraham.
Episode 5
When another brash and arrogant Yakuza member comes to visit the casino, he insults his elders and is accidentally beaten to death by Taro, Charlie having witnessed it all. They are taken into police custody where Fitzgerald interrogates them no end – Charlie being an accessory to murder. Sienna has now disowned Charlie, offering no help. However, Charlie has one final shot at redemption if he cooperates with Fitzgerald.
Episode 6 – Finale
Charlie’s keen wit and determination become his salvation. He strikes a risky bargain with Fitzgerald, providing crucial information that unravels the Yakuza’s web of criminal activities. With each revelation, he inches closer to redemption, outsmarting his adversaries and ultimately securing his freedom and safety by the episode’s heart-pounding conclusion.
Writing Sample
INT. CASINO FLOOR – LATER
Charlie’s pinky fingers are straight, wrapped in BANDAGES.
Harry subtly points over his shoulder to a CONFIDENT BLACKJACK PLAYER.
HARRY
What about him?
CHARLIE
Nah. And don’t point and lean.
Harry pulls back – taught by a rookie can’t be good.
HARRY
No? How come? He’s cleaning up!
CHARLIE
So what? Look where he’s sitting. Second from the right. He’s not counting anything, just shear dumb luck. It’s only a matter of time before he drops off.
The confident player puts his biggest chips in, instantly losing all of them. He smashes the table and walks away.
Harry’s impressed, points to another player on a $20 table.
HARRY
Him?
Charlie watches closely, scanning not only the player, but the waitress standing by.
HARRY
For Christ’s sake mate, keep your eyes focused!
Charlie takes a moment, turning his back, and whispering.
CHARLIE
The waitress.
HARRY
Yeah I saw you checking her out and I said stay focused!
CHARLIE
She’s doing it.
HARRY
Hey?
CHARLIE
Probably got some kind of tap-tap communication thing between herself and the bloke.
Harry watches her closely, noticing their deep-eye contact.
HARRY
Well fuck me!
CHARLIE
No thanks, I’m full.
Harry speaks into his ear-piece as NO-NECK kindly approaches the player and leads him away. He looks enthused. MEATHEAD approaches the waitress and acts accordingly lovely. She’s confused, as they see Charlie.
He waves a “see ya” with his bandaged finger.
Their faces quickly turn to fear as they are led away to the infamous back room.
HARRY
Not bad, kid. Not bad at all.
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