Bad Wolff

Logline: When Phoenix Scott and Dr. Matt Wolff first met on a boating adventure, it was clear there was something special between them. Years later, things have gone horribly awry.

Show Cross: Bloodline, The Affair, Big Little Lies

Format: BAD WOLFF is a one-hour drama series based on and inspired by true events.

Premise: Based on and inspired by real events, BAD WOLFF follows the rise, fall, and aftermath of the relationship between Phoenix and Matt Wolff. The series tells the story of a successful independent-minded career woman, Phoenix, who finds herself inextricably trapped in an abusive relationship and how she eventually escapes, survives, and thrives. It also tells Dr. Matt Wolff’s story of escalating abusive behavior as a hereditary psychological disorder emerges and his fall from a popular and charming spine surgeon to a criminal after nearly killing Phoenix on multiple occasions, only to walk free into the waiting arms of his next victim – a younger friend of theirs. Throughout the series, the other couples intertwine with Phoenix and Matt – their own internal dynamics affecting Phoenix’s and Matt’s relationship as much Phoenix’s and Matt’s relationship affects theirs - adding drama and tension to the series.

Tone: The tone is intriguing and dark with a Californication-like sense of crude humor.

Coverage & Feedback: Received a CONSIDER by WeScreenplay & ScreenCraft

“This concept is really superior. The strongest point of this concept is that the story is centered around carefree middle-age adults. I feel like this isn’t often the case in television, and writers often want to set their stories around young adults. That just wouldn’t work for this type of story. Overall this was a really strong script with lots of potential. The story is really interesting and draws you in right away. The characters are witty and refreshing, though, it’s clear there’s something else going on with them. And the pacing is spot on.”

“All the characters are really interesting. I enjoyed that they were older and reckless. It’s nice to see older characters be allowed to have fun and be carefree instead of so focused on work and the likes. The variety of the characters gives the script an added depth. Having Richard and Carol be a couple who still has young children and who aren’t able to take off and go on their boat whenever they want adds relatable characters for viewers.”

“This is a story with strong female characters. It’s clear from the start that Phoenix is the type of person who does whatever she wants and is fully capable of doing whatever she wants. It was refreshing to see her confidence in herself and her body. In the same regard, Carol is this strong female who drives her boat despite having a capable husband who typically would be doing it for her. I loved that she was the one in charge and never got flustered during the storm. (On a side note, it’s refreshing that Richard was allowed to be vulnerable and feel anxious without it being played off for laughs).”

Writer's Statement: BAD WOLFF is based on my own relationship with an abusive significant other. As a survivor of domestic violence, I wanted to develop a series that subtly raises awareness that victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, ages, and genders. Secondarily, the series exposes the cycle and types of abuse, how victims get trapped, and how difficult it is to escape. It also shows how well-hidden these relationships can be - shedding preconceived notions of what abusers and victims look like, act like, and their public persona.