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The Lakes List is a collection of exemplary screenplays for movies, short films, web series and TV shows, written by the screenwriting students and alumni of the Screenwriting BA program at Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For inquiries, and for access to a writer and their screenplay, please send an email to lakeslist@metrostate.edu.

Logline and summary

This compelling series, exploring the themes of relationships and self-harm, revolves around a young teen trying her best to live her life while also struggling with severe depression. In the pilot, Dana’s already rocky relationship with her mother is put to the test when her twin sister leaks that Dana’s been cutting herself.

  • Year
    2020
  • Set in Minnesota
  • Format
    Web series pilot
  • Genre
    Drama

Logline and summary

Old college friends confront their previous relationships after an illness is discovered at an impromptu wedding.

  • Year
    2020
  • Format
    Short film
  • Genres
    Drama
    Comedy

Logline and summary

After two star-crossed opiate addicts discover they're having a child, the couple painfully attempt inpatient treatment as a final shot to take responsibility over their lives, their addiction, and the family they never planned.

  • Year
    2020
  • Format
    Feature film
  • Genre
    Drama

Logline and summary

When his daughter is kidnapped, an indecisive mortgage lender struggling with loss, desperately seeks the help of his deranged brother to conduct a scheme that they hope will work in order to get her back safely from the gangsters that took her.

  • Year
    2020
  • Set in Minnesota
  • Format
    Feature film
  • Genres
    Drama
    Comedy
    Action/Adventure

Logline and summary

A shy elementary school boy finds a mysterious pendant necklace that can stop time for a short period. When he sees his father slowly dying at the hospital, he tries to keep him alive as long as possible.

  • Year
    2020
  • Set in Minnesota
  • Format
    Short film
  • Genres
    Drama
    Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Logline and summary

A young hiker’s chance of survival depends on the help of a high-functioning autistic child and a two-way radio.

  • Year
    2020
  • Format
    Short film
  • Genre
    Drama

Logline and summary

Everything falls apart for a broken family when their mother dies. They must convene in their childhood home to pick up the pieces.

  • Year
    2020
  • Format
    Feature film
  • Genre
    Drama

Logline and summary

A Muslim teenager struggling with her identity and Islamophobia takes comfort from a guiding letter from a loved one...

  • Year
    2020
  • Set in Minnesota
  • Format
    Web series pilot
  • Genre
    Drama

Logline and summary

A self-absorbed fly thrives in the Richardson Family Garden without a care in the world. When he befriends his natural predator, he risks his wits and his survival.

  • Year
    2020
  • Set in Minnesota
  • Format
    Short film
  • Genres
    Drama
    Animated

Logline and summary

Alone and unsure of her new found powers, a young woman searches for her missing sister. Up against supernatural forces, she will risk everything to save her before time runs out.

  • Year
    2020
  • Format
    TV pilot
  • Genre
    Thriller

About the Lakes List

The Lakes List is a collection of exemplary screenplays for movies, short films, web series and TV shows, all written by the screenwriting students and alumni of the Screenwriting Program at Metro State University in St. Paul, MN.

The Lakes List is created by Metro State Prof. Jeremy Bandow, who was inspired by other national screenwriting 'lists' - like the Black List, and the Red List - which highlight excellent screenplays and help connect screenwriters to producers.

The Lakes List mission is much the same, to connect our emerging writers and their stories with local & regional directors, producers, and actors looking for future film and TV projects to bring to life.

As new and improved tax credit incentive programs spur production and create a wellspring of film & TV opportunities in Minnesota, there is no better time to ensure that the stories that get told here are our own stories.

Read more about the new film production incentives in Minnesota.

Many of these scripts are Minnesota’s stories, written by local writers. All contribute to the diverse artistic and cinematic culture of Minnesota, and assist in reinforcing our thriving, vibrant, regional artistic identity.

Enjoy your visit. We hope you find a screenplay you like!

Contact us

For inquiries, and for access to a writer and their screenplay, please send an email to lakeslist@metrostate.edu.