TV SERIES PITCH
Logline
An entitled man-child with unrealistic dreams of becoming a rock star is reduced to stealing songs and stepping over anyone to climb his way to the top of the ridiculous world of children's music.
FORMAT
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Series
GENRE
Comedy-Drama
RUN TIME
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35-45min
AUDIENCE
17+
LANGUAGE
Spanish & English
Hola,
Bienvenidos a ¡Hola Martín!, a bilingual comedy-drama series inspired by my experiences as a children's songwriter and performer. The presentation will only take about 10 minutes to read.
Nathalia Palis
co-creator
SYNOPSIS
Martin, the son of a wealthy Mexican politician has never worked a day in his life. Fed up with his excessive partying and lack of responsibility, his parents send him to live a modest life with a distant cousin in Los Angeles. Instead of working, Martin leisurely blows through his allowance pursuing delusions of rock-stardom while his cousin Gabby, a single mother, struggles to make ends meet. When confronted by Gabby, Martin begrudgingly agrees to assist her teaching music classes to young kids. He’s instantly impressed with her knack for writing clever songs and begins to consider the money-making potential in children’s music.
As his own attempts to get a rock band together and make a splash on the L.A. music scene fail, Martin is presented with a fortuitous opportunity to audition at a popular music convention for children’s entertainers called Kindie-Verse. There, he is introduced to an array of quirky, self-righteous and sometimes raunchy performers who are willing to exploit anything to get ahead of their rivals. In a desperate last-minute attempt to capitalize at the showcase, Martin steals one of his cousin's original songs to pass off as his own. His performance is a huge success which lands him a deal with one of the biggest talent agencies.
With a fresh new image, 'Hola Martin' hits the road on a not-so-glamorous tour of elementary schools and public libraries. Despite humble beginnings, the act is popularized after an unforeseen sexy sidekick is brought in, turning Martin into one of the most sought-after children's entertainers in the country. Threatened by this, a well established kindie band, Los Burritos Bandidos, decide to take action by enlisting a violent former gang member to put an end to newcomer’s momentum.
As the pressure mounts for Martin to deliver a full-length album, the talentless songwriter resorts to secretly stealing more music, which leads to a chart-toping record. This paves the way for his eccentric music producer to arrange a unique crossover collaboration with a pop megastar, earning a Grammy nomination and making 'Hola Martin' an untouchable overnight sensation.
After fulfilling his dream of fame, Martin drifts further away from his family and friends, spiraling deeper into the dark and chaotic celebrity lifestyle that goes along with being a pop star for preschoolers. Eventually when all the lies and deceit begin to surface, Martin’s world crumbles. With few options available, he is left to do what any rational person would do in his situation— plot to have himself kidnapped on music’s biggest night of the year. When the abduction turns real, a caravan of rag-tag children’s entertainers race to save the superstar and cash in on the reward.
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The Masterminds Behind ¡Hola Martín!
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Nathalia Palis
creator/writer
Nathalia is a notable songwriter, performer and author originally from Barranquilla, Colombia. She has released five albums of bilingual music for kids and was a grand-prize recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in 2023. “Hola Martín” draws on Nathalia’s experiences with real characters and truly bizarre interactions within the music community.
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Brian McLaughlin
creator/writer
Brian has been involved in the music and film industry for several years. He has performed and toured with named acts and has produced a number of children's songs, including curated content for Amazon Music and Meta. Additionally, Brian has worked as a music editor, educator and recently co-produced the feature film, In the Forest.
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Steve Bavin
writer
Originally from Boston where he studied journalism and theater, Steve is a writer, editor and producer. Much of his experience coming in bi-lingual content, including co-producing a TV pilot for Spanish pop-icon Paloma San Basilio.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Martin
MARTIN
Martin is a spoiled 30 year-old man-child from Mexico who was born into wealth. Arrogant and self-serving, he's the type who puts his dreams above the needs of others. Despite his lack of talent, he knows he'll be a rock star one day.
GABBY
Martin's distant cousin, Gabby, is a single mother. She's a kind-hearted soul who loves teaching music classes to children. Despite her best efforts, she has struggled immensely trying to break into the music scene in LA.
Gabby
CARLOS
Martin's only real friend and bandmate Carlos is sweet, quiet and loyal to fault. He spontaneously moves to Los Angles with Martin. Carlos doesn't speak a word of English.
MINDY
Mindy is the president of the Sugar Rush Talent Collective representing the biggest entertainers for children. She prides herself in the accolades of her clients and always gets want she wants.
JERRY
As one of Mindy's clients, Jerry, frontman of the poplular Latin kindie band 'Los Burritos Bandidos'. Unfortunately, he isn't really good at doing anything else. As a second generation Mexican, he doesn't speak Spanish.
Mindy
TIA
Tia is Gabby's great-aunt from Mexico. She is responsible for having raised Gabby after her mother died years ago. She's a sweet woman who speaks with a heavy accent and loves to cook. Tia isn't afraid to say it like it is.
HANNAH
Hannah is an entrepreneur who owns a small record label. She cares about musical integrity and always puts the interest of her clients first. Martin believes she has a big crush on him, even though she's completely out of his league
OSCAR
Jerry's Uncle Oscar is a former gang member who now lives in the suburbs with his family. He and his young wife actively post adult videos on their OnlyFans site. He's happy to help out friends and family but always demands something in return.
CHASE
Chase is a sweet naive man who loves God and isn't afraid to show it. He and his wife have kindie band called Chasin' Grace. He also drives for Uber. He and Martin develop an odd relationship after he's enlisted to be his personal driver for the tour.
LINA
Lina is a fiery 'working girl' who relies on her skills as a hustler to survive. After a chance encounter with Martin she strategically becomes a key role in the success of his tour of elementary schools.
EPISODE SUMMARIES
Ep. 1
"Pilot"
Martin is being interviewed for a documentary where he begins to tell the story of his rise to the top. Several months prior, Martin arrives for an audition at a showcase for children’s entertainers called Kindie-Verse. There, he meets an array of agents, industry-types and egocentric performers who pride themselves in self-righteous musical messaging. Flashback to one year earlier, Martin is partying hard again. Fed up, his parents decide to send him to live a modest life with his distant cousin in the United States. After arriving with his friend Carlos to Los Angeles, they waste no time in pursuing delusions of stardom, while his cousin Gabby struggles to make ends meet. Martin and Carlos visit a Hollywood Guitar Center where they meet an employee named Rick who agrees to join the band. Martin and Carlos celebrate by goofing off and getting high on Venice Beach, then visit a psychic who affirms Martin’s delusions by selling him visions of fame.
Ep. 2
"Welcome to Kindie-Verse"
After months of rehearsing, Martin’s band still has no direction. Gabby, growing frustrated at his unwillingness to get a job, convinces Martin to assist her teaching children at Jingle Jangle Music. There, Martin has an epiphany about the money-making potential in kids music and is soon presented with a fortuitous opportunity to audition at the popular music showcase called Kindie-Verse. With only a week to prepare, Martin struggles to put together a set for the showcase. After a successful performance, Martin becomes an instant darling of the event, securing coveted meetings with top agencies and meets an attractive woman named Hannah who runs a small record label. While celebrating his big break with friends, Martin has to think on his feet to keep the news of his betrayal from Gabby. He soon meets the gatekeeper of the industry and CEO of the Sugar Rush Talent Collective, Mindy, who has big plans for Martin. Jerry, one of Mindy’s current clients and lead singer of Los Burritos Bandidos, begins to feel threatened by the newcomer taking over his piece of the Latin market. He turns to his Uncle Oscar, a former East LA gang-banger, to help take his new rival down.
Ep. 3
"The Offer"
Jerry is shocked to learn that Uncle Oscar’s offer to get rid of Martin is contingent upon him participating in amateur films with his aunt Elena. Martin meets with Mindy and a branding specialist named Curtis, where he’s pressured into signing a contract and forced to delete his social media accounts. Mindy takes Martin on a makeover excursion, visiting a variety of stores to help find him the right look. With pressure mounting to deliver more content, Martin agrees to teach more classes with Gabby at Jingle Jangle Music with the ulterior motive of learning more of his cousin’s songs. Martin is surprised to learn that Chase, from the children’s band Chasin’ Grace, is his Uber driver. Mindy attempts to push Los Bandidos Burritos out of their contract by forcing them to partake in demeaning tasks, leaving the veteran band concerned about their future with the agency. Martin finally reconnects with Hannah from Kindie-Verse while Gabby meets a handsome aspiring filmmaker named Ryan. Later, Martin attends an event and is introduced to an array slimy industry people. Martin performs his debut concert to a surprisingly small audience.
Ep. 4
"Sign Here Please"
Martin takes part by in a collaboration with other kindie artists in the studio. Curtis helps Martin boost his social media presence by ambushing celebrities for photo ops. He’s later introduced to renowned producer Damian Rivera, who has over-the-top plans for Martin's debut album. Mindy secretly sends the Los Burritos Bandidos on a humiliating gig far away to perform at a teenager’s birthday party. With no other options, band leader Jerry reluctantly agrees to Uncle Oscar’s terms to get rid of Martin. After ghosting his bandmates, Martin creates a rift by disclosing that they will not be be playing on his upcoming kids shows. Carlos, suspecting that Martin is stealing his cousin’s songs, threatens to ‘out’ him in front of the band, leading to physical altercation. Hannah also grows suspicious after discovering an older demo from Gabby. Just before the tour kick-off, Martin informs Mindy that he doesn’t know he to drive and suggests enlisting Chase to be his personal Uber for the tour.
Ep. 5
"Hola Lina"
Jerry arrives at Uncle Oscar’s to shoot his first scene but the production is more than he can handle. He asks his Uncle to reconsider the deal, but there’s no backing out. Martin must meet Chase’s family before the tour and earn the family's blessing. He grows concerned when he realizes that he’s being tailed by a couple of thugs. Martin and Chase head out on tour. While staying at a run-down hotel in the middle of nowhere, Martin visits a local dive bar where he meets a wise bartender and a woman named Lina. After some heavy drinking, Martin and Lina head to her room for a night of fun. The next morning, Martin is shocked to learn that she charges for her services. With no means to pay, Lina tags along until he squares up. Martin performs his first big show at an elementary school to hundreds of children. When things start to go south, Lina spontaneously includes herself in the act saving the day and securing a spot on the tour. A sketchy man named Jim arrives at the motel looking for Lina and sets out to find her. Martin and Lina continue playing shows, always one step ahead of Jim.
Ep. 6
"An Estar is Born"
Martin’s debut album is released. After a successful tour promoting it, Martin and his inflated ego head back to LA. Mindy has a tough time keeping up with her client’s newfound popularity. Martin is soon presented with a once-in-lifetime opportunity to collaborate on a song with reggaeton megastar. Carlos and Martin try to make amends but nearly end up coming to blows again. Having managed to avoid his uncle for weeks, Jerry is confronted by Oscar and his crew at a preschool school gig. Gabby has lunch with Hannah who unwittingly reveals the truth to her about Martin’s music. Distraught, Gabby confronts Martin and kicks him out of the apartment. Jim, the man following Lina, tracks down Chase, who inadvertently helps him find her.
Ep. 7
"Sex, Lies and Career-Ending Videotapes"
After walking into a trap, Martin is relieved to find out that Jim is Lina’s over-protective brother. Jim enlists himself as Martin’s personal security guard after some old-fashioned blackmailing. With the goal of boosting his chances of securing a Grammy, Mindy arranges for Martin to be featured in a documentary. Jerry is relieved to find out that he’s off the hook for filming more adult videos. After discovering that Martin comes from money, Oscar demands Jerry and his bandmates befriend Martin to gain his trust. Jerry soon develops a real friendship with his former nemesis and opens up to Martin about everything. After Uncle Oscar learns of Jerry's betrayal, he becomes enraged and exposes his nephew as an adult entertainer. Jerry, thinking Martin was behind the career-ending leak, shows up at a high profile event to create a scandal. Martin releases a song with a pop megastar, elevating his status to celebrity.
Ep. 8
"You Did What?"
Gabby quits her job at Jingle Jangle Music. Hannah offers to help reclaim her music from Martin, but Gabby simply wants to move on. Nikki and Carlos make amends with Gabby and propose working together on music. Martin, immersed in his newfound celebrity status, frequents Hollywood nightclubs. After Mindy learns about the events from the interview, Martin confesses about stealing songs. Mindy, deeply concerned about lawsuits and her business being forever tarnished, tries to prevent the incriminating material being released, but is shut down by the documentary producer. Mindy and Curtis meet with Gabby and convince her to sign over the music rights, which she agrees to under a special circumstance. In a surprise twist, Martin’s album ends up being nominated for ‘Album of the Year’. Mindy and Curtis arrange a secret meeting with Jerry, the Bandidos, Jim and Martin where they propose a staged kidnapping of Martin to garner public sympathy and create a bigger distraction. The Bandidos agree to do the dirty work with the promise of a Sugar Rush contract renewal. On the night before the staged abduction, Martin is kidnapped-- but for real!
Ep. 9
"The Ransom"
Martin is whisked away in the middle of the night unaware that the kidnapping is real. He grows wary of his masked abductors when they rough him up and refuse to remove the sack over his head. When the Bandidos arrive to stage the abduction, Martin is missing and his hotel room is in shambles. Martin’s parents receive a proof of life video from extremists, demanding that his father drop out of his political race and provide ransom. When news of Martin’s disappearance spreads, people around the world grow concerned. Investigators begin questioning those around Martin, including Jerry and the Bandidos. The clues eventually lead authorities to believe that Martin was taken across the border to Mexico, limiting their jurisdiction. When the ransom is met, the kidnappers demand more. Martin’s family then offers a large cash reward for the safe return of their son. Uncle Oscar, along with Jerry and Los Bandidos are up for the challenge. Jerry will be hailed as a hero while Uncle Oscar plans on squandering the cash reward. Surprisingly, Chase and Grace are able to provide an arsenal of weapons to the rag-tag group. The caravan including Jerry, Los Bandidos Burritos, Uncle Oscar with his thugs and Chase head to Mexico to free Martin and collect the handsome reward.
Ep. 10
"And the Award Goes To..."
Jim and Lena, also now in the race for the reward, set off on their own rescue mission of Martin. Barely missing each other along the way, the two groups eventually converge in the small Mexican village near where Martin is purportedly being held captive. When their leads run dry the groups agree to work together and are tipped to a possible location. The rescue party arrives to a large compound of drug traffickers where they have a sloppy but successful standoff, only to find out the traffickers had nothing to do with the abduction. It’s revealed that blocks away, Martin is being held in a small room with his kidnappers and family members. A paramilitary-like operation is witnessed at a rundown apartment complex and Martin is successfully extracted. With dust settling back in Los Angeles, it’s now Grammy night. When Martin is announced as winner of ‘Album of the Year’ he beams with pride as he accepts the award but shocks the world when he confesses to stealing the songs from his cousin. The press turns to Gabby in an attempt to get her side of the story. Several months pass and Martin appears to be working his way out of rock-bottom. He and Jerry, now roommates, compete as buskers as character’s on Hollywood blvd. Back at their apartment, there’s a knock at the door. A stranger in a business suit has a lucrative offer with shady implications.