LAUGHING THROUGH LIFE
Laughing Through Life follows the story of childhood friends Dan and Steve as they break into the reality of adult life. We join them optimistically ready to take on the world and follow their journey as they taste real love, loss, danger and deceit for the very first time.
Laughing Through Life is about how our ability to use laughter in life is tested as we grow older and how our sense of humour matures as we do.
LTL INFO
Storyline
In LTL I wanted to push boundaries, create plot twists and cause emotional moments of all kinds. Along with a strong story narrative, LTL keeps an individuality to each episode, enabling viewers to join in at any time without feeling lost.
The main objective of LTL is to entertain and there are action-packed and dramatic scenes interspersed throughout the first series that keep the viewer on the edge of their seats. Hostage situations, love triangles and squares, fight scenes and a story arc that keeps the viewer guessing, LTL is much more than a comedy. It’s a story.
A Comedy For Everyone
From the many countries represented (there are characters from America, England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Barbados to name but a few), to the different ethnicities (black, white, Asian, mixed-race), sexualities (gay, straight, lesbian), and age groups (character ages range from 1-80), LTL really is a comedy for everyone about everyone. Even the main love story between Dan and Kate consists of a distinct difference in classes. (Dan is a poor road-sweep, Kate a rich University student.)
Tackling Issues
LTL covers everything real-life covers. Abortions, death, gang violence, homosexuality, safe sex, animal rights and even domestic violence, LTL continuously puts it's comedic characters into serious situations. The testing of an innocent sense of humour is a constant theme in the series.
Selling Point
LTL is truly story driven. Everything in it happens for a reason and the characters that start the story will mature and change as they learn from their experiences. It's variety is key, with no comedic styles ignored and all genres encountered, the series is majestically unpredictable. LTL embraces certain aspects of realism and mixes it with old-school charm, vivid characters and a sense of adventure for a truly unique, enchanting viewing experience.
Future
The first two series are fully written and there is a five series story plan.
Cost Effective
LTL has been written with a low budget in mind. To help costs, a lot of scenes take place in Dan and Steve's apartment. There are also no fight scenes or high cost set-pieces in the first series.
Target Audience
Male and Female. All ages.
Episode Running Time
22 - 25 minutes.
CHARACTER BIO'S
DAN
A naively optimistic, loyal guy, Dan has an innocent charm that allows him to get away with the many mistakes he makes. In love with the idea of love, he’s a nice guy who’ll always try to do the right thing.
STEVE
The supposedly smarter of the two friends, Steve's relied upon intelligence is often their downfall. Ambitious and competitive, Steve is a typical lad who wants nothing but money and birds.
ANT
Searingly honest and with a desperate lack of tact, Ant always says what he thinks - often to comedic affect. Witty and self-aware, he enjoys pushing people's buttons with his dry sense of humour.
TOM
Tom is the first person to look to when in need of help or advice. Thoughtful, philosophical and open-minded, Tom’s maturity and intelligence helps stop the group from being just a bunch of clowns.
RONNIE
Ronnie brings a bit of colour and camp exuberance to the group. Witty and dependable, Ronnie can often be the perfect person to go to with a problem, as he’s good at putting things into perspective.
KATE
Intelligent yet innocent, Kate has an infectious exuberance that rubs off onto everyone she meets. Refreshingly kind and trusting, Kate’s generosity and faith can sometimes be taken advantage of.
EMMA
Charismatic and always looking for a giggle, Emma is still more cynical about the world than her best friend Kate. Her original perspective often leads to jovial disagreements with other people.
SAM
A feminine tomboy, Sam grew up in an all male family, though still likes to be treated like a lady. Business partner and best friend to Ronnie, she has a soft centre hidden beneath a tough exterior.
EPISODES
'THE MEANING OF LIFE'
After their neighbours leave, Dan and Steve try to find replacements in order to save their suicidal landlord John. With the only candidates being a beautiful girl Dan has fallen for and a male pop duo Steve is certain will make millions, the two friends have to decide what’s more important – love or money?
The episode introduces the main characters, the dynamics of their relationships and sets-up the story. It's about Steve and Dan's naivety, lack of perspective and the difference in their priorities.
'LOVE HURTS WHEN IT PUNCHES YOU IN THE FACE'
Despite finding out Kate is spoken for and being vociferously warned away by her intimidating boyfriend, Dan dangerously pursues her undeterred. Steve also finds himself in a potential love triangle when two Americans, Rachel and Brad, join his office.
The episode introduces Darren, Brad and Rachel. It's about Kate's trusting nature leaving her vulnerable to lies, Steve's hidden softer side and how true friends always come good in the end.
'DEATH SUCKS AND LIFE BLOWS'
With the help of Ronnie and Steve, Dan decides he needs to find a new girl, after finally succumbing to the fact that Kate is not an option. Elsewhere, Tom and Ant are distraught when old childhood pal Carl breaks the news that his wife has died.
The episode introduces Carl and Ronnie. It's about the different ways the characters react to death, how quickly things in life can change and shows how difficult and easy love can be.
'WATERMELONS ARE MEANT TO BE EATEN'
Dan sets his sights on the hot Italian waitress who works at the local pizzeria, though ends up attracting her not so hot mother. Tom and Sam’s relationship is beginning to blossom but when Carl turns up unexpectedly to a dinner date, Tom’s reaction shocks everyone.
The episode introduces Sam. It's about the powerful influence of friends, Dan's amazing ability at getting things wrong and the ways emotions can make a simple situation complicated.
'DO I HAVE TO WEAR THAT SKIRT?'
Steve’s mum arrives in town and tries to ruin his chances with Rachel, whilst Dan’s luck seems to pick up when a hot girl asks him out. Tom turns to drink to take his mind off of Sam and Carl but after arriving at work drunk, he makes a mistake that could cost him everything.
The episode is about Steve's struggle to break free from his dominating mum, how drink is not the answer and explores the shallowness of Dan's nature that makes him only fall for attractive women.
'WELL, THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING!'
A retrospective look at episodes 4 and 5 through the eyes of other characters. Carl finds out Tom is interested in Sam and they are planning to have dinner. Emma overhears Dan call her fat and Sam catches Tom kissing Pam. Kate tells her friend Dan is mental and gay, which leads to him getting stood up.