Old Habits (2027)

English | Short | Crime Drama | 13 Pages |

Log Line:

When a mobster's impulsive decision to move a mysterious suitcase leaves a man dead, a tense sit-down forces him to question who he can trust—and what his family has been hiding.

Synopsis:

A missing suitcase. Half a million dollars. A body in the Missouri River. For four mobsters gathered in a Kansas City pizza parlor, it's just another Tuesday—until an unexpected clue changes everything. Behind the wisecracks and old-school rituals, suspicion takes hold, and the line between family, loyalty, and betrayal begins to blur. In this business, old habits can be fatal.

Written by Matthew R. Paden

Matthew R. Paden

Key Areas of Expertise

Story Development
Character Voice/Arc
Theme & Structure
Subtext
Cinematic Storytelling

How I Approach Projects

I approach short film screenwriting through compelling characters, layered subtext, visual storytelling, and emotional authenticity, crafting cinematic narratives that linger long after the credits roll.

STORY DEVELOPMENT

Building compelling narratives around strong concepts, meaningful conflict, and purposeful structure. Every story begins with a clear dramatic question and develops toward an emotionally satisfying, memorable conclusion.

CHARACTER & SUBTEXT

Creating complex, believable characters whose motivations, flaws, and unspoken truths drive the story forward. I focus on layered dialogue, subtle tension, and the emotional weight beneath every interaction.

CINEMATIC STORYTELLING

Writing visually driven screenplays that communicate through action, atmosphere, and composition. I prioritize economical dialogue, purposeful pacing, and striking cinematic moments that maximize emotional impact within a limited runtime.

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