The Story is Sacred.

My Novel

‘A thrilling, action-packed dystopian adventure that moves at a blistering pace!’

The near future. A brutal civil war rages in the oil-rich city of Baku and private mercenary armies are sent in to secure the city by holding the factions under martial lockdown. 
In the wake of his mother’s brutal murder, Emil, a reluctant teenage thief and his domineering policeman father, Grigor, are pursued through the city sewers by a band of bloodthirsty militia, racing towards a boat which leaves in forty eight hours.
Emil, whose blood contains that of a fierce mountain clan, hid during his mother’s murder, unable to summon the courage to save her. Haunted by his cowardice, will he now find the valour to fight to save what remains of his family, honour her memory and avenge her death?
HE MUST STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS AND FACE HIS DESTINY IF HE IS TO BECOME…. THE PARTISAN
If you’e into dystopian or post-apocalyptic science fiction like The Hunger Games, The Road or Divergent, don’t miss out on the next thrilling adventure in dystopian fiction.

 

My Films

Doug Rao's Cinematic Storytelling Codes
The Story is Sacred

We filmmakers and storytellers have one golden code: to Serve and Protect the Story. The story takes precedence above all things; it must take precedence over fleeting trends, studio notes driven by algorithms, and—perhaps hardest of all—our own egos.

Create 'Legacy' Work

We focus on creating profound, deep stories that will stand the test of time. Don't blindly follow trends or try to emulate recent successes; tell stories from your soul! Create work that lasts.

Take Creative Risks – Safe Is Forgettable

We understand that the most unforgettable films are the ones that dare to be different. The ones that take risks with form, with character, with tone. Audiences don’t remember films that play it safe. They remember the unexpected ones that made them experience something new.

Structure + Soul

Great story has a strong spine, but theme must be the unifying force behind every choice—a moral thread that weaves through character and narrative arcs.Story structure is vital, but brilliant structure without soul is a machine with a robot at the wheel.

Download my FREE Guide to Screenwriting and Filmmaking Success

Achieve your filmmaking dreams swiftly and effectively.

This FREE workbook will guide you through the steps of creating your own independent movie, bypassing traditional Hollywood routes just like I did.  Want to create a bold and original screenplay and then package it into an attractive property for financiers?  Download now!

In 2023, with just a screenplay and a pitch deck, I attended the Cannes Film Festival without financing, locations, or lead actors.  

Just one year later, in 2024, this completed feature film was invited to a Gala Screening at Cannes! 

In the same year, I had another screenplay win Gold Prize at The PAGE Screenwriting Awards!  Download the FREE guide to find out how you can do the same.

Reviews

"Doug's script was a joy to read. His writing style prompted immediate cinematic imagery, and enabled me to quickly see and feel his movie. I could feel the spirit of the movie in the writing - that's a rare and precious thing."

Dylan Coburn Storyboard Artist Lord of the Rings, Equaliser 3

"Gunn is such a mental concept it was hard to resist, so congrats on the script."

Neil Marshall Director Dog Soldiers, Hellboy, The Descent

"The execution here is professional, and the writing is very, very strong — in places I would call it beautiful. One of the best scripts I've read so far this year."

PAGE Screenwriting Awards Judges Comments 2023

"It's (Dirty BOY) the bastard offspring of The Sound of Music..."

Graham McTavish Actor, Hobbit Trilogy, House of the Dragon, Outlander, Dirty Boy