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More coverage….

“Mags is an especially refreshing leading role given that she is a young, STEM-minded woman at the middle of a thriller, which is a real rarity – the strength of her role will not only attract high level talent to the piece, but also gives the piece the potential to become a four quadrant film. The subject matter and premise feel almost prescient in their timeliness, and the focus on concepts like ransomware and The Internet of Things in particular feel fresh and innovative. The writer has a great eye for detail and world-building, as even small character details like Ben and Emily running an aquaponic farm feel unique.”

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Recent review….

“All in all WEB TETHERED (Tantalum Mass) was an engaging read from start to finish. It showcases a meticulously built world and has a concept that intrigues you and pulls you in right from the start. Could have potential to air on a streaming platform a la Hulu, Netflix, Amazon or premium  cable outlet a la HBO, AMC, Starz, Showtime, etc. “

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Hmmm……

Logline:

A computer coding prodigy builds an artificial intelligence for her uncle, a tech mogul, to fulfill his brash promise to the United Nations to make the world safe from hackers. Once operational, however, she learns he has other plans for it. She goes off-grid and recruits others underground to oppose him.

Synopsis:

An urban aquaponics farm in Chicago becomes the victim of ransomware.  Mags is summoned from her “temp” job at a coffee shop by its two young entrepreneurs to unlock it.  Mags must sort out how to disinfect the computer system which runs the automated greenhouse in time for the owners to make delivery of their first order.  In the process Mags uncovers the insidious nature of the ransomware and a possible connection to her uncle, an influential tech mogul. She begins to investigate.

Mags attends a family celebration for her uncle who was just awarded a contract by the United Nations to develop an artificial intelligence to supervise the internet and keep it safe from hackers.  Knowing she is a computer prodigy, her uncle attempts to recruit her to work on the project.  She agrees believing it will lead her closer to an answer.

Mags becomes the primary developer of the artificial intelligence which is christened “Dyrette.”  With much anticipation Dyrette is implemented as the hacking crisis reaches its zenith. To everyone’s delight the hacking stops and data peace is restored. Mags gains instant fame. She is unable, however, to prove to herself that her uncle was responsible for the ransomware.  Instead, she discovers he is up to something even more evil. Mags learns her uncle is secretly developing an implantable bio-metric device to connect people directly to her new creation through the “internet of things.” The device is a computer wafer made of tantalum metal.

Mags sees the implications.  She knows IoTs are fast becoming the electronic gatekeepers of commerce and travel. Not only does she feel the wafer is dehumanizing she also considers the personal “supervision” the device will bring through IoTs to be the ultimate challenge to privacy and freedom. She resolves to oppose the scheme.

She confronts her uncle. He downplays its impact. Making her choice between family and fighting a web-tethered fate Mags throws a handful of prototype wafers on his desk like so many gold doubloons and marches out of his office in disgust. She slips out of the company facility but not before inserting a “vulnerability” into Dyrette’s code. Mags decides to oppose her uncle at every opportunity.

The first opportunity comes at a convention for futurists, scientists, and researchers convened by the United Nations.  The phenomena of Dyrette has unexpectedly kicked off a search for the real purpose of life.  Experts come from all over the world to a “Summit of Meaning.” Driven partly by a growing scientific realization that there may be life on other planets the search draws its true impetus from the new collective sense of identity and culture brought on by Dyrette.  Humanity wants to know, what’s its role in the universe?  Mag’s uncle has been asked to weigh in on the question and Mags decides to secretly attend.  Her uncle will use the venue to announce the wafers.  She will use it to try to stop him.

After several setbacks at the Summit Mags finally puts a dent in his plans. Knowing she will need more help she recruits a group of freedom loving resisters to help her.  Together they successfully destroy her uncle’s massive first shipment of wafers headed north on a freighter.  Hedging her bets Mags also reluctantly shuts down Dyrette.  Her efforts backfire, however, because the hacking crisis resumes and the public clamors even more for her uncle’s help.  Round Two begins when her uncle responds by rebooting Dyrette and ordering more wafers.  Can Mags and her team of privacy loving colleagues stop him again?