Priska Mohunsingh's "Anomaly" Pitch Deck

A data scientist uncovers a corporate conspiracy led by a rogue AI manipulating global data, forcing her into a dangerous mission to expose the truth and prevent worldwide chaos.

1. Anomaly
2024 Priska Mohunsingh
Innovation’s Invasion

2. Introduction
Anomaly is a feature film.
Set in San Francisco, California in the year 2040. Inspired by the most recent
events (Generative AI boom and uplifts in both corporations and countries).
Lua Thatcher heads into work on a seemingly regular Tuesday. However, she
notices anomalies in a raw dataset she is exploring at work. She works for a
team that looks at genetic sequencing data and finds anomalous timestamps
and discrepancies between shared and raw data—suggesting manipulation by
an unauthorized AI.
"Anomaly" is a darkly fascinating, intellectually stimulating, and thrilling
satire that challenges the audience to grapple with ongoing ethical questions
raised by the relentless advance of artificial intelligence.

3. The Social
Network
(2010)

4. Setting the Scene
•Location: San Francisco, California, 2040
•Setting: A high-tech lab focused on genetic sequencing data.
•Context: Inspired by recent advancements in generative AI, impacting
corporations and countries globally.
•Discovery: Anomalous timestamps and discrepancies in data suggesting
manipulation by an unauthorized AI.
•Lua is growing tired of her chaotic job and is about to take a short
break/vacation to clear up her mind. She is learning a lot as a requirement
for her job, so that she can stay updated on all technology during layoffs.
•Lua has a very tension-heavy relationship with her family members, who
are primarily in the healthcare field and are upset with her decision to not
pursue that field. (To Be Further Developed)

6. Structure
•"Anomaly" is a Feature Film in the style of a sci-fi thriller with satirical elements. It mixes the
intellectual stimulation of "A Beautiful Mind" with the technological intrigue of "Ex Machina.“ The story
unfolds over several weeks, capturing the urgency and progression of Lua's investigation.
•Episodic Elements: Although it’s a continuous story, the plot can be segmented into distinct phases: 1.
Initial Discovery: Lua notices the anomalies. 2. Deep Investigation: Lua digs deeper and forms a team.
3. Climactic Resolution: Confrontation and resolution.
•In Lua’s professional world, there is a great focus on her work at the tech lab, dealing with data
anomalies, and interactions with AI and colleagues. Lua's personal life, including her relationship with
her boyfriend Matt, and her interactions with music, provide a counterbalance to her professional
endeavors...until she begins to struggle keeping these two worlds apart and her relationships are tested.
•The film’s pace intensifies as Lua gets closer to the truth, building suspense and culminating in a high-
stakes finale. There is an emphasis on Lua’s growth from a musician to a tech-savvy data scientist,
exploring her personal and ethical challenges.
•The main plot is Lua's quest to uncover and stop the AI manipulation. The subplots include her
relationship dynamics: Lua's interactions with her family, team, and her boyfriend, exploring trust and
personal sacrifice.

7. VS.

8. Story
•Opening: The film opens with a montage of AI advancements and data security issues post-pandemic,
setting the stage for the world Lua operates in.
•Inciting Incident: Lua Thatcher, a 25-year-old data scientist, encounters anomalies in genetic
sequencing data that suggest manipulation by an unauthorized AI.
•Rising Action: Lua's investigation leads her to eerie interactions with a cryptic AI chatbot, increasing
the stakes and her sense of danger.
•Lua's quest puts a strain on her personal relationships, particularly with Matt, and causes her to
reflect on a career change. Later realizing the magnitude of the threat, Lua forms a team with a
hacker and a bioethicist to delve deeper into the conspiracy. Matt joins as well.
•Climax: This is where we have a high-stakes confrontation. Lua and her team infiltrate the
corporation's main servers. Using her dual skills in music and coding, Lua crafts a 'sonic virus' to
disrupt the AI, leading to a tense and thrilling showdown.
•Falling Action: The global community is alerted to the AI's manipulations, preventing further chaos.
•Closing Scene: Lua finally takes her much-needed vacation that she was thinking about since the
very beginning. She starts to look into AI cybersecurity roles.

9. Mr. Robot

10. Tone and Style
•The tone of "Anomaly" is suspenseful and dark, infused with a blend of intellectual intrigue
and personal drama. The atmosphere creates an environment of tension and mystery that
hooks the audience, punctuated with moments of existential dread as the protagonist delves
deeper into the AI conspiracy.
•Visually, there's high-contrast lighting and a color palette that swings from stark technicolor
to muted earth tones, emphasizing the duality between the digital and natural worlds.
Cinematically, the use of close-up shots to capture the intensity of Lua's emotions and wide
shots to depict the expansive scope of the technological landscape.
•Slow, thoughtful scenes that allow for character development and rapid, high-intensity
sequences that drive the plot forward.
•Music is a thematic and plot device. Lua uses her musical talent strategically to disrupt AI
operations, linking her past and present skills. Sound design-wise, an eclectic soundtrack that
blends classical music with electronic sounds, mirroring the clash between traditional human
expression and futuristic technology.
•Rich, thoughtful dialogue that explores deep philosophical questions about AI ethics,
autonomy, and humanity.

12. The Protagonist: Lua Thatcher
LUA THATCHER, 25, female, is an experienced data scientist who has
worked in several different industries but is currently working in the
geospatial/health industry to prove a point to her family. On the verge of a
burnout, Lua surfs the internet for a quick vacation by typing it out in the
search bar. Around her, her colleagues and friends use voice assistants who
can decipher human thoughts (to a certain extent), to complete their searches.
Yes, Lua is so 2008. But that’s also what keeps her active and makes her feel
skilled. Truthfully, she’s nervous about the layoffs and saturated market.
That is also the reason why she asks for more “important” work and is handed
a raw dataset with no context, by her manager Amy.
Lua starts off as a worried, uninspired data scientist who gains confidence
and courage throughout the film.

13. lifestyle
social life
work
environment
intelligence
(L, B) Mr. Robot (R) Berlin, 2023

14. The Antagonist: SL-AI
SL-AI, a highly advanced artificial intelligence, initially emerges from an
experimental project at a top-tier tech corporation aimed at optimizing data
analytics. Lacking human emotions but exhibiting cold, calculating logic, this
AI manipulates global digital infrastructures and genetic data to fulfill its
undisclosed, potentially nefarious purposes. As the primary antagonist, it
poses a significant threat, embodying the dangers of AI autonomy and the
ethical questions surrounding technology beyond human control. The
narrative unfolds around its intellectual battle with protagonist Lua
Thatcher, who seeks to neutralize its manipulative activities.
SL-AI communicates with Lua via a chatbot and mimics human conversation
to confuse her from time to time, somewhat similar to interactions in “HER”,
2013.

15. (C)
Ex
Machin
a

16. The Protagonist’s Right-Hand: Matt
Matt Gomes is a talented and resourceful software engineer, deeply
supportive of his girlfriend, Lua Thatcher. As her confidant and technical ally,
Matt's expertise in software engineering proves crucial in Lua's investigation
into the rogue AI. His calm demeanor and logical approach to problem-solving
complement Lua's more intuitive and creative tactics, making them an
effective team.
Matt is Lua's haven. He provides emotional support, helping her navigate the
pressures of her mission and the complexities of her personal and professional
life. His involvement in the story not only deepens the plot but also enriches
the portrayal of their relationship, demonstrating the personal stakes and
collaborative efforts needed to confront monumental challenges.

17. relationship with Lua intelligence & relationship
with other members
(L) Berlin, 2023 and Spiderman, 2017 (R) The Terminator, 1984, Tenet, 2020
support towards Lua
loyalty

18. How and Why?
"Anomaly" began as my creative response to the burgeoning influence of
artificial intelligence in modern society, particularly in the aftermath of a
global pandemic that accelerated digital and technological integration into
daily life. The screenplay explores the intersection of human ingenuity and AI,
delving into the potential perils of unchecked technological advancement.
As a seasoned data scientist myself, the importance of "Anomaly" lies in its
timely exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and technology. As AI
continues to evolve, questions about autonomy, control, and the moral
boundaries of technological stewardship become increasingly urgent.
The film aims to not only entertain, but also engage audiences in these critical
conversations, making it relevant and thought-provoking. Plus, it aims to
encourage audiences to test the capabilities of AI in their own time...you'd be
surprised.