The new bohemians
pilot scriptYou may view the pilot script along with video pitch deck, synopsis and character details at the following cites:
Scripthop Stage 32 |
Living a life half full... and half empty.
60 minute drama pilot. An eclectic group of 21st Century bohemians and millennials of a Midwest City struggle with gentrification, redefining the American Dream and choices they never thought they'd have to make in the fight to preserve their lifestyles. Overview/World One-hour, serialized drama centered on the lives of five, diverse inhabitants of an urban world-of-its-own district -shops, restaurants, clubs, lofts, galleries, businesses- revitalized from a decade of decay. Now they face gentrification, a changing economy and reassessment of the future, one that inspires and scares. Change is everywhere, but the catalyst is faceless. Each is at a different stage in their life ranging from early 20s to 40s, separated by the proverbial 6 degrees. Each feels stuck, enduring a quiet, growing frustration. At stake for each is a future they define or fall victim to. Fear of, or accommodating change drives each to decisions ranging from the rash to the profound, unthinkable in their past. It examines the themes of change, life choices and what does the future now hold well into the 21st Century. The unanswered question: What am I willing to do for the life I want to live? Vision/Tone/Case Real world issues: Millennials do not have the same opportunities as past generations. The current economy, cost of a college degree, the Great Crash of ‘08 and COVID have altered American culture. Facing a lower standard of living, they question what the American Dream now means. Gentrification affects revitalized areas brought back from decades of decay, only to become victims of their success. Longtime residents feel alienated/driven out. These are the engines of change driving the internal/external conflicts each character faces. This is not a drama where it’s us v. them. The characters are victims absent a clear external antagonist; a Kafka-like story set in the 21st Century where they are victims of circumstances and end up fighting themselves, or their worldviews, which themselves shift during the seasons. It’s not about winning/losing, but what you learn by fighting. What’s worth fighting for towards the goal to mean something in this world. Change is inevitable. How each deals with it is not. This keeps the audience coming back wondering what choices —good, bad, indifferent— each makes. Comps Nomadland (2020) This is Us (NBC) Gentefied (Netflix) Tiny Furniture (2010 Main Characters: Tabitha- Early 40s. The story’s omnipotent narrator. Big sister type. No children. Never married. Facing middle age, saving a local landmark from demolition gives renewed purpose. Edward-Late 30s. Intelligent. Measured and reserved, but socially awkward. Business consultant. Seeks a greater connection with young Samantha to bring out his inhibitions. Simone- Late 20s. Single mom. Vivacious but no attention seeker. Focused on her son and financially troubled art gallery. Friends with Tabitha, but may lose it for her family's future. Samantha- Early 20s. Devout drummer for a local garage band. Works while attending community college. Seeks a life on her own, but stymied by the times and friend’s misconceptions. Jacob- 30ish. Friendly but an introvert at heart. A talented artist in oil and watercolor. Wants to help Simone but is a functioning alcoholic. Roommates with Edward. |
