Get to know writer Jacques Edeline (with Producers Dhia Rabiai, Dan Pastewka):
1. What is your TV Pilot screenplay about?
Hollywood dreamers attempt to grind their way into “the Industry,” starting in the mailroom at a notorious talent agency, and experiencing the real and the unreal of Los Angeles along the way.
Why should this screenplay be made into a TV show?
The show explores the dynamic, cutthroat jockeying for advancement, recognition and status that the entertainment industry so naturally encourages, and forces our heroes to question their values, goals and relationships in the pursuit of “success.” We believe these themes are universal and relatable to audiences from all different walks of life. You don’t need to understand the intricacies of entertainment to appreciate the struggle and moral dilemmas that the characters must go through on their journeys towards perceived success.
This story has a lot going for it. How would you describe this script in two words?
Fantasy vs. Reality.
What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?
We are big Entourage fans and re-watch the show regularly. Every episode gives the audience a taste of how the 1% live and the characters are just fun to watch. With that being said, we recognize that for the vast majority of the people living in Hollywood, that world is a fantasy. So, we decided to flip that idea around and create a show about the 99% instead. Our characters get glimpses of the good life, but they are ultimately still struggling and fighting to make a name for themselves and get recognized. The world is an intricate depiction of a much larger common experience.
This is a very tight, emotionally engaging and fun screenplay. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
The idea has been in the works for awhile, but it took about six months to really conceptualize the world, create the characters, and bring in a writer who we thought could execute our vision.
How many stories have you written?
Our writer has written numerous screenplays. He’s smart, efficient, and really really good.
What motivated you to write this screenplay?
We wanted to bring this idea to life because of our own personal experiences. I think we intuitively understood that Los Angeles and entertainment is really a larger than life representation of a wider struggle that many millennials are going through in many different fields. We have met a lot of people who are in this city hoping to “make it big,” but the question remains, are they willing to put in the work? Are they willing to make sacrifices to see their dreams become a reality? We come from the school of thought that hard work creates a certain amount of luck breaks, and that’s really what this show is about.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
The biggest obstacle has been convincing people that this isn’t just another story about Hollywood. We are fully aware that many other shows take place in this city and that entertainment is generally a really “tough sell.” At the end of the day though, we can only create a world that we honestly and authentically understand. We, the producers, are both from different countries. We bring a fresh perspective to this story and see Los Angeles differently than perhaps others do. We have a dream and wholeheartedly believe in the idea. And isn’t that what this city is all about?
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
We read a ton, as well as watch a lot of TV and films. We are both very entrepreneurial, so we enjoy brainstorming ideas and problem solving. Also, one of us digs the sport of badminton and hiking…so there’s that.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
We did a quick Google search and found this festival pretty quickly. The feedback we received was comprehensive and very informative. We appreciate it.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Whether you’re a writer, director, producer, the best advice we can give is to keep at it. It takes awhile to become really good at something, and storytelling is no different. Put in the time, have fun, and you’ll have a much better shot of getting your work out there. It sounds cliche, but it’s persistence.
n the pilot, we meet our hero Petey and her friends. Petey has to deal with training this guy who broke her heart. Her best friend, Leya, has to prepare an assignment while on her shift. We get sucked into this bizarre Twilight Zone that is work-study. It’s like a half-step between being a kid and an adult because you’re balancing school and work. When you’re a kid, school is always supposed to come first. When you’re an adult, other than your family, work is top priority. The pilot introduces us to that world.
Script Titled: Chrysanthemum. In the 80’s a computer whiz and former army buddy of Magnum’s, fakes his own death to stop the theft of a then state of he art super computer. .
1. What is your screenplay based on the TV show “Big Bang Theory” about?
Sheldon’s mom visits for his birthday and accidentally reveals that his grandmother Meemaw passed away. Needless to say, Sheldon does not take it well.
2. How does this screenplay fit into the context of the TV show?
Sheldon’s grandmother had been mentioned for years but never made an appearance, so I wanted to keep in line with that. But now that she was just on the show, I think the script still works if you imagine it as a future episode.
3. This script has a lot going for it. How would you describe this script in two words?
Required reading
4. What TV show do you keep watching over and over again?
Saturday Night Live
5. This is a very tight, emotionally engaging and fun screenplay. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I wrote the script in 2013. It took about three weeks, and I’ve been entering it in contests since then. It’s placed at the Austin Film Festival, the Final Draft Awards, and ScriptapaloozaTV, among others.
6. How many stories have you written?
Many sketches, screenplays, TV pilots, and spec episodes. One of my TV pilot scripts was recently optioned by producer John Murlowski.
7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I’ve been a big fan of “The Big Bang Theory” since it started. This was the third “Big Bang” spec that I wrote. Sheldon is a very unique character and I enjoy writing in his voice.
8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I spent a lot of time on Sheldon’s speech at the end to make sure it was how I wanted it.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Mrs. Fields Cookies
10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
Being able to see the script performed by professionals. The feedback was very helpful and I highly recommend others enter the festival.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
For comedy, write what amuses you. If others like it, great. If they don’t, it’s not the end of the world.
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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
TV PILOT Screenplay – DOWN WITH THE BUREAUCRACY 
TV SPEC Screenplay – MODERN FAMILY “Relax, I Got This” 
FAN FICTION Screenplay – UNIVERSAL SAINT BATMAN 
