Drivers Ed: A Feature Screenplay

Author:

Wade, Chase

Area of Honors:

Film-Video

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type:

Thesis

Thesis Supervisors:

Rod Bingaman, Thesis Supervisor
Rod Bingaman, Thesis Honors Advisor
Maura Shea, Faculty Reader

Keywords:

screenwriting
screenplay
script
film
production
video
drivers ed
writing
movie

Abstract:

This project was one of the largest endeavors I have taken on during my time at the Pennsylvania State University. When I proposed this project, I simply stated that I would write an original feature-length screenplay. At that time, I did not know what I was going to write or how I was going to do it. Now, nearly a year later, I have an original script over 90 pages long. To be quite honest, this was a unique and complicated process, beginning with thinking of the premise, then developing the characters and plot, and finally writing page after page. There isn’t really a standard way to go about this process, and this project offered a unique opportunity to learn about myself as a screenwriter. I learned about what habits motivate me to write, how to insert my humor into my scripts, and how to work creatively while on a deadline. The final script is certainly not exactly what I planned or anticipated, but I am proud of what I have accomplished. This work is still a draft, one that I look forward to editing and perfecting in my time after graduation. It serves as an excellent and marketable sample of my screenwriting abilities, and I could even have the opportunity to have some or all of this screenplay produced. Despite this project being very challenging, it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and to improve my writing process and talents. Drivers Ed tells the story of a boy named Noah, who transfers to public school and has to navigate this challenging new environment. He looks to his drivers ed teacher for guidance, but Noah must weigh his values when he finds out his new favorite teacher has a romantic interest in his mother. This screenplay is intended to be a heartwarming and humorous story about valuing family and friendship.