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Student Loan Debt Crisis Takes Center Stage in Emerging Screenwriter Drew DéCoud's "Promissory"

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Drew DéCoud, a second-year master's student in screenwriting at Cal State Fullerton, is working on a one-hour drama pilot called "Promissory" that delves into the $1.8 trillion student loan debt crisis. DéCoud's story follows a college student struggling to pay his debt and the consequences that come with it. By incorporating lived experiences and avoiding generic concepts, DéCoud has created a narrative that resonates with his classmates and aims to reach a broader audience.

Key Takeaways:

  • DéCoud's pilot script stalled at 30 minutes instead of the required hour, but he deliberately chose to end on a cliffhanger to keep the story tense and engaging.
  • The show, "Promissory," is based on the $1.8 trillion student loan debt crisis, a real-life issue that has affected many students.
  • DéCoud aims to create a series that would take at least 10 episodes and could potentially go for multiple seasons, requiring a full package including a series bible and a proof-of-concept preview.
  • DéCoud has had an early exchange with a Disney+ executive, which taught him that studios expect more than just a script; they want a complete package, including a series bible and a proof-of-concept preview.
  • "Promissory" has a diverse cast and deals with themes relevant to many students, including the struggle to pay off student debt and the consequences of not being able to do so.
  • Classmate Naman Luthra, a second-year master's student in screenwriting, contrasted the U.S. system with India's affordable public colleges, highlighting the stark differences in access to education.
  • DéCoud's story explores his own experiences as a mixed-race, Louisiana Creole writer from Southern California, producing a narrative that reflects the complexities of identity.

Statistics:

  • The $1.8 trillion student loan debt crisis is a significant issue that affects many students.
  • 10 episodes are planned for the pilot, with the potential for multiple seasons.
  • 10% of students accepted into the trial program "Promissory" have 16 weeks to come up with the money to pay off their debt.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] - Article title: Drew DéCoud, a resident advisor and second-year master's student, responsible for creating the "Promissory" TV pilot. (Original source cited but not dated)
  • [Source 2] - Classmate Naman Luthra's perspective on student debt in the US and India. (Original source cited but not dated)

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