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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 17, 2013 19:41:50 GMT -6
 Created by Jason Tyler Davis (Loosely based on true events)Fresh out of a high school where he struggled every day to find a place to fit in, a young introvert named Tyler Danvers looks to reinvent himself at Columbia Institute of Art, a vibrant art school in the heart of Chicago. Following in his older brother's footsteps of pursuing a career in filmmaking, Tyler discovers that creating a new identity for himself may be a little more difficult than he had realized, as he falls back into his old, anti-social habits; struggling to step out of his shell. With the help of his brother, new and old friends, his journey to self discovery and growth has finally begun.
"College Daze" is a coming-of-age drama following the life of Tyler, as he battles with the boy he is and the young man he wants to become, making new friends, enemies, and slowly acquiring a better sense of self along the way. MAIN CAST    Tyler Danvers (Callan McAuliffe) was diagnosed with social anxiety at a young age, and has always struggled with expressing himself to his peers. The fact that his family was constantly on the move made his condition even worse, as when he was just getting settled into a new environment, he was forced to pack up and head for another one. Recently graduating from high school, the eighteen year old makes a vow to get out of his antisocial tendencies and finally become his own person. Currently pursuing a degree in Film & Video at Columbia Institute of Art in Chicago, Tyler is swept up in a quest for self-discovery that will change him forever; but for better or for worse?    Alice Tate (Allison Scagliotti) is a quirky, first year theatre major with a tendency to say what's on her mind at all times. Her and Tyler were in the same graduating class, yet the two never really spoke in high school. Deciding that a familiar face might do both of them some good, she becomes Tyler's first true college friend.    Victor Cooke (Jacob Artist) has always been the kid who was popular, not because he tried to be, but because he's not afraid of being himself. Laid back, and quite the jokester, Victor enrolls into the Institute as a graphic design major. He is also Tyler's roommate. The two don't connect immediately, but Victor's confidence is something Tyler hopes will rub off on him.    Alexander Danvers (Julian Morris) is a senior Television Writing student, and Tyler's older brother. Him and Tyler's relationship has always been tight. They've always gotten along, and Tyler looks up to him a lot. Alexander is the kind of guy who wants to help everyone, which is why he's the first person Tyler comes to when he needs someone to talk to.    Kelly Peters (Lyndsy Fonseca) is a senior student, majoring in Film and minoring in Special FX & Makeup. She is also the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Alexander. Kelly signs up for the mentorship program and receives Tyler, which is a bit awkward for the both of them considering her and Alexander aren't on the best of terms at the moment. The two of them grow a strange bond, that might be the key to both of them finding happiness.    Spencer Adkins (Nick Roux) is a vocal music major in his second year at the institute. Free-spirited and always in a great mood. He lives across the hall from Tyler and Victor. After not being able to write lyrics all summer long, Spencer may have finally found his new muse in a new student at the institute.    Xavier Mason (Rafi Gavron) is a young man with a checkered past of gangs and violence. Trying to start a better life, he enrolls into the institute, making use of his talents as an dancer. He keeps to himself for the most part, but finds himself growing attached to Spencer. EPISODES
1x01: Orientation 1x02: Bad Chemistry1x03: The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants 1x04: Blame It On the Alcohol 1x05: Misfit Living 1x06: Strip Poker 1x07: The Third Wheel 1x08: Old Habits Die Hard *Episode descriptions to comeNOTES
I've been trying to stick with one project for what seems like forever now but I've never been able to keep inspiration for long. I think I figured out why. All of my previous ideas and projects did not come straight from my heart. I never felt truly invested in the characters, which is why it was a struggle writing them. Someone told me to try something different, and this show being "lighter" than most of my previous projects (Rebirth, Archangel, The Agency, etc...)
This story is a bit more personal because it's inspired by true events. I use to have a bit of social anxiety, even though I grew out of it a long time ago. I asked myself what would my life be like if I was still extremely shy, and I decided to really think about it and came up with this. I think this could be the project I finally come out and write because of that personal connection. At least, that is what I'm hoping for. We shall see.
Even though the show has many different characters and storylines, the main plot is focused on Tyler and his search for an identity. Based on the vague plot I presented, the show will be very character driven, as I've been drawing stylistic inspiration from shows like One Tree Hill, Awkward, Greek, and even the novel/film The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I'm only going into my second year of college, so new material will be coming after season one. LOL I'm kidding. The only thing that's really exactly taken from my life are the characters in the show and their relationships with one another. |
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Post by Brady Brown on Jul 17, 2013 20:01:06 GMT -6
This is an intriguing pitch, no doubt about it. Your synopsis is definitely vague, as you mentioned, and I can definitely see this being character driven, as a coming of age story should be told. Obviously with it being based off of true events, this should no doubt come easier to you writing wise, and I'm excited to see just exactly how you handle this show, especially the pilot. I'm assuming this will be more drama oriented, with some comedy? Not necessarily a dramadey, if you know what I mean. Your characters are diverse, and it's going to be interesting to see the storylines each one of them holds. Alice definitely gives off that quirky sidekick type of vibe, but that's totally understandable with her being a theater major. I can see her being my favorite character, being a acting junkie myself. XD Just feel like the connection towards her would be the easiest among the cast you've got. It's also going to be interesting to see how Alexander is thrown into the show, and his relationship with Tyler will be shown. Hopefully some troubles down the line? haha But, from all that incoherent babbling, I'm totally looking forward to see what comes of this! It's interesting, the characters seem fun and different in their own unique way, and good luck with this, Jason!  |
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Post by Jamison on Jul 17, 2013 20:36:00 GMT -6
Now I'm kind of nervous, especially when it comes to the Alexander/Kelly relationship. LMAO I really love this pitch, Jason. I love a good coming of age story, and what you've got so far in this pitch has all the makings to be just that. I'm looking forward to seeing how these relationships build, and how the character of Tyler develops in his new surroundings, living a college lifestyle. The character driven style of the show, I think, will work really well. The characters you've got all seem pretty interesting, and it might be because I know who all of them are modeled after, so it's already pretty intriguing to see how you delve into their lives. I can't wait for some episode summaries and eventually, a pilot! And omg, Kelly Peters. Dude. You aren't being subtle at all. At least with you and I (and some of the other characters) you used our middle names. Haha! This is gonna be embarrassing and interesting at the same time. If you need any help with anything, of course let me know.  But I'm all for this series. Support you 100%! Good luck with this. Hope you stick with it. |
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 17, 2013 20:40:16 GMT -6
This is an intriguing pitch, no doubt about it. Your synopsis is definitely vague, as you mentioned, and I can definitely see this being character driven, as a coming of age story should be told. Obviously with it being based off of true events, this should no doubt come easier to you writing wise, and I'm excited to see just exactly how you handle this show, especially the pilot. I'm assuming this will be more drama oriented, with some comedy? Not necessarily a dramadey, if you know what I mean. Your characters are diverse, and it's going to be interesting to see the storylines each one of them holds. Alice definitely gives off that quirky sidekick type of vibe, but that's totally understandable with her being a theater major. I can see her being my favorite character, being a acting junkie myself. XD Just feel like the connection towards her would be the easiest among the cast you've got. It's also going to be interesting to see how Alexander is thrown into the show, and his relationship with Tyler will be shown. Hopefully some troubles down the line? haha But, from all that incoherent babbling, I'm totally looking forward to see what comes of this! It's interesting, the characters seem fun and different in their own unique way, and good luck with this, Jason! Thank you, Brady! I'm glad you find this intriguing. I had a hard time writing the premise for the show because yes, it is so character driven and these characters are always evolving. So, writing a general overview of the show and all of its characters was a bit hard. That's why it's so vague. But, I guess it's alright considering what kind of story this is. You're right. This will be much more of a drama than a comedy. It'll have its funny moments, but dramatics are a lot more prevalent. I knew Alice was going to be a fan favorite. She's definitely just as you describe, although I think Tyler may actually be her sidekick. lol! Alexander is going to be fun to write. hehe. He's pretty much a version of Chris, and we don't fight at all, so I'll have to add some made up tension there at some point. I'm aware of that. Thanks for the feedback! It's much appreciated! I really hope I can move forward with this idea, because it's very close to me. Still not quite sure if this is going to be a half-hour drama of a full hour... we'll see once I've started the plotting stage. |
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 17, 2013 20:48:47 GMT -6
Now I'm kind of nervous, especially when it comes to the Alexander/Kelly relationship. LMAO I really love this pitch, Jason. I love a good coming of age story, and what you've got so far in this pitch has all the makings to be just that. I'm looking forward to seeing how these relationships build, and how the character of Tyler develops in his new surroundings, living a college lifestyle. The character driven style of the show, I think, will work really well. The characters you've got all seem pretty interesting, and it might be because I know who all of them are modeled after, so it's already pretty intriguing to see how you delve into their lives. I can't wait for some episode summaries and eventually, a pilot! And omg, Kelly Peters. Dude. You aren't being subtle at all. At least with you and I (and some of the other characters) you used our middle names. Haha! This is gonna be embarrassing and interesting at the same time. If you need any help with anything, of course let me know. But I'm all for this series. Support you 100%! Good luck with this. Hope you stick with it. LMFAO! I'll try not to disclose too many details on that whole ordeal, but I thought Kelly would be a fun character to add to the show. Even though the real-life version went to a completely different university in a completely different state. lmao. So glad to have your support here, Chris. I'm looking forward to starting the pilot. Should be a lot of fun. It'll probably get a bit emotional too, just because I actually care about these characters on a more personal level. When I finish the episode guide and get somewhere with the pilot, I'll move this to the main pitching board, but for not, it'll remain in the "underdeveloped" section. Hope it doesn't stay here for long. Thanks again, Chris, for the feedback and support! |
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Post by Jamison on Jul 17, 2013 20:53:08 GMT -6
Oh, and can I say that you have the BEST casting abilities, ever! Seriously, how are you so good at this when I SUCK at it! It's not fair. 
Edit: I especially love Lyndsy Fonseca as "Kelly." LMAO |
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 17, 2013 21:03:05 GMT -6
The first thing I did when coming up with this show was cast, since I pretty much knew what characters I wanted. So that's the first thing I did, and it literally took about four hours. I actually had multiple potential actors for Alexander and Kelly; some of them being Ryan Kelley and Adelaide Kane. I'm satisfied with who I ultimately went with though. Glad you are too. |
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Post by Matthew James on Jul 17, 2013 21:53:30 GMT -6
This should be interestingly fun to see where it goes. I totally forgot Chris's middle name was Alexander! I want to go back and look at Gifted and see I can figure out Chris's Girlfriend/ex-girlfriends name now I would love to see College Daze join the VPN College Drama's I can't wait to see a Pilot. Looking at how you based the series on yourself at least "loosely" I had to look back and ask myself did I base anyone from Winchester on real people? and I realized yes. Charlie is based on myself, why do you think he date's Dianna Agron  who is essentially based on Emma Watson. lol. My two biggest Hollywood crushes. Lol. Lucy, Blake, and season two Pete are also based around the people in my life. But back on College Daze. I think with Tyler, we have someone many of us can relate too. I know I'll be able to at least. I think for me it's a tie between Alice and Victor to become my favorite. I like and hope that your two main characters at least, Tyler and Alice are a boy and girl. So you'll be able to show what it's like for a guy and what it's like for a girl. |
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Post by Matthew James on Jul 17, 2013 21:55:41 GMT -6
I do remember from Gifted that Jamison also named his best friend Victor (Aaron Ashmore). I can't help feel somehow that's connectedly important. |
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Post by Jamison on Jul 17, 2013 22:01:55 GMT -6
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 18, 2013 8:27:29 GMT -6
This should be interestingly fun to see where it goes. I totally forgot Chris's middle name was Alexander! I want to go back and look at Gifted and see I can figure out Chris's Girlfriend/ex-girlfriends name now I would love to see College Daze join the VPN College Drama's I can't wait to see a Pilot. Looking at how you based the series on yourself at least "loosely" I had to look back and ask myself did I base anyone from Winchester on real people? and I realized yes. Charlie is based on myself, why do you think he date's Dianna Agron who is essentially based on Emma Watson. lol. My two biggest Hollywood crushes. Lol. Lucy, Blake, and season two Pete are also based around the people in my life. But back on College Daze. I think with Tyler, we have someone many of us can relate too. I know I'll be able to at least. I think for me it's a tie between Alice and Victor to become my favorite. I like and hope that your two main characters at least, Tyler and Alice are a boy and girl. So you'll be able to show what it's like for a guy and what it's like for a girl. Thanks, Matthew! I'm glad this pitch sparks your interest. There will be a lot of people in this show that are based on or will become "extreme" versions of real people in my life, and that should be fun. Of course, I have to add and change things about the characters because who is to say that the people in my life are interesting enough to be put in a TV show? The relationship of Tyler, Alice and Victor will most likely become one of my favorite dynamics of the show. They are sort of the "trio" of the series, but after time there may be some tension building between them. I won't necessarily say because of a love triangle, because that's been done so many times before, I plan on changing it up a bit. Should be interesting. Thanks so much, for the feedback! |
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 18, 2013 12:22:14 GMT -6
Got a little bored and decided to make a poster for the show:  |
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Post by Brady Brown on Jul 18, 2013 13:11:13 GMT -6
Awesome poster, Jason! Really like it!
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Post by Tommy West on Jul 18, 2013 15:10:25 GMT -6
Just took a quick glimpse at this pitch and I have to see, this sounds like something I would read so this definitely gets my stamp of approval. I'd love to read a pilot! Great casting by the way, the idea of McAulliffe and Morris' characters being brothers actually works because they look very similar! I hadn't noticed before...
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Post by Paul Duke on Jul 18, 2013 21:08:28 GMT -6
I'm really drawn to this. This looks really exciting.
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Post by Jack Malone on Jul 19, 2013 11:44:53 GMT -6
Just saw this, and I really can't wait to see a pilot for it. It definitely pulls me in that from the get go you're drawing from experiences in your life that I think will only enhance the great concept you've got here. I really love the contrast of Tyler and Victor- I like the fact that one is described to be popular, and well-liked because he simply is just being himself, and then you have the main character, who is looking to figure out their identity so that they can do the same. Makes me wonder if Victor is someone who has similar experiences to Tyler, but experienced them at a much younger age, in which he overcame them, and can basically be the 'hope' for Tyler, or if it is just his personality and the way people respond to him that really affects Tyler's development. I already love Alice, just reading her description makes me go, "ooh, favourite character material right here!" But ugh, that Alexander dude, god, sounds like such a douche. Hahaha, I kid, I kid. I think its great that you've essentially got a character who shares a familial bond with the main character and is someone for him to lean on and be supportive, but also explore their life outside of that, and his relationships to other characters in the show. Xavier is a very intriguing character too, because the description makes me wonder about these two lives- one he's trying to escape, and the one he's creating now, and whether they'll merge and create this massive conflict for him, and the new people he has in his life. Plus, will there be any scrutiny over his passion for dancing, and how will that affect his overall development of trying to get away from his previous life. Will the scrutiny push him back towards it, especially if people prey on the masculinity aspect, and it makes him go, you know, "I wanna feel tough, prove that I am", etc. Basically, I'm loving this pitch, and I can't wait to see and hear more about it. |
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Post by R.A. Picking on Jul 19, 2013 19:17:23 GMT -6
I'm kind of digging the idea. Looking forward to any development on this.
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Post by Jason T. Davis on Jul 19, 2013 19:37:40 GMT -6
Awesome poster, Jason! Really like it! Thank you, Brady! Just took a quick glimpse at this pitch and I have to see, this sounds like something I would read so this definitely gets my stamp of approval. I'd love to read a pilot! Great casting by the way, the idea of McAulliffe and Morris' characters being brothers actually works because they look very similar! I hadn't noticed before... Thanks, Tom! So glad to have your support on this. In the process of plotting the first episode, and it's moving along pretty smoothly, so far. I think McAuliffe was the easiest to cast for me. I don't really know why. The character of "Alexander," however, took the longest. I didn't necessarily think it was a must for the two brothers to look a lot of alike (although it, of course, would be better) But I'm glad these the two I decided to go with look resemble one another in the slightest. I'm really drawn to this. This looks really exciting. Thanks Paul. So glad you're excited for this! I can't wait to finish the pilot. Just saw this, and I really can't wait to see a pilot for it. It definitely pulls me in that from the get go you're drawing from experiences in your life that I think will only enhance the great concept you've got here. I really love the contrast of Tyler and Victor- I like the fact that one is described to be popular, and well-liked because he simply is just being himself, and then you have the main character, who is looking to figure out their identity so that they can do the same. Makes me wonder if Victor is someone who has similar experiences to Tyler, but experienced them at a much younger age, in which he overcame them, and can basically be the 'hope' for Tyler, or if it is just his personality and the way people respond to him that really affects Tyler's development. I already love Alice, just reading her description makes me go, "ooh, favourite character material right here!" But ugh, that Alexander dude, god, sounds like such a douche. Hahaha, I kid, I kid. I think its great that you've essentially got a character who shares a familial bond with the main character and is someone for him to lean on and be supportive, but also explore their life outside of that, and his relationships to other characters in the show. Xavier is a very intriguing character too, because the description makes me wonder about these two lives- one he's trying to escape, and the one he's creating now, and whether they'll merge and create this massive conflict for him, and the new people he has in his life. Plus, will there be any scrutiny over his passion for dancing, and how will that affect his overall development of trying to get away from his previous life. Will the scrutiny push him back towards it, especially if people prey on the masculinity aspect, and it makes him go, you know, "I wanna feel tough, prove that I am", etc. Basically, I'm loving this pitch, and I can't wait to see and hear more about it. Thanks for the feedback, Jack! Having the series be inspired, even in the slightest, by my own life was a little daunting at first. I don't even know if my life is interesting enough to have a show based around it. But it's only 'loosely based' to give me some room for new, interesting storylines. The contrast of Tyler and Victor will be quite a big aspect of the season. It's really great that you mentioned that, because Victor will definitely be a big inspiration for Tyler in the first season. He's, on the surface, everything Tyler wants to become, and I think that angle will bring both good and bad things to those two, later down the line. I'm so excited about writing Alice. She's just that fun, witty character that everyone can't help but love, and I'm trying my best to make sure her personality really shines through here, especially since her character is based on a good friend in my life. As for Alexander... Yuck. I'll probably kill him off soon after he's introduced. haha! KIDDING! The Tyler/Alexander relationship will really be the backbone of the show. Tyler sees his brother as the one person he knows will have his back. The one person he knows he can go to with anything. It'll be interesting to reveal how their dynamic works as the show progresses, because we'll find out that as much as Tyler needs Alex, he needs him just as much, if not more. So, I'm really excited about that. You've pretty much summed up Xavier's arc for season one, Jack. You will definitely see people from his troubled past attempting to seep their way back into his life. He's been running for a long time, and I think having him confront his demons and learn how to deal with them before ultimately getting rid of them for good, is a great way to build his character up, and I think by the end of the season (if this show does in fact go anywhere) we'll get a sense of relief from his character, now knowing that all he has to worry about is the future, and where he wants to go. Again Jack, thanks for the feedback! All of the support has been amazing, and I can't wait to see where this goes. Working hard on getting this out soon. |
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But I'm all for this series. Support you 100%! Good luck with this. Hope you stick with it.
who is essentially based on Emma Watson. lol. My two biggest Hollywood crushes. Lol. Lucy, Blake, and season two Pete are also based around the people in my life. 
