TENTPOLE
When a financially strapped waitress lands her dream job as event designer at a major movie studio in the ‘90s, she is spun into a dark web of a terrorizing mogul, egomaniacal talent, and backstabbing colleagues. Sabotaged by her dependent parents at every turn, she is forced to fight for every inch of her dream.
Tentpole is inspired by the personal journals Linda Pace wrote during her heart-pounding decades as an Event Designer at a Major Movie Studio.
The 1990s “Tentpole” events (big films expected to break box office records) were magical, raw, and alive; there were no cell phones with intruding cameras or social media. Stars parade up and down the Sunset Strip from The Viper Room to Chateau Marmont, unafraid to party at Premieres, Golden Globes, Academy Awards, and Festivals. Studio Moguls control the town in classic mafia style. It is an electrifying era that blazes brightest before it morphs from “anything goes” to the unforgiving glare of the world wide web.
Based on the Ovid Myth, where Pygmalion carves the perfect marble woman, and his love makes her real - Studio Mogul Abe wages a Pygmalion-like bet with his partner, Herb – “I can mold the waitress into a stellar Event Designer for the studio, she’ll be the darling of the Red Carpet when the Academy Awards rolls around.” The bet is on; Herb will receive stock bumps if she fails. But if she succeeds, he’ll lose stock in overseas theme parks.
Abe and Herb crank down on Lucinda, and co-workers throw up roadblocks. Herb demands sex in exchange for her executed contract. Abe threatens her with the resumes of Ivy Leaguers, who are “Smarter than you and will work for free.”
The series arc rides on Lucinda learning to fight sexism, ageism, and racism in her toxic workplace. Learning to spin the evil talk pouring into her “Golden Ears” (super hearing) into a positive.
AWARDS
REVIEWS
INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITERS'
ASSOCIATION
A timely, gripping story that exposes the darker side of Hollywood while celebrating a young woman’s courage to fight back. Lucinda’s intelligence and perseverance make this pilot both empowering and dramatically compelling.
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY AWARDS
Lucinda’s rise from a quirky young woman to a resilient event designer is vividly told. The story’s blend of heart, atmosphere, and insight into Hollywood’s chaos makes for an inspiring and satisfying journey that feels cinematic and complete.
SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
With its sharp tone, vivid protagonist, and balance of drama and humor, this pilot stands out as an emotionally resonant story that keeps audiences invested and eager to follow Lucinda’s journey week after week.