[Sophie White]

Sophie Show Budget Considerations.

What I learned doing this assignment is I have a small budget show

Prep Days – 2 to 4 weeks for producers

Talent – 2 main host and 1 to 2 guest host

COVID Testing 6 plus talent

Shoot Days 3 to 5

Catering 3 to 5 days for 10 people per show

Ground transportation – 2 vans per episode

Location Fees – minimal

Producers – 2 field

Shooting Permits – not sure if needed minimal

Cameras – 2 cam ops 4 cameras (Sony FX9 x 2; As7 x 2)

Sound 2 boom ops

Graphics – minimal

Air Transportation – 3 preseason

Music – edit decision

Lodging – 4 to 5 rooms per episode 12 to 25 room nights

Casting (contestants, participants, or animals) 1 to 2 guest stars per episode

[Sophie White]

Sophie writes a Sizzle. What I learned doing this assignment is Sell the sizzle.<div>

Who is the host or talent or name of the show? The show is Transitioning Across America, The Host are Sophie Marie White and Joann Guidos.

What’s the tone; what makes it special? A realistic look at who truly makes up America.

Is this a reboot, an original series, or one based on some other IP, like a book? Original series

Why now? The world is ready for a real transgender show.

What’s the subject of the show or what kinds of stories does it tell? It tells about the struggles that transgender people go through just to fit in.

How does it lend itself to a long-running series? The amount of subject matter is unlimited because there are so many misconceptions about what transgender people look, act, and are.

In conclusion, why now and what’s it called? The environment is super favorable for Transitioning Across America.

EXT. STREET CAR LINE – ST. CHARLES – NEW ORLEANS – DUSK

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Sophie dressed as a male with short hair, stands waiting on a street car.

SOPHIE (V.O.)

I’ve been a chameleon all my life. I use to blend in wherever I could in order to hide from the world.

Streetcar pulls up Sophie gets on.

INT. STREETCAR – CONTINUOUS

We see a hand with painted nails pay the fare. We see glimpses of yellow high heels walk down the aisle. We see Sophie sit and stare out the window of the streetcar as we go down Saint Charles avenue.

SOPHIE (V.O.)

I am turning into an activist. I’ll let you see inside my world to see what it takes to advocate for people like me. My journey was planned very differently then the way it played out. But it has given me the opportunity to see the world through a different set of eyes.

Streetcar stops as Sophie passes camera as she heads to the door.

EXT. BAR – CONTINUOUS

Sophie walks into a bar. Walks into the male bathroom, then comes out the female bathroom in a dress, but hair is still guy hair. JoAnn gets up and walks with Sophie.

JOANN

I am JoAnn. One thing I know is the bar industry. When people drink they find the power to be themselves. We all struggle for love and acceptance. In society alcohol plays into our social fabric it gives us community. We all need community more than anything as we each follow our own unique dreams.

EXT. CAFE DU MONDE – CONTINUOUS

As Sophie and JoAnn walk past Cafe Du Monde

SOPHIE

I’ll help us look at our cultural differences and our ethnic make-up, as we travel through America to explore its stunning mosaic. I want to explore the things that make us unique but at the same time keep us all the same.

EXT. RIVERWALK – CONTINUOUS

Sophie and JoAnn walk past the river boat.

SOPHIE

I will use what I have learned living in different worlds to guide us. As we learn about life and how these lessons play out in this country we call, home.

EXT. BATTERY PARK – NEW ORLEANS – CONTINUOUS

They walk up to Battery Park.

SOPHIE

I think we’ve lived very interesting and colorful lives.

JOANN

Come with us as we look at all of us through a different lens.

SOPHIE

In different environments and cities.

JOANN

Watch as we,

Sophie pulls her wig off and fluffs her hair.

Sophie

Transition Across America.

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[Sophie White]

Trans Across America

(Season 1)

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Table of contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Audience and Marketability …………………………………………………………….. 5

Creator’s Statement ………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Host (Season 1) …………………………………………………………………………………. 7

Episodes (Season 1) …………………………………………………………………………. 9

Future (Subsequent Seasons) …………………………………………………………. 19

Team …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20

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INTRODUCTION 1

Synopsis: Five Trans host from varying cultural, career and life backgrounds travel the far reaches of America, exploring what connects and divides us as human beings and the transitions we are all within.

The show focuses on both the drama and joy of those who lead double lives, who are in various transitions of their own and who intersect with the trans community.

Each Episode we will be traveling to vastly different environments across the US and will include make overs to help people visualize all different kinds of life transitions, discussions ranging from the deep and political to the lighthearted and nonchalant over various cultural culinary staples, shared cultural activities for communities to bond and learn from each other, as well as interviews and stories from the mouths of people who make up our country.

Comparisons: Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations meets Queer Eye.

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INTRODUCTION 2

Themes: LGBTQ+ (Trans Focused) stories, identity in an ever-changing world social-political ideologies and struggles, religious ideologies and struggles, cultural explorations (Traditions, Cuisine, Communities etc.), various kinds of life transitions and debunking various types of cultural generalizations/stereotypes.

Number of episodes 12 (Episodes 44 minutes each)

Locations: New Orleans for Pilot episode others will vary throughout the USA.

ARC: As the show progresses, we watch as the hosts and those they spotlight transition through assumptions and ideologies, as well as enrich their own lives through exploring the unknown.

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Target Demographic

· 20 to 30 yr old male, female, other LGTBQ+ and hetro

· Multi-Racial (hence the diversity of local hosts, stories, cultures explored per episode)

Marketability

One of the real joys of a show like this is that its an equal mix of being unique yet following in the footsteps like successful docu/travel/cultural series like Queer Eye and No Reservations. Our choice of diversity casting the hosts and focusing not only on Transgender and transition stories of life, love, and transition but also the same in the larger LGBTQ+ and Hetero communities across different races, religions, creeds, and cultures lend itself to a wide market net. Equal parts travel, culinary, makeover, debate, and documentary make this show built in binge-worthy!

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CREATOR’S STATEMENT

For years, society has perpetuated a fear of transgender people. That they are freaks and of subversive culture. They have gone far enough to say we want to “take over” and brain wash your children. However, this is far from the truth. People fear what they don’t know. I want to show the world who we really are and what we go through to survive in a cis-dominated planet.

There are very few positive news reports or even television shows that show transgender people in a favorable light. Very few transgender people have risen to the tops of their respective fields, and the vast majority are under-represented, under-valued, and unemployed. Now is the time to change the world. People need to see our issues as a “Human Race Issue” and help reframe a systemic outdated cultural framework that causes “othering” and marginalizes various communities at large. I want to use our voices to make a change. So how do we start a dialogue with the public about transgender issues? By showing the world we are not big scary creatures; seeing people interact with us just like anyone else. This will give us a powerful voice in a new way and inspiring more trans men and women to be open about who they are.

This series will have a lasting impact for exploring these somewhat subtle issues of the transgender experience though this is not a magic bullet, but a first step forward.

Sophie Marie White

(Writer Producer)

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MAIN HOST

SOPHIE MARIE WHITE

(Transgender Female)

Sophie spent many of her years in the heart of the rural deep south. She has always worked in traditionally high adrenaline Male oriented jobs. But now, as having decades of experience in the film industry behind the camera and in front of it, she sheds light on the entertainment industry and the Trans community within it. She, like many, has transitioned later in life… and did so while maintaining a traditional marriage with three children.

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JOANN GUIDOS

(Transgender Female)

At a young age she knew she was different. But she went to college married and raised two children. She started to transition in a time in which the Stonewall Riots and the Upstairs Lounge arson fire in New Orleans were fresh in the minds of the transgender community. She is firmly entrenched in the New Orleans bar industry opening her own place in 2004. Her motto for the bar is one simple rule “be nice or get the fuck out” we welcome everyone who needs a place to feel safe where no one cares about your gender identity.

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EPISODE 1: TRANS SCRIPTS – THE WOMAN

New Orleans Louisiana

Guest Host – Jazmin White

Milan Nicole Sherry

Teryl Lynn Foxx

Nadine Berenger

Jerek Edora

Tommye Myrick

Five trans women, a gay man, a Cis woman, and black lesbian director came together to put on play called Trans Scripts – The Woman The play is about seven transgender woman who explore their lives and experiences told in their own words. This episode explores the creators/performers behind the play, their experiences, struggles and its reception in New Orleans. Just like the play these women will give us a glimpse into what makes the tick. Why they transitioned and what is transgender.

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EPISODE 2: Walk Like a Man

(THE MEN)

Katy Texas

Guest Host – Black Trans Male

Transitioning from female to male is at the heart of this episode, as is the effects of traditionally toxic stereotypes and gender norms based on a society “systemically patriarchal”. All this against the backdrop of one most traditional rightwing areas of the country. Here we will explore the similarities and differences of transitioning from female to male vs male to female.

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EPISODE 3: Stranger in the Mirror

(SUICIDE 46% ATTEMPT)

San Francisco California

Guest Host – Trans Lifeline

Psychology and Psychologists play a major part in how a Trans and

Non-Binary person experiences themselves and are perceived by

Society. Up until recently, the Trans and Non-Binary experience was

listed as a form of “mental Illness” by the DSM. What changed? Who

changed it? We will explore the support and hinderance of psychology

and psychologists being the “gate keepers” by defining/dictating what

is mentally healthy VS not throughout history. How has this both
stoked and nullified hate across different orientations and cultures? We will explore Sophie and Joann’s own battles with Suicide and the varying mental make ups of those who are Trans and Non-Binary

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EPISODE 4: COMING OUT

Holden Louisiana

Guest Host – John Schneider

When people think of John Schneider, they think of Bo Duke and the General Lee of Dukes of Hazard. John and his wife Alicia will walk us through their views on the trans community. They will share with us their thoughts and stories of Sophie’s own transition and her acceptance at Bo’s extravaganza. They will help challenge and educate viewers on what defines an “ally”. All while breaking bread and exploring the rich culinary culture that makes up the south as well as their views on why they support the rebel flag.

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EPISODE 5: TO DEATH DO US PART

(SPOUSES AND THEIR TRANSITIONS)

Middle America

Guest Host a spouse who stayed married

A spouse who divorced

When married couples face the realization that one of them is transgender their world can be rocked to the core. Thirty three percent of couples over the age of fifty and fifty percent of couples under fifty survive transition. This will be a heart wrenching look at what keeps couples together and what drives them apart when transition is involved.

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EPISODE 6: DR. JEKYLL & MR./MS. HIDING

(Dual Lives)

The Islands – Alaska

Guest Host – Elliot Page

There is much to be said at the mid-season finale and much we have covered – yet this episode takes us, for the first time, off the mainland and off the beaten path onto a desolate landscape; much like the inner landscape of those who live in hiding. Up to now we have yet to speak of all those who are in various transitions and leading double lives, lives in hiding. One person by day, another by night. It is here we will speak with those transitioning in and out of marriages, transitioning into motherhood or fatherhood for the first time, transitioning through illness; and leading double lives as actors, dancers, sex workers. Our makeovers will be used to help them see themselves for who they wish to be and hopefully will inspire them to make public who they truly are. We’d love someone like Elliot Page to celebrity host this episode and share his own stories of hiding and the courage he had to victoriously embrace who he truly is, publicly.

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EPISODE 7: TRANS GRESSION

(THOSE WHO HATE US)

Washington & Oregon

Guest Host – Someone who has been beaten

because they are transgender

A spotlight is shown, and a microphone is given to the people an organized groups who oppose the trans community. The Pacific Northwest has a history (much like the South) of being a home to such organizations. Is
activism and Technology an answer to not only combatting these groups but re-educating them? Is it the best way to reach the youth that are being groomed within their ranks? How about those on various reservations; where do they stand against the hate groups and in terms of the Trans community as a whole?

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EPISODE 8: Under the Bridge

(Homelessness)

New England

Host Non-Binary

Accepting VS Excepting- The show takes an honest look at the price of being Trans and non-Binary in the national work force. What do both have in common and how are their experiences vastly different. Can social media and technology be an answer to safer and more readily available employment for Trans and Non-Binary due to its “remote” and non-public nature? Or is it also perpetuating the larger problem via a “Behind Closed Doors” policy? We also explore the necessity of Sex Work as a means of income for the Trans community. Additionally, New England being a hub for various Middle Eastern communities, we explore the illusory nature of identity as one: an immigrant and two: a trans immigrant in the U.S.- through the lens of the Refugee Middle Eastern Experience. How does religion intersect? All while breaking bread over New England coastal cuisine with our guests.

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EPISODE 9: PAINT IT BLACK

New York City

Of all the experiences in America – The Trans and Non-Binary Black

experience is one that has been presently and historically marked by peril and a high murder rate. This episode explores in depth the

New York City experience of one who is born both Black and Trans or Black and Non-Binary. We will also explore how NYC Stonewall, led by the Trans community, paved the rights for all LGBTQ+, yet Trans were left behind in the celebration. Stories after makeovers and over some of the staples of Soul Food and the NYC Queer nightlife scene will be on full display.

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EPISODE 10: Medea/Medea

Guest Host – Tyler Perry

Atlanta Georgia

Tyler Perry has been a paradoxical figure in both the Black and LGBTQ+ community; at once he has paved the way for wider and deeper inclusion for both communities in the entertainment industry, he has made marketable stories that appeal to both communities and convinced investors of their financial viability. He is even a stunning “rags to riches” success story. And yet he has also been criticized by some for stereotyping Black culture and appropriating LGBTQ+ culture in insensitive ways. In this episode we look to hear it in his own words: his story of homelessness to “having it all” as a pioneer of color, his beliefs, and his ideas for a better future for both communities with a focus on the arts and entertainment industry.

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[Sophie White]

TRANS ACROSS AMERICA

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Trans Across America Pitch Deck.pdf

[Sophie White]

Sophie Built Their Clock. What I learned doing this assignment is I have already done a lot of this work.

Transitioning Across America

logline: Three transgender host travel<font face=”inherit”> through America exploring what connects and divides us as human beings while </font>experiencing<font face=”inherit”> the drama and joys of being transgender in a CIS world.</font>

Transitioning Across America “” Part 1 of 2

Show run time 42 minutes total

The basics

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City intro: :30

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Show intro “” :30

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Segment intro :30 to 1:00 Run time 1:30 to 2:00

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Guest their world 7:00 to 10:00 Run time 10:00 to 13:00

What makes them unique how is their world so different than ours. Meet them up close and personal what makes them tick.

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Idea/subject matter of segment 1:00 to 3:00 Run time 13:00 to 14:00

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Body of segment (The visit) 26:30 to 27:00 Run time 40:30 to 41:00

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Join us next week for.

Wrap up :30 to 1:00. Run time 41:30

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Coming next segment :30 Total Run time 42:00

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[Sophie White]

Sophie Connects to Viewers!

1. My show will connect with viewers in different ways.

A. The emotional connection to the show is people who don’t fit in. Everyone has had a time where they feel like they don’t fit in. Transgender people feel this everyday. Feel what it’s like to be shunned, ghosted, and hated for no reason other than you are a little different.

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B. The characters are both relatable and non-relatable. They are relatable through some of their struggles like depression, acceptance, everyday struggles just to survive. They are also non-relatable in many ways such as being transgender.

C. There are expert advice and skill depicted in the show that are compelling to watch or learn. Things such as doing make overs, how to make different dishes. What makes people perceive someone as male, female, or other and how this affects transgender lives.

D. There are plenty of authentic and uniquely settings, such as kitchens, restaurants, and bars throughout the real America.

E. The situations portrayed in my show lend themselves to drama. Which can be fun to watch? Drama will be had through pairing of people who make laws against LGBT people and the people the laws effect. Or people who should hate us but have never meet us. Or people that are suppose to hate us but don’t.

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[Sophie White]

Sophie Explores the Market!

What I learned doing this assignment is I have a lot of the show fleshed out.

1. Using a few key words, characterize your reality show idea. We’ve already talked about formats on day one. So, let’s instead stick to words that describe themes, trends, tone, and characters — BIG ideas like the descriptions for TLC above.

Three Trans hosts from varying cultural, career and life backgrounds travel the reaches of America, exploring what connects/divides us as human beings. The show focuses on who really makes up America. We will focus on four types. First those who live double lives, like the dental hygienist who is a burlesque dance at night. Second people<font face=”inherit”> who intersect with the trans community, such as politicians who write laws that effect trans people’s lives. We will also visit </font>celebrities<font face=”inherit”> that have interacted with the trans community such as Tyler Perry who has helped transgender youths in Atlanta. Lastly we will visit people who hate us, such as preacher that call us abominations. Each Episode we will be traveling to vastly different environments across the US and will include make overs to help people visualize all different kinds of life transitions, discussions ranging from the deep and political to the lighthearted and nonchalant over various cultural culinary staples, shared cultural activities for communities to bond and learn from each other, as well as, interviews and stories from the mouths of people who make up our country.</font>

2. Let’s dive deeper into your idea, or any idea if you’re not working on a specific one. Select an idea and give us a 1st draft answer for each of the following:

A. What’s at stake (the loss or gain) emotionally, physically, or materially for the characters in my show?<div class=””>

B. What kind of viewer might enjoy the show? Anyone who wants to understand the lives of transgender people. Anyone who is curious what a transition is or is not.

C. What elements are the most compelling to watch in my show?

The interactions between the host and people who look different than most Americans. Tension between people who want to ban us vet don’t know who we truly are. Peoples struggle with acceptance and suicide.

D. What does a viewer learn (or take home) after watching the show?

What it means to be different and how the world truly looks at us. Who really makes up America.

E. What other show on cable or streaming most closely resembles my show idea?

The show is like Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown meets Queer eye.

F. On what platform — cable or streaming — could my show idea fit?

Revry, Hulu, Netflix,

G. On what cable channel(s) could my show fit?

Logo, Travel Channel, TLC, Bravo,

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