Once Upon October
DRAMA FAMILY MEMOIR RELIGIOUS ROMANCE FAMILY MEMOIR RELIGIOUS ROMANCE
2000s
Gina Gates (pen name of Jeanne Dukes)
Logline
A woman crushed by a midlife divorce divinely envisions finding love again, only to face unexpected challenges to her faith when she writes a romantic book to find the man of her dreams. Based on a true story.
Genre
Drama, Family, Memoir, Religious, Romance,,Family,Memoir,Religious,Romance
Short Summary
After her painful midlife divorce, Gina writes in her journal through her process of starting over with a new life and eventually chronicles her way to a second chance at love.
After her romantic twists and turns and divine surprises, Gina finds her storybook ending in an unexpected way and marries the man she envisioned.
Setting
Texas, Arizona, California
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Quest,,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Twist, Happy Ending, Meaningful Message,,Happy Ending,Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Gina Gates
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring, Extraordinary Powers and Abilities, Gracious, Honorable, Obedient, Complex, Educated, Funny, Insecure, Modest, Perseverance, Visionary, Charming, Decisive, Empathetic, Engaging, Faithful, Flexible, Religious, Selfless, Strong Moral Code, Beautiful, Confident, Outspoken, Romantic,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Gracious,Romantic,Visionary,Skillful
Additional Character Details
Name: Jack Drew
Age: 57
Gender: Male
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Complex, Faithful, Funny, Heroic, Confident, Decisive, Honorable, Gracious, Heartthrob, Leader, Aspiring, Charming, Engaging, Flexible, Romantic, Strong Moral Code, Adventurous, Empathetic, Masculine, Patriotic,Funny,Adventurous,Aspiring,Charming,Confident,Engaging,Gracious,Heartthrob,Leader,Romantic
Additional Character Details
Name: Joe
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring, Charming, Confident, Educated, Perseverance, Romantic, Adventurous, Blunt, Complex, Decisive, Masculine, Aggressive,Aggressive,Charming,Confident,Sarcastic,Outspoken,Skillful
Additional Character Details
Name: Paul
Age: 57
Gender: Male
Role: skeptic
Key Traits: Masculine, Unapologetic, Adventurous, Charming, Confident, Funny, Sarcastic, Aggressive, Blunt, Complex, Outspoken,Outspoken,Sarcastic,Insecure
Development Pitch
Throughout a difficult midlife divorce, the scenario seemed surreal. This wasn't supposed to happen to a woman with a seemingly perfect family and happy life. Yet, ironically, this story is all too common. What isn't common is what happened next. My journey should become a film because broken marriages have caused people to give up on love and braving to face a completely new life. Instead, they just exist. I know many of them, and they have been encouraged by my true story. My life changed so drastically in the process and I was given some unique experiences, which heightens the marketability. How many people go from a life to ministry to politics to the media and film industry? How many find the most glorious love of their life in that huge transition? I know this story would not be nearly as compelling if it wasn't true, because it would seem too unbelievable. But, because it is true, it's incredibly inspiring. Before I ever wrote this book, a producer acquaintance who has worked with well-known projects told me I needed to write a script because it would be as gripping as "Sleepless in Seattle". As I followed her advice, that screenplay lead me on an even bigger adventure as a screenwriter. I've now written nearly a dozen screenplays and have won multiple awards, with films in the works. I used to believe that my midlife divorce was the end of everything good I would ever do. I was wrong, and others need to see that God really does give second chances.
Supplemental Materials
