Served in Silence, the struggle to live authentically
DRAMA LGBT WAR MEMOIR
1980s & '90s,1960s & '70s,2000s,Contemporary
Mark David Gibson
Logline
Served in Silence is a drama about a gay American war hero serving under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy struggling to live authentically. Unconventionally, he finds a way to cure severe PTSD and alcoholism which leads to the discovery of tapping into one’s own super power of authenticity.
Genre
Drama,LGBT,War,Memoir
Short Summary
Served in Silence is a drama about a small-town boy from upstate New York who believed the best was yet to come. Life was simple during the early years in the 1970s, full of mystery and wonder, yet the struggle to live authentically was constantly looming in the darkness from sexuality confusion.
In his darkest hours of silence and pain, this embattled soul reaches deep within to conquer these relentless demons and victoriously takes back his life. Unconventional at best, with assistance of a South African shaman, he creates a new version of himself as Mark 2.0 is born—the living years.
Setting
Begins in Upstate New York, multiple Air Force bases, Afghanistan, Cost Rica
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Rags to Riches,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Quest,Voyage and Return,Other
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Happy Ending,Meaningful Message,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Substance Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Mark David Gibson
Age: From 8 to 50 years old
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Charming,Complex,Confident,Crazy,Decisive,Desperate,Empathetic,Engaging,Heroic,Educated,Honorable,Insecure,Leader,Underdog,Lone Wolf,Manipulative,Sophisticated,Seductive,Secretive,Sarcastic,Romantic,Visionary,Funny,Skillful,Outspoken,Selfless,Blunt,Patriotic,Sexy,Obedient,Modest,Masculine,Flexible,Faithful
Additional Character Details
Name: Mom & Dad & Brother
Age: 20's - 30's - 40's - 50's - 60's - 70's
Gender: Other
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Aggressive,Complex,Crazy,Religious,Insecure,Manipulative,Villainous
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Development Pitch
Served in Silence would make an excellent full feature or series because the book illustrates the hazards of a life that continually fails to live authentically resulting in poor life choices. People would want to see this drama in order to champion this underdog to live in his truth regardless of his harsh fundamentalist religious upbringing, society and culture of the times. Currently there is nothing out there that depicts the duality and a life of a highly functioning alcoholic, since age 14, on a secrecy and shame guilt spiral serving in the U.S. military under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell era. A small-town boy from upstate NY believed the best was yet to come. Life was simple in the early years, full of mystery and wonder, the struggle to live authentically would constantly loom in his mind from sexuality confusion and exploration. Like many young people, the desperate teenager joins the military as a way out which proves to be a perfect fit, he excelled. Harsh realities of his youth in the rearview mirror, the yearning for an authentic life still lingered deep down inside. He knew he was gay, and it was illegal to be gay while in the military. He seals the deal of a disguise, and marries a woman. This intensifies the bonds of alcoholism as he battles with his inner demons of illegally being gay. When life is just about over, from poor choices, he reaches deep within to conquer these demons and victoriously takes back his life with assistance of a South African shaman.