Academics

Film major earns award, uses support to pitch TV sitcom

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A senior film major at Penn State recently earned the 2014-15 Scott Weiss Scholarship, an annual merit-based award granted to eligible students who completed the T. Howard Foundation’s Internship Program.

Gabrielle LeGendre, from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was a production intern at TV Land, a cable and satellite television channel owned by Viacom, last year. Her responsibilities included creating on-air promotions for network programs, including the popular sitcom “Hot in Cleveland.”

Upon completion of her internship, LeGendre was eligible to apply for the Scott Weiss Scholarship.

“I wanted the scholarship because I wanted to be a distinguished alumna of the program. I also wanted the money to support my screenplays,” said LeGendre, who wrote a pilot for a TV sitcom last summer and has since submitted it to multiple competitions and festivals.

“I enjoy writing a lot, and when I have ideas for a script I have to write it down,” said LeGendre. ”I finished this pilot and I am proud of it so I hope to get it some attention.”

To apply for the scholarship, LeGendre had to write two essays about her internship experience and detail her plans for the scholarship money. With the award, LeGendre was able to pay the entrance fees for her screenplay at various competitions and festivals. In addition to those submissions, LeGendre registered her script with the U.S. Copyright Office.

The sitcom LeGendre wrote focuses on a freshman adjusting to college life. The central characters face issues related to diversity, family, friendships and relationships. “My own college experience was part of the inspiration,” said LeGendre.

LeGendre was drawn to Penn State because she wanted the hustle and bustle of a large campus. She also knew she wanted to be a film student. She’s on track to graduate in May.

“I am excited to graduate but I am also sad I’ll be leaving Penn State. The professors here have been wonderful and the program has really prepared me well to go into the working world,” she said. “I am really glad I chose Penn State.”

Gabrielle LeGendre, senior film major Credit: T. Howard FoundationAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated June 2, 2021