Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA in Screenwriting
Directing Professor
Hunter Phillips
Abstract
Fly the Coop is a children's cartoon about a young teenage girl, Robin, who gets caught in a storm while in a hot air balloon alongside her father. She finds herself teleported to a foreign land called Perch which is inhabited by humanoid bird-people called avains, Robin herself being transformed into one. She enters the small town of Roost Rest where she meets and befriends a trio of orphans. Goldie, a canary who wishes to be theater star, Rudite, a burrowing owl who strives to be the most intelligent bird around, and Pebb, a penguin wisecracker always trying to earn more money. Along with them is their caretaker Malcontense, a stern white peacock and owner of the orphanage they reside in, Nest Warmers. Robin will need their help to adapt to this strange world, find her father, and uncover the mystery of what brought them here. The story's themes revolve around confronting the stereotypes based on birth, both externally by others and those internalized, and the value of creating your own family when the one you are born into cannot be relied on.
This document includes the pilot script for the first episode and its show bible. The script depicts Robin's first meeting with the other main characters, her difficulties in navigating through this new world, and all four children banding together to defeat a foe. It ends with Robin being forced into Malcontense's care and her revealing herself as a human to Goldie, Rudite, and Pebb. The bible shows further details about Fly the Coop's setting, including character biographies, avian classifications, and loglines for potential episodes.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Allison Righter, "Fly the Coop - Pilot Script and Bible" (2026). Screenwriting and Film Studies Theses (MA/MFA), Hollins University. 10.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/screenwritingtheses/10
Contact Information
arighterm@gmail.com
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the MFA/MA Thesis in Screenwriting and Film is to provide a definitive record of student development and achievement in the program prior to completion of the degree. The thesis does not reflect any revisions to work made subsequent to the degree completion. If you would like to read a more current version of the screenplay or inquire about optioning agreements, please contact the author or the Hollins Graduate Screenwriting and Film Department.