'The Institute' follows a group of young talents who come together under dire circumstances. Inspired by the resilience of real-life young activists post-Parkland shooting, the story emphasizes autonomy and self-empowerment. Executive producers Jack Bender and Benjamin Cavell drew parallels between the children's struggle in the narrative and the societal issues faced by today's youth. Their commitment to portraying relatable characters and authentic experiences showcases the importance of children taking matters into their own hands, echoing broader themes of strength and survival amidst adversity.
Stephen King sent me the galleys before the book was published about seven years ago. I read the book and I loved that too... but then there was also the tragedy of the Parkland High School shooting.
I watched the kids who survived coalesce into this strong political group, and they're still out there today and God knows we need 'em. But they stood up against adults and politicians and the NRA.
That's very much the heart of this story. I got lucky enough to have Ben join me as my partner in this, and we talked about how the 'meek shall inherit the earth.'
It’s not about kids being rescued; it’s about the kids saving themselves. This became a real touchstone and an inspiration for the show.
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