These are all a bit older, but they’re my favorites. Please forgive the
format glitches. I imported the scripts from various other computers,
operating systems and programs, and couldn’t always get the changes to stick.
The links will take you to some sample pages. If you want to read a script in its entirety, just let me know through the Contact page.
A Visit from the King:
The inspirations for this were David Halberstam’s observation that America was changing from a work-driven culture to an entertainment-driven culture, and a news story about Elvis sightings in Michigan. Set in the early 1990s, this script looks at how Americans fill the massive hole in our psyche with celebrity worship. The script was under option by Cornerstone Films for several years; at one point we had $20 million in the bank. http://christinenieland.com/king-opening/
Foreigners:
The beauties and difficulties of life in the Soviet Union provided a powerful backdrop for romance. I was thrilled when Alan Pakula’s office called to tell me how much they liked this script. Political changes in Russia overtook the events in the plot, but I still think it’s a pretty good romance. I also still hope to get to St. Petersburg someday. http://christinenieland.com/foreigners-opening/
Getting Better:
A blast from the past. In the early 1970s, the kids of the counterculture graduate into the adult world. The great writer-director Robert Benton read this, and offered to hand it to anyone in the movie business I named. I named Robert Altman. Several months later, Altman’s story editor called me to tell me how much they loved it, and to apologize for not doing it. Strange but true. Give yourself a point for every cultural reference you recognize. http://christinenieland.com/getting-better-opening/
Twenty-Six Years to Freedom: The Story of Joe Turner:
My partner Mike Flynn and I brought this true story to Titus Films, who paid us to option Joe’s story, do the research and write the script. It was an alternate in the O’Neill Festival’s Television Competition. http://christinenieland.com/joe-turner-excerpt/
The Second Jump:
I was learning to figure skate when I wrote this; my love for the sport grows to this day. During his aspiring actor days, the great Russian Olympic champion figure skater Ilia Kulik wanted to play the lead. http://christinenieland.com/jump-opening/