Script File
Alabama Jubilee
Connie Thomas was born in 1938 in the Scuddy Kentucky Coal Camp. This is the true story of her early childhood with her mysterious mother Grace, her wizard grandmother and hooch-making grandfather, Etha and Lloyd, and 10 to 12 aunts and uncles depending on the year.
Connie's father, Bill, is recruited by John L. Lewis to start organizing unions around the Appalachian mining country which sets off a life of constant moving, begging for food for the strikers, being on the run, and laying-low during the tumultuous formation of the AFL-CIO.
Through it all, Connie's father manages to boot strap his family out of poverty, but not without the unraveling of Grace in the process.
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Kristin LearyWriter
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Project Type:Screenplay
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Number of Pages:125
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Country of Origin:United States
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Language:English
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First-time Screenwriter:Yes
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Student Project:No
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CineMagic Film FestivalSouth Carolina
December 12, 2023
Screenplay Award of Recognition -
BlueCat Screenplay CompetitionL.A.
May 1, 2024
Semifinalist -
London International Screenplay CompetitionLondon
May 3, 2024
Semifinalist -
Chicago Script AwardsChicago
June 6, 2024
Best Screenplay - Honorable Mention
Kristin Leary grew up in Fairport, NY and enjoys a successful career as a marketing executive, balanced with life as an artist, writer, and horse farm operator. This screenplay project is born out of an inspiration to tell the story of her mother's life.
** Award of Recognition, Cinemagic Film Festival, Greer SC, 2023 **
** Finalist, BlueCat Screenplay Competition 2024 **
** Semifinalist, London Screenplay Competition, 2024 **
"Alabama Jubilee" is an adapted screenplay of original storytelling transcripts and the book titled "Grace Stacy" available on Amazon and Audible. It's a one-of-a-kind true story with all of the bones to evoke a visual tapestry, emotional appeal, and marketing opportunity to bring a triumphant and true story to life on screen.
Alabama Jubilee presents a compelling family drama set against the backdrop of a mining camp during the early days of mining unionization.
The captivating opening scene plunges the audience into the heart of a mining camp in East Kentucky, immediately establishing a unique and engaging tone. Starting the story with a teenage girl giving birth while men guard a light pole effectively sets the stage for the narrative. The setting and time period contribute to the script's distinctiveness, drawing the reader into a world filled with tension and drama.
The exploration of mental health, mainly through Grace's experiences of a fantasy reality, adds depth to the script. These scenes not only provide visual interest but also offer insight into the characters' psychological states. Similarly, Connie's immersion in memories adds complexity to her character and establishes a connection with her mother. Further development of these elements through a director's eyes could enhance the emotional impact of the story.
The script effectively sets a nostalgic tone that beautifully encapsulates the feeling of reflecting on one's family history. The narrative is crafted in a way that transports the reader to a different time and place, allowing them to connect with the characters and their experiences. Moreover, the story delves into a period of history that has not been explored extensively in cinema, providing a unique and fresh perspective on historical events. This element adds depth and nuance to the plot, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of storytelling.