The Christmas Coach

CO-WRITTEN BY: David Congalton GENRE: Holiday Romance ANALISA SNOPEK (32), a cheery veterinary technician, is shattered at Christmas when her boyfriend, ERIC (34), abruptly ends their relationship. Fast forward one year. Analisa, who always sees her mug of cocoa as half full, sets out to celebrate Christmas by helping others. “It’s not what I get, it’s what I give,” she insists to skeptical co-worker MIRANDA (46) at Hayes Veterinary Clinic — run by widower and Scrooge DR. HAYES (61). One recipient of Analisa’s holiday cheer is her sister, esteemed life coach CHRISTINA (36), who’s off on a cruise with her husband. When Analisa offers to housesit, Christina’s instructions are simple: Care for the dog and parrots, stay out of her office. Meanwhile, attorney DANIEL HEATH (32) is a promising litigator, but he’s known around Scarborough & Shay as the office Grinch. To Daniel, “HO! HO! HO!” means “NO! NO! NO!” He dodges office parties and bristles if anyone wishes him a “Merry Christmas.” Senior partner GORDON SHAY (54) sees Daniel’s potential, but is troubled by his hostility toward Christmas. Daniel finally snaps amongst his colleagues after one good tiding too many, but his timing couldn’t be worse. BENJAMIN BARRETT (60), a wealthy toymaker who loves Christmas, is considering bringing all of his legal work to their law firm. One false move by Daniel could derail the deal — and his career, as Daniel understands that nailing this retainer could be his ticket to partnership. Barrett plans to announce his decision at a lavish Christmas party, which Daniel is expected to attend in full holiday mode. Concerned but stern, Gordon confronts Daniel and insists he seek professional help at once. Daniel balks at the idea of therapy, but when it appears his tenacious office nemesis, KATE (30), will get the plumb assignment to help land Barrett Toys, he reluctantly agrees to see a life coach. He calls Christina and leaves detailed messages. Now situated at Christina’s, altruistic Analisa hears his plight and naïvely believes she may be able to help. Despite Miranda’s apprehension, Analisa puts her heart before her head and invites him to Christina’s office. When the standoffish attorney arrives, she introduces herself as Christina’s assistant and manages to get him to open up a bit. His brief allusion to a previous holiday heartbreak heightens her compassion since she’s still reeling from her previous holiday breakup. A spark develops between them, which is tested during the second meeting when Analisa reveals that Christina is actually away… but no worries! She fudges by claiming the life coach will email her notes on how to run the coaching sessions. With the party rapidly approaching, desperate (but captivated) Daniel agrees to the unconventional plan. He eventually confides that his bah-humbug attitude stems from longtime love PENELOPE (28) breaking up with him last Christmas, right after he proposed. In over her head, Analisa has to rely on her heart and intuition to find ways to help Daniel rediscover the joy of the season. While engaging in traditional Christmas activities together, “per Christina’s instructions,” they have fun and bond over ghosts of Christmas past. During this time, Analisa’s world is complicated by the unexpected return of Eric. His attempts to weasel his way back into her life force her to make a decision. When Christina returns home early, the gig is up, leaving Daniel angry and hurt and Analisa distraught. Then Penelope resurfaces at the Christmas party — engaged to Barrett’s slick son. Flabbergasted, Daniel soon realizes she never was the right woman for him. After separate Yuletide doses of reality from wise Dr. Hayes, both Analisa and Daniel discover that Christmas is the perfect season for a new beginning… together. MAIN CHARACTERS: ANALISA SNOPEK (32) – Warmhearted and generous, Analisa has a sunny spirit and loves animals. Positive and upbeat, she also loves Christmas and is determined to make this one “the best Christmas ever” to make up for the previous year when her heart was broken. DANIEL HEATH (32) – An impressive attorney with a sterling reputation, Daniel’s working to make partner at Scarborough & Shay law firm. Still rattled by his girlfriend of two years ending their relationship the previous Christmas, Daniel’s hatred toward Christmas could cost him his job. DR. JOSEPH HAYES (61) – A veterinarian who is now a widower, Dr. Hayes comes off as a gruff curmudgeon, but he has a good heart. His wise observations help steer both Analisa and Daniel toward a new beginning. GORDON SHAY (54) – A distinguished co-owner of Scarborough & Shay, Gordon is authoritative but easily stressed. He sees a future for Daniel at the firm and insists he seek help so they can land the prized retainer of a huge toy manufacturer owned by a tycoon who loves Christmas. MIRANDA NIVEN (46) – A veterinary assistant, Miranda is the “office mom” who looks out for her coworkers and boss while her husband is deployed. Miranda is the “voice of reason.” BENJAMIN BARRETT (60) – The wealthy owner of a toy factory, VIP Benjamin lives, eats and breathes Christmas. Looking to outsource his legal work and never one to settle for second best, he hones in on Daniel while unaware of Daniel’s negativity toward Christmas. SECONDARY CHARACTERS: ERIC WALLNER (34) – Analisa’s former boyfriend who broke up with her last Christmas claiming he wasn’t ready to settle down and wasn’t really sure he ever wanted to marry. CHRISTINA TOBIN (36) – Analisa’s respected life coach sister who’s a bossy perfectionist with sky-high standards. KATE McCOY (30) – A rising star at Scarborough & Shay, charming and competitive Kate is a go-getter who will stop at nothing in an effort to outshine Daniel and climb the corporate ladder. TREY GOODMAN (27) – A guileless and happy-go-lucky veterinary assistant, upbeat Trey’s ability to find joy in the simple things charms his coworkers. PENELOPE GRIFFIN (29) – Daniel’s longtime girlfriend who ended their relationship on the night he proposed. She loves living the high-life without any obligations and “just wants to have fun.” NICHOLAS BARRETT (36) – Benjamin’s spoiled son who lives a life of luxury without any responsibility. JACKIE (34) – Daniel’s uncomplaining paralegal who must endure his hatred of Christmas. MARTIN TOBIN (40) – Christina’s uptight and no-nonsense husband.