Writing.
I came to writing in a fairly unorthodox manner…
By the mid 90s, the most I’d ever written were a few anecdotes and a college monologue but in 1997 a traveller woman stopped me and asked if I was writing a story about three people.
She insisted I should write it, that it would take me to the top of my career and would bring success overseas.
I could have just brushed this off as lunacy, but given that the only script I had ever dabbled with, was a story about three people sitting in my desk drawer, I parked my scepticism to one side and wondered: What if?
That ‘what if’ marked the beginning of a writing odyssey and although that original three-person story never really worked out,
My own story has brought me some great writing adventures including an MA in Dramatic Writing from Central St Martin’s, mentoring under Goldmine Tribe and Rocaberti as well as garnering a few awards (and great chums) along the way.
Although many of my scripts feature an element of ‘the unexplained’ or scientifically unproven, more recently my repertoire has broadened to include pieces such as solid period drama Bluebird (C21International TV Drama 21Shortlist Finalist) contemporary independent film drama Sel De Mer (Atlanta Film Festival Screeenwriting Finalist and early Page Quarterfinalist) and, most recently, ensemble film comedy Leopard (currently in competition).
Style wise my scripts are cinematic with large doses of warmth and wit with a few tears thrown in. Essentially just the kind of films I like to see at the cinema.
Scripts Include:
Tree Boy
A mother’s desire to protect her vulnerable but oddly talented son backfires when she marries a narcissistic bully. * Awarded a partial Rocaberti scholarship for script development in July 23 with Joan Lane. (Film drama – 100’)
Bluebird
A once celebrated, now forgotten speedster and aviatrix must compete with the attentions of an evacuee and his unexpected arrival at her home. Inspired by my father’s wartime stay with 20s’ flight and racing legend Mrs Victor Bruce. Developed under Cleo Bicat (Eastenders). (TV pilot - 7 x 60’) * 21 shortlist in C21’s 2019 International TV Drama Competition. * Awarded a partial Rocaberti scholarship for development with Kelly Edwards May 23.
Sleepwalk
A stressed out doctor, moves back to her childhood town in search of a quiet life, but gets more than she bargained for. A ghostly tale of secrets and cover-ups set against the backdrop of the nuclear industry. Developed under Abi Arthur (Company Pictures). (TV pilot - 4 x 60’).
The Freeholders
A woman seeking sanity moves into an idyllic converted ex mental hospital, only to be tricked into running the residents association and its bonkers inhabitants. Developed under Rob Ritchie (NFTS / Film 4). (TV pilot - 6 x 30’)
Lovely Neighbour
A woman in search of fulfilment and normality has her world turned upside down by a psychic prediction. A comedy drama of love and destiny, adapted from my book by the same name. Developed under Rob Ritchie. (TV pilot - 4 x 60’)
Force of Love
A career policeman and father is faced with breaking the law if he’s to save his daughter’s life; a feature length drama set in The States in the clashing worlds of natural and conventional medicine. Developed initially under John Yorke (BBC Academy) and subsequently Gordy Hoffman (Bluecat). (Film drama - 110’).
Lovely Neighbour
Adapted from my book by the same name. A woman in search of fulfilment and normality has her world turned upside down by a psychic prediction. A tale of love and destiny. (Radio comedy drama – 45’)
T for Trouble
A troubled teen struggles to keep her nose clean when she moves in with her London based uncle. Co-written with Albane Linyer. (TV comedy drama Pilot – 45’)
Short Scripts Include:
Heart of Oak
A small boy develops a close relationship with a tree, that even death cannot break. (Drama short – 2’)
Alternative History to A R T
A girl goes to great lengths to convince a bullied classmate that being labelled an alien is nothing to cry about – infact it’s startlingly cool. Written for a Tamasha / Cambridge Family Research Centre project. (TIE / short play – 20’)
Best Christmas Present Ever
A ranting Caledonian Road resident attempts to persuade her apathetic neighbours to rise up against greedy local developers. Developed for a Bush Theatre Location Specific project. (Monologue – 10’).
23 Hours, 53 Minutes
In her pre-incarnation meeting, a woman is warned that to break free from an endless cycle of unrequited love, she needs to let go of the man she thinks she loves or suffer the consequences and repeat the lesson. (Short play – 20’)
For Development:
Bluebird
A once celebrated, now forgotten speedster and aviator must compete with the attentions of a small boy and his unexpected arrival at her home in wartime Britain. Inspired by my father’s stay with 20’s racing driver and first woman to fly around the world, Mrs Victor Bruce. ** The TV script of the same name was awarded a partial Rocaberti scholarship for script development in May 23. (Film drama - 110’)
Sel de Mer
A cruise ship trip to spread the ashes of a much loved father and husband is rocked by a startling revelation that threatens to destroy an already fragile mother and daughter relationship. Two times Page Quarter Finalist, Atlanta Film Festival Finalist. Contact Joan Lane at Wild Thyme Productions. Info@wtproductions.co.uk (Film drama – 100’)
The Millennium Bug Heist
A psychic guru and fraudster attempts the ultimate heist, only to find she’s been had herself. (Film comedy – 90’)
Marmalade
A woman is determined to make her marmalade, whatever gets in her way. Animation. Ideally stop frame. (Short comedy - 2’)
Le Cruise
A captain of a cruise ship struggles to maintain order over his nightmarish punters, a mutinous crew and his stowaway mother. (TV pilot – 6 x 30’)