Small Brown Bird

I've just read a good news story over at David Lemon's blog about a film called The Hide.

A film about listers ("twitchers" to the less than savvy) - imagine that! Sounds excellent.


(photograph copyright Robin Newlin)


And then I realised that I have never blogged about my own lister movie that never quite made it to the big screen.

Small Brown Bird was my third attempt to write a screenplay (one day I'll tell you about Musclebound Hero and Glen Haggis). It got me my first (token) option fee, and an introduction to a BBC producer. That producer introduced me to my agent, and got me writing for Doctors. And, somewhere along the line, I'm pretty sure it played a part in getting me into the BBC Writers' Academy.

So, although it never got made, I am extremely fond of Small Brown Bird.

The option ran out years ago. But, as birding movies are clearly in the zeitgeist, allow me to pimp it one more time...

Sylvia’s social life is about as barren as the wildlife reserve she manages, until a rare migrant bird tempts several hundred birdwatching men into her remote and fragile world, including Henry - an investment analyst, renowned warbler expert and confirmed bachelor.

If anyone's interested in a low-budget, rural, romantic comedy about a lost Phylloscopus coronatus, give me a call.