He Raced The Devil
feature — 110pp
Novel — 80,000 words
dramatic comedy / mystery
A socially awkward eccentric, obsessed with proving his ancestral claim to a myth-steeped wood, discovers he’s inherited a centuries-old curse when he’s rescued from a forest fire by a mysterious hermit.
the pitch
HE RACED THE DEVIL is a darkly comic literary mystery steeped in English folklore, set largely within the ancient woodland of St Leonard’s Forest in modern-day Sussex. Inspired by local legends and interwoven with the atmospheric poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Blake—both of whom lived nearby—it combines the eccentric humanity of the Coen Brothers with the dark wit of Martin McDonagh.
At its heart is Howard Shelley, an argumentative, socially awkward eccentric obsessed with proving his descent from Percy Shelley and reclaiming what he believes to be his family’s forgotten birthright. As his search draws him deeper into the forest’s mysteries, he finds himself confronting grief, loneliness, inherited legacy and the unexpected possibility of belonging.
The story explores folklore, poetry, genealogy, mental health, the failings of social care, and the families we inherit versus those we choose.
soundtrack inspiration
industry feedback
“We really enjoyed the read, it’s brilliantly imaginative and we thought it felt very confident in terms of character and tone. We talk quite a lot about low budget British comedy and we did think this felt like a very distinctive script in that space, encompassing pastoral quirkiness alongside myth and surrealism. It’s certainly an enjoyable world to spend time in.”
“The team really enjoyed having another read of this. As you know, we’re big fans of the quirky, fairytale-like nature of your writing – I can really see the Martin McDonagh influence here. The changes you’ve made since the last draft have certainly taken it up a notch. Howard’s character in particular feels much more sympathetic - the addition of his grandad, whilst only a small part, anchors him in the past, and gives him emotional depth that really adds heart and reason to his tale.”
“It is a beautifully evocative piece and we love the poetic setting of the forest and how you have weaved folklore into the narrative. Howard is a wonderfully drawn character and the themes of friendship, identity and a broken system are fantastic to explore.”
“We completely agree with what Film4 have said. The story is incredibly imaginative and the script has a distinctive voice of its own. Your characters are endearing and your writing is cleverly descriptive, which really helps us to envision how the story would come to life on screen.”
“He Raced The Devil is an interesting piece. It has some real poetry to it and the idea behind it is a compelling one. I think it could be a very interesting and visually rich character piece but it is entirely dependent upon casting to move it forward.”
“Your project impressed!”
“It’s a great read, what an interesting world you’ve created, and we particularly enjoyed Howard’s character, he lifts from the page and has a clear and imaginative journey!”
“We completely agree with what Film4 have said. The story is incredibly imaginative and the script has a distinctive voice of its own. Your characters are endearing and your writing is cleverly descriptive, which really helps us to envision how the story would come to life on screen.”
“Dan’s screenplay is full of warmth and heart, it’s a love letter to England. I would love to see this get made (and see it on the big screen). There are some great roles that would provide an excellent showcase for acting talent.”
“A massive well done! Really enjoyed the read. Really vivid, original, funny and ambitious. Well played!”
“Fierce the tempest raves around, Fierce the volleyed lightnings fly, Crashing thunder shakes the ground, Fire and tumult fill the sky!”
casting inspiration
Howard Shelley
A socially awkward eccentric with an acerbic wit, boundless curiosity and an unshakable belief that he was born for something greater. Howard carries himself with the pompous air of a forgotten aristocrat despite growing up on a council estate. Obsessed with proving his descent from the poet Percy Shelley and reclaiming what he believes is his family's lost birthright, he spends his days birdwatching in a camouflage sun hat and utility vest, pursuing increasingly improbable adventures. He is, by his own insistence—unemployable.
The Hermit
Every deep line around the Hermit's fierce, watchful eyes tells a story, his weathered skin bearing the scars of centuries spent in the wilderness. A mysterious, fearsome and darkly Quixotic former adventurer, he has wandered the forest ever since losing a race with the Devil. He gives voice to the atmospheric poetry of William Blake and Percy Shelley, his only refuge from the torment of confinement and isolation. His loyal dog, Sancho, is his constant companion.
Nicholas
The local librarian. A kindly, playful man who's always obliging to Howard's demands, chuckling along to each quip with a warm and attentive smile. But beneath his affable exterior lurks a far darker agenda, and every so often his pleasant façade slips, revealing something quietly unsettling.
Sister Mary
Confined to the chapel on the forest’s edge, Mary chose an eternity of isolation over abandoning the man she loved. Quietly courageous and unwavering in her convictions, she becomes Howard’s spiritual guide and the Hermit’s closest ally.
Aurora
A black-clad goth with an encyclopaedic heavy metal T-shirt collection, an unhealthy fascination with the occult, and a habit of bursting into 1980s TV theme tunes. She is determined to befriend Howard, despite being unreservedly told if she ever speaks to him again she will be told more truths than she can ever handle. But, Aurora is driven by a secret mission far darker than anyone realises.
Mother
Howard’s loving and long-suffering mother, whose warmth, wit and quiet resilience keep their unconventional household together. Though Howard rarely appreciates her sacrifices, she’s more than capable of standing up to her wayward son.
PC Roger Pipkin
Roger Pipkin, the local policeman, has had it in for Howard ever since they were schoolboys. Both were bullied, but instead of standing together they each learned to deflect the attention onto the other. Now a policeman facing bullies of his own, Roger’s long-running feud with Howard proves surprisingly difficult to leave behind.
The Ranger
The Ranger is a wild man of the countryside whose wiry frame belies remarkable strength, while his maniacal cackle suggests a mind long untethered. Known to some as Saint Leonard—the most un-saintly of men—he is reputed to have slain the last dragon in England. Having stalked the forest for centuries, he appears a deeply sinister and quite possibly deranged presence.
Grandad
Howard’s mischievous and loving grandad, and the father figure who shaped his early life. He filled Howard’s imagination with dreams of exploration and left him with an enduring belief that the forest might be the Shelley family’s lost birthright—a belief that ultimately drives Howard’s quest to claim it.
Bert
Bert owns the local army surplus store, but looks as though he belongs in Apocalypse Now. A devoted collector of Second World War military vehicles, he's Howard's oldest and most dependable friend, always ready to come to his aid—however improbable the mission.
commercial appeal
“Genealogy is the 2nd most popular hobby in the US after gardening, it is the 2nd most visited category of website after pornography” - Time Magazine.
Who Do You Think You Are? is a TV show exploring the ancestry of celebrities with global audience figures well exceeding 500 million. Licensed to 18+ countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Sweden & Russia, the show has run for 10+ seasons in many territories.
Percy Shelley’s work exemplifies English Romanticism in extremes of joyous ecstasy and brooding despair. His popular work explores rebellion, interchange with nature, and the untamed spirit ever in search of freedom.
Iconic British poet and artist William Blake, radical and rebellious in his approach, is an inspiration to artists, musicians and poets worldwide. Tate Britain's William Blake exhibition (2019/20) was a sell-out.
“Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”
writers’s statement
“I grew up close to St. Leonard’s Forest and spent many weekends walking there with my family and our dogs. I was fascinated by the legends and the history, and loved the sense of escapism and feeling of serenity you get in the forest. My dad was a fireman in the town and would often be called away to forest fires at St. Leonard’s, returning battle weary and stinking of smoke. Throughout my formative years I’d go there to cycle, guerrilla camp and explore, and then as an adult, walk with the new members of my family (nephews and niece). It’s definitely my happy place.”
