He Raced The Devil
feature / 110pp / dramatic comedy / mystery
A rambunctious man obsessed with proving his ancestral claim to a forest discovers his inheritance may be a curse when he's rescued from a forest fire by a mysterious hermit.
the pitch
A dramatic comedy / modern fairy tale set mostly in a Sussex forest in modern-day England, with a small yet colourful cast, inspired by actual legends and interwoven with the atmospheric poetry of Percy Shelley and William Blake who once lived in the area. Told with a similar tone to the work of Martin McDonagh and loosely inspired by Ignacius J. Reilly from the novel A Confederacy of Dunces.
The story explores the effects of loneliness and a lack of purpose on mental health, and the importance of friendships and direction in life. It is a character study of a rambunctious person with a combative, yet curious nature, who’s obsessed with proving what he believes to be his birthright. With themes including poetry, folklore, the failings of social welfare, escaping the system, and *genealogy.
*Genealogy is the 2nd most popular hobby in the US after gardening, it is the 2nd most visited category of website after pornography.
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!”
“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 rambunctious and somewhat cretinous social misfit with a combative, yet curious nature and an acerbic wit, seeking his purpose in life. He carries himself with an air of pompous nobility despite his humble council estate origins. He’s obsessed with proving his ancestral link to the poet Percy Shelley and claim what he believes to be his birthright. A Territorial Army reject gone rogue and keen bird watcher, dressed mostly in a camouflage sun hat, jacket, utility vest and walking boots. By his own insistence, unemployable - and of a similar mould to Ignatius J. Reilly from the novel A Confederacy of Dunces.
The Hermit
Every deep line around his focused, fierce eyes tells a story; his skin is darkened by extremes of weather. A mysterious, fearsome and darkly Quixotic former adventurer, trapped for centuries in the forest after losing a race with the devil. He gives voice to the atmospheric poetry of William Blake and Percy Shelley, his escape from the emotional torture of confinement and isolation. His dog Sancho is his loyal companion.
Lucien
The local librarian. A kindly, playful man who’s ever obliging to Howard’s demands, chuckling along to each mischievous quip with a warm and attentive smile. But this polite and pleasant man has a sinister agenda… and occasionally his mask of joviality will slip and show his darker underbelly.
Sister Mary
Confined to the Chapel on the edge of the forest… Mary was given an impossible choice between death and eternity trapped within those walls, to be at the least, close to her former love. A strong woman of conviction and integrity, and confidante to the Hermit.
Aurora
A black-clad goth (35) with a vast hellish heavy metal T-shirt collection, an unhealthy interest in the occult, and a penchant for singing 80s TV series 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 carries a secret agenda of a darker nature.
Mother
Howard’s long-suffering but loving mother, his rock, come what may. Howard is not a considerate son and doesn’t appreciate his mother’s sacrifices and service. But she carries herself with a sense of fun and good humour and certainly doesn't let herself be bullied by her badly behaved son.
The Policeman
The Policeman - AKA Roger Crumple - has had it in for Howard since school where they were classmates and both the targets of bullies. Rather than team up against the bullies, they used one another to deflect the flack. Roger now contends with bullies at work, perhaps that’s why he’s a pain in Howard’s backside.
The Ranger
The forestry Ranger, a wild man of the countryside whose wiry frame belies his strength, but whose maniacal cackle affirms his insanity… Known to some as Saint Leonard, a most un-Saintly man reputed to have slain the last dragon in England. Stalking the forest for an age… a deeply sinister and likely mad aggressor.
Grandad
Howard’s mischievous and loving Grandad. The father figure in Howard’s early life, who filled his imagination with dreams of becoming an explorer, and the driving force in Howard’s mission to claim the family treasure (the forest that may be their birthright).
Bert
Bert owns the local army surplus store, but might be more at home in Apocolypse Now. He’s a keen collector of WW2 era military vehicles and the closest thing to a friend Howard’s got.
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.”
