Record

RepositoryBill Douglas Centre Archives (GB 2869)
Ref NoBDC 1/XAD/1/1/1
Date?1988-1992
LevelFile
Extent5 boxes
Title'Flying Horse'
Creator NameDouglas; Bill (1934-1991); filmmaker
Jewell; Peter (1934- ); Douglas' friend and executor
DescriptionThe file contains: very early copy of the script – untitled and notable for the numerous differences from the final copy; several drafts of 'Flying Horse' in various stages of development – many dated; packet of script notes; unfinished portions of script; notepads of Peter Jewell's notes on the script; Yosemite postcard booklet used for research; letter from Peter Jewell to Simon Relph regarding Henning Carlsen as possible director. Contracts between Bill Douglas and Skreba to write the script. Note on script changes from Simon Relph. Letter from Tessa Ross at British Screen confirming a loan to develop the project in 1990; Correspondence between Bill Douglas, Simon Relph and Christopher Young regarding script revisions on 'Flying Horse' and continuity notes. Includes letter on the script dated 12 June 1991, just before Douglas's death.
FormatVarious formats
AdminHistoryBill Douglas had developed his fascination with pre-cinema optics and effects while he and Peter Jewell amassed their film-related collection, started in the mid 1960s. It was from these artefacts that Douglas drew the inspiration for 'Flying Horse' -- a biopic of Eadweard Muybridge. Muybridge is considered by many as the father of the moving image, and Douglas was drawn to the elements of pre-cinema in his motion-related images. Douglas used the melodramatic aspects of Muybridge's life (cuckoldry, murder and scandal) and the parallel story of Muybridge's son (whom the photographer did not acknowledge as his) to form his compelling script of 'Flying Horse'. Had Douglas not died the film would have began production under Channel 4, produced by Simon Relph.
LanguageEnglish
AccessStatusOpen
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