Beermat, that’s beautiful stuff. Thank you very much. That Spitfire manual is essentially a goldmine to me. I’ve previously seen the Spitfire spare parts site. Stumbled across it once to see how a Spit fuel guage is marked. Some interesting stuff in there.

Hadn’t heard about that. From his IMDB page it seems he hasn’t done much in a few years. I was told that a script about Tuck was actually written years ago. Supposedly a copy exists, but its owner has been unable to locate it. I wonder if this guy wrote it.

In any case, if he really was Tuck’s son I’d think he would have gone for paternity testing, as that has been available for some time. Of course, genetic material would also have to be requested from Tuck’s family. That kind of thing could get ugly fast, especially since Tuck disavowed any association with this man whatsoever.

Guess we’ll never know. Bet he pops out of the woodwork if he gets wind of my project though.

In FFYL, Forrester writes about air gunnery competitions. Can anyone tell me about what was involved in those? The book gives no indication on how these events were staged, what the targets were, how the events were observed, and so forth.

Thank you Graham. I actually saw that wonderful site early last year. I think I may have even tried to email its proprietor with no success. There’s some nice information about markings and paint schemes, which could come in handy as one reference for production. I’m glad to have the link again though, since I hadn’t saved it.

Regarding the question in your next post, sorry to say I prefer to stay anonymous at the moment for a variety of reasons. But yes, the screenplay is for a feature film which is at this point in the earliest stages of planning and by no means a certainty. First order of business is a good script. If that happens, I have a shot at getting “Tuck’s Luck” made. If this ever moves into pre-production, you’ll know more about me. I’m hoping to be in the UK for the process anyway. IF it goes forward, I’m inclined to see if anyone in this group would want to pick a centrally located pub, meet, and accept a few pints as a thank-you. Would be fun, I should think.

Can anyone tell me where the microphone was located for a Spit pilot? Was it actually attached to his uniform’s collar, or was it only the switch in this area? Would a pilot have been able to talk to his squadron mates without his O2 mask in place? Are there any pictures of this set-up?

As always, thanks for any help.

I don’t mind answering your questions, Graham. Everyone here has been very forthcoming and an explanation is probably due.

This is a project I began of my own volition. I have no relationship to Hollywood at all.

You seem to be confused about the difference between a screenplay and a film. A screenplay is a script written specifically for film. A blueprint. It contains all the scenes, characters, and dialogue the film will contain.

I was introduced to Tuck’s story about 15 years ago by my father. I’ve had an interest in aircraft and flying all my life, and Tuck’s story made a big impression. In fact, until I read Fly For Your Life, I knew virtually nothing about the Battle of Britain. In the last few years I’ve become involved in independent films, including some acting (among other things).

During that time, I discovered that anyone can write a “spec” screenplay, which is a screenplay not commisioned by a production company. I also discovered that a well-written spec about a well-chosen subject stands a better than average chance of being made into a film. It seemed as though no one else was going to do it, and I’d always thought Tuck’s story would make a good film, so I began looking into the legal aspects of acquiring the rights to do a film based on someone else’s work — the book in this case. Nearly a year later, I had an agreement and got to work.

While working on my script, I contacted various companies and people that I thought might want to help me get the film made. Each one has responded with the same enthusiasm I’ve found in this group. One of them has indicated a possible source of funding.

My intention is for this to be produced in the UK, using primarily British actors, a British production company, and British crew. I am well aware of British feelings toward Tuck and his contemporaries, as well as their aircraft. As far as I’m concerned, the Brits have the sole right to help me tell the story. They know the aircraft, the men, and the history better than anyone.

Having said all that, you must understand that without a good script it is pointless to approach anyone for funding. That is why I’m here. I want this to be accurate. In my part of the world, the only thing most people know about the relationship between England and WW2 is that London got bombed. I’m an American who now understands what happened, what England went though, and how different the outcome nearly was.

I want the rest of the world to know. Or at least to be reminded.

I hope that helps.

P.S. I have no intention of directing. That’s way beyond my abilites.

Attached is picture of a Spit (and me) at Fantasy of Flight here in Florida. Given the smoking topic, does anyone see the irony of the location of the sign on the wall?

Actually, I have thought of it. It’s called a “proof of concept” clip. There’s a CG company here in the States that wants to work on the project, but after seeing this, I PMed the guy who posted that video with a request for information about its creator. You may recall the film “TRON” from the 80’s? Steven Lisberger had a demo reel done, with which he approached Disney and got the project greenlighted. The exact same process was repeated with the film’s new sequel with the same result, and I know other films have been greenlighted in a similar manner.

Now, it’s one thing to create aircraft doing relatively benign manuevers like those in the clip, and quite another to realistically depict violent manuevers, inflight damage, crashes, and the like, and that’s where CG comes in. I’d want to see that imagery done well before being convinced. After finishing my script, I’ll most likely pick a scene from it and let some CG artists take a stab along with some quality audio work.