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SCREENWRITER FOR HIRE
FLY GIRLS
The Women Pilots of Britain's Air Transport Auxilary
During World War II, a remarkable group of women took to the skies in Britain and across the Channel, ferrying Spitfires, Hurricanes, bombers and other military aircraft for the Air Transport Auxiliary.
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FLY GIRLS is a feature screenplay written by Phil Parker inspired by the women pilots of the ATA and events in England and Europe during 1944. The project's producers hired Phil to bring the concept to life in a thrilling WWII adventure.
Project Details
FLY GIRLS
FORMAT: feature screenplay
GENRE: action/adventure/drama
SETTING: England and Europe 1944
INSPIRED BY: Historical events
SCREENWRITER: Phil Parker
STATUS: Out to market
SIAS WILSON, Producer (BAFTA-winner)
ROUGH CUT FILMS
"I have very much appreciated having Phil on our team. He consistently meets deadlines and often delivers early. In addition to being talented and hard-working, he is pleasant and easy to work with.
Looking forward to our next endeavour."
Who Were the Women Pilots
of Britain's WWII
Air Transport Auxiliary?
During World War II, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) played a vital role in keeping Britain's air war in the air. Its civilian pilots ferried new and repaired military aircraft between factories, maintenance facilities and operational squadrons, freeing RAF and Royal Navy pilots for combat duties.
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Women joined the ATA in 1940 under the leadership of pioneering aviator Pauline Gower. The first eight were experienced pilots, but they initially faced strict limitations and were permitted to fly only basic training aircraft. As they proved their abilities, those restrictions gradually disappeared.
Before long, ATA women were ferrying some of Britain's most famous wartime aircraft, including Spitfires and Hurricanes. Some progressed to heavy four-engine bombers such as the Lancaster. They were expected to handle a remarkable variety of aircraft, sometimes flying a type they had never flown before with little more than their training, experience and ferry-pilot notes to guide them.
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It was demanding and dangerous work. ATA pilots flew around Britain in unpredictable weather, generally without radio communication, delivering whatever aircraft was needed wherever it needed to go. By the end of the war, the ATA had delivered more than 300,000 aircraft.
The women also helped break barriers on the ground. After initially being paid less than their male colleagues, ATA women achieved equal pay for equal work in 1943, an extraordinary development for wartime Britain.
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More than 150 women ultimately served as ATA pilots. They came not only from Britain, but from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and across Europe.
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They weren't RAF combat pilots, but every Spitfire, Hurricane or bomber they delivered helped put another operational aircraft where Britain's fighting forces needed it. And though their job wasn't to engage the enemy, that didn't mean danger didn't find them.
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Their skill, courage and largely unsung contribution to the air war provided the historical inspiration behind FLY GIRLS.
Personal Feedback
on FLY GIRLS
from Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List
“These women are inspirational characters rarely seen on the big screen. The premise is eminently marketable, on point with the current moment, and would likely have broad and perhaps even international appeal.
There are several key roles that any actress would jump at the chance to play. The main character is drawn with depth, nuance and authenticity, and features in a stunning manner that gives her role the potential to entice top leading ladies.
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The tone finds welcome moments for humor and levity to buoy and balance the drama and adventure.
The aviation scenes are riveting, rendered with richly immersive authenticity and spectacularly cinematic detail. The final sequence makes for a thrilling third-act climax that ought to thoroughly satisfy moviegoers.”
More Script Feedback
Coverage Report #1
WeScreenplay
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"It's hard not to give this script a 10 out of 10 in every category.
An outstanding job ...a story filled with dramatic conflict and emotional tension." ​​​​​​​​
Coverage Report #2
WeScreenplay​
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"I was really engaged not just with the story itself, but the way you have told it. You should be proud of the work you have done here. This really feels like something that should be made and would make quite a splash if it was -- good job!"
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A screenwriter for your historical adventure
Have a true story, book or concept that belongs on screen? Phil Parker works with producers, directors, authors and other storytellers to develop ideas into feature screenplays.
Share a few details via the Contact Form, and Phil will reach out as soon as possible. Prefer direct email? No problem. Send your inquiry to storiesbyphil@gmail.com.
All serious project inquiries receive a response.
