Writer: Marcus Howell

Project Title: ‘The House of Arden’

Genre: YA Live Action Fantasy

Format: from 6 to 10 by 60’ (Pilot script Available)

Step into the enchanting world of E. Nesbit’s imagination with ‘The House of Arden,’ a modern-day adaptation of the beloved 1908 book. This captivating television series will follow the thrilling journey of two teenage siblings, Elf and Edred Arden, as they navigate spells and a mystical creature through time in an attempt to uncover a long-lost treasure.

The pilot episode sets the stage as Elf (16) and Edred (18) find themselves orphaned and living with their struggling Aunt Edith (36). But their fortunes take a turn when they discover Edred has inherited a castle and a prestigious title. However, to their disappointment, the castle is rundown with very little money in the inheritance.

Enter Mr. and Mrs. Honeysett, the elderly retainers of the previous Lord, who unveil a secret spell that could lead to a long-lost ancestral treasure. Their quest takes a fantastical twist when they encounter a magical creature known as the “Mouldiwarp,” who reveals that they must travel back in time to unravel the mystery.

In subsequent episodes, Elf and Edred embark on thrilling time-traveling adventures, including: encounters with smugglers during Bonaparte’s era; thwarting the Gunpowder Plot; escaping the Tower of London'; and even coming face-to-face with historical figures like Ann Boleyn. Along the way, they must face danger, deception, and, in one episode, they are branded as witches.

The TV series showcases compelling character dynamics, led by the vibrant Elf Arden, whose impulsive nature and natural leadership skills drive her unwavering hope in finding her missing father. Her older brother Edred, the pragmatic engineer-in-the-making, struggles to reconcile the existence of spells and magic with his logical mindset. Together, they must learn to navigate their differences and work as a team to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, if they are to find the treasure.

‘The House of Arden’ promises to transport viewers into a world where history intertwines with magic, where bravery and wit are their most potent tools. The production design keeps the pilot locations minimal, ensuring a straightforward shoot. Subsequent episodes will feature period costumes when the teenagers find themselves in different eras.

Expect a spellbinding series that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. “The House of Arden” will captivate international, as well as English speaking, audiences of all ages with its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and the timeless appeal of E. Nesbit’s beloved stories.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through time.

Note that Edith Nesbit gave all the main characters a name that began with an E. I have kept the names despite making it confusing to read.

Elfrida Arden Known as Elf

Elf is a 16-year-old orphan living with her 18 year old bother, and young aunt in a UK seaside town. Her mother died when she was very young and her father disappeared in Mongolia whilst on government business when she was ten. She now lives with her aunt in a Bed and breakfast lodging house. She believes that her father is still alive. Because of her orphan status and slight ADHD, she feels totally rudderless, with little purpose. She feels that she is missing out on life as everybody else seems to be having a better time than her. She is intelligent and a visionary but due to her ADHD is impulsive and overreacts, making her overwhelming or irritating to others. Deep down she wants to find purpose to her life. She is envious of other kids who have conventional lives mapped out. She doesn’t know how to value herself.

Edred Arden

Edred is 18 and lives with his younger sister Elf and his aunt Edith. He has lost his father and his mother. He has learnt that being an orphan means having to accept second best.

Until recently, he was the one who took on a fatherly, caring role for his little sister, as Edith didn’t discipline them at all. He finds his sister irritating, as she is always talking over the top of him or not listening to him. He comes across as rather slow due to him always thinking about what he is going to say.

He is in now at the first year of university and is studying civil engineering. He is quiet and has come to accept that no one is looking out for him. So, he calmly tries to get on with his life.

He had a girlfriend but had since split up since he went to Uni. It really hurt him when she called him too dull. Has concentrated on his studies rather than look for anyone else.

He has become more introverted as he gets older.

He is learning to drive and has and has funded lessons himself with a part-time job. He loves all things mechanical and is a natural engineer.

He is an overall nice guy, but a bit too staid.

Edith Arden

Five years ago Edith (35) lost her fiancé and brother presumed dead on a government mission to Mongolia. He brother left two, orphaned, preteen children as her brother’s wife died when the children were small.

She felt she had to take on the guardianship of her brethren’s preteen children at the age 30.

To make ends meet and to be at home for the children, she turned her brother’s home into a bed and breakfast. For a while this took up her time but since she has felt, ever since, that she is just existing To cope with her tragedy and loss she has immersed herself in reading romances. She has only recently come out of depression and started to look outwardly again.

She was brought up in the shadow of her 10 year older brother, but she hero worshiped him, despite her parents obviously favouring their son.

Dealing with loss is difficult and being an orphan in an age where individualism and achievement is highly valued is even more challenging. We only truly understand the loss when the teens are finally reconciled with their father, who was actually kidnapped and had not died after all.

The premise is that the genuine treasure of the story is community and relationships with family.

From the creative mind of renowned author E. Nesbit, known for captivating adaptations like 'The Railway Children' and 'Five Children and It,' comes a contemporary TV series that brings her enchanting storytelling into the present day.
This adaptation takes ordinary, relatable teens with modern values and immerses them in a world of mystical creatures and time travel, transporting them to captivating eras of the past.
With a focus on today's younger Young Adult demographic, this series offers a perfect balance of adventure, magic, and relatable issues, appealing to all four quadrants of the audience.
Get ready for a spellbinding journey that combines timeless themes with contemporary teen perspectives.

We are in an individualistic age. Looking after number one is paramount.

But here is a very different and exciting story promoting kindness and wisdom. This focus will rise this TV series above others that are focused on individualistic achievement and getting ahead.

Grounded fantasy is gaining in popularity. There is, what I call, green screen fatigue, so the realistic historic scenes coupled with the very contemporary values of our time will prove to be a winner.

It will be an ideal breakout role for the lead parts and a small key cast.

The historic sequences, with only a short shooting schedule, should prove desirable by some high‑quality actors in cameo roles. This in turn will make the project more saleable.

E. Nesbit is still well-loved and comes with a highly valued cachet, with the young and old alike. Although aimed at the teen and YA market, this has a full four-quadrant appeal. ‘The Railway Children' and other Nesbit stories are still fresh in people’s minds, guaranteeing a worldwide audience.

Locations have been kept to a minimum to ease the shooting schedule.

Normally in order to adapt a book for a TV series you would have to option the work with the author.

The book was written in 1908 and is out of copyright.

This Pilot script has been written in collaboration with Maria Dewhurst, a professional film and TV script editor who is currently working on 'Doctors' and a Sony Film.

She has ably given notes and has assisted with the rewrites.

I can certainly recommend her.

The pilot script should be close to production ready. 

There is enough material in the original book for up to ten episodes. I have blocked out the detailsof  the first four episodes.

Episode 1 - Pilot (see script)

Episode 2 - The Wreck of the 'Bonne Esperance'

Act 1 –Setup
The mouldiwarp explains that to find the treasure they must be kind and wise for three days and then they will find a magical door that will lead them to find where the treasure is hidden.

However, their journey proves to be challenging as they struggle to be genuinely kind and wise to one another. Their inability to overcome their own selfish tendencies hinders their progress in finding the magical door. The episode explores their personal growth and internal conflicts as they learn valuable lessons about empathy and selflessness.

As preparations for a feared French invasion intensify, Elf and Edred seek the assistance of a local witch, Betty Lovell. Curiously, they discover that Betty is from their own time but does not recognize them. Betty prophesies that they will only return to their own time after the French have landed, adding another layer of urgency to their quest.

In their pursuit of the treasure, the duo follows a group of smugglers to a cave, but their efforts prove fruitless as the treasure remains elusive. The smugglers inform Elf and Edred that a French boat is expected that night, raising the stakes for their return.

Act Three The Wreck
A powerful storm brews, preventing the French boat from landing as anticipated. Elf realizes that their chances of returning to their time hinge on the successful arrival of the French. The episode reaches a critical moment as the "Bonne Esperance" ship wrecks, and the locals rescue the stranded French sailors. In a surprising turn of events, Edred revives one of the sailors with artificial respiration.

As the episode concludes, the cliffhanger leaves viewers on edge, wondering if Elf and Edred will locate the door back to their own time amidst the chaotic events unfolding around them.

Episode 3 - Secrets and Abductions:

Act 1: Set up
Elf and Edred bravely make their way back from the year 1806 through a raging storm, discovering a different door that leads them home. However, uncertain of being believed, they make a pact to keep their time-traveling adventure a secret. To their surprise, they find that time has not progressed during their absence. Determined to learn more about their abilities, they seek out Mouldiwarp, who reveals a fascinating secret: sitting on a clock allows them to travel through time.

Despite their initial excitement, a heated argument ensues between Edred and Elf. In frustration, Elf sits on the clock and invokes the magic. No time passes, but she claims she has had an amazing adventure.

Edred doubts Elf's claim of having been back in time on her own, as she never appeared to leave his sight. Elf, undeterred, shares her incredible adventures, trying to convince Edred of the truth. The argument ultimately leads to the revelation of deeply rooted issues, but the two siblings reconcile, understanding the significance of kindness and wisdom in their journey.

Act 2: Elf's Story
Act 2 commences immediately after Elf's invocation of the time-travelling spell. She finds herself transported to Arden Town House in the year 1707. There, she encounters her cousin Bette and prepares for an enthralling carriage ride. The duo makes a stop at the Bull Pub for the night, and Elf's adventurous spirit compels her to venture alone into the enchanting garden.

In the garden, Elf engages in a spirited and flirtatious encounter with a charming gentleman. The exchange between them is filled with playful banter and establishes a growing connection. Intrigued by Elf's tales, the gentleman offers her a ride on his mare. Oblivious to the impending consequences, Elf naively confides in him about the valuable jewels they are carrying. However, her innocent disclosure backfires when Cousin Bette sternly reprimands her for divulging such sensitive information. This incident leaves Elf feeling indignant and frustrated, yearning to be recognized as more than a child.

Act 3: Kidnapped
The intensity escalates in Act 3 as Elf's life takes an unexpected and perilous turn. A masked highwayman abruptly ambushes their carriage, plunging Elf into a dangerous situation. Unbeknownst to her, the shocking revelation emerges that the handsome gentleman, whom Elf had previously encountered, is the mastermind behind the attack. In a climactic twist, he kidnaps Elf and also absconds with the valuable jewels. This gripping turn of events concludes the episode on a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the resolution of Elf's fate and the unfolding consequences of her abduction.

Episode 4 – James the third

Act 1: Arden Castle
In Act 1, Elfrida and James III arrive at Arden Castle, where James reveals his true identity as the rightful King of England. He instructs Elfrida to leave the window open that night, assuring her they will retrieve their stolen jewels. Elfrida hides James in a secret room and provides him with food, while Cousin Bette proves to be less practical. Elfrida volunteers to take him food and eats with him, emphasizing the importance of keeping his presence a secret. However, their peaceful encounter is interrupted by a sudden banging on the door.

Act 2: The King's Men
In Act 2, gentlemen in riding dress burst into the room, demanding to know the whereabouts of the stranger. Bette faints and Elfrida cleverly sends the servants away, explaining that they were robbed by a highwayman. She denies James' presence, and the men eventually leave. Elfrida goes to bed but wakes up early to bring James his shaving water.

Act 3: The Wager
In Act 3, Elfrida heads up to Arden Knoll, where she encounters two figures in the fields. Two gentlemen meet them at the gate, and James discreetly exits through the window. They all stealthily move along the castle wall. It is revealed that the situation is part of a wager: James explains he is not the king but Edward Talbot, a baronet. He had made a bet with the gentlemen to rob a coach carrying the Arden jewels and spend a night at Arden Castle. Elfrida, shaken by this revelation, returns to her own time.

Further episodes in development.

Download The script
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