An insightful woman dreams of being a novelist, however, women’s writing is not taken seriously in 1777, so she must become as strong as the character she wrote to break barriers and publish her novel. Based on a true story.

SYNOPSIS:

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First Drop of Rain is a historical fiction, based on the true story of Frances Burney, a revolutionary author in 18th century England. First Drop of Rain tells the story of Frances’ journey into society, her struggle to find out who she is, who she loves, and to fulfill her aspirations of authoring her novel, Evelina. In this story, Frances willingly steps away from a conventional life of security through marriage and instead accomplishes something truly meaningful when she becomes the first drop of rain for female authors.

Synopsis

Frances Burney wants to be a writer, but in 1777 women’s writing is treated with contempt. She is instead tutored in the “womanly art” of correspondence by Hugh Lowe, with whom she strikes up a close friendship. Despite the disapproval of her father and of society, Frances secretly begins authoring her novel Evelina. Frances also begins her entrance into society, an occasion marked by her introduction to Miles Hazelton, the opera tenor, who quickly becomes her suitor. Frances sends her book to Lowe and Son Publishers anonymously, and when Hugh reads the manuscript, he is immediately hooked. Meanwhile, Frances begins to realize that while Miles is perfect on paper, his dismissal of her talents proves him unequal to the standards of romance Frances championed through Evelina. Hugh and Frances’ father discover she is the writer of Evelina and help her to edit it and get it published. But the chance of it being written by a literary lady may stop the presses before they ever begin. When Hugh finally chooses to take the risk of publishing Evelina himself, despite the author being anonymous, the groundbreaking novel is met with wild acclaim. Wanting to reveal to London the truth behind Evelina, Frances tells Miles that she is the author. Unable to support her, he demands she tell no one, so Frances breaks off their engagement. Hugh finally confesses his love for Frances, and Frances continues to author more novels with Hugh as her editor.

Why this story?

Frances’ novel Evelina was a decisive first step toward women being able to publish their stories freely. William Hazlitt’s review of “women’s writing” in the 1802 Edinburgh Review documents the prevailing opinion at that time of woman authors, “Women’s soft minds, like their soft bodies, are incapable of the sustained attention and inborn genius required to create the best novels.” Frances Burney proved him to be dreadfully wrong.

Everyone knows of Jane Austen; however, her predecessor Frances Burney is largely unknown. When Austen died in 1817, it was not obvious that Austen would become the archetypal British woman writer. Frances Burney was far more famous in her lifetime than Austen was in hers, and Burney’s novels, particularly Evelina, achieved as much, if not more, critical acclaim than Austen’s works. However, Austen’s legacy has been managed far better and it is the intention of this screenplay to give Frances her due.

In short, Frances Burney deserves to have her legacy restored as the true archetypal British woman writer. This film will do just that while respecting Jane’s place in history.

Audience Appeal

Women and young girls everywhere will identify on a personal level with Frances’ path as she explores the world, falls headfirst into romance, and with the courage she shows in following her dreams and standing up to a culture in which women are merely ornamentation. It tells the story of all those held captive to social standards set for them.

Female-centered historical romances are huge viewers. The fact that it is based on a true story that hasn’t been told before adds to its appeal. The story’s themes of finding one’s voice, and the ideal partner will resonate with a broad audience. While women today do not need to hide the fact that they are writers, there are still plenty of social pressures and continuous inequalities.

The beauty, strength, and hope in Frances’ story has brought the script immense success already. It was a Semifinalist in the Austin Film Festival, received the Gold Award at the Women’s International Film Festival, and was Best Drama Screenplay at the Best Script Awards and the King Film Festival in London.

FIRST DROP OF RAIN