He might never escape the name "Briefcase Wanker" thanks to his role as Will in The Inbetweeners and its two film spin-offs, but Simon Bird has been stealthily working behind the camera as well as in front of it. He's now preparing to direct his first feature film, working on an adaptation of Joff Winterhart's graphic novel Days Of The Bagnold Summer.
Lisa Owens wrote the script, which is drawn from Winterhart's 2012 work. The story concerns 15-year-old Daniel Bagnold, whose summer plan to visit his father and step-mother in Florida is thrown for a loop when they cancel. Facing the prospect of six weeks with his librarian mother, Daniel nonetheless finds a way to have a good time with his friends, his heavy metal obsession, and yes, even with his mum.
Bird is looking for a cast now, with the backing of Creative England, and should be shooting the film this year. Acting-wise, he'll next be seen in You, Me And Him.