FRANKIE'S FLYER
An unforgettable story of perseverance, innovation, and triumph.
Frankie's Flyer is a powerful story set in the heart of Somerset East, South Africa, that explores themes of defying limitations and challenging the status quo.
Peter Reed, a bright teaching graduate, takes on the "Special Class"—students deemed "backward"—at Gill College High School. Inspired by innovative teaching methods, he believes in their potential, which immediately clashes with the narrow-minded principal, Dr Hawkins, who has his own reasons for upholding the school's rigid traditions. The story follows Peter's radical approach as his students, especially Frankie, an orphan dreaming of building a glider, begin to thrive. However, Peter's defiance of the curriculum leads to his dismissal after a tragic event. Despite this, his impact is undeniable, as the once-forgotten class achieves remarkable success, with one becoming a medical doctor and another the CEO of a toy factory exporting an educational toy worldwide.
Years later, in a poignant twist, Peter encounters the fruits of his labour, realizing his efforts were not in vain.
In progress
Concept trailer:
The trailer opens with sweeping aerial shots of the breathtaking South African landscape, gradually focusing on a modest, rural school nestled in the heart of Somerset East. As the camera moves through the school grounds, we catch glimpses of marginalized students struggling to thrive in a traditional classroom, their potential stifled by rigid expectations.
Next, we are introduced to Peter Reed, a young and passionate teacher whose fresh, unconventional teaching methods breathe new life into the Special Class. His energy contrasts sharply with the old-fashioned, controlling ways of the school’s principal, Dr. Hawkins, setting the stage for the central conflict.
The trailer then shifts to Frankie, a bright but orphaned student who dreams of building a glider. His bond with Peter becomes evident as the two share moments of inspiration, hope, and determination. Tension builds as Peter faces increasing opposition from the school’s administration and others who doubt his approach.
The trailer crescendos with powerful, fleeting glimpses of both tragedy and triumph. We see brief shots suggesting the struggles Peter faces and the eventual successes of his students, whose lives are forever changed by his belief in them. The trailer concludes with a lingering image of Peter, reflecting on the lasting impact he’s had on their futures—highlighting the themes of innovation versus tradition, and the transformative power of a dedicated teacher.
The overall tone - quiet inspiration and emotional resonance, capturing the essence of a “captivating story with universal appeal,” much like Dead Poets Society, as described by Peter Holden of M-Net.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable story of perseverance, innovation, and triumph. Get your copy of Frankie’s Flyer now and immerse yourself in this emotional journey that challenges societal norms and showcases the power of education to transform lives.
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About the Author
Gerhard Uys is a distinguished filmmaker, author, and academic with a significant impact on both the film industry and education. He holds seven academic qualifications and was the first South African filmmaker to earn a doctorate in Motion Picture Production. As Head of the prestigious Pretoria Technikon Film School, he shaped the careers of award-winning filmmakers.
Beyond academia, Dr. Uys played a key role in developing Nickelodeon Films and has directed the critically acclaimed feature film A Fire in Africa, which has received 39 awards.
Frankie’s Flyer originated as a screenplay that garnered interest from Aquarius Literary Agency in London and secured deals before being published as a novella, now available globally via Amazon Books. The novella has received high praise, being described as "a captivating story with universal appeal". It is currently under editorial review for traditional publication and being considered for cinematic adaptation by Zero Gravity Management in Los Angeles.
Why Frankie’s Flyer Is a Smart Investment for Producers
With its emotionally resonant story, modest production requirements, and international appeal, Frankie’s Flyer offers a rare combination of creative depth and financial feasibility. Set in rural South Africa during the 1980s, this powerful drama can be filmed entirely on location at a fraction of the cost typically required in the U.S. or Europe. Thanks to South Africa’s favorable exchange rate—currently hovering around R18 to the US dollar—producers can expect significant savings on everything from crew rates and equipment hire to post-production services.
The production budget is estimated at under $5 million, making Frankie’s Flyer an ideal candidate for producers seeking high-impact, character-driven content without the burden of extensive VFX or complex set builds. The film’s central setting—a school environment with minimal location changes—further reduces logistical complexity and cost. Additionally, South Africa’s growing pool of internationally experienced film professionals ensures high production quality at a competitive rate.
Beyond financials, the project has already attracted positive attention from established industry players. The screenplay has been assessed by major film and publishing entities, including Zero Gravity Management in Los Angeles and Austin Macauley in the UK and UAE. It has received high praise from Lift-Off Los Angeles and M-Net, which called it “a captivating story that promises to resonate with audiences of all ages,” and drew favorable comparisons to Dead Poets Society and The Pursuit of Happyness.
With strong market potential across streaming platforms, indie circuits, and global distribution, Frankie’s Flyer is not just a compelling story—it’s a sound business opportunity for producers looking to back socially relevant, emotionally impactful cinema that can be made cost-effectively without sacrificing quality or vision.