A second edition of the ebook ‘The Secrets of Filming ‘SWALLOWS & AMAZONS'(1974) is now available on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords, itunes, Kobo, and Nook for £2.99 . You can download this free of charge if you already own the first edition.
If you would like a copy but don’t have a Kindle, worry not. We have added a link whereby you can download a free Kindle app. Please go to my Book Page and scroll down for the details.
If you already have a copy of the ebook, contact a Customer Advisor and ask for a free update. You just need to give Kindle the ebook’s ASIN number. The ISBN for all online editions except Kindle is: ISBN 9781311761927
Since being contacted by others who were involved in the filming, I have been able to add a few more anecdotes and images, including this beautiful shot of Virginia McKenna in 1973 kindly sent in by the photographer Philip Hatfield.
I found a copy of my original contract for the film and when Jean McGill rang from Bowness, a few more secrets floated to the surface.
CBBCTV’s Cinemaniacs interviewed the screenwriter David Wood and myself on how the original movie of Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ was made back in the summer of 1973. The idea was to use 30 second clips, so please excuse my over-the-top reactions, but you can watch the whole recording below.
‘This has to be one of the most delightful interviews in my recent memory.’ Tim Lewis, USA
Sophie Neville 
Sophie – that’s good news! Is there enough new material to warrant a 2nd edition of the printed book?
We have certainly upgraded and made a number of small additions to the print book, preparing for a second print run. I’ve added the names of a few more members of the film crew and have been able to improve the flow. It’s been quite a complicated book to put together in an amusing and readable way. The ebook is diverging further as it also includes the rather more gossipy anedotes that have been sent in. You may have come across them on earlier blog posts! It does not include any official film stills but I have added a few more images that are of interest. Do you ever read ebooks yourself?
I love this site and your reminiscences, Sophie – thank you so much.
Hearing a little of the “inside story” of the film-making adds another layer to the pleasure the film evokes.
Best wishes from NZ.
It’s a great encouragment to hear from you, Valerie. I’m giving a talk about the making of the films here in the UK this evening. Would you honour me by leaving a short review on the Amazon site – unless you prefer another online bookshop. I think the link for Amazon would be: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Filming-Swallows-Amazons-ebook/dp/B00GNFYZJS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Thanks for that update Sophie. Yes I do, but there is nothing like a physical book, and though I had the e-book version of yours as soon as the real book was published I bought a copy!
Thanks! We made the ebook as cheap as possible for this reason. It is good to have a couple of ebooks on your phone incase you get stuck somewhere. A friend of mine was in stand-still traffic on the M3 for 8 hours once. A kindle is a great blessing if you have to go into hospital for a long period or travel a lot.
Have just watched the interview of David Wood and yourself on YouTube – an amusing and informative piece which you both obviously enjoyed . I am soon to obtain the Ebook of your revised book , so more secrets will soon be revealed …
TARS for ever , Martin
My secret is that I am terrified a few typos have crept in during the revision. Please let me know if you see any or notice diary sections that are not in italics. Sometimes they jump out all by themselves. Horrific. Everyone will think I write like a 12 yr old.
Sophie, I remembered I had the 1st edition from Smashwords and once I signed in and went to ‘my library’ it let me download the 2nd straight away.
That’s great!
I have the hardback edition and I am half-way through this 2nd edition e-book; it’s marvellous! Some of the new anecdotes are hilarious!
I’m so glad you are enjoying it. Let me know if you have any questions or see anything I should add.
I will.