Jet Bike Steve - From Twitter idea to actual film concept

Witnessing the birth of an idea in real time is quite a unique feeling of excitement (and a time-waster if you're working). The often misunderstood social media that is Twitter catapulted what might have been just a whimsical daydream movie idea by Britcom legend, Simon Pegg into a web and media frenzy (ok, frenzied action by fans perhaps). Earlier today, he announced the project's green light of 'Jet Bike Steve and The Bikini Thief' on Lauren Leverne's BBC 6 Music radio show.

The Tweet from @Simonpegg started it all off was "I'm gonna write a film about jet bikes. I like them, they go fast on the sea. I play the main character, Jet Bike Steve. That's all so far." at 3:22pm on 23rd March 2010. The Twitter banter escalated between Nick Frost, Edgar Wright and about 252,986 followers (as on 26th March).

The basic concept of 'Jet Bike Steve' is Steve, a (good) pirate who travels around on a Knightrider like Geordie accented, talking jet bike which is called the Barack-uda raiding fuel from luxury yachts. Other details mentioned are: A killer whale called Andy Monteith which can be summoned by whistle; Under #JBS's eyepatch is a highly polished steel ball bearing which he uses for GLINT ATTACK!!!

Its suddenly spawned its own Facebook fan page, Wikipedia entry, some fan artwork including movie poster (pictured above and created by Philip Kennedy), an annual, an action figure, t-shirts you can actually buy(?), a fake Twitter account, an official Twitter account, an official website, an unofficial website and a YouTube movie trailer (see below).

Some famous names have been mentioned that will get 'on-board':

• On screen partner in crime, Nick Frost as Thor the Viking who was found frozen
• Edgar Wright to direct (Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and new film, Scott Pilgrim)
• David Arnold to do the theme tune with Shirley Bassey
• Eric Roberts as Dick Spash, Steve's arch-enemy

Personally, although I can see the obvious attraction of setting the story in the Caribbean (or St Tropez as per the movie trailer), I honestly think there would be more charm and comedy in setting it around Poole Harbour. Maybe Steve is the modern day smuggler and the film could be a 21st century Moonfleet or maybe not as its sounds a bit dull plus all the fantasy stuff wouldn't mix either.

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