Breaking the Spy Movie Mold with "Anonymous Jane"

There are stories that whisper, and stories that kick the door off its hinges. Anonymous Jane does the latter.

In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with two incredible creators approaching the exact same explosive story from very different artistic worlds: hard-edged crime novelist Luke Preston (writing as Jack Quade) and visionary director Alice Waddington.

Together, they are adapting Preston’s fast-moving novel into a visceral, cinematic experience. At the heart of the story is Jane—a non-traditional spy, weapon, and shadow fixer who suddenly faces the ultimate personal ticking clock: learning she is both pregnant and terminally ill. Suddenly, the mission isn't just about saving the world; it’s a desperate gamble for survival and redemption.

What We Dive Into in This Episode:

The Anti-Bond Blueprint: Luke discusses why he wanted to strip away the traditional, detached "James Bond" archetype to create a protagonist driven by deeply personal stakes.
The Nice Guys Meets Hong Kong Cinema: Alice shares how she connected with the book's propulsion and her plans to inject dark humor, '70s action cinema vibes, and high-fashion aesthetics into a brutalist visual world.
Action That Dictates Character: A look behind the curtain at collaborating with legendary action coordinator Phil Silvera (Deadpool, Daredevil) to ensure every punch, throw, and blade movement tells an emotional story.
The Blue-Collar Creative Grind: Both Luke and Alice get incredibly candid about their paths from working-class backgrounds to Hollywood, offering powerhouse advice for indie authors and first-time filmmakers trying to break through the noise today.

Whether you're a fan of gritty crime thrillers, high-octane filmmaking, or the raw mechanics of script adaptation, this conversation moves just as fast as the story on the page. Hit play and get a front-row seat to the collaboration!

Connect with the Guests:

Luke Preston: Learn more about his books at jackquaidbooks.com.
Alice Waddington: Explore her visual portfolio at alicewaddington.com.

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