Phishing for Phoebe
Elizabeth "Phoebe" Lee lives a quiet, unassuming life in a small, dusty town, where she works as a dishwasher at the Tumbleweed Diner and entertains her quirky coworkers with tales spun from scam emails. Behind the closed door of her modest trailer, however, lies a trove of mementos from a life she’s spent years hiding.
When world-famous novelist Robert James Gregory—battling a terminal illness—arrives in town searching for Elizabeth Lee, the woman who changed his life decades ago, the community is skeptical. They know Phoebe as a kind, unremarkable local, not the muse who inspired one of the greatest writers of his generation.
But Robert is certain Phoebe is the Elizabeth Lee he’s been seeking—a revelation that stirs up chaos, suspicion, and the arrival of his fiery ex-wife, TV star Melissa Marquand. Melissa is determined to expose Elizabeth as the reason behind her failed marriage and lay claim to a trust Robert established in Elizabeth’s name.
As tensions rise, the tight-knit townsfolk rally to protect Phoebe, even as they uncover surprising truths about her. Long-buried secrets emerge: after the tragic deaths of her husband and children, Elizabeth gave away the “blood money” insurance settlement to quietly help her community while retreating into anonymity.
Through a series of heartfelt and unexpected connections, Elizabeth and Robert finally confront their shared past. From an old laptop carrying the roots of Robert’s first novel to the manuscript he’s held onto for 30 years, they piece together a story of compassion, love, and redemption.
Elizabeth Lee is a moving tale of second chances, the impact of quiet kindness, and the power of human connection to transform lives.
• Themes of Redemption and Second Chances: Perfect for fans of emotional dramas like Maid or The Unforgivable.
• Quirky Small-Town Ensemble: The Tumbleweed crew and locals bring humor and charm, reminiscent of shows like Virgin River or Sweet Magnolias.
• Twist of Mystery: The dual narrative of uncovering Elizabeth’s identity and Robert’s race against time adds a compelling hook.
• Empowerment Through Kindness: A heartwarming exploration of how small acts of compassion ripple through lives, aligning with feel-good hits.
• Star-Power Ready Roles: Dynamic characters for an A-list cast, including a weathered novelist, a firecracker ex-wife, and a quietly heroic lead.
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Suzanne BirrellWriter
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Project Type:Screenplay
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Genres:Drama, Dramedy, Mystery
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Number of Pages:109
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Country of Origin:United States
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Language:English
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First-time Screenwriter:No
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Student Project:No
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WIKISanta Barbara, CA
May 15, 2023
Finalist -
NYC International screenplay contestNY, NY
March 21, 2021
Semi Finalist -
Table Read my ScreenPlayAtlanta, GA
August 26, 2021
Semi Finalist -
Unique Voices
May 20, 2021
Quarter Finalist -
The Script lab Free Screenplay Contes
April 8, 2022
quarter finalist -
TMFFLondon, England
February 27, 2021
Quarter Finalist
Suzanne Birrell is a writer, actress, and storyteller with roots in small-town America. Growing up as the only daughter in a house full of boys, Suzanne was shaped by a rich tapestry of her grandparents' diverse ethnic identities, which continues to influence her work. She honed her craft studying scriptwriting at Webster University and Fullerton College, but it was life’s extraordinary twists that truly defined her voice as a writer.
From serving as a protected witness in a murder trial involving a serial killer to hitting the road as a bass player and working as a production manager in a vibrant Marin County theater, Suzanne’s life is filled with experiences that lend depth and authenticity to her stories.
Currently, Suzanne teaches middle school—drawing inspiration from the chaos of adolescence—while playing bass in a country band and keenly observing the world around her for story fodder.
As someone who came of age before Roe v. Wade in a society where women were expected to marry and conform to traditional roles, Suzanne crafts empowering narratives for women of all ages. Her scripts resonate with themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of identity, offering audiences fresh perspectives and relatable characters.
Suzanne likes a good mystery, satirical comedies, and tear jerking dramas. Her focus is on character pieces for ensemble casts, with strong roles for women. Coming from a multi ethnic background [2nd gen. Sicilian, 2nd gen. Scotch, 3rd gen. German, & Pottawatomie (not registered) ]she brings a unique perspective to her scripts.