Merlin Ward sold photocopiers while writing scripts and it was between appointments he came up with a film idea and sent it to 'Peter Walker', a well-known producer/director, who took out an option to buy it. This early success led to scripts being optioned or commissioned by producers in the UK, Ireland and Hollywood.Despite success as a writer, Ward was determined to produce his own movie. In association with Great British Films Limited and Spice Factory, he wrote, co-produced and directed _Out of Bounds (2004)_ with Sophie Ward, Sophia Myles, Celia Imrie and the late Michael Elphick. It screened on BBC1 on 28 November, 2004, again on 8 November, 2005, and on 12 November 2007.