046: Jane Austen & Time Travel with Hallmark: A Mini Excellent Adventure with Guest Jen Francis

This week, Ellen is joined by Jen Francis - a freelance TV producer and writer whose work spans original scripts, television development and sharp-eyed film criticism. Jen is also the author of Steve McQueen: In The Scene (2025), a new non-fiction study of the director’s craft. https://www.aurorametro.com/product/steve-mcqueen-book/   Together, Ellen and Jen dive into the irresistible world of time-traveling Jane Austen adaptations: Love & Jane (Hallmark, 2024), An American in Austen (Hallmark, 2024), and ITV’s cult miniseries Lost in Austen (2008).   Why do these stories of portals, swaps and “out-of-time” heroines keep captivating a udiences? And what do they reveal about the enduring appeal of Austen herself?   They also celebrate their joint contribution to Encounters with Jane Austen — a brand-new anthology of short stories, essays, and poetry marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth in 2025 (Supernova Books). A thoughtful, celebratory collection — and an ideal Christmas gift for Austen fans everywhere. https://www.aurorametro.com/product/encounters-with-jane-austen/