The top Hollywood writers behind "Bermuda Grace'' say it looks likely the film will be followed by a series.

Filming of the TV movie is set to end this week, but writers Will Osborne and Will Davies are "incredibly optimistic'' they will be back this autumn to shoot more episodes.

A decision from TV executives is expected in a matter of weeks.

"Bermuda Grace'' chiefs yesterday announced about half the pilot movie's $3.5 million budget had been pumped into Bermuda.

It is due to be shown simultaneously in Canada, the US and the UK in October, November or January.

"We've all been delighted with the stuff we've been getting,'' said Mr.

Davies. "We had a bit of a wobbly start weatherwise at the beginning, but then the weather absolutely came up trumps for us.'' NBC and English TV station LWT, key backers of the movie, were also delighted with filming.

"Although we won't know anything definite for a few more weeks, everyone's feeling incredibly positive. It couldn't have gone better up to this stage.'' Mr. Osborne added: "We hope to be shooting from September, October and November, so that will be good news for us and I hope good news for the Island.'' Producer Miss Christabel Albery said: "I just wanted to say a big thank-you to the Premier and his Ministers and to everybody in Bermuda for all their help.'' She added: "We were on a sizeable budget and we have kept to it with difficulty.'' The movie saw a crew of up to 60 people arrive on the Island, boosted to 90 with local workers. With residents as extras, some scenes involved 200 people.

If they give the go-ahead for a series, TV chiefs would be expected to order at least another six hours of shows.

They could then ask for 22 hours annually for up to seven years. The Wills, as the writing duo are known, have films in the pipeline starring Walter Matthau with Jack Lemmon and Kim Basinger with Val Kilmer.