by FIlmInk Staff
Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand (PRH) is thrilled to announce that the Friday Barnes and Bookshop Detectives series are among several PRH titles recently optioned for screen, highlighting the success of the brand’s renewed focus on book-to-screen adaptations.
‘With multiple deals newly signed and plenty more underway, we’re confident our roster of incredible authors, formidable catalogue and strong connections with producers, screenwriters and commissioners will result in the next on-screen hit,’ says Liz Burnett, Strategic IP and Media Development Lead at PRH.
Friday Barnes is a children’s chapter book series by R.A. Spratt, following an 11-year-old girl detective. Screen rights for the series have been optioned by CJZ.
‘There’s something so magical about Friday Barnes – she’s curious and courageous, a fantastic friend, a hilarious observer of life and, of course, a brilliant investigator. R.A. Spratt has created an iconic detective character who is part Nancy Drew, part Sherlock Holmes, and always unapologetically herself. We can’t wait to work together on this new chapter for Friday Barnes!’ – Claire Tonkin, Head of Drama at CJZ
The Bookshop Detectives
The Bookshop Detectives is mystery series by New Zealand authors Gareth and Louise Ward. The books centre around two New Zealand booksellers (roughly based on the authors), who find themselves at the series of a decades-old crime. Screen rights for The Bookshop Detectives have been optioned by South Pacific Pictures in a highly competitive pitch.
‘We’re pleased to have acquired the rights to this delightfully charming Kiwi book series, and we look forward to working with Gareth and Louise Ward to develop it for screen.’ – Kelly Martin, CEO South Pacific Pictures
Additional deals
The Murder of Allison Baden-Clay by journalist David Murray
Option by Spierig Brothers
A true-crime investigative account of the disappearance and murder of Allison Baden-Clay, tracing how her husband went from reporting her missing to standing trial for her killing, based on interviews and police and court records.
Ricochet Baby by Fiona Kidman
Optioned by Archipelago Productions
A perceptive and compassionate novel by multi-award winning author, Fiona Kidman, about a planned pregnancy that unravels into crisis, exploring post-natal depression and the lasting impact it has on a woman and her relationships.
The Deep by Kyle Perry
Optioned by Shapeshifter Pictures
A high-stakes Tasmanian thriller in which a boy long presumed dead returns to a crime-running fishing family, dragging them back into a dangerous underworld of drugs, secrets and betrayal.
The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee by Deborah Abela
Optioned by Fury Films Co.
A heart-warming middle-grade story about a gifted but painfully shy girl who, with her family’s support, overcomes past fears and tough competition to chase her dream of winning a spelling bee.
The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandie Docker
Optioned by Wise Goat Productions
A dual-timeline novel about a woman in 1950 and a modern-day librarian whose lives intertwine through a troubled island book club, as long-buried secrets surface and the community searches for healing, courage and second chances.
