TRIPTYCH PICTURES AND FREMANTLE ACQUIRE TV RIGHTS FOR MEG MUNDELL’S THE TRESPASSERS

Sep 5, 2019 | Author news, News & Articles

Trespassers coverAlex Adsett Publishing Services is delighted to announce that Triptych Pictures and Fremantle have acquired an option over Meg Mundell’s just-released second novel, The Trespassers (University of Queensland Press).

The Trespassers will be a co-production from Triptych and Fremantle. This is the first time the two creative powerhouses have partnered on a project, with development on The Trespassers already underway.

The Trespassers is a beguiling novel that explores the consequences of greed, the experiences of migration and exile, and the way strangers can become the ones we hold dear.  A shipload of migrant workers flees a pandemic-stricken UK, seeking a fresh start in Australia. For nine-year-old Cleary the journey promises adventure, for former nurse Billie it’s a chance to put a shameful mistake behind her, while struggling schoolteacher Tom hopes for a brighter future. But when a crew member is murdered and people start falling gravely ill, the Steadfast descends into chaos. Trapped on the ship, the trio must join forces to survive the journey and its aftermath.

Martin Shaw, literary agent at AAPS, said:  “We are thoroughly delighted by the news. There are so many images in this novel that leave such an indelible impression, and with the talent now assembling behind this co-production, I’m convinced it will be equally as impressive on screen”.

Kristian Moliere, Producer, Triptych Pictures, whose production credits include the successful Australian horror film The Babadook as well as the recent TV adaptation of Kenneth Cook’s Wake in Fright, will be joined by screenwriter Andy Cox, who is currently also adapting Peter Temple’s novel Truth.  They will work with Fremantle’s drama team headed by Jo Porter, whose recent credits include the internationally successful series Wentworth now in its eighth season and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Moliere said: “As soon as Andy Cox and I read Meg Mundell’s gripping and powerful novel, we could envisage a television adaptation that we knew would resonate with audiences. Through a group of isolated strangers forming connections, the book explores a range of relevant contemporary issues in a tense and suspenseful setting.”

Jo Porter, Director of Scripted at Fremantle, said: “This captivating novel’s unique framing of a story that deals with class, refugees, and fear set in a world in the not-too-distant future feels highly relevant in today’s climate. It lends itself to the kind of event television that makes it the perfect addition to our international drama slate. We are very excited to be realising this adaption in partnership with the talents of Kristian and Andy”

Author Meg Mundell said:  “I’m rapt to have signed with the Triptych and Fremantle teams, and excited about working with Andy and Kristian as they develop The Trespassers for screen. Andy’s a hugely talented screenwriter, and the perfect person to bring the book to life in this new form. The story couldn’t be in better hands.”

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Davis – Communications Manager

+61 413 009 545 /Kelly.davis@fremantle.com

About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. A global entertainment powerhouse, Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries. We produce in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, roll out more than 70 formats and air 400 programmes a year worldwide. The group distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. We are also a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, with more than 370 million subscribers across 1,500 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms.

In Australia, Fremantle productions include the hugely successful Australia’s Got Talent, Celebrity Name Game, Great Australian Bake Off, Grand Designs Australia, Escape from the City, The Recording Studio and Restoration Australia; and original drama such as Wentworth, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Neighbours. Fremantle is also at the forefront in the creation and production of digital media content, brand integration and brand extensions including the popular Grand Designs Magazine and Australia’s number one selling board game, Family Feud.

For more information, visit www.fremantle.com, or follow us @FremantleHQ and visit our LinkedIn and Facebook pages

About Alex Adsett Publishing Services

Alex Adsett Publishing Services was established by Alex Adsett in 2008. It is a full-service literary agency, with a dynamic and vibrant publishing list, with a focus on commercial, genre and literary fiction.  It also offers strategic and commercial publishing advice, particularly assisting authors with publishing contracts. The Agency includes principal agent and consultant, Alex Adsett, based in SE Queensland, and agent Martin Shaw, based in Germany.

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