Award-winning writer Leye Adenle’s Amaka series has been optioned for a TV adaptation Big Talk Productions and Turnover Films.
‘Easy Motion Tourist’ and ‘When Trouble Sleeps’ (both published by Cassava Republic Press) is a series of crime novels by the Nigerian author, who was the winner of the inaugural Prix Marianne in 2016. They mark the arrival of a unique new voice telling stories of modern-day Africa
Gritty, vivid and hard to put down, the series centres around its sassy heroine Amaka and her dangerous fight against corruption and exploitation. It takes us from the gated mansions of Victoria Island where rich politicians plot to subvert democracy to the crowded streets of Ojuelegba where violent gangs fight for control.
American crime writer, James Ellroy praised: “It’s shocking, it’s funny, it’s a vaulting jackal of a book that rips out your throat… and your heart. This book roils, rages, and roars. Leye Adenle has my vote for crown prince of crime writers in the UK.”
Television rights were acquired by Big Talk Productions and Turnover Films from agent Lisa Moylett at CMM Agency. Big Talk’s credits include multi award-winning ‘Mum’ (BBC Two), ‘Back’ (Channel 4), ‘Cold Feet’ (ITV) and the upcoming comedy ‘Defending the Guilty (BBC Two). They also produced ‘Rev.’ (BBC) & five series of ‘Friday Night Dinner’ (Channel 4).
Luke Alkin, Executive Producer, Big Talk Productions said: “Leye Adenle’s extraordinary novels bring modern-day Lagos to life in all its vivid extremes. This is rich material for a ground-breaking and ambitious series about contemporary African lives that will appeal to international audiences.”
Yvonne Ibazebo from Turnover Films said: “I’ve long been a fan of Leye Adenle’s books and I’m really pleased to be working with Big Talk to bring these electrifying novels about modern day, mega-city Lagos to the small screen.”
Leye Adenle added: “I’m so excited that Big Talk and Yvonne have optioned the Amaka series. Almost as excited as the thought of watching Amaka on telly.”
Big Talk Productions is part of ITV Studios.
