Fox Entertainment Studios is looking to ramp up its work in the literary space after striking a deal with HarperCollins.
The studio arm of the broadcast network is looking to develop original series, feature films and TV movies based on books from HarperCollins’ Avon A imprint.
Avon A, which is a spinoff of the long-running romance division, publishes books in the YA space and horror world including Alexandra Moody’s Rival Darling, S.E. Wendel’s Heartsong, Valerie Bowman’s The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn, Michelle Brandon’s Rush Week and Alta Hensley’s He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.
As part of the deal, Avon A will have the opportunity to publish adaptations based on FES originals.
The companies will co-produce a slate of projects with HarperCollins Productions executives, led by Caroline Fraser and Jennifer Contrucci, serving as non-writing producers. They will also develop series in tandem with the release of companion books.
It marks such deal for both Fox Entertainment Studios and HarperCollins and follows similar models to the likes of Warner Bros. Television and Alloy Entertainment, which is behind series such as You, Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.
“From YA to horror, Avon A has built an impressive library of genre-spanning, trend-driven stories that are begging for adaptation. Our ability to mine this rich, ever-growing collection opens a world of storytelling possibilities with of the moment immediacy for viewers and readers alike,” said Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted for Fox Entertainment Studios. “The reciprocal nature of our partnership makes it even more exciting by connecting audiences with great stories in new ways and giving them fresh opportunities to enjoy characters they love across multiple mediums.”
“Developing new IP across both screen and page is the kind of symbiotic relationship that’s a storyteller’s dream, whether you’re an author or a screenwriter,” added Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Productions. “The team at Avon A and our friends at Fox are already deep into their respective wish lists of adaptations and plan to announce an inaugural slate of fresh, captivating storytelling opportunities soon. From engaging audiences with a great new movie or inspiring people to read books, there’s no question this partnership is a great match.”
