The writer of Sunshine of Leith, Stephen Greenhorn, is to adapt James Goodhand’s Last Lesson, for Red Planet Pictures after the indie secured international TV rights to the novel.
The novel examines the “psychological breakdown of model student and talented musician, Ollie Morcombe, after he suffers an horrific accident. Having previously been one of the popular kids and leading a gifted existence in school, he’s now become an outcast and his life made a living hell by vicious bullies. As Ollie reaches the extremities of breaking point, he takes matters into his own hands and, on the last day of the school year, brings those bullies a gift; a homemade pipe bomb.”
Joint MD of Red Planet Pictures, Belinda Campbell, said “As soon as I started reading Last Lesson, I absolutely knew that it would be perfect for TV. It’s written in such a visual and visceral way and is utterly gripping, moving and thrilling; it’s unputdownable. This is a slight departure for us to be working on something that’s rooted in the world of YA but I’m thrilled that James Goodhand has entrusted his incredible story to us, and with Stephen Greenhorn on board to adapt this edge-of-your-seat thriller, we couldn’t have a better team to bring it to life.”
James Goodhand commented “This is a dream come true. Stephen is an immensely talented screenwriter, and Red Planet are the geniuses behind some of my favourite ever TV shows; I can’t wait to see what together they can do with Last Lesson!”
Stephen Greenhorn said: “I’m thrilled to get the chance to adapt Last Lesson for TV. The book grabbed me immediately. James’ storytelling is so compelling and his characters so fascinating that I ended up reading it in one sitting. Now I can’t wait to bring them to the screen.”
The deal was done by Emily Hayward Whitlock at The Artists Partnership on behalf of Harry Illingworth at DHH Literary Agency.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
