The search for intellectual property for books continues to drive business.
Following what has been described as a “highly competitive situation”, Universal International Studios (UIS) has purchased the rights to author Lucy Foley’s latest novel, Midnight feast.
Universal Studio Group (USG)-owned UIS will develop a TV series adaptation of the book, which will be published on June 6 and was among the most popular titles on display at the recent London Book Fair.
Foley will executive produce alongside former HBO Entertainment president Sue Naegle and Ali Krug, who took over Annapurna’s TV development slate when Naegle leaves her position as head of content at Meg Ellison’s studio in 2022.
USG’s creative acquisitions and intellectual property management operations have played an important role in Feast at midnight Gain, we hear. Several sources in the literary intellectual property world noted the increased American presence at the London Book Fair last week, and Foley’s UK and US agents, Curtis Brown and Utah, were among those holding social events. WME was also in town in a significant way.
It has been described as “full of atmosphere and a chilling edge of folklore” Midnight feast It is a closed door murder mystery. Longline says: “Guests gather for the opening of The Manor Hotel, the new jewel on the Dorset coast. Champagne is flowing, the guest list is sparkling, and a summer solstice sunset is unforgettable. But beneath the cloak of celebration, something dark is stirring. The mansion has a secret history. Built in Shadows of the Old Wood. Now old friends and enemies creep from the shadows. And they will soon discover what other deadly secrets emerge in the night.
Foley worked as a fiction editor for several years in the publishing industry before writing her 2015 bestselling novel The book of lost and found He has since penned the likes of the New York Times bestseller Paris apartment And Guest list.
“I’m thrilled that the great Universal International Studios team will grow Midnight feastShe said. “I knew from the first meeting that they loved the book and completely understood everything I was trying to do in writing it. I’m so excited about their very creative vision for the adaptation and for me to be part of the process — watch this space.”
“We have always admired Lucy and her ability to tell a story that is grounded in the specificity of place but resonates on a global stage,” said Tisha Crawford, Senior Vice President of Global Text Series at UIS. “From the opening Midnight feast, its characters, atmosphere and mystery jumped off the pages. We didn’t need to wait for release to know that this wonderful novel had all the ingredients for an amazing TV series. We can’t wait to bring this project to life.”
Foley is represented by Kathryn Summerhays in Curtis Brown and Jason Richman in Utah.