BBC Films Breaks Into Teen Novel Franchise

It seems that BBC Films has decided to broaden their horizons and is ordering a script based on the first of a series of teenage spy books written by Robert Muchamore.

According to a HollywoodReporter.com article: "Billed as 'more Bourne than Bond,' the series of novels are known as the Cherub books. Ronan Bennett has written a screenplay for BBC Films for the first outing and helmer Chris Smith, who shot to commercial success with his big screen debut 'Creep' will direct… It will be produced by Sarah Radclyffe with Hanway Films selling worldwide in Berlin.'"

The shoot is said to be planned for August but a budget has yet to be drawn up. The film, which is said to be geared towards the kids action-adventure genre is said to include many skateboard chases and a plethora of action.

The HollywoodReporter.com article cites BBC Films's aspirations in relation to this fresh undertaking: "The BBC said is hopes to partner with a studio on the project with a view to creating a franchise. There are five books in the series to date."

Besides this lofty enterprise, BBC Films is developing a project with writer-director James Watkins whose saga of gang violence brought huge box office revenue. Stephen Volt is creating the script which will be entitled "The Buried." Watkins will direct while former BBC Film chief David M. Thompson will produce.

The HollywoodReporter.com article concludes with yet another theme that BBC Films is tapping into: "BBC Films has additionally acquired cartoonist Posy Symmonds' graphic novel 'Tamara Drewe,' which details the story of a woman who, after being reinvigorated by cosmetic surgery, returns to her rural roots and begins mixing it up with the locals. BBC is developing it with U.K. production banner Ruby Films.'"