MBA - Newletter

Rukshana Ahmad's adaptation of Nadeem Aslam's MAPS FOR LOST LOVERS, for Keel Films / Film Council, producers Geraldine Patten and Rukshana Ahmad, is in development.

Simon Allen has been commissioned by Kudos to write an episode for the new series of their BBC kids drama, MI: HIGH. Last year was very busy for him, as he is developing an on-line drama with the BBC, a short film with long-term collaborator Toby Meakins, and doing ongoing development on children's dramas with Kudos.

Michael Bentham is working with producer Natasha Carlish on his psychological thriller DEADLOCK. The screenplay follows a bereaved couple, both well-known scientists, as they attempt to escape the media glare and rebuild their lives, only to have their fragile world of recovery devastated by the appearance of an injured man who believes he's a prophet.

Dan Berlinka and Andy Williams are as busy as ever. They are developing their own sitcom with World Productions, and are also developing a new pre-school series with the producers of POCOYO, Zinkia. They are writing episodes of GROOVE HIGH, SCARY LARRY and HOLY MONKS for Telegael, Timoon and DigitalRebel studios respectively. Also, one of their original animated projects for older children has moved into further development and The Foundation/RDF are now on board.

The Blaine Brothers have been very busy writing. Their thriller, THIS ANARCHIST, will be going to producers shortly, along with a beautiful look book which lays out the manifesto for the film. They have also written their 30' Coming Up film HELLO PANDA as a feature length "unromantic comedy".

Jeffrey Caine's PETER PAN IN AUTUMN, an adaptation of the sequel to J.M. Barrie's classic by Geraldine McCaughrean, Headline Pictures / BBC, is in development and directors are being considered.
Jeffrey is also working on a proposed drama serial, GALILEO, the story of one of the most original and brave thinkers in history, for Green Room Entertainment / BBC.

Mike Carey had a very successful trip to Los Angeles with Slingshot's Second Picture Syndrome, and has delivered a new draft of his movie (now re-titled THE SILENT WAR). He's now writing scripts for computer games for Electronic Arts and Activision.

Andrew Cornish's cheeky next installment of DOCTORS will be broadcast on 22nd February.

Jeff Dodds completed a new episode of THE BILL at the end of 2009 and is currently writing an episode of CASUALTY.

Paul Herzberg is working on the current series of WAKING THE DEAD, and progress is being made by Jens Meurer and Judith Tossell with financing his screenplay THE DEAD WAIT.

Julian Jones continues with Merlin, now in its third season.

Robert Jones' LENNON NAKED, starring Christopher Ecceleston, has finished production and will be transmitted in the spring on BBC4. Robert is currently working on a 30' crime drama, commissioned by Kath Mattock and BBC Scotland, entitled AN ORDINARY MURDER.

David Lemon's short script DEAD HAPPY is being shot for the launch of Sky Movies Indie HD Channel. Nicky Lianos (who also directed his previous short Monsters and Rabbits) will once again be directing.

Alice Nutter is currently writing an episode of ACCUSED, a 6 x 60' series for Sita Williams and Jimmy McGovern (RSJ Films), and the BBC.

Susan Oudot's pilot script, BIRD, has been accepted by Hilary Martin at the BBC and production news is expected. STV Productions have commissioned Susan to write a treatment for a proposed 60 minute series entitled FLIP SIDE, a prime time crime drama series.

Penny Shales directed another block of top African soap MAKUTANO JUNCTION late in 2009, and is currently directing HOLLYOAKS.

Will Shindler has delivered an original spec script, a one-off with series potential, called FLINCH. It is a police procedural with a lot of action in local newsrooms, a world which Will knows very well indeed, having worked in them for over eighteen years. Will has also script-edited a number of drama series, and has been writing regularly for THE BILL for the past two years.

Kathrine Smith has delivered a new draft of the pilot for her original series, MONSTERS (commissioned by Cliffhanger). Her stage work was featured this month in Scene and Heard.

Paul Tickell is working with David Peace on an exciting project for the BBC, entitled NORTHERN IDENTITY.


	FEBRUARY 2009
	The Harry Bowling Prize for New Writing, sponsored by Headline, will be awarded this year at the Pure Passion Awards on March 16th, which will also celebrate 50 years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. On the shortlist are: John Barfield (Eastleigh, Hants), SUNRISE; Ruth France (Anglesey, Wales), TIME FOR LOVING; Debbie Johnson (Liverpool), FEAR NO EVIL; Maria Lane (London), LETTERS FROM A SON; George Rigby (Oldham Lancs), STREETWISE.
	BOOKS
	Jad Adams' GHANDI – NAKED AMBITION will be published in March by Quercus. This concise, elegant and masterly account of one of the seminal figures of twentieth-century history, lays bare the achievements, philosophy and legacy - both political and spiritual - of a man whose life may truly be said to have changed the world. People have come to recognize the genius of 19th century poet John Clare in recent years, and Judith Allnatt's entrancing new novel takes him as its subject, seen from the viewpoint of his longsuffering and sensitive wife, Patsy. THE POET'S WIFE is published by Transworld this month, and Judith Allnatt is a must-see on the circuit of literary festivals this year. Following the launch in Northampton, she is booked to talk at Clare Cottage in March (John's home) and at festivals throughout the UK including Manchester, Cambridge and Birmingham. Sita Brahmachari has delivered her second book for Macmillan, ISLE OF MIRRORS. This is an intense, beautiful and mystical novel which follows a group of children on a school trip; a journey which will change them all. It follows on from Sita's first book ARTICHOKE HEARTS, which will be published next January. Gemma Burgess' fabulous THE DATING DETOX, published by Avon, made The Bookseller's Heatseekers' chart, and is SheerLuxe's Book of the Month, with a 5 star rating. Described by BitchBuzz as "warming, often hilarious" and Chick Lit Review as "a true must-read", we are thrilled that readers are falling in love with Sass as much as we have! Following successful publication in the US, Janet Skeslien Charles' first novel MOONLIGHT IN ODESSA, now has its eagerly awaited UK debut, published by Bloomsbury this month. Based around the topical and controversial subject of email-order brides, and set in Odessa, capital of the Ukraine, it's already receiving international recognition, including the National Geographic Magazine Book of the Month, and it will be BBC Radio 4's Book at Bedtime from February 15th-26th. It has also been sold in ten territories including Germany and Brazil. Janet will be interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour on Thursday 11th February. Alys Clare's new medieval mystery novel, MIST OVER THE WATER, was published last month and got a great review in Booklist: "This page-turning historical thriller from one of Britain's most talented popular-fiction authors ticks all the boxes with a riveting plot; fascinating period detail; engaging characters; and liberal doses of romance, magic, and mysticism." Alys is now working on the commissioned 13th (!) novel in her 12-book series set in medieval Hawkenlye. Polish publishers, Nasza Ksiegarnia, are the latest people to pick up translation rights in Liam Creed's fantastic memoir, A PUPPY CALLED AERO. Anna Dean's book BELLFIELD HALL has been bought by St Martin's Press in the States, and received a starred review in Publishers' Weekly: "The plot is fraught with clever red herrings that are resolved into an unexpected yet tidy and deeply satisfying conclusion. A classic English country-house whodunit with a Regency setting that will delight Austen fans and mystery connoisseurs alike." Daniel Depp is on the point of delivering the final version of his second book, BABYLON NIGHTS. He's just off to Germany to promote his first book, LOSER'S TOWN, in Leipzig, Berlin and Munich. We are absolutely thrilled that Dana Fowley's HOW COULD SHE? has reached the number one spot in the Sunday Times paperback chart this week. Her success is richly deserved for her bravery in bringing her mother to trial for the shocking offences committed against Dana as a child. We are delighted that Jean Fullerton's new novel, A GLIMPSE OF HAPPINESS, has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Novel of the Year. Orion published in November, and her next two novels, also romantic sagas set in 19th century East End London, have already been commissioned by the same publisher. As Dilly Court said: "Jean Fullerton's second East End saga will delight her growing legion of fans." SILENCED by Vicky Jaggers has been acquired by Pocketförlaget for a Swedish edition. Following the success of his 150 THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOWS, Gareth May has been commissioned to write a second book for Square Peg. They will have World English Language rights in MAN OF THE WORLD, a manual for the modern young man abroad. Square Peg has also concluded a US sale of 150 THINGS, which will be published in the States by Sourcebooks. Clare Morrall's marvellous new novel THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED is just out from Sceptre. It's already garnering terrific reviews and quotes: “…this isn’t just a novel with a mystery to be unraveled – it’s a novel to savour” (Waterstones Books Quarterly). “An imaginatively written novel with well-drawn and believable characters, it's a compelling read” (Choice Magazine). Look out for Clare being interviewed by Jenni Murray on Woman’s Hour, BBC Radio 4 on Friday 12th February. Anne Perry's series of Victorian crime novels featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt has been optioned by Amber. Some will be produced as feature films, and some for DVDs in an exclusive deal with Tesco. Her most recent book, EXECUTION DOCK, is in its fifth printing, and her new stand-alone novel, THE SHEEN ON THE SILK, comes out in April. She has just signed a new four-book deal with Headline, and will be a special guest at the International Conference on Crime Fiction in Spain in October. Rebecca Promitzer's children's novel THE PICKLE KING has been nominated for the Branford Boase Award and for the Bolton Children's Book Award. Published last year by Chicken House, it has had fabulous reviews, and comes out in the States this year from Scholastic. Thanks to great work by Headline (and, of course, fantastic writing), bestselling author Simon Scarrow is now published in 19 foreign languages. He's just about to deliver the fourth of his quartet about Napoleon and Wellington, and there will be a further announcement made about him at the London Book Fair. Catherine Webb (writing as Kate Griffin) has delivered the second adult fantasy novel featuring the resuscitated Matthew Swift. Now the Midnight Mayor of London, he finds himself caught between warring factions in THE NEON COURT. Like all of Kate's books, this is written with fantastic style and verve. We have concluded an option deal for the first book in this series with Hollywood film producers Paula Mazur and Mitchell Kaplan. We've just concluded a deal for UK & Commonwealth rights in two new books by Cathy Woodman. Cathy's debut novel for Arrow TRUST ME, I'M A VET will be published this April, and is a wonderfully warm and engaging story of country life and romance. Katie Fforde meets James Herriott in the fictional village of Talyton St George! Her second novel, relating the further adventures of the Talyton St George community, will be published by Arrow this autumn, and the first in the new contract comes in spring 2011. AUDIO SALES Gervase Phinn has just recorded his book, A BIT OF A HERO for Oakhill. Other audio sales include Rebecca Promitzer's THE PICKLE KING, Anne Perry's HEROES, Clare Morrall's THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED, Margaret Leroy's PERFECT MOTHER all to WF Howes, Judith Allnatt's A POET'S WIFE to Isis, Natasha Farrant's SOME OTHER EDEN to BBC and Cathy Woodman's TRUST ME, I'M A VET to Magna. NEW CLIENTS Kirk Lake has joined us with plans to write a biography of Desmond Leslie, whose eccentric life was described in his obituary as one which "rivals any fiction by Nancy Mitford or Anthony Powell, with overtones of a 50's sci-fi movie, and a little Weimar decadence thrown in." Amy Twigger Holroyd also joins our list. Amy is a respected knitwear designer who runs Keep and Share, a knitwear label with a strong interest in sustainability. She has also designed projects for publication in Loop's Pretty Knits. Amy runs many workshops, which she is often asked to take on the road to festivals like Hay, Latitude and the Green Man. She is working with our skilled sewer and equally ecologically-minded Ruth Singer on a knit/sew book which could save many a project from the disaster pile. We welcome Jonathan Taylor as a new client. Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at De Montfort University, he had a memoir published by Granta. He has now finished a provocative and entertaining first novel called ENTERTAINING STRANGERS. MBA is very pleased to welcome Danuta Mayer, a very accomplished and inspirational painter. Danuta has illustrated dozens of books: adult, children's, fiction and non-fiction for publishers from Walker Books to the treasurable Folio Society with her magically captivating style. She has an exciting proposal which, at the moment, must remain under wraps! We are also proud to represent Esther McVey. Esther could be familiar to you for a number of reasons. A law graduate who left her successful television presenting career for a life in politics and charity work, her main focus now is her media consultancy and training business Making It (UK) Ltd, her recent innovative business women's network Winning Women, and her reselection to fight the Wirral West constituency, in the forthcoming election. Esther wants to take her dynamic inspiration into the publishing world, to empower young women and teenagers. Somehow, last year she found time to gain a distinction for her MSc in Corporate Governance and win the North of England Excellence Award for her studies! A fabulous new recruit to MBA is Doug Robertson. Doug is a fully qualified Personal Trainer who has previously been a fitness consultant for both The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard. He has created a pioneering programme aimed at helping you achieve the perfect bum. Doug's book proposal will be on submission shortly. For foreign rights information on any of these titles please contact Stella Kane (stella@mbalit.co.uk)
	FILM / TV / RADIO
	Rukshana Ahmad's adaptation of Nadeem Aslam's MAPS FOR LOST LOVERS, for Keel Films / Film Council, producers Geraldine Patten and Rukshana Ahmad, is in development. Simon Allen has been commissioned by Kudos to write an episode for the new series of their BBC kids drama, MI: HIGH. Last year was very busy for him, as he is developing an on-line drama with the BBC, a short film with long-term collaborator Toby Meakins, and doing ongoing development on children's dramas with Kudos. Michael Bentham is working with producer Natasha Carlish on his psychological thriller DEADLOCK. The screenplay follows a bereaved couple, both well-known scientists, as they attempt to escape the media glare and rebuild their lives, only to have their fragile world of recovery devastated by the appearance of an injured man who believes he's a prophet. Dan Berlinka and Andy Williams are as busy as ever. They are developing their own sitcom with World Productions, and are also developing a new pre-school series with the producers of POCOYO, Zinkia. They are writing episodes of GROOVE HIGH, SCARY LARRY and HOLY MONKS for Telegael, Timoon and DigitalRebel studios respectively. Also, one of their original animated projects for older children has moved into further development and The Foundation/RDF are now on board. The Blaine Brothers have been very busy writing. Their thriller, THIS ANARCHIST, will be going to producers shortly, along with a beautiful look book which lays out the manifesto for the film. They have also written their 30' Coming Up film HELLO PANDA as a feature length "unromantic comedy". Jeffrey Caine's PETER PAN IN AUTUMN, an adaptation of the sequel to J.M. Barrie's classic by Geraldine McCaughrean, Headline Pictures / BBC, is in development and directors are being considered. Jeffrey is also working on a proposed drama serial, GALILEO, the story of one of the most original and brave thinkers in history, for Green Room Entertainment / BBC. Mike Carey had a very successful trip to Los Angeles with Slingshot's Second Picture Syndrome, and has delivered a new draft of his movie (now re-titled THE SILENT WAR). He's now writing scripts for computer games for Electronic Arts and Activision. Andrew Cornish's cheeky next installment of DOCTORS will be broadcast on 22nd February. Jeff Dodds completed a new episode of THE BILL at the end of 2009 and is currently writing an episode of CASUALTY. Paul Herzberg is working on the current series of WAKING THE DEAD, and progress is being made by Jens Meurer and Judith Tossell with financing his screenplay THE DEAD WAIT. Julian Jones continues with Merlin, now in its third season. Robert Jones' LENNON NAKED, starring Christopher Ecceleston, has finished production and will be transmitted in the spring on BBC4. Robert is currently working on a 30' crime drama, commissioned by Kath Mattock and BBC Scotland, entitled AN ORDINARY MURDER. David Lemon's short script DEAD HAPPY is being shot for the launch of Sky Movies Indie HD Channel. Nicky Lianos (who also directed his previous short Monsters and Rabbits) will once again be directing. Alice Nutter is currently writing an episode of ACCUSED, a 6 x 60' series for Sita Williams and Jimmy McGovern (RSJ Films), and the BBC. Susan Oudot's pilot script, BIRD, has been accepted by Hilary Martin at the BBC and production news is expected. STV Productions have commissioned Susan to write a treatment for a proposed 60 minute series entitled FLIP SIDE, a prime time crime drama series. Penny Shales directed another block of top African soap MAKUTANO JUNCTION late in 2009, and is currently directing HOLLYOAKS. Will Shindler has delivered an original spec script, a one-off with series potential, called FLINCH. It is a police procedural with a lot of action in local newsrooms, a world which Will knows very well indeed, having worked in them for over eighteen years. Will has also script-edited a number of drama series, and has been writing regularly for THE BILL for the past two years. Kathrine Smith has delivered a new draft of the pilot for her original series, MONSTERS (commissioned by Cliffhanger). Her stage work was featured this month in Scene and Heard. Paul Tickell is working with David Peace on an exciting project for the BBC, entitled NORTHERN IDENTITY.
	THEATRE Emma Adams has delivered the first draft of her new play for Red Ladder, UGLY. Lisa Evans' wonderful comedy UP THE DUFF had an excellent run at York Theatre Royal. "Evans's play fulfils its purpose in delighting a rowdy crowd, many of whom have brought their bumps along," said The Guardian. "Joyful moments of comedy" said the British Theatre Guide. What's on Stage called it "a subtle and surprising play" and The Yorker said "The play is a gem....hilarious physical comedy....mixes tragedy, comedy and life experiences." A rehearsed reading of Alice Nutter's play THE POWER will be held on 4th March at the Octagon Theatre. Dean Stalham has launched a new charity, ART SAVES LIVES, which seeks performing spaces and opportunities for marginalized artists, playwrights and musicians. It kicked off with three fundraising evenings at the Volupte Lounge – Dean wrote two short plays, adaptations from Schnitzler's La Ronde, which were interspersed with burlesque dances from Amber Topaz. SPEECHLESS, a new stage play by Polly Teal and Linda Brogan, based on Marjorie Wallace's THE SILENT TWINS, opens at the Traverse in Edinburgh this summer, produced by Shared Experience. Marjorie will be speaking at the Bath Literature Festival on the 5th March. Mark Wheeller's play STOP THE TRAFFIK will premiere in Southampton on March 10th. This has been written in liaison with the charity Stop The Traffik, using many direct testimonies and the story of its founder. Mark is very proud to have been chosen to tell their story and hopes it will further highlight the problem of human trafficking. For more information on any of our writers or directors, or to see samples of their work, please contact Fiona Barrows (fiona@mbalit.co.uk)