Fremantle gets Twisted over Paul Jennings

Fremantle Australia today announced it has optioned the rights to a range of works from legendary Australian novelist Paul Jennings.

Jennings has sold more than ten million books worldwide and written over 100 stories. His first book was published in 1985 and the new series, Twisted, will be based on books including Quirky Tales, Unbelievable, Tongue Tied, Unbearable and Unreal.

Twisted is a 10-part 60-minute series and follows the characters in the small town of Twisted Creek as they try to recover from a life-changing event.

“Twisted will take beloved stories and create a riveting, edge-of-your seat ongoing series, while exploring individual tales each episode,” Fremantle said in a statement.

Fremantle Australia Head of Drama Carly Heaton said: “Let’s get this out of the way – Twisted is not a kids show! It will be for everyone. We feel audiences are craving something we can watch across multiple generations, and this series will be it.

“We all have a favourite Jennings story, one that has stayed with us for years, and alongside Penguin Random House Australia we are so excited to bring his incredible storytelling to life again on screen. We cannot overstate the reach and appeal of his work – Paul Jennings is an absolute cultural force and it’s an honour to work with him.”

The creative team is Catherine Smyth-McMullen (The Sandman, The Other Lamb), Monica Zanetti (Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt), While The Are Men Away) and Gemma Crofts (Surviving Summer).

Paul Jennings said: “To my great delight, Fremantle are developing some of my best work into a compelling narrative filled with diverse characters and weird plots. Each of my short story collections include a small number of tales with stronger and more challenging themes and they often include slightly darker or subversive content.

“Some say they are kid’s yarns that adults also enjoy. Others think of them as adult narratives which appeal to children. I just write what comes. Fremantle are doing something wonderful – making Australian stories for the world. I couldn’t be happier.”

Fremantle is currently shooting the third and final season of Heartbreak High plus Neighbours for 10 and Amazon Prime. A second season of Bay of Fires alongside partners Archipelago Productions recently wrapped production and Rock Island Mysteries series three is currently screening on Nickelodeon and 10 Play.