London Book Fair Draws Hollywood Producers and Executives Amid Continuing Adaptation Craze: ‘IP Drives the Conversation’

This year’s Oscars underscored the symbiotic relationship between literature and cinema, with five out of the 10 best picture nominees originating from books. Among the winners, films like “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest” showcased the enduring appeal of literary adaptations. Even Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece “The Boy and the Heron” drew inspiration from a decades-old novel.

Following the glitz of the Oscars, industry insiders wasted no time in crossing the Atlantic to attend the London Book Fair, which commenced recently and extends throughout the week. The convergence of film and television executives, alongside producers and studio representatives, underscores the growing importance of the fair as a hotspot for sourcing potential Oscar-worthy projects. Jason Richman, co-head of media rights at UTA, notes the increasing influx of industry professionals into London for this purpose.

Television, too, has embraced the adaptation trend with fervor. Major recent TV hits like “Shōgun,” “One Day,” “Fool Me Once,” and “Slow Horses” all originated as novels, further solidifying the London Book Fair’s status as a premier destination for the screen industry. Gareth Rapley, director of LBF, recognizes the pivotal role books play in content creation, describing them as the heartbeat of the industry.

In today’s competitive landscape, intellectual property (IP) holds significant sway, as acknowledged by Helen Gregory, creative director at See-Saw Films. The built-in audience and proven track record of bestseller novels provide a compelling case for investment. Consequently, producers are increasingly seeking early option deals for promising literary properties, often before the books are published.

The absence of major U.S. book markets due to the pandemic has further elevated the London Book Fair’s prominence in the industry’s quest for content. Gareth Rapley emphasizes the fair’s strategic position amid the screen industry’s demand for compelling narratives. The fair’s diverse offerings, from publisher exhibits to an international rights center and industry-focused programs, cater to the varied needs of content creators.

Despite economic challenges and production slowdowns, the appetite for adaptations remains insatiable. Camilla Young, head of media rights at Curtis Brown, attests to the continued interest in pre-existing content among broadcasters. With adaptations spanning various genres and formats, from crime thrillers to romance and fantasy, the convergence of literature and screen promises a wealth of storytelling possibilities.

As the industry evolves, authors themselves are increasingly recognized as valuable IP. Contemporary writers like Harlan Coben enjoy brand recognition akin to literary icons such as Agatha Christie. This recognition extends beyond individual works to encompass author anthologies and series, offering a wealth of storytelling potential.

In a landscape marked by shifting trends and evolving audience preferences, the symbiotic relationship between books and screen adaptations continues to thrive. From romantasy epics to classic novels reimagined for TV, the London Book Fair serves as a vital nexus for the industry’s creative endeavors, driving the conversation and shaping the future of storytelling.