HBO tracks down FilmRise Dahmer drama

My Friend Dahmer centres on the life of the prolific serial killer

MIPTV: US premium cablenet HBO has acquired local rights to two feature-length dramas from distributor FilmRise, including serial killer film My Friend Dahmer.

Based on a graphic novel by John Backderf, the film is from writer and director Marc Meyers and was released in cinemas in the fall. Meyers also produced the drama alongside Jody Girgenti, Adam Goldworm, Michael Merlob and Milan Chakraborty.

My Friend Dahmer follows the true story of notorious US serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and features Disney Channel star Ross Lynch, Anne Heche and Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men).

HBO has also picked up The Boy Downstairs, written and directed by Sophie Brooks and starring Zosia Mamet (Girls). Producers are David Brooks, Dan Clifton, and Leon Clarence.

The film sees a young woman move back to New York City after a few years abroad to discover her ex-boyfriend occupies an apartment in the same Brooklyn building.

Both titles will air on HBO programming services this year. Danny Fisher, CEO of FilmRise, announced the deal, which was brokered by Melissa Wohl for FilmRise and Christopher Grunden for HBO.