Baby Cow claims Swing Time rights

Steve Coogan’s UK-based Baby Cow Productions has acquired the rights to Zadie Smith’s latest novel, which was published this week.

Christine Langan

Swing Time marks Baby Cow’s first significant acquisition since Christine Langan, ex-head of BBC Films, took over as CEO this month.

Baby Cow picked up the rights from Katie Haines at The Agency in association with Georgia Garrett at UK publishers Rogers, Coleridge & White. Smith (White Teeth) will adapt the book for television alongside Nick Laird. A broadcaster is yet to be attached.

Swing Time centres on two African girls who build a friendship around their shared dream of becoming dancers.