IM Global preps Black Company drama

US producer and distributor IM Global Television is developing a drama based on Glen Cook’s fantasy book series The Black Company.

Eliza Dushku

The show is being developed with US prodcos Boston Diva Productions, which optioned the 10-book series, and Phantom Four, owned by David Goyer, who has a first-look deal with IM Global.

Exec producing are Goyer (Da Vinci’s Demons) and Kevin Turen (Birth of a Nation) for Phantom Four; Eliza Dushku, Nate Dushku and Ami Lourie for Boston Diva; and Silver Lining Entertainment’s Sam Maydew.

Mark Stern, IM Global Television’s president, said: “Glen Cook’s books turn the traditional fantasy adventure tropes on their ear with wry, dimensional characters and a modern sensibility.”

Boston founder Eliza Dushku, known as an actor for roles in shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, added: “The Black Company is vast in scope yet remains fundamentally relevant through the morally ambiguous choices it presents at every turn.”

The series follows the exploits of the Black Company, an elite mercenary unit that carries out the often nefarious deeds of the highest bidder across a fantasy landscape.

Last year IM Global sold a majority stake to US and Chinese finance firm Tang Media Partners and agreed a production joint venture with Chinese tech giant Tencent as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. It has also opened an unscripted and alternative arm.

Earlier this month it linked up with US-based producer and distributor duo MarVista Entertainment to develop, coproduce, and co-finance the story of King Kong for TV.