Fire Masters prodco Nikki Ray Media options coming-of-age novel Stargazer

Toronto-based factual specialist Nikki Ray Media Agency is expanding its scripted development slate with a trio of book option deals.

The company has optioned the rights to Laurie Petrou’s acclaimed novel Stargazer, a 1990s-set coming-of-age thriller about two friends from affluent backgrounds and their toxic relationship. The book was published by Verve Books in the UK this June.

Nikki Ray Media, led by co-CEOs Tanya Linton and Mike Sheerin, also picked up Bitcoin Widow by Jennifer Robertson, which tells the real-life story of cryptocurrency agency Quadriga, owned by Robertson and her husband Gerry Cotten. When he died during their honeymoon in India, Robertson was not only devastated by the loss but soon discovered the company was failing and US$250m was missing.

It has also optioned the rights to The Case of the Murderous Dr Cream by Dean Jobb. The true crime mystery book examines the story of a Canadian serial killer who murdered several women in the 1890s, many of whom were coming to him for help with abortions.

Nikki Ray Media has produced unscripted shows including The Big Bake, Great Chocolate Showdown and Fire Masters. More recently, it has looked to branch out into scripted content and earlier this year completed four TV romance movies for Corus Entertainment-owned W Network that will premiere next year.

Linton and Sheerin previously ran Toronto-based production company Architect Films, which was owned by the Kew Media Group (KMG). When KMG collapsed in early 2020, Linton and Sheerin bought back their shares in Architect Films and launched Nikki Ray Media Agency as a new entity.

“We are so excited to be working with Laurie Petrou on adapting her incredible novel for the screen,” said Tanya Linton, who serves as executive producer in addition to co-CEO.

“Stargazer is such a compelling story that has already thrilled readers all over the world. We look forward to adapting it into a highly watchable series.”