Fremantle Australia secures multi-title deal with Round the Twist author Paul Jennings

Fremantle Australia has struck a multi-title rights deal with Australian author Paul Jennings for the development of a new series.

Carly Heaton

Under the deal with Fremantle, the new series, entitled Twisted, will be based on a range of Jennings’ titles including Quirky Tales, Unbelievable, Tongue Tied, Unbearable and Unreal and is targeting a multi-generational audience.

Carly Heaton, Fremantle Australia’s head of drama said: “Twisted is not a kids show. It will be for everyone. We feel audiences are craving something we can watch across multiple generations, and this series will be it.”

Jennings is best known for the children’s television series Round the Twist which was developed from his stories by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).

The multi award-winning series was originally launched in 1989 and has screened in more than 70 global markets. It has been praised for its ability to appeal to both children and adults. He has subsequently written over 100 stories and sold over 10 million books worldwide, represented by publisher Penguin Random House Australia.

The new 10-part 60-minute series, follows the characters in the small town of Twisted Creek as they try to recover from a life-changing event. The creative team includes Catherine Smyth-McMullen (The Sandman), Monica Zanetti (Ellie & Abbie & Ellie’s Dead Aunt) and Gemma Crofts (Surviving Summer).

Jennings said: “To my great delight, Fremantle are developing some of my best work into a compelling narrative filled with diverse characters and weird plots. Each of my short story collections include a small number of tales with stronger and more challenging themes and they often include slightly darker or subversive content.”

“Some say they are kid’s yarns that adults also enjoy. Others think of them as adult narratives which appeal to children. I just write what comes. Fremantle are doing something wonderful – making Australian stories for the world. I couldn’t be happier,” the author added.