New Pictures options climate change exposé The Petroleum Papers as drama series

Geoff Dembicki’s book exposing how fossil fuel companies blocked action to prevent climate change is to be adapted into a drama series by writer David MacPherson.

Geoff Dembicki

All3Media-owned prodco New Pictures has secured the rights to Dembicki’s The Petroleum Papers: Inside the Far-Right Conspiracy to Cover Up Climate Change, published by Greystone Books.

MacPherson (The Rig) will adapt the book as a multi-episode drama, with Imogen O’Sullivan executive producing.

The Petroleum Papers was named the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the prestigious Hilary Weston Writer’s Trust Price for Nonfiction.

It draws on hundreds of confidential oil industry documents spanning decades, revealing how the fossil fuel industry joined forces with right-wing politicians to halt progress on preventing the climate crisis.

Climate change organisation Climate Spring is acting as a consultant to New Pictures on the adaptation, with All3Media International advising as international distribution partner.

New Pictures recently announced a multi-year exclusive partnership with George Kay, the critically acclaimed creator, writer and showrunner behind global drama hits including Hijack (Apple TV+) and Lupin (Netflix), with his own label, Observatory Pictures.