Roughcut prepares for Little Disasters
Ash Atalla’s UK prodco Roughcut TV has optioned the TV rights to Little Disasters, a psychological thriller novel by bestselling author and former journalist Sarah Vaughan.
Roughcut, which produces comedy series People Just Do Nothing for BBC3 and Stath Lets Flats for Channel 4, will adapt the novel for the screen.
The creative team at Roughcut – led by MD Atalla, head of scripted Alex Smith and drama development producer Marianna Abbotts – fought off competition to land the option, according to the company.
Roughcut said the the deal signified its focus on developing a diverse, high-end drama slate with international appeal.
Little Disasters focuses on a paediatrician who doesn’t believe a close friend’s explanation for injuries sustained by her child. As the authorities become involved, the friendship begins to fracture.
Abbotts said: “Sarah’s meticulously researched story bravely explores the dark reaches and intense love of motherhood through a taut, compelling psychological thriller. The female friendships at the heart of the book and the way mothers judge each other make this a hugely universal and relatable subject, and we are thrilled to have the chance to bring Sarah’s characters to the screen.”
Vaughan added: “I was blown away by Roughcut’s pitch – their nuanced discussion of the universality of Little Disasters, their commitment to being brave and true to the darkness of the story and their vision for how the characters might grow.”
Little Disasters follows Vaughan’s bestseller Anatomy of a Scandal, which has been adapted as an upcoming Netflix series produced by Bruna Papandrea and Liza Chasin. Written by Big Little Lies creator David E Kelley and Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards), Anatomy of a Scandal is directed by S J Clarkson (Jessica Jones, Succession) and stars Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery and Rupert Friend.
