Two Rivers feels Byrne’s Afterlove

Cover art for Tanya Byrne’s Afterlove

Scottish indie Two Rivers Media has acquired film and TV adaptation rights to Tanya Byrne’s young-adult novel Afterlove, ahead of its publication in July.

Afterlove is Byrne’s fourth novel for the YA audience and is a tale of first love with a supernatural twist.

It follows 16-year-old girl Ash, who falls in love with Poppy on a school trip but, soon after, is killed when she is hit by a car. Ash then becomes trapped in the afterlife, where she is one of three fierce ‘girl-reapers’ forced to collect the souls of the dead. But Ash can’t forget her first love and becomes determined to see her again, dead or alive.

Olivier Award winner Emma Reeves will co-write the screen adaptation alongside Byrne. Reeves’ TV credits include The Worst Witch, Eve, The Dumping Ground, Young Dracula, The Story of Tracy Beaker and Belonging.

Marcus Wilson, head of drama at Two Rivers Media, said: “Tanya Byrne is a true master of authentic teenage voice and experiences, and Afterlove is no exception. We all fell for Ash and Poppy – this really is a love story to die for.

“Same-sex romances and diverse central characters are still not seen nearly enough on screen, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project. Its themes are bound to resonate with YA audiences worldwide.”

Wilson’s exec producer credits include Luther, The A Word and The Worst Witch.

The rights were bought by Two Rivers Media from Emily Hayward-Whitlock at The Artists Partnership, on behalf of Claire Wilson.