Picturestart adapts Wattpad title

MIPCOM: US prodco Picturestart has picked up the film and TV rights to Along For The Ride from Canadian digital storytelling platform Wattpad’s author Rachel Meinke.

The two companies will work on the project together with Picturestart developing and financing. Wattpad’s Aron Levitz, Eric Lehrman and Lindsey Ramey will produce.

Along For The Ride is a big hit on Wattpad, amassing 26.3 million reads on the platform. The story follows a 17-year-old football star as she’s forced to put her dreams on hold when her brother is offered a chance to tour for the summer with a famous boy band.

“Rachel’s story hooked us at once and we devoured the book immediately,” said Erik Feig, founder and CEO of Picturestart. “Her story introduces us to characters that are both relatable and aspirational and a world we didn’t want to leave. It’s funny, smart, unexpected and a great roller coaster of emotions.”

Picturestart was launched in May this year by former Lionsgate exec Erik Feig, with backing from US studio Warner Bros, Nordic operator NENT Group and LA-based Endeavor Content.