EXCLUSIVE: Following Universal’s re-imagining of Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal, Zero Gravity Management (Ozark) is teaming with storied UK label Romulus Films on a TV series about the same author’s seminal thriller, The Odessa File.
The conspiracy thriller adaptation will follow freelance journalist Peter Miller as he infiltrates a shadowy organization of former Nazi SS officers in 1960s Germany, putting himself on a collision course with one of history’s most notorious war criminals.
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The series, which is in development, will be executive-produced by Jonathan Woolf and Nick Varley for Romulus Films and Simon Fellows, alongside Leon Clarance (Sense8) for Zero Gravity Management.
Simon Fellows (Steel Country), who is represented by Zero Gravity, has penned the adaptation, crafting what the production team describes as “a visually intoxicating ride, with an emotive soundtrack, cinematic visuals, and plenty of danger”.
The project is currently being packaged for talent and Zero Gravity says it is in discussions with broadcasters and streaming networks for what is envisioned as an initial eight-episode season with plans for three subsequent seasons that will carry the story through to the present day.
The classic 1970’s films Day of the Jackal starring Edward Fox and The Odessa File with Jon Voight were both produced by Sir John Woolf’s Romulus Films, whose label has been continued by son Jonathan Woolf. The iconic brand also produced films such as musical Oliver! and The African Queen.
“This is not a remake; it’s a totally fresh take,” said Fellows. “We’re combining several genres – period, conspiracy, thriller, action, and a touch of the revenge western – all revolving around a 1960s autobahn-fuelled road movie to catch a monster.”
“Frederick Forsyth’s work has proven time and again to be incredibly prescient and adaptable to contemporary audiences,” added a spokesperson for Zero Gravity. “Following Universal’s recent success with The Day of the Jackal, we are thrilled to be working with Romulus in bringing this new adaptation of “The Odessa File” to audiences.”
A spokesperson for Romulus Films commented: “We are very pleased to be working alongside Leon, Simon and the team at Zero Gravity to bring The Odessa File to new audiences. Romulus has a long history of producing successful motion pictures based on Forsyth’s works and we are excited to see this project moving ahead”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source ca.news.yahoo.com ’
