Carnival Films Acquires TV Rights to Sarah Pinborough Novel

Carnival Films, the production company behind the acclaimed television series "The Day of the Jackal," has acquired the television rights to develop Sarah Pinborough's forthcoming murder mystery novel, "They Say a Girl Died Here." This acquisition marks a significant move for Carnival Films into adapting contemporary literary works for the screen, building on their reputation for producing high-stakes, character-driven dramas.

The novel, "They Say a Girl Died Here," is slated for publication at the end of the current month. It centers on Anna Maybourne, a university student who has dropped out of her studies. The narrative unfolds as Anna embarks on a journey with her mother, sister, and grandmother. The plot is described as a murder mystery, suggesting a central crime or series of events that Anna and her family will become entangled in. The specific details of the plot, beyond the initial setup involving Anna and her family's trip, are not yet fully disclosed but the genre indicates a focus on suspense, investigation, and uncovering secrets.

Sarah Pinborough is an established author known for her work in the thriller and horror genres. Her previous novels include "Behind Her Eyes," which was adapted into a popular Netflix limited series, demonstrating her ability to craft stories with compelling twists and psychological depth that translate well to visual media. The success of the "Behind Her Eyes" adaptation likely played a role in Carnival Films' decision to pursue her latest work, recognizing the potential for another hit television series.

Carnival Films, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal International Studios, has a long history of producing successful television dramas. Their portfolio includes titles such as "Downton Abbey," "The Last Kingdom," and "Hotel Babylon." The company's expertise in adapting complex narratives and creating immersive viewing experiences positions them well to bring "They Say a Girl Died Here" to television. The acquisition highlights the ongoing trend of production companies actively seeking out popular and critically acclaimed novels as source material for television adaptations, capitalizing on existing fan bases and proven storytelling capabilities. The specific broadcast or streaming platform for the adaptation has not yet been announced, nor has a projected release date for the series.