Hollywood loves to hit the books.
As long as film and television have existed, so have book adaptations.
“The novel lends itself so much more to TV,” Richman says.
Credit: Erin Simkin/Hulu; Enda Bowe/Hulu
That ethos is evident atHulu, which has become something of a poster child for literary adaptations.
“It very much felt like a book club,” she recalls.
“The entire team had read the book we were talking about themes of motherhood and race and identity.
It didn’t feel like a typical Hollywood pitch meeting.
Springborn says these conversations are essential internally, before they go out to potential producers or talent.
It has also helped them approach and woo authors directly in an increasingly competitive market for rights.
It paid off in the case ofSally Rooney, who both wrote and adapted her hit novelNormal People.
For agents looking to place their authors somewhere their artistic vision will be honored, this speaks volumes.
Do they see in it what we see in it?'”
“Will it make people have conversations that they aren’t having?”
Neustadter asks of every title she reads.
“Will it make them think about and feel things they may not be thinking about and feeling?
How is this going to change people?
And how is it going to shift perspective?”
“We’re looking for things that have a depth and scope in the storytelling,” she says.
In early May, following their spring series launch, bothLittle Fires EverywhereandNormal Peoplesat at No.
Just don’t forget the wine.
