A novel set during a global pandemic eerily similar to our own COVID-19 crisis will be developed into a television series.
The Migration by The University of Queensland’s creative writing expert Dr Helen Marshall has just been optioned by multi-award-winning television production company Clerkenwell Films in London.
The book is set against the backdrop of a global pandemic that affects children and young adults, and tells the story of two sisters who must battle to protect each other in this strange new world.
Dr Marshall said the emotional core of The Migration came from her own experience of going through a major transition in life.
“When I was seventeen a tanker truck slammed into the side of my dad’s car leaving him with a catastrophic head injury that compromised his short-term memory, a condition that he still struggles with today,” Dr Marshall said.
“This crisis had a profound effect on me.
“In the weeks that followed, myself and my younger sister Laura were alone, completely dependent on one another.”
This life-changing event is not unlike the story of The Migration’s central character Sophie Perella, who wants to protect her baby sister Kira after a strange new illness ravages the globe.
After the worst happens, Sophie must discover the cost of adapting to this dangerous new world.
The novel will now be turned into a television series by UK film and television production company Clerkenwell Films, which boasts popular TV shows including The Misfits, Persuasion and Lovesick.
Executive producer Matt Jarvis said they were delighted to develop The Migration for television.
“Whilst obviously timely and prescient, Helen has written a beautiful, evocative novel that stays with you long after the final page,” he said.
“Its lasting impression being that love, hope and the human spirit can conquer all.”
Dr Marshall said The Migration reminded us that when the world seems to fall apart, people can pull together.
“Crises are unpredictable. Yet in genuine crises we see the potential for extraordinary courage, resilience, sacrifice and social cohesion,” Dr Marshall said.
“The novel has only just been optioned so it’s very early days, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it move from the pages of my book onto the small screen in the future.”
Read more on the origins of The Migration and Dr Marshall’s inspiration for the novel here.
MEDIA: Dr Helen Marshall, helen.marshall@uq.edu.au; Kristen Johnston, UQ Communications, k.johnston@uq.edu.au, 0407 656 518.
