Film rights to YA debut S.T.A.G.S snapped up

Feature film rights for M A Bennett’s debut YA novel S.T.A.G.S have been bought by Chernin Entertainment, ahead of its UK publication.

Katie Langridge at Knight Hall Agency Ltd, negotiated the deal on behalf of Teresa Chris who represents the literary work of M A Bennett. Fox 2000 is attached to produce.

The novel focuses on the exclusive St. Aidan the Great's School (S.T.A.G.S.) in England and follows first year boarding student Greer as she navigates the traditions of the school hierarchy, until she is invited for a weekend getaway by the school's elite and most popular group, known as the Medievals. The invite promises a weekend of bloodsports, but what Greer and the other invitees don't know is that the Medievals just might be hunting, shooting, and fishing them over the next three days.

Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Zaffre, will publish S.T.A.G.S. in the UK in August 2017 and Delacorte Press, and imprint of Penguin Random House, will publish the novel in the US in 2018, with deals currently being negotiated in other countries.

Bennett quote: “I am thrilled to be working with Chernin Entertainment and Fox 2000, who have shown through their work that they have a unique grasp of the adventures and trials of young adulthood. I was deeply impressed by their passion for the book and their understanding of the novel's messages. To have this level of attention from such a powerhouse team for a debut YA novel is a dream come true.”