RED options MP Jess Phillips' book

RED Production Company has optioned Everywoman: One Woman's Truth About Speaking the Truth (Random House) by Labour MP Jess Phillips, to be developed into a TV drama.

The drama will be a co-production, and co-developed, between RED and executive producer Lucy Dyke, whose credits include Abi Morgan’s "The Split", "Black Mirror" and "Ripper Street". RED secured the book through a deal brokered by Yasmin McDonald and Laura Macdougall of United Agents. 

Manchester based RED is known for producing programmes including "Happy Valley", "Queer As Folk", Scott & Bailey and "Years and Years", which is currently airing on BBC One.  RED is led by executive producer Nicola Shindler, who recently received the 2019 BAFTA Special Award, which recognised her services to television.

Phillips said: “I'm utterly thrilled to be working with RED, a company based outside of London led by Nicola Shindler, and with Lucy Dyke co-producing. They make the kind of television that truly represents people and events as they are and that was deeply important to me. The story of women in politics is complex and nuanced and intriguing, and it's a story that needs telling.”

Shindler added: “Jess is an inspirational woman who fights for what she believes in and isn’t afraid to be honest and outspoken. Using her book as a source we’re excited to create a drama that explores how an engaged woman can make a difference in today’s very complicated world.”