Justin Somper’s children’s series optioned for television
RubyRock Pictures, Princess Pictures and Capricornia Content have partnered to option Justin Somper’s six-book children’s series, Vampirates, for television alongisde his companion series, Pirate Academy.
Zoë Rocha, RubyRock creative director, together with Princess Pictures’ Emma Fitzsimons and Laura Waters, and Capricornia Content’s Chris Loveall, will collaborate with Somper to bring the world of Vampirates and Pirate Academy to screens. RubyRock Pictures acquired television rights to both series from Anna Weguelin at Curtis Brown.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with Emma, Laura and Chris to develop Justin’s truly international books for a new audience,” said Rocha.
Set in a future where ocean levels have risen, the Vampirate series depicts a “new golden age of piracy” where a ship crewed by vampires voyages through the night. Book one follows orphaned twins Grace and Connor Tempest, who are separated after being shipwrecked in a storm. While Connor finds himself rescued by a pirate ship, Grace is saved by a ship of “vampirates”, which “sets in motion a series of explosive events that will not only define their own young lives but forever change both the world of piracy and the Vampirate realm”.
Somper’s Pirate Academy series is set in the same universe and follows protagonists Jacoby Blunt, Jasmine Peacock and their fellow “Barracudas” at the elite pirate academy. Both series are published by UCLan.
Loveall said: “Justin’s created an extraordinary world full of danger and adventure, humanity, humour and heart – the perfect escapism for fans of the novels and new audiences alike.”
Somper added: “I’m hugely excited by the ambitious vision Zoë, Chris, Emma and Laura have laid out for Vampirates and Pirate Academy – and deeply appreciate their nuanced responses to my characters and story-world. This gives me confidence that what we’ll see on screen will not simply do my work justice but move it in an awesome new direction that I know will delight existing readers and touch a whole new audience around the world. I’m thrilled to be part of the core creative team.”
Hazel Holmes, publisher at UCLan commented: “We couldn’t be more excited about the bold screen adaptation of both book series. Justin’s spellbinding Vampirates adventures have been capturing readers’ hearts and minds for almost 20 years now, and continue to thrill new readers.”
