Novel based on Arandora Star tragedy optioned for TV

Natalie Dye’s debut novel about the sinking of the Arandora Star ship during World War Two, killing 865 people, has been optioned for television.

Blackbox Multimedia has optioned the book, also called Arandora Star, after agent Lucy Fawcett at Sheil Land Associates Ltd negotiated the deal.

The book is inspired by the true story of the sinking of the war time ship, which held 865 Italian and German internees and prisoners of War, who all lost their lives.

Blackbox Multimedia is an International TV Scripted production company recently established by Guy Avshalom, the former chief operating office of Lionsgate Europe, in collaboration with private equity investors and TV industry veterans.

Fawcett said: “Natalie’s book is a remarkable and heartbreaking story and I’m so pleased that Blackbox spotted its potential for screen adaptation. To be embarking on this journey at the early part of Blackbox’s own adventures is hugely exciting.”

Avshalom said: “We’ve been so keen to tell a story around these events and Natalie’s novel was a wonderful discovery for us.”