Guest Post: LoveOzYA Books That Would Make Great TV Shows/Movies
Guest Post Emily Meade
- Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar – TV show
I could definitely get on board with a feminist Aussie TV show, a battle between guys and gals, and university college life. Kirsty Eagar’s characters are so fleshed-out and real that I would love to see them develop over a few seasons.
I think there is sufficient creative license here to create a cracker of a TV show. I mean, a contemporary with elements of apocalypse? That’s definitely something to play up. I’d love to see lots of the bakery, Alba’s bunch of friends, Doomsday enthusiasts turning up to Eden Valley and some positive body imagery, please!
- The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer – Movie
This would be a hilarious movie. Playing up Josie’s clumsiness and the awkward situations she gets into would make for the perfect second-hand embarrassment, and she’s got so much heart you can’t help but fall in love with her. The story arc here is perfect for a movie-length adaptation.
- The Flywheel by Erin Gough – TV Show
With the backdrop of a café, there are really endless opportunities for a TV show here, following multiple characters. Del, of course, is the heart of the story, and I’d love to see her relationship with Rosa blossom over several episodes rather than over the course of a movie. I think it’d be a really sweet, less dramatic version of Neighbours.
- Night Swimming by Steph Bowe – Movie
Who wouldn’t want a movie starring Stanley the goat? Quintessentially Aussie, this would be a perfect coming of age movie filled with enough Aussie humour to keep local crowds entertained. Though I don’t think you’d be able to stretch it out to make a TV show, there’s enough material on crop circles, love and family to make a fantastic movie.
- The First Third by Will Kostakis – TV Show
This book is full of family, and I’d love to see a TV show where family is of utmost importance. Can you imagine all the Yiayia shenanigans we’d get to see play out over a season or three? Let’s be real, she would be the main character in this TV series.
- Laurinda by Alice Pung – TV Show
Laurinda on-screen would be like a better, more nuanced and more diverse version of Ja’mie: Private School Girl. It’s one of my favourite #LoveOzYA books, and the exploration of family, race and class could make for a really interesting show.
- When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah – Movie
With the state of the world recently, it would be really lovely to have a movie with positive Muslim representation. This book tells two versions of a story that we see play out right now across the real world, and Randa Abdel-Fattah captures that perfectly. I think this could be a really powerful story on the big screen, and it’s definitely one that needs to be told. Mina, in particular, deserves that.
9. Begin, End Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology edited by Danielle Binks – TV Show
Um, yes to a mini-series where every story gets an episode or two. How great would that be? I loved every one of these short stories – they showcase the very best of Aussie writing, and every single one would make for excellent TV.
- Masquerade by Kylie Fornasier – Movie
In this list it’s very clear that I’m a fan of YA contemporary (I can’t help it). But I have got one historical on this list! Masquerade would be a beautiful movie – with 1700s Venice, masks, canals, beautiful dresses, every frame would be Instagram-worthy. Can this please be a thing?
Other books that would make fantastic TV shows/movies are My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier (one word: psychopaths), the Every series by Ellie Marney (one can never have too many Sherlock TV shows), and the Colours of Madeleine series by Jaclyn Moriarty. There’s such potential in #LoveOzYA, so let’s hope some producers realise that quick-smart.
What books would you like to see adapted to TV or movies?
* I’m Emily Mead.a 21-year-old Aussie YA writer, PR student and amateur French learner. Bookstagram: @emilyjmead instagram.com/emilyjmead/
4 comments
Aaah The Colours of Madeleine is one of my favourite series ever!!!! And I totally agree about The Flywheel.
I'm going to have to read that series. I love Jaclyn Moriarty!
In reply to inky
The first book, A Corner of White, is pretty slow-paced but it's definitely worth it.
Flywheel and When Michael Met Mina! WMMM would particularly be good on the psychology and perspective aspects