Studiocanal, a subsidiary of Canal+, has announced the launch of Studiocanal Stories, a new unit dedicated to expanding TV and film adaptations of literary intellectual property (IP). The company, which previously established a division for literary adaptations two years ago, will soon reveal the management team for this new venture. While specific details about Studiocanal Stories are currently limited, the company highlighted data indicating the success of literary adaptations in the entertainment industry. In 2023, 42% of the top 100 U.S. box office hits were based on literary works, and in France, TV and film adaptations of literary IP increased by nearly 30% between 2015 and 2021.
Studiocanal has a history of involvement in the adaptations business, with upcoming Cannes Official Competition selections such as Gilles Lellouche’s Beating Hearts and Michel Hazanavicius’ The Most Precious of Cargoes, both based on literary works. The company has previously adapted major literary IPs into series, including War of the Worlds and Ridley Road for the BBC, as well as films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and A Boy Called Christmas. Notably, the successful Paddington film franchise originated from books featuring the iconic bear character.
Studiocanal is currently working on various projects, including the preschool book-based TV series Miffy by Dick Bruna, the TV series Playing Nice based on JP Delaney’s book, and the feature film How to Stop Time, originally written by Matt Haig. Other international players, such as Universal International Studios, Banijay, and All3Media, have also been actively pursuing literary adaptations in recent weeks, with agents reporting a strong market for popular novels.
In summary, Studiocanal’s launch of Studiocanal Stories aims to further expand its presence in the TV and film adaptations of literary IP. The company’s decision is supported by the success of literary adaptations in the industry, both in the U.S. and France.