From the Page to the Screen, and Screen to Page

Why do some books leap so naturally onto the screen while others struggle? And increasingly, the journey goes both ways, with hit films and series inspiring bestselling books of their own. This session unpacks the creative possibilities and practical challenges of adaptation in both directions, exploring how narratives are reshaped as they cross mediums—and the commercial rewards that can follow. Bringing a wealth of expertise to the discussion are: Alexandra Maramides, founder of Australia’s Rêve Agency, representing authors, illustrators, and screenwriters across publishing, film, TV, and streaming; Jan Paterson, Director of Books and Audio at BBC Studios, who has driven global rights sales for smash hits including Bluey and Doctor Who; and Luigi Bonomi, founder of LBA Books, whose close ties to television and broadcasting have seen many of his authors’ works optioned by major studios. In 2019, he became the only literary agent appointed by the BBC to represent its audio output.