Lionsgate bags film rights to The Other Side

Lionsgate TV has acquired film and TV rights to The Other Side by Stephen Mullan, a former undercover policeman whose debut novel was shortlisted last year in Myriad's annual First Drafts competition.

A contemporary crime thriller set in London, The Other Side, is the story of undercover police officer, DC Joe Agnetti, who descends into ever-greater violent criminality, finally becoming caught up in an investigation into the murder he has committed.

Myriad’s publishing director Candida Lacey said: "Stephen came to our attention through Myriad's annual work-in-progress competition, First Drafts. The judges, all crime writers — Peter James, Elizabeth Haynes, Lisa Cutts, Lesley Thomson and Elly Griffiths — were impressed by the authenticity of his writing and his compelling storytelling. Stephen's voice is strong, spare and cynical, with dry, almost Chandleresque sardonic humour. ‘The Other Side’ will make cutting-edge television and bring Stephen’s work to the global audience it deserves."

Steve November, creative director, Lionsgate UK Television, said: "In Joe Agnetti, Stephen has created a huge character, an antihero who takes us with him on every step of his journey through love, betrayal, guilt, confession and redemption, keeping us on the edge of our seat whilst never losing his sense of humour. It’s a brilliant debut and we are very excited to be able to bring Joe to the screen."

The acquisition was negotiated by Beverley Gee on behalf of Myriad and by Alexandra Keen, executive vice president, business and legal affairs, and Rachael Elliott, senior legal counsel for Lionsgate. The company recently announced the development of Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore.

Lacey acquired world rights to The Other Side directly from the author. German rights have been acquired by Goldmann in a deal negotiated by Louisa Pritchard Associates on behalf of Myriad.

Mullan grew up in Scotland and graduated with a degree in History from the University of London before joining the Metropolitan Police Service. He served undercover for many years before leaving the force to start writing fulltime. Stephen Mullan is a pseudonym. Myriad will publish in 2018.