Studiocanal Adapting ‘The Extremely Embarrassing Life Of Lottie Brooks’ For TV

Dubbed the “pre-teen Bridget Jones,” Kate Kirby’s The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks is being given the TV adaptation treatment by Studiocanal.

The best-selling novels follow the chaotic and relatable Brooks family as their eldest, Lottie, 11 and ¾, tries to survive the awkwardness of growing up. Lottie truly believes that armed with her diary and a plan for total re-invention, everything will go great and not be embarrassing at all.

Comic Josie Long (Skins) and Holly Phillips (The Athena) are adapting for TV. The nine books in the series have sold 3 million copies and been published in 205 countries. They have shades of Adrian Mole, Sue Townsend’s hit 1980s book series that is currently being reinvented by the BBC.

Studiocanal is producing The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks with Video Nasty producer Deadpan Pictures, which ahs dubbed the books the “pre-teen Bridget Jones.” Demonstrating the newly-vertically-integrated natur of Studiocanal, its in-house book-to screen label negotiated the deal and its kids and family division is handling worldwide merchandising and licensing. In the kids space, Studiocanal is also adapting Dermot O’Leary’s Toto the Ninja Cat and Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking with Heyday.

Studiocanal Worldwide Television MD M-K Kennedy said: “From first crushes and friendship dramas to the never-ending awkward parade that is growing up, Lottie Brooks turns the chaos of adolescence into pure comedy gold. Katie Kirby has created an unforgettable character whose humour, vulnerability, and optimism have captured the hearts of readers around the world. We are thrilled to bring Lottie and her family to television with the exceptional talents of Josie Long and Holly Phillips deftly weaving spit-take laughs, mortifying embarrassments and touching moments of levity into every episode. Lottie is a wonderful example of our commitment to developing family friendly franchises from beloved literary properties.”

Kirby is represented by Chloe Seager at the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency. The deal with Studiocanal was negotiated by Hannah Ladds.