Italian distribution and production companyNotorious Pictures is expanding into the TV series sphere by snapping up rights to buzzy literary property “Forbidden Notebook,” a 1952 novel by Italian-Cuban writer Alba de Céspedes that has been recently rediscovered and successfully republished in English.
De Céspedes has been described by the New York Times as “a bestselling novelist and political activist in her native Italy” admired for her sensitive depictions of women whose recently rediscovered work “has lost none of its subversive force.” She is considered a source of inspiration for Elena Ferrante, the Italian writer with legions of fervent fans around the world and whose four “Neapolitan Novels” have been adapted into the long-running “My Brilliant Friend” TV series by Italy’s RAI and HBO.
“We are pleased to announce the ambitious and important serial development of de Céspedes’ ‘Forbidden Notebook,’ said Notorious Pictures CEO Stefano Bethlen, who added that “we are certain it can win over the [TV] series audience, as is already happening with the recent reissues of her novels.”
Notorious Pictures has also optioned two other De Céspedes novels, titled “Her Side of the Story” and “There’s No Turning Back.”
The adaptation of “Forbidden Notebook” is being penned by Francesca Serafini and Giordano Meacci, screenwriters of well received films such as Claudio Caligari’s drama “Non essere cattivo” (“Don’t Be Bad”), which was Italy’s international Oscar candidate in 2016.
The announcement was made at Rome’s MIA market dedicated to international TV series, animation, feature films and docs.
“Forbidden Notebook” marks the first foray into full-fledged TV series production for Notorious Pictures – whose name pays homage to both the Hitchcock film and the rock band Duran Duran – the distribution company founded and headed by chairman Guglielmo Marchetti that is active in exhibition and is now expanding its production side, formerly limited to film.
Benedetta Galbiati, former head of international development at Italy’s Lux Vide, has been appointed head of scripted series development and production within the newly formed Notorious Series unit.
