marblemedia Picks Up Rights for The Other Boy

Toronto-based marblemedia has acquired the rights to The Other Boy, the best-selling novel from M.G. Hennessey about a transgender boy on the cusp of puberty.

The book follows 12-year-old Shane Woods, who transitioned when he was 7. As he’s gone about having a regular life after moving to Los Angeles, he’s kept that part of himself a secret—which becomes more difficult after he develops his first crush on a girl named Madeline. While Shane’s mom is supportive, his dad’s lack of acceptance threatens to keep him from taking the next step in his transition.

The Other Boy will be developed as a light comedic drama series for family audiences, with author Hennessey serving as a consultant. The adaptation is set to be the first of many announcements for 2020 from marblemedia’s scripted division.

Mark Bishop, co-CEO of marblemedia, said: “2020 is destined to be a milestone year for marblemedia, with a number of exciting and varied scripted projects in the pipeline, joining our extensive output of factual and kids programming. Our rapidly growing scripted slate contains everything from primetime series, including a soon-to-be-announced inspirational social justice drama, to comedies, kids’ adventure series and a number of strong family viewing titles such as The Other Boy.”

Carrie Paupst Shaughnessy, marblemedia’s VP of scripted, adds: “We are thrilled to have acquired the rights to M.G. Hennessey’s hugely entertaining novel and agree with Jill Soloway, creator of the award-winning series Transparent, who called The Other Boy a gorgeous book… filled with characters who will make you laugh, cry and cheer. Amongst other incredible work, M.G. supports LGBTQ foster children in Los Angeles and helps run a camp for families with transgender children. We are delighted that she will be bringing her expertise to the project, working with us to develop her wonderful story for the screen, and cannot wait to see what reception that this topical tale with its complex yet real characters gets from commissioners.”