Sarah Vaughan’s Little Disasters Optioned for TV

Roughcut TV (People Just Do Nothing, Stath Lets Flats) has secured the rights to adapt Sarah Vaughan’s fourth novel, Little Disasters.

In the series, pediatrician Dr. Liz Trenchard is called to A&E to assess an injured child, only to see her close friend Jess, whose explanation of the child’s injuries don’t sit well. Liz’s boss forces her to alert the authorities and an investigation is launched. As Jess’s life spirals out of control, the two women’s friendship group begins to fracture as medical and criminal hell breaks loose.

Roughcut is currently interviewing screenwriters for the adaptation.

Marianna Abbotts, Roughcut’s drama development producer, said, “We are delighted to be working with Sarah Vaughan and were completely gripped by this thought-provoking and moving novel. Sarah’s meticulously researched story bravely explores the dark reaches and intense love of motherhood through a taut, compelling psychological thriller. The female friendships at the heart of the book and the way mothers judge each other make this a hugely universal and relatable subject and we are thrilled to have the chance to bring Sarah’s characters to the screen.”

Vaughan added, “I was blown away by Roughcut’s pitch: their nuanced discussion of the universality of Little Disasters, their commitment to being brave and true to the darkness of the story, and their vision for how the characters might grow. Seeing the characters of one novel, Anatomy of a Scandal, develop in a TV series has been incredible. I’m so excited that those at the heart of Little Disasters might get the same opportunity and I can’t wait to be involved.”

Alex Smith, head of scripted, added, “Roughcut are thrilled to add such a prestigious author as Sarah Vaughan to our drama slate and this marks the beginning of our ambitious push into high-end drama working with the best writing talent.”