Yellow Bird Options Norwegian Novel

STOCKHOLM: Zodiak Entertainment-owned Yellow Bird has optioned the film rights to Headhunters (Hodejegerne) from bestselling Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø.

Yellowbird is developing a feature-film adaptation of the book, which has sold to ten countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands. Nesbø is a well-known author thanks to his seven acclaimed crime novels featuring Detective Harry Hole, which have been translated into more than 30 languages. The thriller focuses on Roger Brown, a successful headhunter who finances his extravagant life by way of dangerous art thefts. When he meets the Dutchman Clas Greve he starts planning his biggest heist ever, but soon runs into trouble. Marianne Gray, producer at Yellow Bird, noted: "Headhunters is both entertaining and riveting and we believe that the strength of this story together with Jo’s sales success worldwide will make for another highly successful feature film with huge international potential."

The script for the film is in the works, with production slated to begin next year. The move is part of Yellow Bird’s ongoing expansion efforts in Norway. Working with Monster Film, the company is developing six films based on Norwegian crime writer Anne Holt’s successful books about inspector Yngvar Stubø and psychologist Inger Johanne Vik.