Rights to THE ENGLISHMAN, the first novel in best-selling author David Gilman’s new book series, have been optioned by AGC Studios, Stuart Ford’s fast-growing independent studio, to be developed into a feature film.
Gilman is known for tension-filled, action-packed books that rise above standard adventure novels with smart and insightful writing informed by the acclaimed author’s life. His biography rivals the plots of his books and imbues them with an up-to-the-moment reality against a global backdrop. Gilman has been a paratrooper in the British Army, a firefighter, a professional photographer, a truck driver, a farm worker, a marketing executive for an international publishing company and a world traveller before the time he turned 30. That experience is on every page of his latest book of which writer and journalist William Shaw said, “THE ENGLISHMAN is thrilling proof that high-tension international thrillers are back – and with an absolute vengeance” and The Times’ Jeremy Dun said, “THE ENGLISHMAN is a sweat-inducing tour-de-force.” Other works informed by Gilman’s extraordinary life include his tenure as one of the lead writers on the BAFTA® award winning ITV television series A TOUCH OF FROST, and as the author of the MASTER OF WAR historical novels and YA adventure series, DANGER ZONE.
Published by Head of Zeus, THE ENGLISHMAN centres on Raglan, a former soldier whose work in the French Foreign Legion taking on terrorists in sub-Saharan Africa brings him to the attention of MI6. He is soon recruited for a secret, undercover mission that takes him on a relentless search through the network of a dangerous international organized crime operation. He finds out just how dangerous the mission is when he lands in a Siberian penal colony. His physical and mental strength, and help from Yefimov, a fellow inmate, are keys to his survival through perilous and life-threatening dangers. In Raglan THE ENGLISHMAN introduces us to an intelligent, complex and strong globe-trotting hero made for the challenges of the 21st Century.
Ford says, "We're thrilled to have acquired the right to make a film or maybe multiple films from David Gilman's compelling, enigmatic action hero Raglan and are looking forward to introducing some top tier writing and directing talent to the project in the near future".
The deal was negotiated by Conrad Williams on behalf of Gilman and by Stuart Ford and Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs Anant Tamirisa on behalf of AGC.
Translation rights to THE ENGLISHMAN have also already been acquired by Bulgarian publisher Delphin and Romanian publisher Lebada Neagra, emphasising its global appeal. Rights in David Gilman’s other titles have been sold in more than a dozen translation markets, and his MASTER OF WAR series has featured on German bestseller lists.
Praise for David Gilman
‘Verve, pace, shocks and intrigue, this is spy thriller writing by an author at the zenith of his powers.’ – Peter James
'Incisive prose – and the pulse-pounding pace just never lets up.’ – Peter May
‘The ENGLISHMAN is thrilling proof that high-tension international thrillers are back – and with an absolute vengeance.’ – William Shaw
‘A sweat-inducing tour de force.’ – Jeremy Duns, Thrillers of the Month, The Times
‘What Gilman does superlatively is heart-pounding action.’ — Amanda Craig, The Times
‘NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS is a magnificent war spy thriller. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Clever, complex, gripping, emotionally engaging, terrifying. And so much more. A stand-out novel of the year for me and one that kept me reading late into the summer night.’ — For Winter Nights