‘Death In Paradise’ producer Red Planet to adapt Mike Phillips novel ‘Blood Rights’

Blood Rights

Red Planet Pictures, the UK indie behind Death In Paradise, has partnered with theatre scribe and director Ryan Calais Cameron to adapt Mike Phillips’ crime thriller novel Blood Rights for the screen.

Published in 1989, Blood Rights is the first novel in Phillips’ Sam Dean series, following the charismatic, investigative journalist as he digs into a case involving snatched heiresses, sex, drugs, and double dealing. The book, which was republished last year, also explores the relationship between Great Britain and the African diaspora.

The 6 x 60-minute series will be written by Calais Cameron, the co-founder and artistic director of theatre company, Nouveau Riche. His play Retrograde will receive its world premiere when staged at the Kiln Theatre in April.

Red Planet Pictures’ Tom Mullens, who produced ITV drama Our House, will exec produce the Blood Rights adaptation. He commented: “Ryan is an outstanding talent and I’m thrilled he’s adapting Blood Rights for us. There’s no-one better placed to dramatise the vibrant and exhilarating world of Blood Rights for a new audience.”

Ryan Calais Cameron

Calais Cameron added: “The themes of Blood Rights are just as relevant today and I can’t wait to bring the iconic character of Sam Dean to life in our series.”

Red Planet Pictures is part of the Asacha Media Group. Run by joint managing directors, Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, the UK indie is behind the long-running BBC crime drama Death In Paradise, as well as its recent spin-off Beyond Paradise.

It also produced Sanditon for ITV, Masterpiece and BritBox UK and last year’s adaptation of Louise Candlish’s novel Our House for ITV, while is currently working on two further Candlish adaptations – her 2016 thriller The Swimming Pool and the recently published The Only Suspect.