EXCLUSIVE: Rebelle Media, founded and run by former CAA film finance and sales agent Laura Lewis, is getting into business with MGM Television. The company has signed a first-look deal with the studio and set its first project, a series adaptation of The Sicilian Inheritance, Jo Piazza‘s bestselling novel of the same name.
Described as “a gorgeous destination-based murder mystery, The Sicilian Inheritance is a delicious, escapist story featuring an ensemble cast and strong female characters fighting the forces that keep them down.”
The project continues a relationship between Rebelle and Piazza which began with her bestselling book Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, which is in development with wiip.
“We look forward to progressing this partnership between MGM Television and Rebelle Media with The Sicilian Inheritance,” said Lindsay Sloane, head of MGM Television. “This is exactly the kind of story MGM Television strives to create – filled with intrigue, drama, and complex characters – set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily. I look forward to continuing our relationship with Laura and to adapting Jo’s excellent work for the screen.”
Added Lewis: “I’ve loved working with Lindsay, Caroline and the rest of the MGM team over the past few years and this feels like such a natural evolution of our relationship. And to kick it off with my friend and frequent collaborator Jo Piazza’s juicy book is the proverbial cherry on top. MGM and I share similar tastes, a passion for shows born from books, as well as a desire to find and tell addictive and engaging female-driven stories. When you find your people, you want to do more and more with them.”
Rebelle focuses on film and television projects driven by women and depicting the world onscreen as it is off. The company executive produces the hit television show Tell Me Lies on Hulu, which is in development on its third season. Upcoming projects include Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win with wiip, The Sweet Spot at Amazon that Jennifer Westfeldt is set to write, the romantic comedy Give or Take with Suzanne Farwell directing, the comedy Hot Mess to be directed by Katie Locke O’Brien, among others. Rebelle is also a co-producer on Redwood which just opened on Broadway starring Idina Menzel. Lewis is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy, BAFTA and is a founding member of Producers United
“During a time when women’s rights are being consistently rolled back we need more stories than ever about strong and ambitious female characters defying the odds,” said Piazza. “Sicilian delivers that in a delicious package that also whisks readers and viewers away to the gorgeous island of Sicily. I chose to partner with Laura more than eight years ago because she has a true vision about how women should be portrayed onscreen and the power of storytelling to be an engine for cultural change. We are so happy to have found a home at MGM who shares our belief in what this show will be.”
Piazza is an internationally bestselling author known for writing novels that feature strong female characters defying the odds. Her books and podcasts consistently top the major lists and charts. She is also the creator of the ongoing critically acclaimed podcast series Under the Influence. She is repped by UTA.
Lewis is repped by Linda Lichter at Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark.
