Two Rivers Media options Philip Miller’s Edinburgh art world thriller

Leading Nations indie Two Rivers Media, has acquired the film and TV rights to The Goldenacre, a literary thriller by Philip Miller, prior to its publication in June 2022 by Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn Limited. 

Set in Edinburgh, The Goldenacre blends intrigue, tragedy and humour in a thrilling story about the provenance of art. The Goldenacre - a masterpiece by the painter and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has been given to the people of Scotland. The beautiful canvas, the last work by the artistic genius, enthrals the art world, but behind it lies a dark and violent mystery. Thomas Tallis, an art expert with a troubled past, is trying to uncover the truth about the painting's complex history, while tenacious newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is investigating a series of shocking murders in Edinburgh. Both investigators soon become engulfed in the machinations of money, crime and identity in a work that reveals unseen forces at work in modern Scotland.

Marcus Wilson, Head of Drama at Two Rivers Media, says: “Set in the dark underbelly of Edinburgh’s fine art scene, Philip’s novel has a plot which is gripping and pacy with crackles of wit and humour, throughout.  It’s an obvious proposition for a transfer to television. The book is a love letter to Edinburgh and lifts the veil on parts of the city rarely seen - we can’t wait to help bring Philip’s work to life on screen.”

Philip Miller adds: “I felt assured from my first meeting with the team at Two Rivers that the novel is in good hands: their vision for taking the novel from the page to the screen is an exciting one, and they really understood the characters, the language, the tone and the setting of The Goldenacre. It is a daunting but thrilling prospect to imagine the adventures of Shona Sandison and Thomas Tallis being brought to the screen, and a whole new audience  by this very talented, experienced team.”

The rights to The Goldenacre were bought by Two Rivers Media from Robbie Guillory at Underline Literary Agency. The deal follows sales of the US & Canadian rights to Soho Crime and audio rights to W F Howes by Fiona Brownlee of Brownlee Donald Associates.