It’s every writer’s dream to have their book adapted for TV right? Amanda Reynolds had her book Close To Me adapted into a drama on Channel 4, and in light of her brand new book The Screenwriter coming out, she’s been reflecting on the process of having one of her books adapted for the screen!
The Experience of Having Close To Me Adapted For TV
It was November the Seventh 2021. Nine o’ clock on a dark autumn evening in a small Cotswold village. A new drama beginning on Channel Four. Family gathered, fizz in hand, a scream of excitement going up in the packed sitting room as the words appeared on screen: ‘Based on the book by Amanda Reynolds’. It was happening. The most surreal journey of my life had reached its destination.
That dream began roughly four years earlier when my debut novel, not even completed and without a publisher, was optioned for screen. I was warned that whilst it was lovely news, there was no guarantee it would happen.
In the next four years the possibility often receded. Long periods of no news, then there would be another iteration of the script, the odd flutter of excitement about possible casting.
Then the call came that Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston were on board and filming was about to begin. It was happening!
But no one had predicted a pandemic, and again, it seemed as if it may not happen after all.
Amazingly, the production still went ahead, one of the first to develop Covid protocols, and despite the frustration of not being able to attend a closed set – even some of the exec producers couldn’t visit – they managed to make a truly marvellous six episodes.
I’m often asked if I like the adaptation and the simple answer is yes, I do. Connie is wonderful as Jo, and Christopher brilliant as Rob. I also adore the casting of their adult kids, Sash and Finn. The production is beautiful, the script, by Angela Pell, witty and poignant and addressing all the themes and the story arc with a faithfulness I know I’m lucky to have. And if there are some changes I’m less fond of, there are others I love, like the use of Connie’s Danish heritage.
One unexpected surprise was that the series was reviewed on Gogglebox, something I found almost as exciting as the adaptation itself. The memes of their reactions to the twists and reveals priceless.
Close To Me was the second most watched drama of that year on Channel Four. It has been shown all around the world, including the US and Australia. It is still available on C4, Amazon and other streamers. There to be watched, reviewed, enjoyed.
I’m not sure I’ll ever believe it happened, but it did.