StudioCanal and Deadpan Pictures Team Up to Adapt Lottie Brooks Book Series for Television

The Hollywood Reporter•Published: Oct 6, 2026 01:30 PM IST

StudioCanal and Deadpan Pictures are joining forces to develop a live-action television adaptation of Katie Kirby’s bestselling children's book series, 'The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks.' Writers Josie Long and Holly Phillips have been tapped to adapt the popular literary franchise for the screen. Ailish McElmeel will produce for Deadpan Pictures, while StudioCanal executives and its in-house label, StudioCanal Stories, oversee the project.

Creative Team: Writers Josie Long, known for 'Skins,' and Holly Phillips, recognized for 'Get Even' and 'Dance Academy,' are scripting the television series.
Production Leadership: Ailish McElmeel is producing for Deadpan Pictures, while StudioCanal Stories oversees the book-to-screen development and worldwide merchandising.
Literary Success: The nine-book Puffin series has sold over 3 million copies globally, been translated into more than 30 languages, and is often styled as a pre-teen version of Bridget Jones.

The Context & Background

Published by Puffin, the illustrated books chronicle the awkward misadventures of an 11-and-three-quarters-year-old protagonist entering secondary school. This project highlights StudioCanal Stories' ongoing mission to transform popular literary properties into high-profile film and television franchises.

Why it matters:This television adaptation taps into a massive global audience of young readers and families, leveraging the proven commercial success of a multi-million-selling book franchise. By bringing the beloved character to life, StudioCanal expands its rich portfolio of literary adaptations, following in the footsteps of successful projects like Paddington.

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