The Blood Red Road film is currently in the works.
Interview with Moira Young About Film
Ridley Scott’s London production company, Scott Free UK, purchased the option to develop it early on; a year before the book was published. I actually had a meeting with him! It was the most surreal experience of my life; sitting next to the director of Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise and Gladiator – among my favourite films – and chatting about our mutual love of The Wind in the Willows.
Here’s a little story for you. Ridley Scott trained as a graphic artist and does all his own storyboards for his films. After he’d read the manuscript he was having a phone conversation with his producer about it and, while they were talking, he made a sketch of Saba and Emmi leaving their burning home at Silverlake. I had it framed and it’s the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. Just in case I think I’ve dreamed the whole thing!
We now have a first script by Jack Thorne which is being read by selected A-list directors. The producers have been looking at locations and talking to a number of potential financiers and they’ve got some serious interest. Once a director is attached to the project, they’ll work up a budget, bring in financing and we’ll be able to move forward.
I have what’s called ‘meaningful consultation’. That means that I read and feed back on script development, have input into the appointment of a director and input into lead casting.
Scott Free are among the first readers of the Dust Lands manuscripts, before they’re edited by my London and New York publishers. I’m glad to say that they love Rebel Heart. If Blood Red Road gets the green light, the intention is that they would film all three books back to back.
It’s encouraging that we’ve got this far this quickly. But the fact is, many many books are optioned and very few make it to the screen. However, we can all help make it happen. I can tell you that good sales figures for the books, internet buzz and a large fan base are absolutely crucial to whether or not the producers proceed. If you want to see Blood Red Road the movie, share your enthusiasm with your friends, urge them to buy the books, tweet about them and get others to join the fansite and follow @DustlandsFans with a #FF.