Creative Differences is an Audible Original released in September, following the relationship between Emily, an aspiring literary writer, and Scott, a jobbing screenwriter. Three years ago, combining his punchy plot and her luminous prose, they crafted an international hit – and fell in love doing it. But now, Scott’s solo novel has flopped, Emily’s struggling with her literary manuscript, and their relationship is falling apart. Can they overcome their creative differences to produce another masterpiece? Or will it stamp out the spark of attraction for good?
“Creative Differences is a story close to my heart – and experience,” observes Simsion, who will be penning the screenplay. “A screen adaptation gives me the inspiration of a new medium and the opportunity to expand the story’s rom-com potential.” He adds, “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Australian creatives and enjoying the close involvement that comes from having a production partner just around the corner.”
Director Bec Peniston Bird [above], whose work has screened at Berlin, Palm Springs and Series Mania, as well as on ABC, Foxtel and Lonely Planet TV, is attached to the project. Peniston Bird has recently completed a directing stint on ABC TV’s Jack Irish, and is attached to direct the Thomas Street Productions family feature Counting the Stars in early 2022. Simsion and Peniston-Bird have collaborated on short films in the past and are early readers of each other’s writing.
“From my first read of Creative Differences, I loved the creative tug-of-war which underpins the story and could see the potential for a smart, sexy rom-com. Graeme was open to producing it locally, so we took it to Truce Films and it came together quickly”, says Peniston-Bird.
Jim Wright, Head of Development at Truce Films, adds: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with an author of Graeme’s standing and to continue our longstanding collaboration with Bec. Developing this project together has already been a rewarding experience on what is an incredibly exciting addition to our slate.”
Text Publishing will release a print edition of the audiobook in 2022.