Twitter on TV? Lionsgate Plans To Make A TV Series On Twitter's Creation
Lionsgate is set to make a TV series based on the story of Twitter's creation.
The production company announced in a press statement released on Wednesday that it has acquired the rights over Nick Bilton's book, "Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal," and its plans to develop it into a TV series.
"Twitter has transformed almost every aspect of our lives from politics to business to friendship, and I can't think of a more compelling story to adapt for television right now," Kevin Beggs, chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group, said in the statement.
That same day, Bilton announced over his Twitter account that his book is "going to Hollywood." He will write and co-produce the series, while Allison Shearmur of "The Hunger Games" will be the executive producer.
"I am thrilled to work with Allison Shearmur and Lionsgate to adapt my book about the power, betrayal and billions of dollars that swirl through Silicon Valley," Bilton said in the statement.
"The story of Hatching Twitter really speaks to a generation that has searched for friendship through technology and it will be very exciting to see it brought to life on screen," he added.
Speaking on the upcoming TV project, Shearmur was quick to point out that this will be different from the film, "The Social Network," which was about the beginning of Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg.
"The Social Network was a perfect film, and this series will be different, providing a longer view of the work life changes, gamesmanship and personal sacrifices made by a group of individuals who are building a company that will change the way that people communicate," Shearmur said.
Ever since it was published in November, Hatching Twitter gained good reviews and made it to a number of "best books of the year" lists, such as The Economist, Gizmodo and Mashable. The book was also awarded by Amazon as its best book for November.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate has produced a few projects based on the best-selling books, the most popular of which were The Hunger Games franchise and the Twilight saga. Other popular Lionsgate projects include the Netflix series Orange is The New Black, AMC's Mad Men and Nashville over at ABC.