‘Tattooist of Auschwitz’ Producer Synchronicity Adapting Alexander McCall Smith’s Isabel Dalhousie Series for TV (EXCLUSIVE)

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The popular novel series by Alexander McCall Smith, titled “Isabel Dalhousie” and also recognized as “The Sunday Philosophy Club,” is set to make its debut on television screens.

Synchronicity Films, known for productions like “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” “Mayflies,” and “The Cry,” have acquired the rights to internationally acclaimed books. Andrea Gibb (“Miss Austen,” “Mayflies”) will be in charge of adapting these stories for television, while All3Media International will handle distribution.

In the works as a crime series that can be reused, “Dalhousie” will center around its protagonist, who is neither a detective nor a police officer, but rather a philosopher and editor of the Journal of Applied Ethics. This character, driven by an intense curiosity and solid moral compass, often finds themselves embroiled in mysteries that, to be honest, they shouldn’t have any involvement with.

Gibb expressed his excitement about transforming the captivating detective story of Isabel Dalhousie, created by Alexander McCall Smith, for television. Isabel is a complex character with an insatiable curiosity and a strong sense of ethics guided by her love for philosophy, which makes this series irresistible to adapt.

McCall Smith expressed his pleasure: “I’m thrilled that Synchronicity is interested in adapting the Isabel Dalhousie series for the screen. With a vast fanbase across numerous regions, the prospect of a well-respected Scottish film company delving into her story is quite enticing to me.

The captivating series, nestled in Scotland’s cobblestone capital city brimming with art galleries, investment banks, quaint cafes, and breathtaking landscapes, follows the protagonist Dalhousie. Each episode, or “story of the week,” plunges him into fresh mysteries. As per the description, each series presents a new philosophical dilemma to resolve, while his tumultuous personal life serves as a rich source of stories intertwined with each crime.

At Synchronicity, we take great pleasure in transforming beloved books into screenplays, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re deep into pre-production on a cherished series by Alexander McCall Smith – the Isabel Dalhousie novels,” said Claire Mundell, our executive producer and founder of Synchronicity Films. “Isabel Dalhousie is a character that will captivate audiences globally, offering them an iconic female lead, a delightful blend of soft crime mysteries, engaging characters, and heartwarming storylines, all set against the visually enticing backdrop of Edinburgh.

We’ve joined forces with Synchronicity for a new project, adapting Alexander McCall Smith’s Dalhousie detective series. Known for creating captivating literary adaptations, we’re thrilled about this collaboration. Isabel Dalhousie is a complex female detective in fiction and with Andrea Gibb, a talented writer, on board to bring her to life on screen, we aim to add her to our esteemed roster of detectives.

The show “Dalhousie” is being made into a 6×60 series by Synchronicity Films and distributed by All3Media International. Deanne Cunningham, head of development at Synchronicity (“Endeavour,” “Cold Feet”), along with Mundell will executive produce for Synchronicity Films. Gibb, who will adapt the script from McCall Smith’s novels, will also be an executive producer. Both McCall Smith and Gibb are part of this project. The “Isabel Dalhousie” series currently counts fifteen books, with “The Conditions of Unconditional Love” being the latest addition.

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2025-03-03 12:46