Screenwriter Rob King to pen screen-based adaptation of author Mark Sakamoto’s memoir
CBC has partnered with Don Carmody Television (DCTV) to develop a scripted adaptation of the 2018 Canada Reads-winning book, Forgiveness, written by Mark Sakamoto.
DCTV Principals Don Carmody and David Cormican previously announced the acquisition of the #1 Canadian best-seller in 2015.
Part historical drama, part memoir, Forgiveness intertwines the compelling narratives of soldier Ralph MacLean, who traded his quiet yet troubled life on the Magdalen Islands in eastern Canada for the ravages of war in the Pacific, and the Sakamotos, who felt their pleasant life in Vancouver ripped away after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Forgiveness recently won CBC’s 2018 Canada Reads competition. Harper Collins has confirmed that Sakamoto’s already best-selling book has sold more than four times as many copies in the last several weeks compared to the previous four years since its first release in 2014 and continues to enjoy brisk sales on the heels of participation in this year’s edition of Canada Reads.
Rob King, who recently wrote and directed the 2017 International Emmy® Award-nominated WWII historical drama Tokyo Trial for Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and Netflix, has been attached to write the screen-based adaptation of Forgiveness. Joy Kogawa, recipient of the Order of Canada, Order of British Columbia, Order of the Rising Sun, and author of Obasan, along with Mark Sakamoto, have both boarded the production as creative consultants. Oscar®-winning filmmaker Don Carmody (Chicago) and Emmy® Award-nominated producer David Cormican (Tokyo Trial) will serve as Executive Producers.
”Mark’s dramatic memoir tells a powerful story of hardship and bravery,” said Sally Catto, general manager, programming, CBC. “We look forward to our continued work in developing this property with DCTV.”
“I’m thrilled that my family’s journey is in the caring hands of the Don Carmody team and the CBC,” said Mark Sakamoto. “Moving from page to screen has been so very exciting and I can’t wait to watch with my family.”
“’East is east and west is west’, and the twain meet in the transformative work of Mark Sakamoto,” said Joy Kogawa. “Forgiveness shines a light on two families caught in the cross-currents of history and suffering and offers us hope that the same forces of healing are active among us in the enmities of our time.”
“We are pleased to be bringing this very important and relevant work to the screen with the CBC,” said Don Carmody. “The book reminds us all that the tragedies of our past don't need to limit our present or future and key to that, is the ability to forgive and rise above.”
The deal was negotiated between Jane Beaubien and Cormican for DCTV and Susan Kelly and Helen Asimakis for CBC.
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About Don Carmody Television (DCTV)
Don Carmody Television (DCTV), established in 2013, is a partnership between intrepid entrepreneurs Don Carmody and David Cormican. Carmody, one of North America’s most successful producers of premium content since 1980, has produced 100+ projects for cinema including Best Picture Academy Award-winner® Chicago, Polytechnique, and Goon, to the Resident Evil, Boondock Saints and Silent Hill film franchises, and include wins at the Golden Globes, Academy Awards® and Emmys®. Carmody & Cormican’s combined creative forces allow a unique and unparalleled offering in the industry; pairing an industry titan with a next-generation luminary. With a keen eye for story, coupled with an ability to attract talent and navigate international co-productions with ease, DCTV productions include the Emmy® nominated historical mini-series “Tokyo Trial” for Netflix and NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), “Between”, an original series for Netflix and City, and “ShadowHunters” for Freeform and Netflix, along with the multi-Emmy® nominated mini-series “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” for Lifetime. DCTV’s first feature film, Tulipani, Love, Honour & A Bicycle directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Mike van Diem, bowed at the 2017 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nicola Makoway, CBC
nicola.makoway@cbc.ca
416-205-7674
Sam Patterson, Don Carmody Television (DCTV)
sam@doncarmody.com
416-461-1441
