Irvine Welsh and Bret Easton Ellis are set to co-create a drama series about the national tabloid press in the US, looking at the often immoral and unethical side of the country’s media culture.
Currently titled American Tabloid, the satirical show will unfold over decades and will follow the story of a weekly publication that doesn’t care about political correctness (think: the Daily Mail).
The Trainspotting writer and American Psycho author are in final talks with Burning Wheel Productions, and are reportedly set to confirm the deal in the next few weeks.
“To do this production justice, we always knew we would require writers who don’t hold back and go way further than most would dare,” Burning Wheel’s Shelley Hammond said in a statement. “We are beyond delighted that we are ready to agree a deal to make this happen with the incredible talent of Bret and Irvine. This would be the first time the two have collaborated professionally – and with the support to allow creative freedom, we are confident spectacular things will happen.”
Burning Wheel is also behind Creation Stories, a film chronicling the story of the label that released music by Oasis, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and more. Written by Welsh and Dean Cavanagh, the film is adapted from The Creation Records Story: Riots, Raves, and Running a Label, a 2013 memoir by the label’s founder, Alan McGee, and is being directed by Nick Moran, while Danny Boyle is executive producing. Filming started in May 2019, but a release date hasn’t been confirmed yet – though it’s likely the coronavirus pandemic will have pushed it back.
In the meantime, look back at Dazed’s 2016 interview with Welsh as he reflects on 25 years of choosing life.