Amazon, in yet another triumph in the world of bidding wars, has secured the rights to adapt the “True Crime, True Faith: The Serial Killer and the Texas Mom Who Stopped Him” story from Vanity Fair. The article, penned by Julie Miller and published in September, delves into the chilling tale of Margy Palm’s abduction by serial killer Stephen Morin outside a Texas Kmart in 1981. While Morin didn’t achieve the same level of fame as notorious killers like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer, he was suspected of more murders than both of them combined.
What sets Palm’s story apart is her unusual relationship with her captor. Despite managing to escape, she continued to maintain contact with Morin even after his arrest. He would call, write, and even send her Christmas cards from prison. Palm visited Morin behind bars around 15 times and even made the trip to see him on death row shortly before his execution. Until now, Palm had never been ready to fully share her story, largely because she had yet to fully process and unpack the trauma she experienced.
As soon as Miller’s story was published online in August, it sparked a fierce bidding war, with numerous high-profile celebrities vying for the opportunity to produce the adaptation. The IP’s potential and cultural resonance had Hollywood buzzing, with everyone eager to get involved. According to sources, Amazon’s MGM Studios is already in advanced talks with a celebrity-driven production company to collaborate on the TV adaptation.
The timing of the series adaptation announcement aligns with the frothy state of the IP market. With the industry experiencing back-to-back strikes and production on hold, the demand for content has never been higher. Amazon has capitalized on this opportunity by securing the rights to other popular works, such as the bestselling book “Glossy” by Marisa Meltzer, which delves into the world of the millennium beauty brand Glossier and its founder Emily Weiss. Lindsey Anderson Beer, known for her work on “Pet Sematary,” and her production company LAB Brew are set to produce an ongoing series based on the book, with Amazon also acquiring documentary rights to the story.
By expanding on the details provided in the original content, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance behind Amazon’s victory in securing the adaptation rights for the true crime story. The narrative captures the chilling and captivating tale of Margy Palm’s abduction and her subsequent relationship with her captor, Stephen Morin, who was suspected of numerous murders. The fact that A-list stars were vying for the opportunity to produce the adaptation highlights the widespread recognition and intrigue surrounding the IP.
Moreover, the mention of the frothy state of the IP market sheds light on the intense competition within the industry. With strike-induced production delays, content creators are eager to secure valuable intellectual properties to meet the increasing demand for new and engaging content. Amazon’s proactive approach in winning bidding wars for popular works like “Glossy” shows their commitment to staying at the forefront of the streaming service landscape.
In conclusion, Amazon’s victory in the bidding war for the adaptation rights of the “True Crime, True Faith” story showcases their dominance in the highly competitive world of streaming services. The story’s compelling nature and connection to real-life events have captured the interest of Hollywood’s elite. While the IP market continues to thrive amid production challenges, Amazon’s strategic acquisitions position them as a leader in delivering captivating and relevant content to its audience.
