A Prisoner Of Birth, the latest novel from flamboyant and controversial ex-politician Jeffrey Archer, is to be brought to the screen. The book has been optioned by 111 Pictures, the London-based production, distribution and sales company run by Alki David.

The aim is to turn the novel into a four-hour mini-series. However, David has not discounted the possibility of making a theatrical feature version as well.

Danish director Mikael Salomon (Band Of Brothers, The Andromeda Strain) is to direct. Alki David, an actor as well as a producer, has confirmed that he will play the part of the villain, Craig. (Salomon and David also worked together on the 2004 mini-series, The Grid, while David also recently appeared in Roger Donaldson’s box-office hit, The Bank Job.)

A Prisoner Of Birth is a modern-day reworking of The Count Of Monte Cristo. It’s about Danny, an East End garage mechanic who is wrongfully imprisoned for murder thanks to evidence given against him by West End barrister, Spencer Craig.

Jeffrey Archer will act as a consultant on the project. It is conceivable he may also appear in front of the camera. ‘We would very much like to have him in a cameo,’ David commented.

Shooting is due to begin in Spring next year. David and 111 Pictures’ Tony Lytle are currently are in negotiations with potential US and UK broadcaster partners at MIPCOM.

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