Killer profiler’s book to be adapted for TV

South African psychologist and author Micki Pistorius is to have her 2003 autobiographical book Catch Me a Killer adapted as a TV drama.

The crime series is set in the mid-1990s and is based on the true story of Pistorius, a former journalist turned psychologist who became South Africa’s first serial-killer profiler. She worked for the South African Police Service tracking down the country’s most feared criminals.

The series is being adapted for the screen by Amy Jephta (Barakat, Trackers) and Jess Ruston (Young Wallander, Around the World in 80 Days) and directed by Tracey Larcombe (Innocent).

Executive producing is Simon Howley of UK-based CMAK Films and Herbert L Kloiber, Olivia Pahl and James Copp of Germany’s Night Train Media. Charlotte Hope (The Spanish Princess, Game of Thrones) has been cast as Pistorius.

Catch Me a Killer will premiere on South Africa’s M-Net/Showmax next year. International sales are beug handled by UK-based Abacus Media Rights.

“MultiChoice Group remains committed to being part of multiple coproductions with global partners, and we’re happy to add more titles to the growing list. We are proud to continue expanding such partnerships further to the benefit of all involved, be they in front of the camera or behind the scenes,” said Allan Sperling, executive head of content at Showmax.

Pistorius said: “It’s a fascinating process to watch my life dramatised, and we are thrilled to have such a talented actress as Charlotte on board.”

Howley added: “Bringing this book to the screen has been a labour of love for us and the talented production team led by Tracey Larcombe have exceeded our expectations in creating the atmosphere and intensity of the story.”