Award-winning Alan Carter crime series optioned for television

Magnetic Stories has optioned two Fremantle Press fan favourites for television: Alan Carter’s Cato Kwong series and his New Zealand-based Nick Chester series.

Carter said it was a nice start to a year which will culminate in the publication of his third Nick Chester book Franz Josef in October. Carter said, ‘Both series have acquired a loyal following and it would be fantastic to see them brought to life on the screen. Even more of a bonus, Prime Cut and Marlborough Man both have a strong Sunderland connection, and I can’t wait to hear that sweet, cultured accent on TV. Vera, eat your heart out.’

Producer Melissa Kelly (Population 11, Upright series 1) announced the launch of Magnetic Stories, rebranding Factor 30 Films, this week. She said it marked a new chapter in the company’s continued growth and commitment to producing high-quality, distinctive content for global audiences.

Kelly said, ‘We’re focused on a dynamic mix of film and television projects, bringing Western Australian IP and original stories to global audiences. We’re thrilled to partner with author Alan Carter and Fremantle Press on two award-winning book-to-screen adaptations – Prime Cut, alongside respected producer Bob Campbell, and Marlborough Man, with the Emmy-winning team at Northern Pictures.’

CEO of Fremantle Press Alex Allan said that, with such a rich vein of compelling Western Australian stories to hand, Fremantle Press was excited to collaborate with a production team that valued local content.

In order of publication, books in the Cato Kwong series are: Prime Cut, Getting Warmer, Bad Seed, Heaven Sent and Crocodile Tears. In order of publication, books in the Nick Chester series are: Marlborough Man, Doom Creek and Franz Josef (October 2025).

Both series are available in all good bookstores and online.