The next project from Denise Di Novi and Nina Tassler’s PatMa will be a Showtime series adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’ 2017 novel “A Book of American Martyrs.” Per The Hollywood Reporter, the duo are developing the show as part of their new “strategic partnership” with CBS. CBS will get a first look at any projects from PatMA as well as an ownership stake in the company under the pact. CBS Studios will also co-finance and co-produce any PatMa titles that land at CBS, Showtime, or CBS All Access.
Oates’ “A Book of American Martyrs” centers on an act of violence — one committed as an anti-choice political stance — and the effect it has on two different families. The Showtime series, called “American Martyrs,” will be penned by Winnie Holzman (“My So-Called Life”) and Savannah Dooley (“Nashville”). They will exec produce alongside Di Novi, Tassler, Debra Greenfield, and Linda Kent.
“We could not have found a better or more supportive partner than CBS in our endeavor to create social relevance and commercial entertainment,” Tassler and Di Novi stated. “‘A Book of American Martyrs’ is the perfect beginning. We are thrilled to have a writer of Winnie Holzman’s stature bringing the work of the esteemed Joyce Carol Oates to the screen.”
Di Novi and Tassler launched PatMa last year in order to spotlight diverse perspectives in film, TV, theater, and other platforms. Among the projects on the company’s docket are an FX drama inspired by Senator Barbara Boxer and limited series about first Israeli prime minister Golda Meir and Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor.
Di Novi directed 2017 thriller “Unforgettable” as well as episodes of “Bones,” “Outlander,”and “Ray Donovan.” She has produced dozens of films, including “Heathers,” both Gillian Armstrong and Greta Gerwig’s adaptations of “Little Women,” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”
Tassler served as Chairman of CBS Entertainment for 12 years before stepping down in 2015. During her tenure she spearheaded a “Diversity Conversation” with the Geena Davis Institute at the network. Tassler also helped pioneer CBS Entertainment’s first Diversity, Inclusion, and Communications department.
