The founder of a leading literary agency who has strong links with Hollywood film producers along with publishers across the globe is currently in Malta seeking local authors who can offer gripping stories which can be adapted into films produced in Hollywood.
The books would preferably be written by established writers and the call is not just limited to authors of books but also to investigative journalists who are willing to sell their gripping true stories, and last but not least public figures.
French-born Mathilde Vuillermoz, 27, whose job entails travelling the world to seek out great novel writers, told The Malta Independent that unfortunately most Hollywood studios do not seek enough authors “outside the US or the UK” and this is where she steps in, serving as a middle person to such producers and seeking ‘foreign’ established writers willing to have their novels made into a film.
“While most agencies offer international services, they do not have the advantage of maintaining a presence in different markets with agents speaking at least three languages and fluent in each market’s respective language,” she explained.”
Ms Vuillermoz speaks some six languages. She operates between Los Angeles and London and started her career in Hollywood, where she worked with leading agencies such as ICM partners. She started to work in the talent department at first and later joined a literary agency where she trained with agents whose clients included writers such as James Ellroy and Jordan Belfort.
“I then decided to form my own agency MV Worldwide. I have clients who range from typical best-selling novelists. These include the likes of Canadian writer Loreth Anne White to an expert on arms trafficking and human rights who has served with the United Nations, Kathi Lynn Austin, or bestselling comic book writers whose comics I sell to Hollywood studios such as Jean-Marc Lofficier. War veteran hero and ex-skyjacker Raffaele Minichiello, whose memoirs I represent for film rights, is also one of my clients,” she said.
These are just a few names which show just how eclectic her client base is. Ms Vuillermoz said that she has been in Malta a few times before to visit movie sets as many Hollywood productions are shot here. “I love Malta, I think there is immense potential here and the island is a nest for so many talented writers.
“I am spending some time here right now as my goal is to get those amazing novels written by Maltese writers to my contacts in Hollywood since I work with many Hollywood studios and production companies. I suggested that we really should start digging in Malta as the Maltese literary scene is so unique and just incredibly dynamic,”she continued.
She is also currently holding talks with leading publishing companies since “my goal is to get as many Maltese writers as possible who are looking to be recognised by Hollywood top film producers.”
The literary agent said: “I feel Maltese writers are incredibly talented and the way they write is very rich, which is an overall representative of how rich the history and culture of Malta is.” She also pointed out that translations from Maltese to English will be taken care of by her agency once the novels are in hand.
She also explained that a portion of the commission she earns as a result of her work goes towards various charitable organisations so those participating in the array of projects available will be indirectly lending a hand financially to charities once a deal is struck.
MV Worldwide is the first literary agency to maintain a global presence in four continents with locations in London, Paris, Zurich, Berlin, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Dakar and now Malta.
Ms Vuillermoz can be reached by sending an e-mail to her on [email protected].
Those wanting to get a more in-depth idea of the agency she founded can visit www.mvworldwideagency.com