National bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove's novel "My Best Year" is advancing toward feature-film production, with a completed screenplay by veteran Hollywood screenwriter Barney Cohen. The project, which has been in development, is now moving into discussions about casting and financing, according to a recent announcement.
The adaptation was brokered by Allan Graffman and Rosebud Productions, with Cohen and The Ivan Group involved in developing the property for the screen. Ekkle, a faith-oriented film production company, has approved the screenplay and has been active in discussions concerning financing, casting, and production.
"My Best Year" tells the story of Paul and Julie Clampet, parents determined to give their autistic son, Toby, the senior year they believe every teenager deserves. After Toby is expelled from his high school, they find a struggling school in Indiana and enlist its teachers and students in an audacious plan to give Toby his best year ever—including a winning touchdown, a place in the homecoming parade, and a date to the homecoming dance. The novel is described as funny, poignant, and ultimately uplifting, exploring themes of family, acceptance, adolescence, and the lengths parents will go to give their child a chance to belong.
Hazelgrove expressed excitement about the film's progress, saying, "The story has always been about parents refusing to accept that their son should have to stand on the sidelines of life. Seeing that story move toward the screen is tremendously exciting."
The production team is exploring a range of budgets depending upon the talent ultimately attached to the project. Casting discussions are expected to play an important role in determining the scope of the production.
Hazelgrove is the author of numerous novels and narrative nonfiction books and has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist. His work has been featured by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, NPR, C-SPAN, and other national media. Several of his books have been optioned or developed for film and television.
The move toward production marks a significant step for the novel, which has resonated with readers for its heartfelt portrayal of a family's determination. With the screenplay approved, the next phases of casting and financing will be critical in bringing the story to the big screen.
