marblemedia goes into development on a new scripted television drama adaptation of business mogul, Arlene Dickinson’s bestselling book ‘Persuasion’

Award-winning Canadian writer and producer, Alexandra Zarowny 

attached as writer and executive producer

TORONTO/LOS ANGELES June 15, 2021 - marblemedia is expanding its primetime slate by going into development on a new one-hour drama series, Persuasion, based on the national best-selling business book from powerhouse Canadian entrepreneur and TV personality, Arlene Dickinson. 

Featuring a cast and creative team of empowered women, both behind and in front of the cameras, this brand-new series will take a much different approach than other scripted series about business. Instead of showcasing the ruthless underbelly of business where the end justifies the means, Persuasion will take inspiration from Dickinson’s determination, dedication, tenacity and brilliance in her rise to successto dramatize a fresh & powerful approach to being effective in business.

marblemedia has optioned the rights to Persuasion, published by HarperCollins Canada. Dickinson will serve as an executive producer on the series, her first scripted television series, along with marblemedia’s Matthew Hornburg, Mark Bishop and Carrie Paupst Shaughnessy, and Alexandra Zarowny is attached to write and executive produce. 

Inspired by Arlene Dickinson’s book of the same name, the fictional series will explore the exhilarating high-octane, fast-paced world of marketing, public relations, and entrepreneurship where, through a dynamic and diverse cast of characters, the battle to do business ethically and honestly is fought every day. Through the lens of Rachel Nicholson’, a tough, fiery, innovative marketing mastermind, and her team at Trailblazer, we join Rachel as she journeys through two different periods of her life – as a tenacious young mother with no formal education in the 1990s, and a marketing maven and celebrity in present day. The series recognizes women’s leadership and the power of their unstoppable influence – motivating others around them, breaking glass ceilings and paving their own path – all while lifting up and setting the example for the next generation.

“We are going to focus this story on elements of the high-stakes business world that we don’t typically see on television”, said Carrie Paupst Shaughnessy, Executive Producer and VP Scripted at marblemedia.“We will showcase the bravery it takes to invest in a dream and try to beat the odds, and that business can be an emotional rollercoaster ride -- all while showcasing a strong woman at the center who forges her own path and demonstrates that successful business can be done differently.” 

“I’m thrilled to be working with marblemedia on a scripted version of my book to bring a show about a female leader forging her own path to television viewers around the world,” says Arlene Dickinson, executive producer. “The world needs a show that demonstrates a different approach to doing business successfully and that inspires women to break barriers to reach their dreams, that is what is at the core of Persuasion.”

Best-selling author, investor and renowned entrepreneur, Arlene Dickinson is widely recognized for her role as a ‘Dragon’ on the multi-award-winning television series, Dragons’ Den. Arlene is also an inductee in Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, amongst many other accolades. Arlene has become an icon for doing business with integrity.

“I am humbled and thrilled to be working with Arlene, a personal hero of mine who continues to smash through glass ceilings.  Her rise from rock bottom to renowned business maverick is truly inspiring.” adds Alexandra Zarowny, writer and executive producer. “Persuasion will be filled with do-or-die drama and revel in the aspirational glamour of a woman who achieved success and power while remaining true to herself and her ideals.”

Most recently, Zarowny served as an Executive Producer and Showrunner on Global’s popular Private Eyes starring Jason Priestly and Cindy Sampson. Other producing credits include CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and Republic of Doyle, Showcase’s Lost Girl and Syfy’s Wynonna Earp.

Persuasion joins marblemedia’s previously announced adaptation of The Other Boy, a best-selling novel by M.G. Hennessey, and Holding Still, a Toronto-set novel by celebrated author, poet and screenwriter, Zoe Whittall. These projects will all foster a new generation of stories driven by perspectives that need to be shared, heard and celebrated.

About  marblemedia

A global award-winning media company, marblemedia is anchored in original storytelling, innovation, and content that celebrates unique characters and perspectives through an inspiring lens. In addition to their critically acclaimed competition series and renowned award-winning family content, the leading production company is forging their way into the scripted television space by expanding their repertoire of scripted series with a handful of new acquisitions.

Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt  Hornburg  with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto, London and L.A., with a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at  marblemedia.com

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