Korchula Productions Options Rob Henderson's Memoir "Troubled" for Scripted Feature Film

Rob Henderson, author of the bestselling memoir "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class," announced the sale of film rights for his book. The rights have been acquired by Korchula Productions, led by award-winning filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker, with the intent to develop a scripted feature film based on Henderson's life story.

Korchula Productions is known for producing "heterodox" films that aim to entertain while nudging national discussions, a focus that aligns with the themes of "Troubled." The production company previously brought "The Coddling of the American Mind," based on the New York Times bestselling book, to screens. Their strategy often involves leveraging platforms like Substack to reach mainstream audiences with independent and thought-provoking content.

Henderson's memoir chronicles his challenging upbringing in the Los Angeles foster care system during the 1990s, detailing the poverty, violence, and instability he experienced. It follows his journey from fleeing home at 17 to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and ultimately gaining admission to Yale University, where he observed the growing social class divides. The book was selected as one of the best of the year by The Economist.

While the film rights have been optioned, signifying that Korchula Productions has purchased the exclusive right to adapt the book for a set period, the project is currently in its fundraising phase. "Nothing is actively in production just yet," Henderson stated, clarifying that an option does not guarantee a film will be made but is a crucial first step. Henderson will be consulted during the filmmaking process but will not be writing the screenplay.

The adaptation aims to bring the powerful narrative of "Troubled" to new audiences, potentially paving the way for other independent filmmakers to tell stories that Hollywood might typically shy away from. The producers expressed their belief that the story can resonate widely and contribute to important societal conversations.