Storied local author Liz Moore takes a cinematic leap with this month’s debut of Peacock’s limited series Long Bright River, set right here in Philly.
This The series is Moore’s first foray off the pages and onto the small screen.
Philadelphia author Liz Moore, acclaimed for her gripping storytelling and keen insight, sees her New York Times bestseller Long Bright River come to life on screen this month, starring Amanda Seyfried. As a Philadelphia police officer torn between duty and family, Seyfried hunts a killer while desperately searching for her missing sister amid the opioid crisis. Here, Moore talks about what bringing this story to life was really like.
How involved were you in the adaptation process, and what was it like seeing your work come to life? I’m a co-creator, executive producer, and one of six writers on the series. It’s been an amazing team effort and very moving to see how much sheer talent the other participants brought to the series. I’m excited for everyone to watch it—especially Philadelphians!
With such a deeply personal and atmospheric setting in Philadelphia, how important was it to you that the show captured the city’s essence? Extremely important. I’ve lived in Philadelphia for 16 years, my husband is from this area and my kids are born and raised here. One of the things I’m most proud of is attempting to bring real authenticity to the series, especially by casting actors and nonactors from Kensington and Philadelphia in roles large and small.
Did you like working in television? I’ve found this experience really moving and interesting. I do intend to keep working in TV: two of my other novels, The Unseen World and The God of the Woods, have also been optioned for television by Sony and I’ll be working on those adaptations as well.
What’s inspiring your writing right now? My teaching always inspires my writing. I direct Temple’s MFA program in Creative Writing and it’s a powerful way to stay connected.
Photography by: MAGGIE CASEY
