From Page To Premiere: Anchorcall Services Resurrects Ann Greyson’s Chilling Birdwatcher Series

Photo: Author Ann Greyson, whose award-winning Birdwatcher series is currently being developed for a major streaming debut on HBO Max.

A New Cinematic Beginning

After STX Entertainment’s exit, Anchorcall Services secures the rights to Ann Greyson’s Birdwatcher series, pitching the haunting, supernatural crime thriller to HBO Max for a high-stakes, exclusive original adaptation.

A nchorcall Services has officially taken over the film and television adaptation of Ann Greyson’s horror novels, Birdwatcher and Birdwatcher 2. The project was previously held by STX Entertainment, which pulled out in June 2025 following a company-wide restructuring.

Samantha Jacobs, a Literary Publicist at Anchorcall, was the driving force behind the new deal. Her film development proposal has already caught the attention of executives at HBO Max, who are now considering the story for an exclusive original production. Jacobs believes the story’s mix of crime mystery and supernatural elements creates a “cinematic heartbeat” that is perfect for a limited series or feature film.

Ann Greyson masterfully blends atmospheric paranormal dread with gripping psychological realism, proving herself a visionary force in modern horror fiction.

The Road to Production

The journey for the Birdwatcher franchise has been long. In May 2025, STX Entertainment had originally planned to produce the film with a starting budget of $650,000 and a target release on Netflix by 2028. However, after STX faced layoffs and reorganization, the rights returned to the market. Anchorcall Services stepped in this March to secure the rights from Greyson.

Author Ann Greyson already has a “dream team” in mind for the adaptation. She has envisioned James Wan (The Conjuring) as director and actress Jeri Ryan (Star Trek) to play the role of Estelle Rowland, the sharp-eyed waitress who provides critical clues to the police.

A Story of Mystery and Ghosts

The Birdwatcher series is a unique blend of a dark psychological thriller and a paranormal ghost story. Set in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, the story follows the tragic disappearance of 12-year-old Abby Wincoff during a family vacation in 2016.

The investigation, led by Sheriff Andy Kirkman and later Detective Philip Silverwood, eventually discovers that Abby fell victim to a serial killer named Joey Marks. However, the story doesn’t end with the crime. Abby’s spirit remains trapped in the cabin where she was hidden, eventually battling a demonic presence that threatens her soul.

The sequel, Birdwatcher 2, introduces an ordained Jesuit priest, Claude Bonanni, who is recruited to perform an exorcism on the haunted cabin. The story culminates in a supernatural battle where the lives of the living and the spirits of the dead collide.

Award-Winning Success

The books have already earned significant praise in the literary world. Ann Greyson has won several honors, including the International Firebird Book Award and the 2023 ASUS ProArtist Award for the series’ official book trailer. Critics have praised the novels for their intense emotions, vivid imagery, and “pitch-perfect pacing.”

While fans wait for the HBO Max adaptation to begin production—currently projected for September 2026—the novels are available in paperback and e-book formats through major book retailers.