It is based on the first book, Youth in Revolt. TV pilot In 1998, MTV and Fox television worked together on a television show based on the book. A pilot was filmed, but it was never developed further. Film adaptation In March 2004, a film adaptation of the book was announced, written by Gustin Nash and directed by Miguel Arteta. Michael Cera stars in the role of Nick Twisp, newcomer Portia Doubleday plays Sheeni Saunders, Ray Liotta is Lance Wescott, Jean Smart is Estelle Twisp, Steve Buscemi is George Twisp, and Erik Knudsen is Leroy "Lefty". Justin Long plays Paul Saunders, Sheeni's older brother. The movie was filmed in Michigan. The locations were Royal Oak, Michigan, Rochester, Michigan, Frankfort, Lake Leelanau RV Park, Interlochen, Lake Ann, Ferndale, Detroit, South Lyon, Ann Arbor, Wixom, Brighton, and Hazel Park. It was released on January 8, 2010. References 1993 American novels American comedy novels Absurdist fiction Black comedy books Epistolary novels Picaresque novels American novels adapted into films