NEW YORK: IFC tv has given the greenlight to its first original movie, Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter, based on Laurell K. Hamilton’s bestselling paranormal fantasy novels and produced by Lionsgate and After Dark Films.
There are currently 16 books in Hamilton’s series, published by Penguin in the U.S., with more than 6 milion copies sold worldwide. The story focuses on Anita Blake, a vampire hunter with a lousy dating life and a penchant for bringing dead people back to life who also also works as a police consultant investigating preternatural crimes.
“This unique partnership with Lionsgate, After Dark, Laurell and Glen continues IFC tv’s commitment to provide groundbreaking content that you cannot find anywhere else” said Evan Shapiro, the president of IFC tv and Sundance Channel. "Anita Blake on IFC will offer a fresh and unique take on the genre; the type of approach that defines our brand."
Jennifer Caserta, the executive VP and general manager of IFC tv, added: “Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter marks the first time in IFC tv’s history that we have created a fictional feature film for the network. IFC is appealing to its core base of men ages 18-34 who are looking for vampire content. The popularity of the network in this demographic indicates that there is a clear demand for films that delve into provocative topics and nothing is more classically provocative than vampire lore. Anita Blake fits perfectly with our successful original programming.”
“Laurell has created a fascinating heroine in Anita Blake and we quickly recognized the on-screen potential for this vivid character,” noted Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate’s president of television programming and production. “We have an outstanding creative team and are excited to be moving forward with IFC, which will allow us to fully explore the complex world of Laurell’s highly intriguing and erotically charged novels.”
