IFC adapting 'Anita Blake' vampire novel

Cable network IFC is readying to announce an adaption of a popular vampire novel as its first-ever theatrical-length movie production.

IFC is teaming with Lionsgate for a TV movie based on the "Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter" books. The project is the network's first-ever feature-length production and could be the basis for more Blake projects if successful.

The 16-books-and-counting Blake novels by Laurell Hamilton includes elements familiar to fans of "True Blood" (vampires are part of regular society) and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (tough young female fights supernatural forces). The project will be adapted by Glen Morgan ("X-Files," "Final Destination"), who also serves as executive producer along with Courtney Solomon ("Dungeons and Dragons"). IFC is targeting the movie to its core base of men ages 18-34 and plans to air the movie next year. 

"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," said Jennifer Caserta, executive vp and general manager of IFC. "Anita Blake fits perfectly with our successful original programming."

In the books, Blake is a vampire hunter with a lousy dating life who also works as a police consultant investigating supernatural crimes. She attempts to come to terms with her own abilities, and navigate a romantic and political relationships within the vampire community.

"Laurell has created a fascinating heroine in Anita Blake, and we quickly recognized the onscreen potential for this vivid character," said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate's president of TV 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."

The first several titles in the Blake series focus on paranormal action, as will the IFC movie. The later novels have become known for highly sexual content (according to Wikipedia, Blake gets involved in S&M, multiple concurrent relationships and "lycanthropic sexual fantasies"). The most recent title debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

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