The Weinstein Company has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Blood Sisters,” the first feature film installment of the highly successful “Vampire Academy” series of young adult books from financiers Reliance Entertainment and IM Global. “Blood Sisters,” to be directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls", "Spiderwick Chronicles"), is based on the first book in author Richelle Mead's hugely successful series of books. The screenplay will written by Dan Waters ("Batman Returns", "Heathers").
The “Vampire Academy” book series has become a worldwide phenomenon, with over 8 million copies in print across 35 countries. There are 6 titles in the series to date, the last 4 making The New York Times bestseller list.
In “Blood Sisters,” Rose Hathaway develops a mental and spiritual bond with her BVFF (best vampire friend forever) Princess Lissa. The two girls attend a strict school for vampires designed to retain their humanity, and where it is Rose’s task to protect the Princess. Along with the everyday issues faced by any teenage vampires, Rose falls for Dimitri, their dreamy guardian. Together the three battle the mysterious forces of the evil Moroi who are set on destroying the Princess’s bloodline. In the post-Harry Potter, “Twilight” marketplace, the commercial possibilities seem obvious.
The deal was negotiated over the past few days at the Berlin Film Festival by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, COO David Glasser and Acquisitions President, Mark Gooder with IM Global CEO Stuart Ford and attorney Craig Emmanuel of Loeb and Loeb.
The picture represents Academy Awards guru Weinstein's first foray into the world of young adult franchises. The company is currently riding high at the box office with Oscar contenders "Django Unchained" and "Silver Linings Playbook.”
"I am thrilled to be working on the first feature for ‘Vampire Academy,’” said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein, in a press release distributed by TWC. “This series is fantastic and I am excited to bring it to the screen for diehard fans and introduce the stories to a whole new audience.”
Production is expected to start early summer 2013, with Zooey Deutch ("Beautiful Creatures"), Lucy Fry ("Lightning Point") and Danila Kozlovsky toplining. “Blood Sisters” will be released on February 14, 2014, combining Valentine’s Day and the Presidents Day long weekend.
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