From the producer and creator of the blockbuster Twilight film series comes a new feature film franchise, the young adult supernatural romance Anna Dressed in Blood. Fresh faces Maddie Hasson (“Twisted,” I Saw the Light) and Cameron Monaghan (“Shameless,” “Gotham”) have been cast in the new film from Fickle Fish Films producers Stephenie Meyer and Meghan Hibbett, it was announced today by The Solution Entertainment Group’s Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel.
Nestel and Wilson are producing with Meyer and Hibbett and are financing the project. The Solution will introduce the film to buyers and handle international sales at the upcoming Marche du Film in Cannes. UTA Independent Film Group represents the US rights and packaged the project.
Meyer optioned the book Anna Dressed In Blood, the first book in a successful two-book series, from acclaimed author Kendare Blake and developed the project through her production company Fickle Fish Films.
Known for her strong visual style in massively popular viral music videos, including her ground-breaking work for the rock band OK Go, Grammy Award winner Trish Sie (Step Up: All In) will direct from a screenplay written by Allison Wood. The film is slated to begin principal photography this November.
“Finding the right actors has been top priority,” said Sie. “It’s critical we achieve just the right tone and identify the magical combination of people that brings crackling electricity to these characters and their story.”
“We literally searched the world for over a year to find the perfect actors to bring this genre- spanning story to life. Cameron and Maddie, both so talented individually, together have that rare and extraordinary chemistry that lights up the screen,” said Meyer. “Trish Sie has the perfect background to visually translate Kendare Blake’s compelling story in a way that speaks to the modern viewer.”
“We are so excited with ‘Anna Dressed in Blood.’ It’s incredible combination of suspense, terror, comedy and romance gives it a real edge above standard YA fare. That coupled with an intense chemistry from our leads is driving the enthusiasm we are already seeing from buyers for the film,” added Nestel.
The book “Anna Dressed In Blood” was on a variety of best-of lists including NPR’s Top 5 and the Kirkus Top Teen list. It generated hugely positive reviews and critical acclaim upon its debut. Author Kendare Blake has written several book series in the YA genre. Her new novel, “Three Dark Crowns,” will be released in September of this year.
Following the success of the Twilight franchise, via Fickle Fish Films, Meyer and Hibbett also produced the 2013 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize nominated Austenland starring Kerry Russell, released by Sony, and Open Road Film’s The Host directed by Andrew Niccol based on a novel written by Meyer.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
