AceShowbiz -

IFC are cashing on the Vampire fever by gearing up a project based on Laurell K. Hamilton's vampire novel series that have sold over 6 millions worldwide. The cable network will adapt "Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter" series to a TV movie in partnership with Lionsgate and After Dark Films.

Published by Penguin Group, the series has spawned 16 books and still counting. It follows the heroin Anita Blake who has a lousy love life and a job as an investigator of supernatural cases. It has the element of "True Blood" where vampires and shape shifters live among humans and considered citizens of America.

"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."

Production will be kicked off this summer for airing next year with "The X-Files" scribe Giles Morgan on the scriptwriting department. He will also be executive producing the show with Courtney Solomon ("An American Haunting"). Target of audience is aimed at men 18-34.

"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."