Class Is in Session for 'Vampire Academy'

LOS ANGELES, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Producer Don Murphy known for such films as "Natural Born Killers," "Apt Pupil," and the highly successful "Transformers" franchise, teams with Producer Michael Preger to bring Richelle Mead's epic vampire saga "Vampire Academy" to the screen.

"I've long admired Don's career and the many film projects he's been involved with," comments Preger. "I believe he can bring an influence to the mix that will be both action centric and edgy. We want the young male audience onboard with this project and we believe Mead has offered up a universe with which to accomplish that."

"The joy of these books is that in the wake of 'Twilight' they offer a chance to create a movie franchise that guys will want to see as well as girls," states Murphy. "Michael and I plan on positioning the films as something both sexes will enjoy together, expanding the genre of sexy young vampires to a whole new audience.  We are beginning discussions with studios immediately. "

"Vampire Academy" debuted on the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2007 and continues to trend higher with readers and critics alike with each new book in the series. "Vampire Academy" has now been published in 34 countries including the United Kingdom and Australia. The sixth and final installment of the series is scheduled for release in December 2010.

Preger's credits include the 2009 BBC1 hit mini-series "Day of the Triffids" and Universal Studio's "John Carpenter's Village of the Damned".

SOURCE Preger Entertainment