The first film in an anticipated franchise adaptation of House of Night is coming to the big screen for its legion of worldwide fans. The YA fantasy romance is based on the New York Times #1 bestselling book series of the same name by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Directed by Rain Li (Beijing, New York), widely acclaimed cinematographer and commercials director, casting for the film is currently underway.
Highland Film Group will present the project this week at the upcoming European Film Market.
Victor Hadida (Resident Evil and Silent Hill franchises, The Crow) and Molly Hassell (the upcoming The Return to Silent Hill, Terminal, The Crow) are producing.
The book series has sold over 31 million copies across more than 40 countries in over 30 languages, making it one of the most successful and far-reaching young adult franchises globally. With a dedicated fan base worldwide, the combined books have spent 153 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List, reaching the coveted #1 position multiple times. The series has also spent 424 weeks on USA Today’s Best-selling Books list, with four books (Awakened, Hunted, Burned, and Tempted) peaking at #1.
“With the wide recognition and following of the books in so many countries, and the young adult themes of growth and challenge in an uncertain world, this is the right moment for this film, and we could not be more thrilled to bring it to audiences throughout the world,” said Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser. “House of Night is the first installment of a strong franchise with an incredibly robust and passionate army of fans around the world who are eager to see these stories brought to life,” added Highland Film Group COO Delphine Perrier.
Zoey’s life is forever changed when a genetic mutation marks her as a vampyre fledgling, forcing her to leave everything behind and get to the House of Night, a boarding school where the Marked learn to endure their transformation. As she navigates the highs and lows of teenage love, shifting friendships, and newfound independence, Zoey discovers she possesses extraordinary gifts that set her apart – making her both revered and feared in a vampyre world already steeped in magic.
P.C. Cast observed, “I’ve been working closely with Molly and Rain to bring this film to fruition, and could not be more proud of the work they have done in respecting our universe. Our fans have been waiting many years to see their beloved characters and their journeys come to the screen, and we are beyond excited at what they will see.”
Li added, “I have long loved the unique universe that P.C. and Kristin have created in their beloved books. I am so excited to cinematically realize their vision for new audiences as well as the millions of avid followers of the books.”
Director and Cinematographer Rain Li’s feature directorial debut Beijing, New York earned multiple awards internationally. She has been cinematographer on several films from acclaimed director Gus Van Sant including Paranoid Park and Paris Je T’aime, starring Willem Dafoe and Natalie Portman. Li has also been cinematographer on popular music videos including Justin Timberlake’s iconic “Sexy Back,” and The Raconteurs’ “Steady As She Goes.” She has shot high-profile commercials for major brands including Coca-Cola, Hermes, Maybelline, and Volkswagen. At 24, she was named one of Variety’s ‘10 Best Cinematographers to Watch,’ and The Hollywood Reporter named her among ‘The Best Cinematographers of This Generation.’
