Lionsgate to produce Anita Blake for IFC

US cable network IFC has commissioned Lionsgate to make a two hour sci fi pilot based on vampire novel Anita Blake.

The series, which is based on a series of erotic fantasy books by Laurell K Hamilton, is set to be executive produced by X-Files and Final Destination producer Glen Morgan.

Craig Cegielski, EVP, programming and sales, Lionsgate International Television, told TBIvision that the Rainbow Media-owned broadcaster will air the two hour pilot next year, before deciding whether to order a full season. "It’s a sexier Buffy The Vampire Slayer," he says.

Lionsgate has found much success in the US cable market, producing hit comedy Weeds for Showtime, Mad Men for AMC and its latest, Crash, a TV adaptation of the Oscar winning movie, for Starz. "This is what Lionsgate does best, launch networks," he adds.

Meanwhile, the company is also looking to ramp up its distribution of international third party series and is eyeing up an Italian light entertainment format as well as a French series.

"We’re looking for producers from around the world. We’ve set forth a plan that models our international film group that forms a bridge to international producers that don’t have distribution," adds Cegielski.