Published as a serial from 1871 into 1872, writer Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's novella CARMILLA told the story of a young girl who falls under the spell of the title character, who appears to be a young girl herself but turns out to be a vampire that has been around for a long time. CARMILLA has served as the basis or inspiration for many a film, TV show/web series, comic book, radio play, stage play, and other forms of entertainment over the decades, and now writer/director Emily Harris is working on bringing a new adaptation to the screen.
A veteran producer/editor/director of shorts and documentaries, Harris has co-directed three feature films, and now will be making her solo feature directorial debut with CARMILLA.
Hannah Rae has been cast in the role of
15-year-old Lara who lives in total isolation in her family home. Struggling to find an outlet for her burgeoning sexuality, Lara is enchanted by the mysterious Carmilla and the pair strike up a passionate relationship. However, with rumours and superstition rife and with the exhortation of the family doctor, Carmilla’s presence in their home begins to strike fear into those around her.
Devrim Lingnau (pictured above) will be playing Carmilla, with Tobias Menzies as the family doctor and Jessica Raine (below) as Lara's governess Miss Fontaine. Also in the cast is illusionist Scott Silven.
Pre-production is currently underway on CARMILLA, with filming scheduled to take place in East Sussex for four weeks starting in mid-September.
Lizzie Brown of Bird Flight Films and Emily Precious of Fred Films are producing the project. Michael Wood will serve as cinematographer, with Alexandra Walker as production designer and John Bright designing the costumes.