Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures Turns R.L. Stine’s THE SITTER into Dana Stevens’ THE AU PAIR

Dana Stevens is set to write a thriller under the working title The Au Pair for Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures.  Stevens previously teamed with Raimi in 1999 to write For the Love of the Game, which Raimi directed.  Stevens’ Au Pair script is based on the 2003 R.L. Stine novel The Sitter, but as you may recall, that title has already been locked up (cinematically speaking) by Jonah Hill and David Gordon Green.  This is the second film based on the Stine oeuvre announced in recent weeks, following the unveiling Columbia’s Goosebumps adaptation.

Stevens’ screenplay revolves around a young woman who lands a summer job as a nanny at a Hamptons beach house: “This dream job takes a frightening turn when she uncovers a dark secret that haunts her and the kids she’s sworn to protect.”  Hit the jump for the official announcement.

GHOST HOUSE HIRES ‘THE AU PAIR’

Los Angeles, CA (October 6, 2010) – Ghost House Pictures announced today that Dana Stevens will write THE AU PAIR (working title), a chilling thriller based on the novel “The Sitter” written by R.L. Stine which was published by Ballantine Books in July 2003. Sean Furst and Bryan Furst (DAYBREAKERS, THE COOLER, THE WOODS) are partnering with Ghost House principals Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert to produce the film. Dana Stevens, Ghost House principal Nathan Kahane, Yvonne Bernard, and Beth Elise Hawk will executive produce. Jane Stine and Joan Waricha will co-produce. J.R. Young and Mary Lee will oversee the project for the company. Anne Blanchard of Mosaic Media brought the book to Sean and Bryan Furst.

THE AU PAIR (working title) follows a young woman who runs from a troubled relationship by spending a fun-filled, romantic summer as a nanny in a posh Hamptons beach house. This dream job takes a frightening turn when she uncovers a dark secret that haunts her and the kids she’s sworn to protect.

Dana Stevens with Sam Raimi first collaborated on FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME. The film, released by Universal in 1999, was written by Stevens and directed by Raimi. Stevens has written other screenplays including LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT, CITY OF ANGELS and BLINK. She created the TV series “What About Brian” and most recently served as an executive producer on JULIE & JULIA. Dana Stevens is represented by United Talent Agency and attorney Wendy Kirk of Ziffren Brittenham LLP.

Dan Freedman and Craig A. Kessler negotiated the deals for the company.