Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air) may be better known for her film work in the last few years, but she's no stranger to TV (having starred in the short-lived NBC series Undercover as Alex Cross, as well asDetective Susan Branca in USA's Touch Evil) or the horror genre (she's appeared in the Omen where she showed she has one hell of a scream), the marriage of which will result in the upcoming A&E series Bates Motel.

The 10-episode series, which was sent straight to order without a pilot, will serve as a prequel to the Hitchcock horror classic Psycho.  Though it was originally slated as a miniseries, former Lost-showrunner Carlton Cuse and Parenthood's Kerry Ehrin, who will serve as executive producers and writers, decided to rework it into a full series.  For more on Farmiga's role, hit the jump.

The new series will explore the relationship between future serial killer Norman Bates and his mother Norma.  Farmiga will portray Norma, who is described as being passionate, compelling, smart and multi-dimensional … and capable of plenty of surprises (like raising a serial killer?)

Cuse said of Farmiga,

"She is a phenomenal talent who has demonstrated incredible range and intelligence in a number of landmark film roles, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her join our project."

Farmiga was Oscar-nominated for her role as George Clooney's vivacious love interest in Up in the Air, and also had a role in the Oscar-winning Martin Scorsese film The Departed.

Bates Motel is set to air in 2013.