MPI Media Group has acquired all North American rights to vampire comedy "My Sucky Teen Romance," the third feature from 18 year-old writer-director Emily Hagins -- and her first to secure a theatrical distribution deal.
The small distributor is currently planning a spring 2012 theatrical release for the pic, which follows a group of teens whose normal romantic awkwardness becomes compounded when they discover that some of the kids they've just met at a sci-fi convention are vampires.
The young cast includes Devin Bonnee (NBC's "Chase"), Tina Rodriguez ("Inglourious Basterds") and Lauren Lee (Hagins' "The Retelling"), as well as newcomers Elaine Hurt and Patrick Delgado.
Hagins, a filmmaker from Austin, Texas, whose work has been championed by Ain't It Cool News founder Harry Knowles, made her feature directorial debut at age 12 with the horror pic "Pathogen."
The distribution deal was negotiated by MPI's exec VP Greg Newman and Deena Kalai of PLLC.
"The buzz over 'My Sucky Teen Romance' started at the SXSW festival, and we feel fortunate to be a part of what is a breakthrough for Emily Hagins," said Newman. "We look forward to introducing Emily and her wonderful film to the North American audience. She has remarkable filmmaking instincts and vision, and we anticipate great things from her in the years to come."
MPI's recent original productions include "The House of the Devil," "Stake Land" and "The Innkeepers."
