DreamWorks appears ready to bring director Craig Gillespi aboard their remake of the 1985 vampire film "Fright Night."

After considering a number of directors, the studio is negotiating with Gillespie to take the reins, according to the LA Times.

The director's roots are in comedy; he helmed "Lars and the Real Girl" and "Mr. Woodcock," starring Billy Bob Thornton. In addition, Gillespie served as director and producer on "The United States of Tara," a Showtime series spearheaded by DreamWorks Television.

Vampire writing veteran Marti Noxon will script "Fright Night." Before taking on a writer-producer role on AMC's "Mad Men," Noxon served in the same capacity on Joss Whedon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." She has also held stints on "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice" and "Prison Break."

The original "Fright Night" followed a teenager who discovered a vampire lived next door, and was written and directed by Tom Holland ("Child's Play"). It starred Roddy McDowall, Chris Sarandon and William Ragsdale.

Noxon's version will place a modern twist on the tale while maintaining the comedy-horror tone.

"Fright Night" is guided by producers Michael De Luca, Michael Gaeta and Alison Rosenzweig, with DreamWorks co-president of production Mark Sourian overseeing for the studio.