Lorey books to Harper

U gives 'Nightmare' to Sommers

By MICHAEL FLEMING

"Arrested Development" co-exec producer Dean Lorey has made a seven-figure, three-book deal with HarperCollins Children's Books for a fantasy series that starts with "Nightmare Academy." Preemptive pact covers the U.S. and the U.K.

Deal comes a month after Lorey's novel sold to Universal for a live-action film that "The Mummy" director Steve Sommers will produce with his Sommers Co. partner Bob Ducsay. Lorey is writing the script. Deal was for high six figures.

The novel introduces a boy who learns his bad dreams are opening portals that allow dangerous creatures into the world.

Making the film deal first gave the property some cachet, and Lorey's reps made the book deal with a completed manuscript and outlines for the second and third installments. Deal was made by editorial director Barbara Lalicki and associate publisher Elise Howard.

The publisher hasn't yet set a release date.