'Melrose Place' and 'Vampire Diaries' Likely to Get Picked Up

The CW is likely to give a 'go ahead' for two new pilots, the "Melrose Place" spin-off and the adaptation of LJane Smith's novel series "Vampire Diaries". Should the reports are true, then both series will be included in the Fall schedule.

THR noted that the network has given a thumb up on the staff hiring for both projects on Thursday, May 14. However, it is only the first indication of the full series pick up. The execs previously had watched the pilot of "Melrose" and "Vampire" and reportedly liked them.

"Melrose Place" has had several actors bound to play the new version of the West Hollywood residents. Stephanie Jacobson will play Lauren, a med student who moonlights as a high end call girl; Ashlee Simpson as Violet, a small-town girl with a big secret; Katie Cassidy as Ella, a lawyer with a sharp tongue and Michael Rady as Jonah, a filmmaker.

Similarly, actors have been cast in "Vampire Diaries". Paul Wesley, has signed for the role of Stefan while Ian Somerhalder has struck a deal to fill in for Damon. Nina Dobrev will play their object of passion, Elena Gilbert.