Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games series, recently spoke to USA Today about turning her novel into a movie on the big screen.

The article in the book news roundup reads...

"Lately, the author of the dystopian teen trilogy has been experiencing the collaborative nature of movie screenplays. (Filming based on the series’ first book starts this summer, with a release planned in March 2012.) Collins, a former children’s TV writer, describes the process to USA TODAY: “I wrote the treatment and original screenplay. Then screenwriter Billy Ray (State of Play) did a pass (or rewrite). Then director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) did a pass, then Gary and I did a pass together. I thought both guys were terrific.” Unlike Jeff Kinney, who has a non-speaking role in the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, Collins is staying off-camera. “It’s (set) in the future and to be in it would be alarming. I have no need to do a cameo.”

Casting decisions are still being announced on The Hunger Games movie, which is expected to hit our screens on March 23rd 2012.

Thanks to Hypable.com for the tip.

In an exclusive new interview with EW's Team 'Hunger Games', we are given an insight into the bond shared between Suzanne Collins and Gary Ross, as they bring the book to life on the big screen.

Amongst other things, they talk about writing the screenplay, the recent casting decisions and Suzanne's role in the films, including her most anticipated scenes.

You can read a snippet of the interview and find a link to the full article by clicking read more.

A recent article on Entertainment Weekly's website talked about adapting The Hunger Games book into a script for the movie. In it Suzanne Collins states that, "Obviously, you have to let things go but it’s more than a question of condensation. You want to preserve the essence while making the film stand on its own. It’s an art in itself."

Suzanne also says in the interview that Lionsgate has been very kind to her and want to remain faithful to the story; making her feel that her input was valuable and welcome.

Entertainment Weekly's newest issue of their magazine is hitting stands this week, and inside they have the top 15 entertainers of the year. Suzanne Collins has had the honor to make number 13 on the list beating the men from The Good Wife and Jaden & Willow Smith. Suzanne talks about how the inspiration for the story came from her father, an Vietnam vet who felt strongly about educating children about war, and now The Hunger Games is helping children understand war.

Note: Thanks to Mockingjay.net, Entertainment Weekly sent them the full article which had Suzanne's thoughts on Gary Ross as the director for The Hunger Games:

"We've spoken twice on the phone and I think he's going to be terrific. He's full of genuine excitement; when he talks about a scene, you can't help visualizing it. I can't wait to see his vision come to life on the screen."

Let's hope we are all as excited as Suzanne with Gary Ross when the film comes out!

Can't wait for Mockingjay? Hungry for the Hunger Games? Well we have a treat for you! Scholastic just published a video of Suzanne Collins reading the first chapter and thanking fans for staying loyal to the series.

You can see the video below. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments and in our forum.

A new video interview with Suzanne Collins has been released on Scholastic's On Our Minds Blog. You can see her responses to the 5 questions, in the video below.

1) What can fans of the first two Hunger Games books expect in the sequel Mockingjay?
2) Are any of the characters based on people you know?
3) How do you typically plot/plan your books?
4) If you were chosen for the Hunger Games, what would your strategy be?
5) What's on your mind?



For more interviews with Suzanne Collins head over to our interviews section.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games, discusses some of her favourite books and the books she hopes to read next.

Amongst Suzanne's favourites are Myths and Enchantment Tales, by Margaret Evans Price and A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. She also talks about books which she has re-read and lists 1984 and  Lord of the Flies as some of the examples.

You can read the full interview on the Entertainment Weekly website. To find more interviews from Suzanne, please visit our interview section.