Syfy Ponders The End Of The World

IT was announced today by The Syfy Channel that it will re-team with director/producer Bryan Singer (Superman Returns, X-Men) who executive produced the channel’s 2005 miniseries The Triangle and producer Andrew Deane (Masters of Horror, Masters of Science Fiction, Fear Itself) and Keith Addis to develop an as-yet-untitled 6-hour limited series to be written by Michael Petroni (Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader, Masters of Science Fiction, The Awakening, Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys) and Michael Bond (Passengers).

The announcement was made by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy & Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. Syfy is developing the project with Singer’s Bad Hat Harry Productions and Addie and Deane of Industry Entertainment.

The project will be a thrilling action-adventure story blending scientific fact and myth with popular conspiracy theories centering on the Mayan Calendar and what it predicts for mankind at its end date. With a feel of DaVinci Code and National Treasure, it tells the story of a down-on-his-luck author/professor who goes on a worldwide adventure to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Mayan Calendar and the potential apocalypse it seems to have predicted centuries ago. With an unlikely team, he races against time to prevent global catastrophe, and in doing so, ultimately rediscovers his faith in humanity and himself.

“We’re very excited to be back in business with Bryan once again, and feel this project, with the producing expertise of Keith and Andrew and the writing flair of Michael Petroni and Michael Bond, promises to be a real thrill ride,” said Mark Stern. “Given the debate, speculation and mystery surrounding the subject matter, it couldn’t be more timely.”

“I have always been fascinated by the various myths and conspiracy theories surrounding the Mayan Calendar,” said Bryan Singer. “It’s the most accurate calendar created by man, so accurate that many believe its origins may lie elsewhere. Regardless of what you believe, what is truly mysterious about this, is that a number of cultures and religions, including Hinduism, all point toward a period of great upheaval which happens to coincide wtih the final month and year marked by the calendar. Our story will explore whether we are truly alone in the universe, and other related mysteries, all of which are set against the backdrop of an incredibly exciting and fast-paced adventure.”

“Michael Petroni is a brilliant writer and when he and Michael Bond brought us this idea, we knew instantly that it had the potential to be incredibly provocative, intelligent and entertaining even programming,” said Andrew Deane.

Syfy Greenlight’s Alphas Pilot

THE Syfy Channel has ordered the action-adventure 90-minute pilot, Alphas (working title) from writers Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk) and Michael Karnow, it was announced today by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Syfy and Co-Head of Content for Universal Cable Productions, which is the studio for the project. Alphas is executive produced by Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun for BermanBraun Television and is expected to commence production in early fall 2009.

Alphas follows a team of ordinary citizens who possess extraordinary and unusual mental skills. Using physical feats and mental trickery, this elite force of heroes take the law into their own hands and uncover what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able or willing to solve. Each possessing their unique and not always visible power, they alone solve the crime, stop the ticking bomb and catch the enemy.

“Alphas‘ unconventional approach to the traditional superhero genre couldn’t be a better fit for Syfy as we continue to build a programming slate of fun, imaginative entertainment,” said Stern. “Zak’s and Michael’s dry, naturalistic humor, combined with Gail’s and Lloyd’s incredible producing leadership promise to make this a very special project.”

“We are pleased to be in business with Syfy and delighted to be extending the reach of our relationships within the NBC-Universal family,” said Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. “Zak and Michael have created a unique and compelling story which we believe the Syfy audience will find both intriguing and entertaining.”

Zak Penn has written and produced many of Hollywood’s top Science-Fiction blockbuster films including X-Men: The Last Stand, X2: X-Men United, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk and Elektra. He is currently in development on upcoming projects including The Argonauts, Bermuda Triangle and Spy Hunter.