Syfy is marking its return to the miniseries business. Today, the cable network has completed a deal for a six-hour event series, titled Ascension, set for a November 2014 premiere.
Created and written by Philip Levens (Smallville, who will also serve as executive producer and showrunner, Ascension takes place on a century-long space shuttle journey, where hundreds of men, women and children left earth behind at the start of the Cold War. Nearly 50 years after their covert 1963 mission launched with the intention of colonizing a new world, a young woman is mysteriously murdered - prompting the population to question the nature of the mission as they near the point of no return.
Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television are co-financing and distributing the project, with Jason Blum's Blumhouse producing in association with Sea To Sky Studios.
Like Battlestar Galactica before it, Syfy is keeping its options open for Ascension to serve as a jumping off point for a potential ongoing TV series.
"Syfy is more committed than ever to bringing to life epic event television," said David Howe, President, Syfy. "We have a rich history in this arena, from Steven Spielberg's Taken to the highly acclaimed mini that launched the Battlestar Galactica series, to re-imagined takes on classic tales such as Alice and Tin Man. In keeping with that grand tradition, we are delighted to bring this thrilling, provocative and intelligent event to our fans later this year."
"Phil Levens has crafted a bold and surprising spin on the space opera," said Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President of Original Content, Syfy. "We are equally excited to embark on this journey with our partners at UCP, Sea To Sky, Lionsgate, Jason Blum and his Blumhouse Productions and also with Mark Stern who shepherded this project while at Syfy."
The series will begin production in Montreal, Quebec this summer. Levins, Blum and Stern will serve as executive producers along with Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock.
