SCI FI Unveils Development Slate, New Business Line

BEVERLY HILLS, July 21:
SCI FI has a raft of new projects in development, including an original
mini-series with Bryan Singer, and has formed SCI FI Ventures, a portfolio of
businesses covering gaming, publishing, merchandising, digital, wireless and
the youth market.

Scripted series in
development for the network include an action-adventure mini-series with Bryan
Singer (X-Men, The Triangle), and What If?, a one-hour pilot set in Earth’s second ice age.
Alternative series in development are Soul Evidence (working title), which follows medium Allison
Dubois and her team of psychics; Danger Game, with a behind-the-scenes look at a secret
organization known as Modern Reality Adventures, which creates alternative
reality experiences for select clients; Relic Quest (working title), an adventure series that follows
the search for some of the greatest relics in history; and Escape, where three contestants are locked in a room to
endure physical and mental challenges.

The network has also
greenlit a new four-hour fantasy adventure mini-series, tentatively titled Mirabilis. The show is set against a backdrop of knights,
sorcerers and dragons, centered on a quest to find the fabled Crucible before
the corrupt forces of darkness destroy the world. Mirabilis will be produced by Reunion Pictures with RHI
Entertainment and Industry Entertainment. RHI will distribute the project
internationally.

A record number of 36
original movies are planned for 2009 to air on SCI FI on Saturday and Sunday
nights. Highlights include Malibu Shark Attack, Hellhounds, Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon, Phantom Racer, Lake Placid 3 and The Immortal Voyage of Captain Drake.

The company has also
formed SCI FI Ventures, a new portfolio of media and non-media businesses.
Joining SCI FI Channel in the roster of business lines are SCI FI Media, a
range of media assets focused on the sci-fi/fantasy genre and affinity-based
experiences; SCI FI Games, focusing on the next evolution of deeply immersive
Massively Multi-Player Online Games; SCI FI Gear, developing licensed product
lines for retail and online; SCI FI Publishing, with multiplatform projects
developed with Virgin Comics; and SCI FI Kids, serving the youth market of 2-
to 17-year-olds.

"SCI FI Ventures is a
major initiative that demonstrates our commitment to building businesses and
driving maximum value around the unique relationship we have with our
audience," said Dave Howe, the president of SCI FI. "The SCI FI
brand's deep connection with its consumers—comprised chiefly of trend-setting
innovators—proves that SCI FI has the power and the imagination to reach
beyond the television screen to become a total global lifestyle brand."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski