Syfy Boosts Development Slate

NEW YORK: Syfy, which has upped Mark Stern to president of original programming, is partnering with Mark Burnett and Seth Jarrett to develop a new reality series about paranormal activity in schools and universities across the U.S.

School Spirits from Jarrett Creative Group will see ghost stories being told through first person narratives. "Paranormal encounters at high schools and colleges often become legendary stories spanning and touching generations," said Stern, newly appointed president of original programming at Syfy (and co-head of content for Universal Cable Productions). In his new post, Stern has oversight of Syfy Films, a joint venture with Universal Pictures that will produce original theatrical releases from the worlds of science-fiction, fantasy, supernatural and horror.

“Mark is a supremely smart and talented executive, whose unbridled passion, energy and imagination continue to drive Syfy’s world-class development team,” said Dave Howe, the president of Syfy and Chiller.  “He’s an incredibly creative and business savvy leader who’s widely respected throughout the industry.”