Syfy, Universal in Feature Film Production Pact

NEW YORK/UNIVERSAL CITY: Syfy is teaming with Universal Pictures to form Syfy Films, which will develop and produce feature films in the science fiction, fantasy, supernatural and horror genres for theatrical release.

Beginning in 2012, the label will offer up one to two titles per year, to be released by Universal Pictures. The new company will be overseen by Mark Stern, executive VP of original programming at Syfy and co-head of content for Universal Cable Productions, and Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley. Universal and Syfy are currently looking for a production executive to run Syfy Films, which will be based on the Universal lot. 

"We know there is an incredible consumer appetite for genre content as proven by the top-grossing box office films,” said Dave Howe, Syfy’s president, and Stern in a joint statement. “Partnering our brand with the theatrical talent of Universal Pictures, a premier motion picture company, will allow us to exploit our combined expertise and resources to create commercially successful quality films that have the potential to become great franchises for the whole company.”

Adam Fogelson, Universal Pictures chairman, and Langley added, "Syfy has been incredibly successful in finding ways to produce compelling entertainment for a specific audience. Joining together to find moderately budgeted projects that we can develop using their expertise and their brand is a great opportunity for both of our companies.”