New Syfy International Series Halcyon to Include VR Episodes

LONDON: NBCUniversal International Networks has commissioned a new short-form scripted series for Syfy, Halcyon, which will include virtual-reality content.

Halcyon’s 15 episodes will alternate between 10 episodes available to view on Syfy linear channels around the world, along with their accompanying Syfy websites, and five VR episodes to be distributed through Oculus Rift, with additional premium and mobile platforms to be announced. A police procedural set in 2058, the series follows Julie Dover, a detective in the Virtual Reality Crimes Unit who is investigating the first real-life murder to take place within virtual reality.

Halcyon will feature cliff-hangers that move fans across linear and VR platforms to find out what happens next. Viewers can watch both the linear and virtual-reality episodes. For viewers who are only watching linear episodes, short recaps of each of the five VR episodes will be provided to complement the complete story line.

The series is produced by Secret Location.

“Syfy is the perfect home for launching this innovative, hybrid linear and virtual reality series,” commented Steve Patscheck, the executive VP of global programming at NBCU International Networks. “We look forward to partnering with Secret Location on Halcyon, as Syfy international channels break new ground with the launch of the brand’s first scripted virtual-reality series.”

“Syfy has consistently broken new ground with its television series and we’re excited to work with them on this new multiplatform project,” added James Milward, the president of Secret Location. “VR is being exposed to more and more people and with projects like Halcyon, we intend to help this immersive form of entertainment grow.”