SCI FI Channel's commitment to delivering 52 weeks of broad-appeal original contemporary science fiction continues with the greenlight of a trio of original series. Dave Howe, President, SCI FI, today unveiled the new titles at the Television Critic's Association Press Tour. SCI FI's original programming remains unmatched in its reputation for innovative, high quality entertainment.
CASH OR CAPTURE (working title) (Six 1-Hour Episodes; Premieres November 2008) Cash or Capture is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat reality competition show that pits a group of contestants against each other in the quest for a cash prize, while being stalked by relentless "hunters." Based on a successful Japanese format from Fuji Television, the action takes place over 60 minutes of real time in various landmark locations. As the clock winds down, the competition gets harder as more hunters appear on the streets, the game perimeter gets smaller, and tasks are assigned that test fraying nerves. Contestants earn money for every second they stay alive, but if they are overrun by a hunter they lose everything. When only minutes remain in the game a final clue to the game's exit point is revealed, and the first contestant to make it to that spot wins the prize. Rick Telles serves as executive producer. Cash or Capture is executive produced by Disney's Buena Vista Productions and Fujisankei Communications International.
ESTATE OF PANIC (Six 1-Hour Episodes Premieres November 2008) From the producers of Fear Factor comes the most physically and psychologically challenging competition yet - Estate Of Panic. In each episode, large quantities of cash are hidden in a massive estate and seven strangers are invited to find the money. But all is not what it seems, and the contestants will be challenged throughout the mansion to overcome the terrors that await them. After each of the three challenges, two people are eliminated and their winnings are added into the prize pot. The last person standing walks away with everyone's found money. Estate Of Panic is executive produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is the President of Endemol USA. The Executive producer is Richard Hall.
OUTER SPACE ASTRONAUTS (working title) (Five 30-Minute Episodes) In the future, many courageous souls journey to the far reaches of the galaxy, seeking knowledge, adventure, and the thrill of exploration. They are integral to the survival of the human race and truly have 'the right stuff.' The rest are the Outer Space Astronauts. The slovenly Captain Ripley commands the "space-ially" challenged crew of the O.S.S. Oklahoma as they go about their daily routine of working in space. The show, created by Russell Barrett, is a combination of live action, 3D and 2D animation. Executive Producers are Barrett, Scott Puckett and David O. Russell (Three Kings).
BRYAN SINGER MINISERIES PROJECT
SCI FI re-teams with Bryan Singer and his Bad Hat Harry Productions banner to develop an all-new, action adventure miniseries based on an original idea of Singer's. The project will be written by Richard C. Matheson (Masters of Horror, Nightmares and Dreamscapes). Watch this space for more details. Bryan Singer is Executive Producing.
WHAT IF? (1-Hour Pilot)
In the pilot episode of What If?, a near collision with a comet triggers the on-set of Earth's second ice age. The life-changing global event unfolds in a hybrid of mixed media. 'Eyewitnesses' use cell phones, digital video cameras, PDA's and other communication devices to capture and share the cataclysmic event going on around them. In doc-like style, the program will attempt to be as scientifically accurate as possible on how such an Earth shattering natural disaster would actually play out around us while telling a dramatic narrative of how it will effect people's lives. The show is produced by NBC Peacock Productions.
SOUL EVIDENCE (working title)
Real life inspiration for NBC's Medium Allison Dubois leads a team of psychics, scientists and investigators to solve cold case murders. The project is from Red 23 Entertainment and is executive produced by Sam Korkis, Mark Ganshirt and Garry Hart. Allison Dubois also serves as executive producer.
DANGER GAME
This series takes viewers behind the scenes at a secretive organization known as Modern Reality Adventures (MRA) that creates alternate reality experiences for select clients. Each episode of Danger game follows MRA as they construct their unnervingly convincing scenarios within the everyday life of one unaware client until a highly choreographed final interface brings the client to the apex of the game. Produced by Superfine Films.
RELIC QUEST (working title)
An action and adventure series that goes in search of some of the greatest relics in history from around the globe. Producer/Director Bruce Burgess guides the viewer in a first-hand exploration down mysterious roads to uncover artifacts fabled to hold hidden powers and mystical significance for both ancient and modern cultures. Produced by Bluebook Films.
Three contestants locked in a room must endure a series of physical challenges, decipher riddles and break codes in order to escape. As the time clock ticks, their prize money decreases and their anxiety builds while three contestants locked in an identical room also race to find their own way out. Produced by Emmy-nominated Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves with Riaz Patel.