NBCUniversal International Networks is looking to virtual reality to draw in new Syfy viewers.
Syfy has tapped Canadian digital studio Secret Location to produce 15 episodes of Halycon, a short-form scripted series. The series will comprise 10 episodes to view on Syfy linear channels around the world, along with their Syfy websites, while five VR episodes will be offered on the Oculus Rift platform.
Halcyon is a police procedural series set in 2058 and focuses on a future world where virtual reality is as ubiquitous as smart phones are today. The series follows Julie Dover, a detective in the VR Crimes Unit, investigating the first real-life murder to take place within virtual reality.
Benjamin Arfmann (Random Stop) is directing Halcyon. “Syfy is the perfect home for launching this innovative, hybrid linear and virtual reality series,” Steve Patscheck, executive vp of global programming at NBCU International Networks, said Friday.
“Syfy has consistently broken new ground with its television series and we’re excited to work with them on this new multiplatform project,” said James Milward, president, 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.”
Production on Halcyon has started in Toronto and has financing from Canada’s Independent Production Fund.
