SyFy Films will be hitting a multiplex near you (Via Universal... NO ONE IS SAFE NOW)

[Foggy]

Source: IGN

Syfy Ventures and Universal Pictures are joining forces to create Syfy Films, a new film company that will develop and produce Syfy branded theatrical motion pictures to be distributed by Universal. The new entity will leverage Syfy's genre expertise to produce human and relatable theatrical releases from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, supernatural and horror.

Beginning in 2012, Syfy Films will distribute one to two films a year through Universal Pictures. The announcement was made today by Dave Howe, President Syfy and Chiller, Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Syfy and Co-Head of Content for Universal Cable Productions, Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson and Co-Chairman Donna Langley.

"We know there is an incredible consumer appetite for genre content as proven by the top grossing box office films," said Howe and Stern. "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."

"Syfy has been incredibly successful in finding ways to produce compelling entertainment for a specific audience," said Fogelson and Langley. "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."

Mark Stern and Donna Langley will jointly oversee the operation. Universal and Syfy are currently looking for a production executive to run Syfy Films which will be based on the Universal Lot. That executive will work closely with the Universal and Syfy creative teams to find projects that they can develop by leveraging Syfy's experience in developing genre programming. Universal will be responsible for distribution, marketing and publicity. Syfy will actively promote each film across Syfy's television, online and mobile assets.

[Rob71]

We already have The Asylum. Isn't this move kinda redundant?

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Rob71

We already have The Asylum. Isn't this move kinda redundant?

Asylum films don't hit the theatres, now they might...WIDE (doubt it, they probably will won't to release the half decent ones at least)

[Deadset]

genre expertise

Ok, maybe i'll watch some of these, but not in the theater where admission is $9.50.

[octagon]

I wonder if this was prompted by The Dark Tower mega-project.

Universal has the rights and SyFy would seem like a pretty likely fit for the tv series portions.

[un4gvn94538]

i dont even watch it on tv besides the sg1, atlantis and any trek shows wonder how much universal is prepared to lose.

Syfy's genre expertise

are they sure they got the right network?

consumer appetite for genre content

yes, but no appetite for crap!

[APeX3181]

Does this mean I get to see "Crocodiles Attack" and "Revenge of the Spider Baby" in a theater near me?

[un4gvn94538]

Originally Posted by APeX3181

Does this mean I get to see "Crocodiles Attack" and "Revenge of the Spider Baby" in a theater near me?

and in 3D

[SGRSBSKIER]

This could make money if they keep the budget in check. Having good movies is another question. I watch some of the movies on SyFy. They entertain me but paying to watch them at a theater I don't know. Something like Skyline cost like $10 million and made that in it's opening weekend and everyone has said it was really bad. If they had released the Scorpion King prequel in theaters instead of strait to DVD it probably would have made money.

[assydingo]

Originally Posted by SGRSBSKIER

This could make money if they keep the budget in check. Having good movies is another question. I watch some of the movies on SyFy. They entertain me but paying to watch them at a theater I don't know. Something like Skyline cost like $10 million and made that in it's opening weekend and everyone has said it was really bad. If they had released the Scorpion King prequel in theaters instead of strait to DVD it probably would have made money.

Skyline is only bad if you have unreasonable expectations, like thinking it will have good acting, other than that it's a decent time waster.

[SleeperAgent]

If they go back to when they had good original movies like "Cube" I'll be down for it. If they show some of the tripe like they have on their channel now I'll pass.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Sharktopus 2?

[assydingo]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Sharktopus 2?

That would be the maximum!

[OrlandoEastwood]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Asylum films don't hit the theatres, now they might...WIDE (doubt it, they probably will won't to release the half decent ones at least)

Foggy, The Asylum released Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus in England theatrically.

[Samus Aran]

Originally Posted by SGRSBSKIER

Something like Skyline cost like $10 million and made that in it's opening weekend and everyone has said it was really bad.

$10 million? You could make 40 movies at The Asylum for that much!!!!

How many of those cheap, cheesy movies that play on SyFy are actually made by SyFy though? "SyFy Original" has usually meant they're just the first station to air someone else's movie. Of course, that's because no one else will air it, but still...

[Minimejer05]

This sounds like a terrible idea. Not looking forward to it.

[Trekkie313]

I could see this being a hoot, gathering a large group of friends then mocking the movie.

I would let patrons riff the movie.

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Sharktopus 2?

Since they are teamed with Universal, they might be able to do Sharktopus vs Jaws.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Foggy, The Asylum released Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus in England theatrically.

Not wide though