Horror filmmaker Wes Craven has signed a first-look deal with Universal Cable Productions to develop scripted programming for NBCUniversal and external networks. Under the pact, Craven and UCP have set up two projects at Syfy: an adaptation of Daryl Gregory’s book We Are All Completely Fine, with Craven set to write and direct, and a series based on Craven’s 1991 movie The People Under The Stairs. Additionally, UCP is developing internally another drama project with Craven, Disciples, based on Steve Niles’ upcoming graphic novel.
“Wes is an icon whose films have captivated audiences for decades,” said UCP EVP Dawn Olmstead. “We’re thrilled to be working with him and to be able to bring his enormous talent and unique blend of horror, humor and intelligence to television.”
We Are All Completely Fine tells the story of Dr. Jan Sayer, an enigmatic psychologist who gathers survivors of five horror-movie scenarios in a support group – and unwittingly unlocks the evils of her patients’ pasts. As their traumas are brought back to the surface, they uncover which monsters they face are within — and which are lurking in plain sight. Craven is attached to write the script, and has signed on to direct the potential pilot. Craven, Ben Smith & Jeffrey Weiner from Captivate Entertainment, and Sara Bottfeld from Industry Entertainment executive produce.
The People Under The Stairs is described as a contemporary Downton Abbey meets The Amityville Horror. When a young woman goes missing at the grand Robeson Family Manor, her search unveils the centuries-old horrors that lie deep within the estate. Michael Reisz (Shadowhunters) will write the adaptation and will executive produce with Craven, Shep Gordon from Alive Productions, and Tracey Murray and Bottfeld from Industry Entertainment.
The projects signal a horror push for sci-fi-focused Syfy.
Disciples is a sci-fi horror story set in the near future where the ultra-wealthy have become true masters of the universe, colonizing moons throughout the solar system. One colonist, McCauley Richmond, has built a new society on Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, where his flocks of cultists worship him. Three “deep space” private eyes have been hired by a high-ranking senator to venture out to Ganymede and retrieve his teenage daughter, who’s been brainwashed into joining Richmond’s cult. Craven will executive produce with Niles as well as Matt Pizzolo, Brett Gurewitz and Bottfeld.
UCP has been rapidly growing its genre slate, which also includes Dreadstar with BenderSpink, Night Mary with IDW Entertainment, Five Ghosts with Black Mask Studios as well as projects through the studio’s overall deals with Gale Anne Hurd and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions.
Craven is repped by WME, Industry Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Reisz is repped by CAA, Industry Entertainment and attorney Jason Hendler.
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