Syfy Gives 6-Hour Event Series ASCENSION Greenlight for Launch in 2014

Syfy is reigniting the channel's traditional long-form scripted programming event for 4th quarter with the greenlight of the 6-hour series ASCENSION, it was announced Thursday by Syfy President Dave Howe. ASCENSION is an ambitious original drama created and written by Philip Levens (SMALLVILLE) who will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series will be produced in Montreal, QC by Sea To Sky Studios in association with Blumhouse Productions. Jason Blum (Stranded, The River, film franchises Paranormal Activity and The Purge) and Mark Stern are Executive Producers on the project along with Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock on behalf of Sea To Sky Studios. The event series will be co-financed and distributed by Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television.

Said Howe, "Syfy is more committed than ever to bringing to life epic event television. We have a rich history in this arena, from Steven Spielberg's 'Taken' to the highly acclaimed mini that launched the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA series, to reimagined takes on classic tales such as 'Alice' and 'Tin Man.' In keeping with that grand tradition, we are delighted to bring this thrilling, provocative and intelligent event to our fans later this year."

In 1963, the U.S. government launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, a mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship's population to question the true nature of their mission.

ASCENSION is slated to launch in November 2014 and air through December.

Said Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President of Original Content, Syfy, "Phil Levens has crafted a bold and surprising spin on the space opera. We are equally excited to embark on this journey with our partners at UCP, Sea To Sky, Lionsgate, Jason Blum and his Blumhouse Productions and also with Mark Stern who shepherded this project while at Syfy."