Universal Cable Productions (UCP) continues to fortify its genre slate signing a first-look deal with horror mastermindWes Craven(A Nightmare on Elm Street,Scream), which includes a TV adaptation of his 1991 thrillerThe People Under the Stairs. The deal, announced today byDawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, will focus on creating unparalleled scripted programming for NBCUniversal and external networks. Here’s whatDawn Olmsteadhad to say in a statement.
“Wes is an icon whose films have captivated audiences for decades. 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.”
Wes Cravenhimself had this to say about his deal with UCP in a statement.
“UCP is the home of an amazing slate of TV programming and I’m delighted to be working with them. Fasten your seatbelts.”
Take a look at the official details for two ofWes Craven’s projects that are currently in development at Syfy.
We Are All Completely Fine, based on the book byDaryl Gregory, tells the story of an enigmatic psychologist, Dr. Jan Sayer, 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.Wes Cravenis attached to write the script, and has signed on to direct the pilot. Craven, Ben Smith & Jeffrey M. Weiner from Captivate Entertainment, andSara Bottfeldfrom Industry Entertainment will executive produce.
The People Under the Stairsis based onWes Craven’s classic 1991 film of the same name. 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. It is a contemporaryDownton AbbeymeetsAmityville Horror. Craven, Shep Gordon from Alive Productions, Michael Reisz, and Tracey Murray andSara Bottfeldfrom Industry Entertainment are set to executive produce. The project will be written by Michael Reisz (Shadowhunters,Unforgettable).
Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President, Original Content at Syfy, had this to say in a statement.
“At Syfy, we’re working with the most iconic names in the genre, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner withWes Cravenand UCP on these initial projects.”
Other projects UCP is developing with Craven includeDisciples, which is 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.Wes Cravenwill executive produce along withSteve Niles, who wrote the original graphic novel. Matt Pizzolo, Brett Gurewitz andSara Bottfeldare attached to executive produce.
Wes Cravenjoins UCP’s rapidly growing catalog of accomplished producing partnerships that have bolstered its genre slate, including:Dreadstarwith BenderSpink,Night Marywith IDW Entertainment,Five Ghostswith Black Mask Studios, and overall deals withGale Anne HurdandJason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions. Craven is repped by WME, Industry Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham. Michael Reisz is repped by CAA, Industry Entertainment, and attorney Jason Hendler of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller, L.L.P.
