Combining specialty channel TV programming with online multi-player gaming platforms, the new sci-fi adventure series Defiance has been picked up by Shaw Media.
Set to debut in spring 2013 on Showcase, the series was acquired from NBCUniversal Television Canada; production on Defiance is currently underway in Toronto.
Created through a partnership between Syfy and Trion Worlds, Defiance is the first-ever convergence of television and Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) gaming, with its storylines and characters co-existing throughout a scripted drama series and a multi-platform MMO game.
Set in the ‘near future’, the one-hour episodic series introduces audiences to a dramatically transformed planet Earth, with landscapes permanently altered following the sudden – and tumultuous – arrival of seven unique alien races.
“With original hits such as this year’s number-one specialty series Continuum and blockbuster hit Lost Girl, Shaw Media has a proven track record of launching sci-fi genre scripted series successfully in the Canadian market. Defiance takes a groundbreaking approach to television and gaming, and we are excited to build on our success with this cutting-edge series,” said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President, Content, Shaw Media.
The game was named “Best MMORPG” from GameSpy at the recent E3 conference.
"We are thrilled that Defiance, an exciting and innovative new drama, will be available to viewers in Canada," said Ron Suter, EVP and General Manager, NBCUniversal Television Canada. "This multi-screen experience will take consumers on an unprecedented journey that is sure to build a loyal fan base among gamers and TV fans alike."
Each week, producers describe, viewers will follow an immersive character drama set in the boom-town of Defiance, which sits atop the ruins of St. Louis, MO, while in the game, players will adventure in the new frontier of the San Francisco Bay area.
Defiance stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner. The series is executive produced by Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica; Hellcats) & Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) directed the pilot; Michael Nankin will serve as director/producer on the series.
Defiance is produced by Universal Cable Productions.