Syfy has entered negotiations with Secret Location, a prominent Canadian digital studio, to produce a new series with a focus on virtual reality (VR) technology.
Set in the year 2058, Halcyon is a limited series whose first 10 episodes are set to air on television while the remaining ones will appear on the Oculus Rift VR device. Though the new show will not be exclusive to Oculus Rift, this marks the first time the network taps into this medium in an effort to attract new viewers.
Halcyon is a police procedural drama set in a world where virtual reality is so popular that it leads to a murder within a virtual reality setting. It will be up to detective Julie Dover from the VR Crimes Unit to investigate and ultimately close the case.
“Syfy is the perfect home for launching this innovative, hybrid linear and virtual reality series,” said Steve Patscheck, executive vice president of global programming at NBC Universal International Networks.
Others seem to be equally pleased with the new project, expressing their interest in the Oculus Rift device, which is still in development.
“Syfy has consistently broken new ground with its television series and we’re excited to work with them on this new multiplatform project,” president of Secret Location James Milward stated. “VR is being exposed to more and more people and with projects like Halcyon, we intend to help this immersive form of entertainment grow.”
Director Benjamin Arfmann is set to direct the limited series. Halcyon has already started production in Toronto, although a premiere date is not yet known.