News

Gran Torino producer Double Nickel Entertainment is forging a limited TV series about the life of Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law Jo van Gogh-Bonger.

The indie has picked up the scripted and doc rights to Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Who Made Vincent Famous and is co-operating with the Vincent van Gogh museum to tell van Gogh-Bonger’s story.

She was married to van Gogh’s brother Theo and, after husband Theo’s agonizing death when she was just 28, was left with no income, a newborn baby and hundreds of van Gogh paintings. The art world at that time scorned van Gogh’s work, but van Gogh-Bonger challenged it with unswerving dedication and revealed her brother-in-law as the towering genius we know today.

“We were so inspired by Jo when we read Hans’ book,” said Double Nickel partners Adam Richman and Jenette Kahn, “We know that audiences will be thrilled...

If you've been enjoying the martial arts mayhem of Into the Badlands, then you're in luck, because AMC has renewed the series for a 16-episode third season that is set to premiere in 2018.

Press Release (via TheFutonCritic.com): New York, NY - April 25, 2017 - AMC today announced that it has renewed the martial arts drama "Into the Badlands," one of the highest-rated dramas on cable, for an expanded third season of 16 episodes, returning to AMC in 2018.

Midway through its current second season, "Into the Badlands" is averaging 3.6 million viewers per episode, including 2.1 million adults 25-54 in Nielsen Live+3 ratings. In the current television season, the series ranks as the #4 scripted drama on cable and the #4 returning drama, behind "The Walking Dead," "American Horror Story" and "Fear the Walking Dead."

"'Into the Badlands' looks like nothing else on television, a literal high-wire act attracting passionate and dedicated fans by the millions,...

Had Freaks And Geeks, Caprica and more not been cancelled, here’s what their showrunners had planned for their futures. Spoilers…

Warning: major spoilers for all shows listed below.

Closure. It’s an important psychological concept. Without closure, it’s difficult to grieve, move on, make peace and nurture your inner Ewok or whatever it is the self-help books tell us. When a TV show is cancelled before its story has been fully told, the result is an unscratchable itch.

That itch can have positive side effects. The creativity for instance, of fanfic and fan art, and the tenacity and camaraderie of doggedly pursued fan campaigns. The less positive side though is, well, not so pretty. Sleepless nights, anxiety at work, a tendency to grasp total strangers by the shoulders with both hands, hot stress-tears streaming down your cheeks, and cry “So did Lois and Clark raise that baby or what?...

Syfy continues to bolster its original programming with the renewal of both Dominion and Defiance. The two drama series will return with 13 episodes each – joining the recently commissioned Hunters, created by Gale Anne Hurd, and the highly anticipated television adaptation of Arthur C Clarke’s Childhood’s End.

Dominion is categorised as a ‘Us apocalyptic supernatural action’ series, and was created by Vaun Wilmott (Sons Of Anarchy) as a loose adaptation of the 2010 film Legion, written by Peter Schink and Scott Stewart. Starring Christopher Egan (Letters To Juliet), Tom Wisdom (Romeo And Juliet), Roxanne McKee (Game Of Thrones) and Anthony Stewart Head (Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters), the show is set in a time when God has vanished, and Archangel Gabriel is waging war on mankind. Archangel Michael allies himself with man, against Gabriel, and lives among humans in a fortified city, awaiting the arrival of a prophesied saviour. On...

Syfy is furthering its commitment to scripted programming by dedicating an all-new night to original dramas. On June 19th Syfy will kick off its new Thursday night block with the one-two punch of the Season 2 premiere of "Defiance," followed by the series premiere of "Dominion."

From the Press Release:

As the story of "Defiance" resumes, the lives of the townspeople are in drastic turmoil. The Earth Republic has assumed control of the town with far-reaching consequences, including a new mayor.

Nolan (Grant Bowler) traverses the badlands to find a lost Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas), Amanda (Julie Benz) has an unexpected new role in the town as she searches for Kenya, and the Tarr family desperately tries to keep control of their criminal empire in the midst of dramatic changes. Joining the cast this season are James Murray as new mayor Niles Pottinger, Anna Hopkins as Earth Republic soldier Jessica “Berlin” Rai,...

“Defiance” is a science fiction show, showing on Syfy and created by sci-fi great Rockne O’Bannon as well as Kevin Murphy, and Michael Taylor. O’Bannon is known for creating the film “Alien Nation,” as well as shows like “Farscape” and “SeaQuestDSV.” Produced by Universal Cable Productions, it has a much higher quality than most Syfy fare, and is right up there with “Farscape,” “Battlestar Galactica,” and “Warehouse 13” as proof that Syfy can put out good shows. The set up of “Defiance” is fairly simple: set in 2046, the world has been drastically altered due to the arrival of aliens, and a subsequent war. The terraforming equipment that was to be used to make the planet more hospitable for our visitors have fallen to Earth, reshaping the Earth. It’s been 15 years since a ceasefire and a tenuous peace with the aliens, collectively known as Votans, who have secured Central and South America,...

TorontoFilm.Net reports that production will start August 12, 2013 in Toronto, for the 13-episode second season of Syfy's "Defiance", featuring new cast addition James Murray as 'Mayor Pottinger'.

For Season Two, Grant Bowler returns as 'Nolan', with Stephanie Leonidas as 'Irisa Nolan', Tony Curran as 'Datak Tarr', Jaime Murray as 'Stahma Tarr', Graham Greene as 'Rafe McCawley' and Jesse Rath as 'Alak Tarr'. Cast also includes Dewshane Williams as 'Tommy', Trenna Keating as 'Doc Yewll', Justin Rain as 'Quentin McCawley' and Nicole Munoz as 'Christie McCawley'.

"...as the story of 'Defiance' resumes, the lives of the townspeople are in drastic turmoil. The 'Earth Republic' has assumed control of the town, with far-reaching consequences including a new mayor. 'Nolan' traverses the badlands to find a lost 'Irisa', 'Amanda' has an unexpected new role in the town as she searches for 'Kenya' and the 'Tarr' family desperately tries to keep control...

Syfy has announced that the great game/series crossover Defiance is set to return to production in Toronto next week for Season 2. Along with that announcement comes the first information about new and returning cast and production, starting with James Murray as Mayor Pottinger. Ooo. He was the dishy Stephen from when-it-was-great Season 1 and 2 of Primeval.

But wait, there’s more – “Grant Bowler returns as Nolan, along with … Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa Nolan, Tony Curran as Datak Tarr…” Okay, we saw Nolan revive, which explains how he can return, but Irisa, what the heck did she turn into? Apparently still Irisa, so that’s good news. And excellent, Tony Curran will be back as Datak, so… how will he get out of the blood-covered mess he was in?

For the latest information about what will be going on in our favorite post-terra-formed-over version of St. Louis when we return to it next June,...

The Project: Battlestar Galactica 35th Anniversary

The Panel: Richard Hatch (Capt. Apollo, Tom Zarek), Edward James Olmos (Admiral William Adama), Michael Nankin (director), Dr. Kevin Grazier (consultant), Michael Angeli (producer/writer), Kevin Murphy (producer/writer), Michael Taylor, Paul Leonard (producer), Lili Bordán (Dr. Becca Kelly)

Footage screened: Nothing was shown during the panel, but as fans were entering the room a series of retrospective interviews were broadcast on two large screens. The edit was new, but the footage drew heavily from the BSG 30th Anniversary.

Snap judgement: Battlestar may have been gone for quite some time, but hardcore fans still...

The 2013 San Diego Comic-Con is at hand, and with it come a ton of big name movies and TV shows putting their best foot forward for the fans in attendance.

From primetime television series to cable favorites, web series to returning classics, television will dominate the San Diego Convention Center this year. Take a look at the complete movie schedule below and make sure to plan accordingly; there are plenty of tough choices. The complete list of movie panels can be found here.

Wednesday, July 17 (Preview Night)

Warner Bros. Television pilot screenings: Ballroom 20, 6-10 p.m. "Almost Human," "The Originals, "The Tomorrow People," "The 100."

Thursday, July 18

"Intelligence": Ballroom 20, 10-11 a.m. Josh Holloway, Marg Helgenberger, Meghan Ory, Michael Seitzman, Rene Echevarria and Tripp Vinson attending. Pilot will be screened.

"Battlestar Galactica" 35th Anniversary: Room Cf, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Richard Hatch, Michael Nankin, Dr. Kevin Grazier, Michael Angeli,...

It’s time to finalize those Comic-Con schedules.

With the annual pop culture-paloooza just weeks away, the event’s organizers have finally released an official schedule, and if you thought your schedule looked packed based on initial panel reports, prepare yourself for more than a few tough choices.

For those not attending the Con, which runs July 17-21, stay close to EW.com all Comic-Con week long for live coverage, including breaking news, interviews and more. (Bookmark this.)

Here’s the full rundown of the TV line-up. Head to Inside Movies to create more schedule conflicts for yourself with the complete movie highlights list.

The organizers of the San Diego Comic-Con have begun to rollout the daily schedules for the upcoming event, releasing detailed itinerary’s of what’s to come on Thursday and Friday. In addition to having several noteworthy panels on Thursday, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles discussion with Kevin Eastman, Hasbro’s 30th anniversary event for Transformers and The Walking Dead’s 10th anniversary panel, there will also be a special panel held by TV Guide Magazine to celebrates The X-Files’ 20th anniversary!

Rumors have already begun to circulate that “The X-Files” stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will be in attendance, leading many fans to suspect that an announcement may be coming for the long-overdue X-Files sequel that fans hope will continue to explore the alien mythology established in the series!

Below are some of the highlights from Thursday’s events. You can view even an even more detailed...

Defiance, Season 1: Episode 12 – “Past is Prologue”

Directed by Michael Nankin

Written by Michael Taylor

Airs Monday nights at 9 on SyFy

Penultimate episodes in seasons are notoriously difficult (unless they’re in a season of Game of Thrones), since most of the work being done is meant to drive attention and expectations towards the finale. Defiance hasn’t really had an up-and-down first season with memorable episodes here and there. It’s mostly just been fine. It’s surprising, then, that it’s the penultimate episode that addresses some of the minor gripes I’ve been having while watching. For starters, “Past is Prologue” is much more focused. Defiance has been guilty of running parallel stories in episodes that are struggling to execute just one of them to its potential. Everything in this episode – all the scenes with the secondary characters – is connected, revolving mainly around the mayoral election between Amanda and Datak.

With its great ratings, plus the popularity of its video game tie-in, it was a no-brainer that Syfy would renew "Defiance" for another season; and to celebrate the news, we have a look at the first four minutes of Episode 1.05, "The Serpent's Egg."

Before we get to the clip, here's Syfy's press release on the renewal:

Syfy has renewed its groundbreaking series "Defiance," giving a 13-episode second season order to the critically acclaimed hit that has catapulted Syfy to the top cable drama spot in the time period among adults 18-49, adults 25-54, and total viewers for three consecutive Mondays. Season Two of "Defiance," produced by Universal Cable Productions, will begin production in Toronto in August for a 2014 premiere, returning as the anchor of Syfy’s Powerful Monday’s block of primetime original series.

Redefining the transmedia experience, "Defiance" has distinguished itself with an unprecedented partnership between Syfy and...

Although we would have been astounded if it hadn’t happened, it’s always nice to get the confirmation: Syfy has renewed its giant original production cross-platform transmedia series Defiance for a second season. This is great news for we fans of the St. Louis-based series, as well as for the gamers working away over in the San Francisco-based game. Here’s the press release:

Syfy Renews Hit Series Defiance, Promising More Action And Intrigue In Season Two April 15 Premiere Second Largest Series in Network History

New York, NY – May 10, 2013 – Syfy has renewed its groundbreaking series Defiance, giving a 13-episode second season order to the critically acclaimed hit that has catapulted Syfy to the top cable drama spot in the time period among adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and total viewers for three consecutive Mondays. Season two of Defiance, produced by Universal Cable Productions, will begin production in Toronto in August for a 2014 premiere,...

A massive financial investment and solid ratings have led to a second-season renewal for Syfy‘s Defiance, which has received a 13-episode order. Season 2 of the show, produced by Universal Cable Productions, will begin production in Toronto in August for a 2014 premiere, returning as anchor of Syfy’s Powerful Mondays block. Defiance was developed as a partnership between Syfy and Trion Worlds as a convergence of television and online gaming. Here’s the official release: To date, the game has garnered more than 1 million registered accounts while making gaming history as the first online open world shooter to launch on three platforms simultaneously. As the collaboration between show and game continue into a second season, players will have the opportunity to further influence the world of Defiance. Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica, Hellcats) resumes his role as executive producer and showrunner. Smallville’s Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin return as...

Defiance, Season 1: Episode 4 – “The Devil in the Dark”

Directed by Omar Madha

Written by Michael Taylor

Airs Monday nights at 9 pm on SyFy

Last week, Defiance concluded its episode with a montage set to a cover of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.” This week, a cover of “Ooh Child” (originally by The Five Stairsteps, covered by Beth Orton; some of you may be more familiar with the sampling in 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up”) sends the episode off. As concluding pieces go, these songs draw attention to themselves in jarring ways not simply because these songs are relatively well known but because using a relatively well known song kind of forces a certain “reading” of the scene or episode as a whole. When Mad Men used The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” in the episode “Lady Lazarus,” active viewing and thoughtful analysis in that montage became necessities. Defiance...

Action and intrigue are promised every time you tune in to SyFy’s Defiance. We hope you’re enjoying Rockne S. O’Bannon’s series, which he executive produces with Kevin Murphy

and Michael Taylor because we hear a second season is very likely.

“New Earth. New Rules.” That’s the tagline for this fresh series. Will you join the fight? Here’s the set up. The year is 2046, just thirty years after a whole slew of different alien races arrived on Earth. The landscape of the planet we once knew has completely changed, thanks to terraforming efforts.

This takes us to the town of Defiance, sitting where St. Louis used to be. Enter Nolan, acted by Grant Bowler, and his associate, Irisa, acted by Stephanie Leonidas. They settle in Defiance and meet the residents, Julie Benze acting as the mayor, Amanda Rosewater , the powerful Rafe McCawley. acted by Graham Greene,...

With Ok ratings and a big financial commitment by Syfy, the network’s new video game-tied drama Defiance is likely to get a second season. But if/when it does, it will be without executive producer Michael Taylor. Taylor was one of three writing executive producers on the first season, which has been completed, along with showrunner Kevin Murphy and Rockne O’Bannon. He won’t be returning for Season 2. Taylor is a sci-fi veteran who worked on Star Trek: Voyager and Deep Space Nine. He has a long history with Syfy, having served as co-executive producer on hit Battlestar Galactica and spinoff Caprica.

If Syfy brings back "Defiance" for a second season (and judging by the initial numbers, that's looking more and more likely every day), it will have to happen without Michael Taylor. Taylor, who helped develop the series with Rockne S. O'Bannon, is leaving the show, according to Deadline.com. Details on his departure were not released. Fans are quite familiar with Taylor's work, which includes "Battlestar Galactica" and its spinoff, "Caprica." He also was a producer and writer for "The Dead Zone" not long after he wrapped up work on both "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Star Trek: Voyager." Taylor was twice nominated for a Hugo, first for the DS9 episode "The Visitor," and later for the "Battlestar Galactica" telemovie "Razor." He wrote six episodes of "Battlestar Galactica," including ...

Looking for a way to add a little sci-fi flavor to your Friday morning? How about grabbing a cup of your beverage of choice, getting comfortable, and watching the first four minutes of "Defiance" Episode 1.03, "The Devil in the Dark," courtesy of Syfy?

"Defiance" stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. The series is executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives," "Caprica"), and Michael Taylor ("Battlestar Galactica"). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. "Defiance" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

"Defiance" Episode 1.03 - "The Devil in the Dark" (airs 4/29/13)

While investigating vicious hellbug attacks, Nolan (Bowler) and Irisa (Leonidas) realize they are tied to Irathient spirit raiders that have come into town.

Related Story: Image Gallery for "Defiance" Episode 1.03 - "The Devil in the Dark"

For more info visit the "Defiance" website, "like" "Defiance" on Facebook,...

The devil may be in the dark in next week's Episode 1.03 of "Defiance," but this batch of new stills is available in the bright light of this Thursday morning. Check 'em out!

"Defiance" stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. The series is executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives," "Caprica"), and Michael Taylor ("Battlestar Galactica"). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. "Defiance" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

"Defiance" Episode 1.03 - "The Devil in the Dark" (airs 4/29/13)

While investigating vicious hellbug attacks, Nolan (Bowler) and Irisa (Leonidas) realize they are tied to Irathient spirit raiders that have come into town.

For more info visit the "Defiance" website, "like" "Defiance" on Facebook, and follow "Defiance" (@DefianceWorld) on Twitter.

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Defy the odds in the comments section below!

As "Defiance" enters its third week on Syfy, we're getting a better handle on who's who and what's what; and in Episode 1.03, "The Devil in the Dark," hellbugs enter the mix. Check out a sneak peek of the ep, and if you're watching, let us know what you think so far.

"Defiance" stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. The series is executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives," "Caprica"), and Michael Taylor ("Battlestar Galactica"). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. "Defiance" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

"Defiance" Episode 1.03 - "The Devil in the Dark" (airs 4/29/13)

While investigating vicious hellbug attacks, Nolan (Bowler) and Irisa (Leonidas) realize they are tied to Irathient spirit raiders that have come into town.

For more info visit the "Defiance" website, "like" "Defiance" on Facebook, and follow "Defiance" (@DefianceWorld) on Twitter.

Sure, "Defiance" leans more toward sci-fi than horror, but with its hellbugs, post-apocalyptic wastelands, and assorted creatures, there's enough crossover for us to cover it so here's a look at the first four minutes of tomorrow night's Ep. 1.02, "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go."

"Defiance" introduces a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan, the law-keeper in a bustling frontier boomtown that is one of the new world’s few oases of civility and inclusion. The series stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene.

"Defiance" is executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives," "Caprica"), and Michael Taylor ("Battlestar Galactica"). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. "Defiance" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

In case you missed the premiere of "Defiance," it's airing again tonight on Syfy at 9Pm, but if you're all caught up, then read on for some stills and a new promo for Episode 1.02, "Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go."

"Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go" airs on Monday, April 22nd. No synopsis is available yet, but for more info in the meantime, visit the "Defiance" website, "like" "Defiance" on Facebook, and follow "Defiance" (@DefianceWorld) on Twitter.

"Defiance" introduces a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan (Grant Bowler), the law-keeper in a bustling frontier boomtown that is one of the new world’s few oases of civility and inclusion. Nolan is a former Marine who fought in the alien conflict and suffered the loss...

If you watched the premiere of Defiance on Monday night, and if you posted about that on a social networking site, you were not alone. Not only did one of Syfy‘s biggest and most ambitious undertakings to date bring in record viewership numbers, it won the night in “social exposures,” which sounds like an unfortunate middle school incident but is actually a good thing for the show and for the network.

To celebrate, we have a featurette with showrunner Kevin Murphy and star Grant Bowler talking about the pilot (not Too spoilery, but best watched after you’ve seen the premiere) entitled “Shooting the Shtako” (yes it means what you think it means), and the press release with all of the numbers, for you digit heads out there.

Featurette: Defiance – Shooting the Shtako: Pilot

Click here to view the embedded video.

New Earth. New Rules. New Records! Syfy’S...

"Defiance" hit it big in the ratings for Syfy. The new series had 2.7 million viewers total and 1.3 million adults in the key 18-49 demographic.

"Defiance's" ratings in the 18-49 demo are the best a Syfy premiere has brought in since "Eureka" premiered in 2006. The "Defiance" premiere also had the highest total viewers of any Syfy premiere since "Warehouse 13" in 2009.

"Defiance," which stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner, has earned critical praise as well.

"This show isn't reinventing the wheel, but good character dramas with solid sci-fi credentials are scarcer than they should be, and I can't help but be grateful this show exists at all," The Huffington Post's Maureen Ryan said of "Defiance," which has "Desperate Housewives" and "Caprica" veteran Kevin Murphy at its helm. Other executive producers include Michael Taylor (“Battlestar Galactica") and Rockne O’Bannon (“Farscape...

Here it is - the last installment in our Countdown to "Defiance", which features a new trailer, a slew of behind-the-scenes videos, and co-star Julie Benz answering fans' Twitter questions about the show.

The series stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. "Defiance" is directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) and written/executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives," "Caprica"), and Michael Taylor ("Battlestar Galactica"). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner. "Defiance" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

"Defiance" premieres April 15th at 9/8c on Syfy. For more info visit the "Defiance" website, "like" "Defiance" on Facebook, and follow "Defiance" (@DefianceWorld) on Twitter.

Episode 1.01 - "Pilot" (airing 4/15/13)

The arrival of the mysterious Nolan (Grant Bowler) and his charge Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas) to the town of Defiance marks a threat to the fragile peace that...

The word "transmedia" has been floating around for the past few years, even as the people who are using it are still trying to figure out what it means. On Monday, April 15, Syfy premieres a project that may help nail down that definition.

Launching simultaneously as both a scripted Syfy TV series -- with a two-hour premiere episode -- and a Trion Worlds online game, "Defiance" tells a story that takes place in one fictional universe but on two fronts and in two locations.

"From the original handshake deal," executive producer Kevin Murphy tells Zap2it, "to do something between Trion Worlds and Syfy, it's been five years in the borning."

Developed by Murphy, Rockne S. O'Bannon and Michael Taylor, "Defiance" takes place on a near-future Earth, where aliens collectively called the Votans came after their own star system was destroyed.

Initially allowed to settle in a colony in Brazil,...

Zero hour is upon us as "Defiance" prepares for its debut tonight on Syfy, and we have a look at the network's most recent promo trailer for the series, which provides a quick overview of what's in store for those of you who take a chance on this first-of-its-kind interactive video game/TV show crossover.

Synopsis:

"Defiance" introduces a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan (Grant Bowler), the law-keeper in a bustling frontier boomtown that is one of the new world’s few oases of civility and inclusion. Nolan is a former Marine who fought in the alien conflict and suffered the loss of his wife and child in the war. The trauma transformed him into a lone wanderer in the wilds of this new and dangerous world.

Related Story:...

Updated April 15, 1:08pm Ct Given the popular Syfy shows that its three executive producers — Kevin Murphy (Caprica), Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica) and Rockne S. O’Bannon (Farscape) — have been involved with, the ambitious new Syfy series Defiance at the very least should have plenty of fan interest. Add to that the fact that it unfolds as not only a series but also a multi-platform video game, and that should really have fanboys and -girls intrigued. Defiance is set in 2046, when Earth has been transformed and its landscape permanently altered by the sudden and tumultuous arrival of seven [...]

The post Can Syfy’s “Defiance” usher in a new era of interactive storytelling? appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

Genre: Sci-Fi | Adventure | Drama

Air Date/Time: April 15 at 9/8c

Network: Syfy

Director: Scott Stewart, Michael Nankin

Writers: Rockne O’Bannon, Michael Taylor, Kevin Murphy

Summary:

On Monday, April 15 at 9/8c, Syfy will present the series premiere of the highly-anticipated transmedia event, Defiance. Defiance is an epic drama that will unfold as both an original series and a multi-platform video game – the first-ever convergence of television and online gaming, featuring an interconnected world between the two mediums as they evolve together into one overall story.

The series’ amazing cast is led by Grant Bowler, portraying Nolan, a former marine who fought in the alien conflict and became a wanderer in the new world. Julie Benz portrays Amanda Rosewater, the idealistic mayor of the bustling mining boomtown of Defiance. Stephanie Leonidas plays Irisa, a warrior who is part of an alien race called the Irathients, and Nolan’s adopted daughter. Tony Curran...

Ready for more insight into what's heading our way on Monday when "Defiance" premieres on Syfy? We have a video bonanza that introduces more characters and goes behind the scenes so get comfortable and stick around for a while.

First up is "Women of Defiance," which shows that in the world of 2046, it's the ladies who call the shots. Then we meet Datak Tarr, a scheming Castithan alien and ark survivor, played by Tony Curran. Next is Kenya (Mia Kirshner), the proprieter of Defiance's resident bar and bordello, the Need/Want, who's also the sister of Julie Benz's character, Mayor Amanda Rosewater; and last but not least is Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas), a tough and resourceful Irathient who ends up in Defiance with her adopted human father, Jeb Nolan.

After you get a feel for the cast and their characters, it's time to see a time-lapsed clip of the set being built,...

Kick off your Saturday morning with a look at our gallery of character posters for Syfy's "Defiance," and then hear more about how the TV show/video game crossover works from Rob Hill, Senior Producer at Trion Worlds.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: "Defiance" Looks Like a Great Place in This New Trailer and Image Gallery

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan (Grant Bowler...

As we’ve been reporting, Syfy had its Upfront presentation to potential advertisers Wednesday night, and they spent yesterday issuing press releases. It’s a good thing they held the event at a pier, as there is a boatload of information included in the summary press release below. We made sure to get it posted before the weekend, since it will take you the entire weekend to absorb it all.

Some of it is information we’ve already posted, like the Ringworld and Childhood’s End development and the High Moon pilot production, some of it we posted about fairly recently, like Ronald D. Moore‘s Helix, some of it we haven’t heard about in quite some time, like Orion, Proof, and Dominion, and some, like the nonscripted shows, the anthology, and some of the projects announced, are news to us.

You’ll also see ratings info and other...

Our countdown to Monday's premiere of "Defiance" continues with a pair of video interviews with stars Grant Bowler and Julie Benz as well as David Peterson, who created the alien languages for the show.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: Learn More about the "Defiance" Video Game/TV Show Crossover's Challenges, Languages and Cultures, Soundtrack, and Lots More!

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines. It centers on Jeb Nolan...

The spring TV "Upfronts," during which the networks reveal their upcoming line-ups, are under way, and as part of Syfy's presentation, they released a new trailer for "Defiance." In honor of the show's premiere on April 15th, we have it here along with videos introducing Jeb Nolan and Stahma Tarr.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: "Defiance" Looks Like a Great Place in This New Trailer and Image Gallery

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of war and transformed by alien terra-forming machines.

We're just days away from the April 15th debut of "Defiance" on Syfy, and the network has released a big batch of trailers for the show; most are new, and others are updates of what we've seen already. So pour yourself some coffee or tea, get comfortable, and check 'em all out!

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: "Defiance" Looks Like a Great Place in This New Trailer and Image Gallery

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of...

Gamers are already immersed in the world of "Defiance," and in just one week everyone else will be able to see what all the fuss is about when the TV element of the crossover project premieres on Syfy. Curious? Get a look at what's ahead in this new trailer for the series.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: "Defiance" Looks Like a Great Place in This New Trailer and Image Gallery

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by decades of...

Interview Ryan Lambie 9 Apr 2013 - 07:21

With the launch of the Defiance series and TV show imminent, we spoke to producer and director Michael Nankin about its making...

The Syfy Channel is about to air what is surely its biggest experiment yet. Called Defiance, it’s a sci-fi series which not only employs some proven industry talent - not least writer Rockne S O’Bannon, of Alien Nation and SeaQuest Dsv fame, director and producer Michael Nankin, who previously helmed episodes of Battlestar Galactica and Alphas - but also coincides with the launch of the online shooter of the same name.

In a media first, Defiance the TV series and Defiance the videogame will share characters and storylines, with events in the show replicated in the online experience, too. It’s a concept that has roped in the creative minds from both Syfy and Trion Worlds, cost an undisclosed sum of money,...

More goods have come in for Syfy's April 15th launch of the TV show portion of its massive video game crossover series "Defiance," and with its promise of secrets and lies, we have to say the rough and tumble town of Defiance looks like a pretty great place.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: Learn More about the "Defiance" Video Game/TV Show Crossover's Challenges, Languages and Cultures, Soundtrack, and Lots More!

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together on a planet ravaged by...

Review Ryan Lambie 8 Apr 2013 - 07:15

This month sees the premiere of Syfy's major new series, Defiance. Here's our spoiler-free review of the pilot episode...

Note: although free from spoilers, this review does touch on minor plot points from the pilot's first 45 minutes or so.

Launching a new television series can’t be an easy task. And when that show happens to be in the science fiction genre, you’re adding another tricky proposition into the mix: setting up an entire new world as well as introducing compelling characters and conflicts, all within a 60-to-90 minute package tidy and eye-catching enough to attract a healthy audience.

Syfy’s Defiance has a sterling pedigree, having sprung from the mind of Rockne S O’Bannon (he of Alien Nation and SeaQuest Dsv fame), while its executive producer and sometime director Michael Taylor previously wrote episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Battlestar Galactica.

After watching three episodes of "Defiance," one thing's sure - it's damn good to see Julie Benz back on our TV screen. If you'd like a taste of what she's up to on the show, here's a new trailer that introduces her character, the tough-as-nails town of Defiance's even tougher leader, Amanda.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

Related Story: Learn More about the "Defiance" Video Game/TV Show Crossover's Challenges, Languages and Cultures, Soundtrack, and Lots More!

"Defiance" introduces players and viewers to a world where humans and aliens live together...

"Defiance" is a highly anticipated TV series/video game crossover project from Syfy and Trion Worlds with the game being released today, April 2nd, and the show premiering on April 15th.

To celebrate the game's launch and to help whet your appetites for the debut of "Defiance" on Syfy in just a few more days, we have the highlights of a conference call with the executive producer/showrunner for the series, Kevin Murphy, and Trion's vice president of development, Nathan Richardson.

Q: Could one or both of you fill us in on how this all started?

Kevin Murphy: I'll jump in on that. It's been five years in the making. About five years ago Dave Howe from Syfy and Lars Butler from Trion got together because Syfy had made a large investment in Trion, and they were looking for a project to do together. So they looked through the...

Gamers are anxiously awaiting Tuesday's release of Defiance, and as for the TV component arriving April 15th on Syfy, we've seen three episodes, and they have enough horror elements (hellbugs and the like) to keep the genre crowd entertained. Curious? Check out a new teaser trailer.

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

The series stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. "Defiance" is directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) and written/executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives,...

The notorious fracking L.A. traffic did its best to derail the 35th Anniversary Battlestar Galactica panel that kicked off WonderCon 2013.

Thankfully, star of the original and re-imagined BSG Richard Hatch, scientific advisor Kevin Grazier, and Producer Michael Taylor soldiered on even without Ellen Tigh and Lili Bordan (who arrived about halfway through — just in time for the favorite episode question). Right after a special encore showing of the 30th Anniversary tribute, Hatch and crew went straight to audience questions which ran the gamut from the nostalgic to the technical.

Below, check out a few of the things we learned from the panel.

So, what are you wearing to WonderCon? Your BSG finest?

WonderCon’s 27th annual gathering kicks off today in Anaheim, California, where tens of thousands of geek girls and guys, sci-fi enthusiasts, and comic mavens will gather in costumes and glee for the opportunity to preview some of the most anticipated releases of the year. Planned by Comic-Con International, the weekend caters to the most devout fans, and features events and panels that appeal to both their nostalgia and their aspiring creativity. On Saturday alone, attendees can jump from a Pacific Rim preview, to a panel on writing comics for movies,...

We've been covering the video game aspect of Syfy's new series "Defiance" for a while, and now it's time to focus a bit on the show itself. Check out a new trailer, a "making of" video, and the first 14 minutes of the premiere right here!

Synopsis:

Watch The Show, Play The Game, Change The World!

From Syfy and Trion Worlds comes a revolution in entertainment: powerful scripted drama and a massive online world, united for the very first time. Set on a transformed Earth in the near future, events in the show will impact the game, and players will impact the show, creating an unprecedented immersive experience.

The series stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Fionnula Flanagan, Mia Kirshner, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene. "Defiance" is directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) and written/executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon ("Farscape"), Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives,...

From TorontoFilm.Net, Sneak Peek the first 14 minutes of "Defiance", the new Universal science fiction TV series developed by Rockne S. O'Bannon ("Alien Nation"), Kevin Murphy and Michael Taylor, starring Grant Bowler, premiering April 15, 2013 on Syfy:

"...in the near future, aliens collectively as 'Votans' have come to Earth seeking a new home after their star system was destroyed in a stellar collision. The Votans had thought Earth was uninhabited, but upon their arrival discover that humans are living on the planet, who respond to them with hostility and suspicion.

"A limited number of Votans are allowed to settle in a colony in Brazil. The Votans waited in orbit for six years as prolonged negotiations with Earth governments for full-scale settlement on the planet ultimately proved fruitless. With supplies on their ships running low, eventually in desperation the Votans began a war with humans to force the issue and make Earth their new home.

Image via: ACGArt

A few of us here from GeekTyrant will be hitting up WonderCon 2013, which takes place from Friday, March 29th to Sunday, March 31th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. We went for the first time last year, and we had a great time, so we're all excited to be going back for more geek goodness!

WonderCon has released the full three-day schedule! There's a ton of great stuff to check out this year! Enough cool stuff to keep you more than busy! Check out the schedule and start planning out your trip! If you're going and you see us around make sure to say hi! We can talk about geek stuff! See ya there!

March 29 • Friday

12:30Pm – 1:30Pm

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35th Anniversary: BattlestarRoom 300De

Host Richard Hatch (Capt. Apollo, Tom Zarek), Kevin Grazier (science advisor, Battlestar, Caprica, Defiance),Michael Taylor (writer/producer, Battlestar, Defiance, Caprica...