Sci-Fi Storm

The wheels of Hollywood turn slowly, but they turn…a mini-series based on Arthur C. Clarke’s novel Childhood’s End, about a peaceful alien invasion by the mysterious Overlords who put an end to all war and conflict and help the Earth to a near-Utopia state – but no one knows why, is nearing a deal at Syfy.

The six-hour mini was mentioned at Syfy’s 2013 upfronts, but little had been heard since until now. The series would be produced by Michael De Luca (The Social Network, Captain Phillips) and Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend), with Nick Hurran (Doctor Who “Day of the Doctor”) in the director’s chair and Matthew Graham (Doctor Who “The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People”) writing the script.

This may have been the only survivor announced at those upfronts, although I will be scoping out what the status of Ringworld is when I can corner some Syfy execs…

After Saturday’s debut episode of Starz’ Outlander series, based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and produced by Battlestar Galactica‘s Ronald D. Moore and Sony Pictures, the premium cable network picked the show up for a second season. This is normal for Starz, who often pick up series after one airing, or even before – like with Black Sails.

The premiere of Outlander managed about 5 million viewers over the week, but perhaps more importantly is Nielsen’s new Twitter Ratings – a measure about the “buzz” of a show on social networks, which is perhaps a better early indicator of how interested and excited viewers are – where the show was number one among all TV series on its premiere day.

With the increase in interest of networks in buzz about their shows, producers have been organizing “live tweet” sessions with cast and crew, where they talk about the episode as it airs, giving behind the scenes info and interacting with fans, giving unprecedented access to the talent, and hopefully generated more viral interest in the shows.