Syfy Takes Stab at 'Van Helsing'

Syfy has purchased Nomadic Pictures’ sci-fi action series Van Helsing and will premiere the show in fall 2016, the network said Monday.

The 13-episode series follows the resurrection of legendary vampire killer Van Helsing’s daughter Vanessa Helsing five years into the future to help humans fight vampires bent on taking over the world, said the network.

Director Neil LaBute has been tapped as the showrunner for the series, which will begin production in January 2016.

“Van Helsing reimagines a classic story in a compelling new way, featuring a bold and complex heroine”, said Chris Regina, Syfy senior vice president, program strategy, said. "This high-octane acquired original series will be a terrific addition to our lineup next year." 

Added Chad Oakes, co-chairman of Nomadic Pictures: “Van Helsing represents a new mythology in sci-fi by challenging traditional vampire rules.The series is unique in exploring a world completely dominated by vampires, while the human characters have to learn the importance of working together to ensure their survival.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.