Syfy recently announced that it will join forces with After Dark Films, the independent production company behind the annual Horrorfest: 8 Films to Die For, to produce two films for the channel’s popular Saturday Original Movie franchise.

The first After Dark-Syfy co-production is Scream of the Banshee, starring Lauren Holly(NCIS) and Lance Henriksen (Aliens). The film, directed by Steven C. Miller (Automaton Transfusion), is scheduled to premiere on Syfy in 2011. Holly plays an archeology professor who unearths a dangerous artifact, unwittingly releasing a creature that is able to kill with the power of its bone-splitting scream.

In addition, After Dark Films and Syfy have developed the Original Movie 51 to be directed by Jason Connery (The Devil’s Tomb). The film chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to decide to allow a select few well-known reporters limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. But when one of the base's hidden "long term visitors" exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror.

Since October 2007, Syfy has celebrated After Dark’s 8 Films To Die For event by premiering some of the festival’s top movies. In October 2010 Syfy will showcase the latest groundbreaking films from the Horrorfest 4 line-up.

In making the announcement, Thomas Vitale, Executive Vice President, Programming and Original Movies, Syfy, said: “We’ve aired nearly 20 After Dark acquired movies, which have played very well with our viewers. Because of After Dark’s strong branding,effective production values and understanding of the audience, we are excited to expand our relationship with the company by developing and commissioning new Saturday Original Movies with the After Dark team.”

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