Syfy & Wattpad partner for new sci-fi thriller Expiration Date

July 10th 2018, 2:36pm

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Syfy is partnering with Wattpad and online creator network Tongal to launch “Story to Screen – A Digital Pilot Project.” The partnership is part of the Syfy Wire Fan Creators initiative launching this month, and the first project this new partnership produced will be Wattpad’s viral sci-fi thriller, EXPIRATION DATE.

But here's the kicker: The whole thing kicks off today on Tongal with an open call for filmmakers to pitch how they'd bring the story to life as a digital series at Syfy.com! Yes, the powers that be want YOUR input on just how to bring this hit story to the screen.

Starting today, creators can "submit a treatment that captures what EXPIRATION DATE could look like as a digital series on Syfy.com." Candidates will be "pared down to three finalists, who will receive funding to produce a proof of concept in the form of a series trailer." Tongal, Syfy, and Wattpad will then award one grand prize winner additional funding to create a digital pilot episode with the potential to go on to develop the entire series.

Holy shite!

Tongal Co-Founder and President, James DeJulio:

The partnership between Tongal and Wattpad flips the script on Hollywood by changing the how and who of content creation through our open platforms for talent. These new global communities are made up of diverse and passionate creators, and now they’re actually developing the shows they want to watch. I’m thrilled that SYFY has embraced this innovative, by the fans, for the fans shift.

Alexandra Shapiro, executive vice president of marketing and digital for Syfy and USA Network:

Our creative alliance with Tongal and Wattpad is a natural extension of our Syfy Wire Fan Creators initiative. It really marks the next phase of Syfy’s “It’s a Fan Thing” positioning and celebrates, nurtures and supports the makers, artists and creators at the heart of genre fandom. In addition to Expiration Date, Tongal will continue to work with Syfy to develop digital content that inspires and ignites fans and brings together the creator community.

Aron Levitz, head of Wattpad Studios:

Data and technology are disrupting entertainment, upending traditional development and creating new opportunities for studios and creators. We’re tapping into a whole new world of fresh voices, empowering new types of storytellers and exciting new narratives. The model we’re creating, with partners like Tongal and Syfy, shows that an established and loyal fan base will follow a great story wherever it goes.

EXPIRATION DATE creator Mikaela Bender:

I created Expiration Date with the support of millions of readers on Wattpad, who encouraged and celebrated the story as it took shape. It’s been an amazing journey interacting with fans around the world on Wattpad, and now seeing the story find life on a whole new medium. I’m grateful to Wattpad, Tongal and Syfy for the opportunity to take Expiration Date beyond words on a page to life on the screen.

Created by Mikaela Bender EXPIRATION DATE was one of the most popular sci-fi stories on Wattpad in 2016 and 2017, with more than 16 million reads to date. The sci-fi thriller takes place:

In a world where the date of one’s death is known by the mysterious Society. Centered on 19-year-old orphan Iris Levine, the story imagines a society in which citizens are marked with their “Expiration Date”— the day they are supposed to die— at birth. When Iris’s expiration date arrives, a mysterious man saves her from imminent death. Having survived her expiration date, Iris is now the Society’s biggest threat.

I spend quite a bit of time on Wattpad myself, but I haven't read EXPIRATION DATE yet. I plan to remedy that after work today and then submit my treatment on Tongal. Will you be taking this opportunity to bring an all-new digital series to SyFy.com? Only one way to get started. So head on over to Tongal and get started RIGHT HERE. Good luck!