Syfy and UCP Bring Grindhouse Genre to TV With New Series BLOOD DRIVE

In a press release:

SYFY AND UNIVERSAL CABLE PRODUCTIONS BRING THE GRINDHOUSE GENRE TO TELEVISION WITH NEW 13-EPISODE SCRIPTED SERIES BLOOD DRIVE

JOHN HLAVIN WILL EXECUTIVE PRODUCE ALONG WITH DAVID STRAITON, WHO WILL ALSO DIRECT

NEW YORK – July 28, 2015 – Syfy and Universal Cable Productions today announced they have greenlit Blood Drive, a high-octane, over-the-top scripted series in the classic grindhouse movie tradition. Set in a near-apocalyptic future, the 13-episode series centers around LA’s last good cop who is forced to join a twisted, gory cross-country death race — with cars powered by blood and a dangerous femme fatale partner who sees people as fuel.

Blood Drive is from executive producers John Hlavin (Underworld: Awakening, The Shield) and David Straiton (Bates Motel, Hemlock Grove), who will also direct.

James Roland wrote the pilot under Hlavin’s supervision and will also serve as supervising producer. Fredrik Malmberg (Conan the Barbarian) and Mark Wheeler will serve as producers. Universal Cable Productions will be the studio.

Said Dave Howe, President, Syfy & Chiller: “This highly stylized roller coaster ride is a throwback to 1970s grindhouse cinema. With its fast-paced thrills and indie feel, Blood Drive will make an exciting and edgy addition to Syfy’s growing slate of original scripted series.”

“The grindhouse cinema style remains largely untapped in television. The combination of gritty action and dark humor can push the envelope in some fun and unexpected ways,” said Jeff Wachtel, Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and President, Universal Cable Productions. “Blood Drive has all these elements and more. We’re excited to partner with John Hlavin and David Straiton to bring this cool, action-packed series to life.”