Syfy planning more reality programs

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable network Syfy says it has ordered new reality programs called "Marcel's Quantum Kitchen," "Paranormal Witness" and "Face Off."

The slate builds upon the success of the channel's unscripted programming such as the "Ghost Hunters" franchise and "Destination Truth," Syfy noted.

"We couldn't be more excited to see these shows move forward," Mark Stern, executive vice president of original content for Syfy and co-head of original content for Universal Cable Productions, said in a statement. "Whether it's pushing the scientific boundaries of cooking, immersing us in first-person accounts of paranormal encounters or exploring the creative artists behind special effects make-up, each of these series underscores the increasing breadth of Syfy's diverse brand."

"Marcel's Quantum Kitchen" follows celebrity chef Marcel Vigneron as he and his new catering and event company are hired to produce extraordinary celebrations or events ranging from a fairytale graduation party and a Goth-rock fashion show to a birthday dinner held on a platform suspended in midair.

Syfy describes "Paranormal Witness" as a "tense, cinematic, high-octane drama-documentary series" that brings to life the stories of people who have lived through paranormal experiences that defy explanation, from poltergeists to alien encounters.

"Face Off" is a competition/elimination series exploring the world of special-effects makeup artists and the imagination that allows them to create works of living art, the channel said.