With an eye on expanding the company’s production of original content, Syfy Ventures has christened Syfy Films, a new banner that will develop and acquire original science fiction films for release on theatrical and digital platforms, including VOD and EST via cable, satellite, telco and Internet partners, as well as select independent theaters through partnerships such as with XLrator Media.

SyFy Films’ first project is the psychological thriller 400 Days, is scheduled to hit theaters January 12, 2016 with plans to air on the Syfy network later in the year. The film follows four astronauts participating in a simulated mission to a distant planet in order to test the psychological effects of deep space travel. Isolated for 400 days (hence the title), their sanity begins to decline when all communication with the outside world ceases. It stars Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Arrow) and Caity Lotz (The Machine, soon to co-star on Arrow) Dane Cook (Troublemaker), Ben Feldman (Mad Men), Tom Cavanaugh (The Flash), and Grant Bowler (Defiance).

Written and directed by Matt Osterman, 400 Days the film is a production of New Artists Alliance and XLrator Media. It’s produced by Gabe Cowan and John Suits of New Artists Alliance, with Barry Gordon and Mike Radiloff of XLrator Media associate producing. Dane Cook, Mandy Wolf, Andrew Orci and Curtis Raines are executive producing.

Distinct from the previous previously announced banner of the same name, Syfy Films includes a grouping of businesses to expand the brand’s global reach, among them digital platforms, licensing and merchandising, and video games. We’re told that Chris Regina, Syfy’s SVP of Program Strategy, will oversee acquisitions and development for Syfy Films, and it will work with select partners to assist with distribution and marketing. SyFy films will also serve as incubator on selected scripted TV series. “Syfy is thrilled to continue to branch out into non-linear distribution models that target fans in a broader way,” said Jeff Li, Vice President of SyFy Ventures, “while supporting new and exciting projects that we’re passionate about.”