Ms. Tracey Pearce reports

JAMES TUPPER AND ANNE HECHE HEADLINE THE CAST OF AFTERMATH

Real-life couple James Tupper (Revenge, Men in Trees and Big Little Lies -- David E. Kelley's upcoming limited series on HBO) and Anne Heche (Hung and Men in Trees) will star as husband and wife in the new postapocalyptic thriller Aftermath on Halfire Entertainment, Syfy and BCE Inc.'s Space. Created by William Laurin and Glenn Davis, and produced by Halfire Entertainment in association with Syfy and Space, the 13-episode series will premiere on Syfy in the United States and Space in Canada this summer. Production begins May 9 in Vancouver.

Mr. Tupper and Ms. Heche will play Joshua Copeland and Karen Copeland, who, along with their three teenagers, must battle for survival after civilization comes to an apocalyptic end, triggered by devastating natural disasters -- and the rise of supernatural creatures.

Mr. Tupper portrays Mr. Copeland, a university professor whose study of world cultures gives him unique abilities and insights that may help him decode the events of the apocalypse. Ms. Heche plays his wife, Ms. Copeland, a fierce protector, who, in her quest to keep her family safe, draws on the combat skills and survival training she received as an Air Force pilot.

Mr. Tupper and Ms. Heche join co-stars Julia Sarah Stone (The Killing and Falling Skies) and Taylor Hickson (Deadpool), who play their twin daughters Dana and Brianna, as well as Levi Meaden (The Killing and Olympus), who portrays their eldest son, Matt.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have James Tupper and Anne Heche take on the roles of Joshua and Karen Copeland," commented Noreen Halpern, president of Halfire Entertainment. "They are both such incredibly talented actors and no better way to create a family on screen then starting with a real one."

"Tupper and Heche are a perfect fit for Aftermath since they embody the tenacity and intelligence needed to lead viewers and our fictional family through the unpredictable, mysterious journey at the end of the world," said Chris Regina, senior vice-president of program strategy at Syfy and Chiller.

"These two characters are thrown into extreme circumstances, but, at their very core, they are desperate to keep their family safe," added Tracey Pearce, senior vice-president of specialty and pay at Bell Media. "James and Anne will bring an intriguing depth to the action and chaos that encloses around them in the series."

Aftermath will feature guest stars throughout the season, including Leslie Hope (Tyrant and 24), who will also direct two episodes of the series.

Aftermath creators/showrunners will be Mr. Laurin and Mr. Davis (Missing, Power Play and John Woo's Once a Thief). Jason Stone (This is the End and The Calling) will direct the first two episodes. Mr. Laurin and Mr. Davis will be executive producers, along with Julie Hope. Suzanne Berger and Connie Dolphin will produce. In addition to his lead role on the series, Mr. Tupper will also co-produce. Mr. Stone is consulting producer.

Also set to direct this season are Stefan Pleszczinski (Being Human and Supernatural), Kaare Andrews (Altitude and Cabin Fever 3: Patient Zero), April Mullen (Killjoys) and James Marshall (Smallville and the Shannara Chronicles).

Mr. Tupper is represented by Alissa Vradenburg (United), Mike Jelline (UTA) and Jamie Mandelbaum (Jackoway Tyerman). Ms. Heche is represented by Ms. Vradenburg (United), Nick LoPiccolo and Alisa Adler (Paradigm) and Ashley Nissenberg (Morris Yorn). Halfire will distribute in Canada. Universal Cable Productions will have international distribution.