Makeup and special effects fans have cause for rejoicing, as Syfy has renewed its critically acclaimed hit competition series “Face Off” for a fourth season. The announcement was made by Mark Stern, President, Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions.

Slated for a 2013 premiere, the fourth season of “Face Off” will include a guest appearance by acclaimed director Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual Suspects) and Lightstorm’s Jon Landau (Avatar).

Dwight D. Smith, Michael Agbabian and Derek Atherton of Mission Control Media will return once again as executive producers.

“’Face Off’ has proven itself as a quality, signature series for Syfy,” said Stern. “The success the series has achieved in its three seasons -- from both a critical and ratings standpoint -- establishes a strong foundation as we continue to build the momentum for season four. It’s a pleasure to continue to showcase talented special effects artists with this addictive program.”

The show is currently in the middle of its third season now, airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This season to date, including only Live plus Same Day playback, Face Off has averaged 986,000 million viewers in the 18-49 demographic, and 1.7 million total viewers total. In its first five episodes with Live +7 viewing, “Face Off” is currently topping the second season by five percent among viewers 18-49 (1.5 vs. 1.6 million) and three percent among total viewers (2.6 million vs. 2.7 million). “Face Off” is also up eight percent among viewers 18-34 (755,000 vs.

829,000).

“Face Off” is a competitive reality series exploring the world of special-effects make-up artists and the unlimited imagination that allows them to create amazing works of living art. Hosted by McKenzie Westmore of the famed Hollywood makeup dynasty, “Face Off” is judged by some of the most renowned names in the effects world – with three-time Academy Award winner Ve Neill (Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands), famed special make-up effects artist Glenn Hetrick ("Heroes," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "The X-Files"), and feature film creature designer Neville Page (Star Trek (2009), Avatar).

Immediately following “Face Off” on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT is an all-new episode of “Hot Set,” the visually stunning competition series in which two Hollywood production designers compete in an extreme design challenge to create original movie sets inspired by the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres.

“Face Off” and “Hot Set” are both productions of Mission Control Media, with Dwight D. Smith and Michael Agbabian serving as executive producers. Derek Atherton also serves as executive producer on “Face Off.” Aliyah Silverstein is an executive producer on “Hot Set.”