From CNW Group:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/04/c6731.htmlThe Movie Network and Movie Central commission cutting-edge new original drama series Sanctuary
TORONTO, Feb. 4 /CNW/ - Astral Media's The Movie Network (eastern Canada) and Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (western Canada) have commissioned 13-episodes of one of the first television series ever to be conceived from an Internet-based concept. Initially developed as eight broadcast-quality webisodes from the creative talent behind Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis, Sanctuary is an original drama series that is also the first to be shot entirely on green screen.
Commissioned by and airing on The Movie Network and Movie Central, the series has also been green lit by the SCI FI Channel in the U.S. which will broadcast the series day and date with the Canadian broadcasters in fall 2008.
Using next-generation visual effects through 3-D green-screen technology, the series is set in a mysterious and supernatural world and follows the adventures of Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping), her reluctant protégé Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne) and her fearless and somewhat reckless daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup), as they study and try to help the strange, terrifying and monstrous creatures that populate their world.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this true multi-platform project that is breaking new ground on numerous fronts - from its unique conception to its distinctive graphic novel look and feel this series will be the first of its kind on Canadian television," said Michelle Marion, Director, Canadian Independent Production, The Movie Network. "Together with Sanctuary's powerfully likeable characters, rich and compelling storytelling and dramatic visual style, our subscribers will have access to a series unlike anything seen before on television and one that has already built a huge following online."
Currently in production by Vancouver-based Stage 3 Media Inc. and distributed by Tricon Films and Television, the series will be shot in high definition and will be helmed by the creative team responsible for Sanctuary, including creator and executive producer Damian Kindler (Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis), executive
producer and lead actor Amanda Tapping (Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis), executive producer and director Martin Wood (Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis), executive producer and writer Sam Egan (Jeremiah, The Outer Limits); and executive producer John Smith (Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis).
"Movie Central subscribers love the Stargate franchise, and with many of the same members of the strong creative team from Stargate involved in this new sci-fi production, we are confident that Sanctuary will really appeal to our audience," said Erica Benson, Vice President Programming, Movie Central. "We're also proud to be
supporting a technologically innovative western-Canadian production - that's a win-win for both our partners and our subscribers."
"The Movie Network and Movie Central are the perfect fit for Sanctuary. These Canadian networks championed this project from the beginning and recognized Sanctuary as one of the most ambitious home-grown Canadian projects to date. We couldn't be more thrilled about working together and bringing this extraordinary series to the channels' subscribers," said Carrie Mudd, Vice President, International Sales & Development, Tricon Films & Television.
**snippage**
