The SCI FI Channel has ordered a full 13-episode season of the new original, scripted drama series “Sanctuary,” it was announced today by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming. “Sanctuary” is the first television series using live-action actors against mostly virtual sets and makes the leap to television from the Internet where it began as the World’s first high-definition sci-fi Web series.
In the one-hour drama, Amanda Tapping (“Stargate’s” Lt. Col. Samantha Carter) stars as the enigmatic Dr. Helen Magnus who, along with her young protg, Will Zimmerman, played by Robin Dunne (“Dawson’s Creek,” Species 3), are on a quest to track down, aid and protect all manner of strange creatures that walk the earth. The show’s sets are 90% CGI and shot in the same cutting-edge style as the feature films 300 and Sin City. Sanctuary creator, Damian Kindler (“Stargate SG-1”) and producer/director Martin Wood (“Stargate Atlantis”) are Executive Producers. Tapping and Sam Egan (“Jeremiah,” “The Outer Limits,” “Masters of Science Fiction”) also serve as Executive Producers. In addition to her producing and starring turns on “Sanctuary,” Amanda Tapping will also make guest appearances on several episodes of SCI FI Channel’s “Stargate Atlantis” during its 5th season.
“‘Sanctuary’ promises to be a totally fresh television viewing experience,” said Stern. “This stylistic approach to ‘virtual sets’ has proven hugely popular on the big screen, and we have been looking for a chance to use it on a television series. We’ve worked with Damian, Martin, Amanda, and Sam on numerous projects in the past, and think they are the perfect team to tackle something this ambitious.”
“Sanctuary” will be produced by Stage 3 Media in association with the SCI FI Channel. Tricon Films and Television are worldwide distributors of the show.
