While the NDP-controlled City of Toronto continues to dither over whether or not to let film-maker Sir Ridley "Blade Runner" Scott's Pinewood Studios gain an interest in the vacant Portlands mega-studio Filmport, Vancouver again demonstrates leadership in the Canadian film production community, with the announcement of yet another big-budget TV series for 2009 production.Scottish actor Robert "Trainspotting" Carlyle will now star in Sci Fi Channel’s newest "Stargate" spin-off "Stargate Universe."
The third installment in the franchise, from "Stargate SG-1" and "Stargate Atlantis" co-creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, will be given a 20-episode order, with production beginning in February in Vancouver for a targeted summer 2009 launch.The new show, described as edgier than its predecessors will focus on a group of soldiers, scientists and civilians left to fend for themselves when forced through a Stargate after their hidden base comes under attack. Survivors, who emerge aboard an ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space, will be led by 'Dr. David Rush' (Carlyle), who works to unlock the ship's mysteries and return the group home...
