SCI FI UK signs first scripted drama deal

SCI FI UK signs first scripted drama deal

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MUMBAI: The SCI FI channel in the U.K. has signed its first scripted drama production agreement, inking a deal with CHUM International and SpaceWorks for the 22-episode adventure series Ice Planet.

The show was created by SpaceWorks and will be filmed on location in London and Canada.

Set to debut this October, the series stars Michael Ironside as the head of a crew of scientists and soldiers on the maiden voyage of the spaceship Magellan after a vicious alien attack on Earth.

SCI FI programming director Jon Farrar noted, "Epic in scope and inventive in storytelling, Ice Planet promises an original look and feel to sci-fi scripted drama and we're really excited to be involved. This production deal furthers SCI FI's commitment to providing viewers with the best the genre has to offer and allows us to play an integral role in the development of what we hope will be a hit franchise in the UK and around the world."

The production deal was arranged by Jon Helmrich of IBC representing CHUM International, which holds the exclusive worldwide distribution rights for the series.

There are plans to create an Ice Planet video game that will be linked in character, story and action to the show. A mobile game will also roll out in time for the television premiere. Also, SCI FI has appointed former Sky One head of drama Sara Johnson to consult as executive producer on the show.