Sci fi greenlights ‘caprica’ to series

[Aceman]

SCI FI GREENLIGHTS ‘CAPRICA’ TO SERIES

‘Battlestar Galactica’ Prequel Gets 20 Episode Order

Series Slated for 2010 Premiere

Stars Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Paula Malcomson and Polly Walker

NEW YORK, NY – December 2, 2008 - SCI FI Channel has greenlit production on the new original series Caprica, ordering 20 hours of the drama including the two-hour pilot, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI. Caprica is the prequel to SCI FI’s hit original series Battlestar Galactica and stars Eric Stoltz (Milk, Chicago Hope), Esai Morales (Jericho, NYPD Blue), Paula Malcomson (Deadwood, ER) and Golden Globeâ nominee Polly Walker (Cane, Rome).

Set 50 years before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families – the Graystones and the Adamas – as they grow, compete, and thrive in the vibrant world of the 12 Colonies, a society recognizably close to our own. Enmeshed in the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence and robotics that will eventually lead to the creation of the Cylons, the two houses go toe-to-toe blending action with corporate conspiracy and sexual politics. Caprica will deliver all of the passion, intrigue, political backbiting and family conflict in television’s first science fiction family saga. Production on the series is slated to begin summer ‘09 in Vancouver for a 2010 premiere. Jeffrey Reiner (Friday Night Lights) directed the pilot.

“Caprica will build on Battlestar Galactica’s acclaimed legacy of gripping drama and extraordinary characters,” says Dave Howe in making the announcement. “It's the beginning of a brand new epic saga that will appeal to both new viewers, totally unfamiliar with the Battlestar franchise, as well as existing loyal and passionate Battlestar fans.”

“Ron, David and Remi have created an amazing series with thought-provoking storytelling that deals with a world very similar to our own. It’s definitely not as dark asBattlestar, but like that show, this series has smart, dimensional characters who grapple with issues of love, sex and politics from a world in transition,” says Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions.

As the series begins, a startling development is about to occur - the creation of the first cybernetic life-form node or "Cylon" – the ability to marry artificial intelligence with mechanical bodies. Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – father of future Battlestar commander William Adama (Sina Najafi) – a renowned civil liberties lawyer, becomes an opponent of the experiments undertaken by the Graystones (Eric Stoltz), owners of a large computer corporation that is spearheading the development of these living robots: the Cylons.

Caprica is produced by Universal Cable Productions and executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick (Battlestar Galactica) and Remi Aubuchon (24). It is co-written by Aubuchon and Moore and directed by Jeffrey Reiner (Friday Night Lights).

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (TV Spot | The X-Files: I Want to Believe | SCIFI.COM <TV Spot | The X-Files: I Want to Believe | SCIFI.COM>) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.

[Tovette]

I'll watch the pilot but I'm not thrilled with it... it sounds like a soap..

[universaltim]

Yeah, that's exactly how I feel about it. While I appreciate good scifi that doesn't have to revolve around space travel, it is what I prefer. With BSG, there was a lot over over-done drama and angst (to severe levels), but it kept the elements that I like about scifi (the afore-mentioned space travel). This just seems to be the same drama and angst, but set in a modern style, slightly futuristic setting. That doesn't really seem to have the draw I'm looking for.
If however it does tell a compeling story, then I'll probably watch. Sort of like The Sarah Conner Chronicles. Not exactly my thing, but the more I watched, the more I was drawn in. It could be the same for this show, but until I see it I'll remain skeptical.

[Knowles2]

Sounds boring the only I reason why i even watch BSG is the robotics Cylons, the space battles and fading hope that someone will put a bullet through Baltar skull.

Apart from that the whole plot just sounds like extended legal, I mean central story to be lawyers battling one and other in court.

[Tovette]

You know if they really wanted to make a spin off they should have done a series about Kobol and it's decline into destruction- culminating in the tribes leaving for the colonies and earth. Now that, in my opinion, would have been a badass series.

[sorceress21]

I think without drastic improvments in production design and without integrating at least some small measure of action and gritty intrigue this series will fail miserably. I was never impressed with BSG's sets, costumes, props..etc. It was like current Earth technology plus anti-grav, and FTL technology. Just was'nt future enough. But the series works well as it's set in space with just an amazing adaptation to the original story and a great cast.

[Tovette]

Originally Posted by sorceress21

I think without drastic improvments in production design and without integrating at least some small measure of action and gritty intrigue this series will fail miserably. I was never impressed with BSG's sets, costumes, props..etc. It was like current Earth technology plus anti-grav, and FTL technology. Just was'nt future enough. But the series works well as it's set in space with just an amazing adaptation to the original story and a great cast.

I actually didn't mind the modern clothing. I thought it was an interesting and added level for the viewer to identify with the characters.

[BolianAdmiral]

As long as we get octagonal paper and picture frames and books, I'll be happy.

[Tovette]

LOL you set the bar pretty low don't you, BolianAdmiral.

[Knowles2]

Originally Posted by Tovette

You know if they really wanted to make a spin off they should have done a series about Kobol and it's decline into destruction- culminating in the tribes leaving for the colonies and earth. Now that, in my opinion, would have been a badass series.

I thought the same, a series about Kobol what led them to abandon the planet and what made earth separate from the rest of the colonies. The whole mythology of what happen before will happen again could of been explored.

That would made a great story. I would separated it into a four seasons series, first one setting up the scene introducing the characters the planet. The second and third the crisis and what cause them to abandon the planet, with the 4 season with them launching their vessels into space the discovery can creation of their respected colonies.

Then after that series I would produce two mini series, one explaining the war that happened before the current BSG, and then have a other mini series with fleet building themselves a new home on earth.

This would pretty much round out and finish all the stories to be told in this universe.