Tricia Helfer Headlines Guests On Sci Fi's Warehouse 13

Source: NBC / Universal

SCI FI's new one-hour dramedy adventure series Warehouse 13 has confirmed an all-star lineup set to make guest appearances throughout the first season including Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer, Michael Hogan and Mark Sheppard; Gossip Girl's James Naughton; Roger Rees of Cheers; Eureka's Joe Morton, Erica Cerra and Niall Matter; Stargate Atlantis' Joe Flanigan and Ivan Sergei from Crossing Jordan.

The new original one-hour series stars Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, Allison Scagliotti and previously announced guest star CCH Pounder. Produced by Universal Cable Productions, the series is currently in production in Toronto. Warehouse 13 will premiere Tuesday, July 7 with the 2-hour pilot from 9 - 11PM ET/PT.

Warehouse 13 follows two Secret Service agents who find themselves abruptly transferred to a massive, top-secret storage facility in windswept South Dakota which houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and supernatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government. The Warehouse's caretaker Artie (Rubinek) charges Pete (McClintock) and Myka (Kelly) with chasing down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects to cache at the Warehouse, as well as helping him to control the warehouse itself.

Guest Stars Include:

Ivan Sergei (Crossing Jordan, Charmed) is "Ross" an EMT from Unionville, New York. Ross and some of the other townspeople begin to display bizarre behavioral symptoms -- involuntary (and potentially dangerous) expressions of their subconscious desires.

Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice) stars as FBI Agent "Bonnie Belski" who clashes with Pete and Myka when they interfere with a case on her Chicago turf. But after the third inexplicable bank takeover, she finds herself willing to make use of their expertise.

Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis, First Monday) portrays the handsome, wealthy "Jeff Weaver" whose charm captures Myka's interest, but he finds himself under Pete and Myka's scrutiny when a sculpture on which he bid, vanishes in an impossible heist.

James Naughton (Ally McBeal, Gossip Girl) is "Gilbert Radburn," the well-tailored, Trump-esque high-profile entrepreneur. When a competitor threatens his intended acquisition, Radburn's suspicious behavior brings him under Pete and Myka's scrutiny.

Roger Rees (Cheers, The West Wing) is "MacPherson" one of Artie's former Warehouse colleagues, who has gone rogue and is now competing with the team to gather dangerous and powerful objects for his own use.

Erica Cerra (Eureka, The L Word) and Niall Matter (Eureka, The Best Years) portray "Jillian and Gary Whitman," small-time thieves on the Las Vegas strip, whose fortunes, twisted by the strange power of luck-inducing artifact, take a fantastic turn.

Joe Morton (Eureka, Terminator 2) stars as "John HIll" a charismatic prison inmate and an extremist religious leader in a Florida prison.

Mark Sheppard (24, Battlestar Galactica) is "Mr. Valda" the enigmatic representative of the Regents, the mysterious organization that controls Warehouse 13. He disapproves of Artie's methods as the team leader of the Warehouse, and isn't afraid to let him know it.

Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galactica, The L Word) portrays Myka's father "Warren Bering," who receives a dangerous object anonymously in the mail which puts his life in jeopardy.

The series is produced for SCI FI by Universal Cable Productions. It is executive produced by Jack Kenny (The Book of Daniel) who also serves as showrunner. David Simkins (Dresden Files) is executive producer; Jace Alexander (Burn Notice, Rescue Me) is co-executive producer and director of the pilot; and Stephen Surjik (Monk, Burn Notice) is producer/director of the series.

See Also: Allison Scagliotti Finds A Home In Warehouse 13 / Tricia Helfer Talks Galactica And Burn Notice With The Media / USA Launches Second Online Game Based On Burn Notice / Galactica Prequel Caprica To Premiere On DVD / iPhone Users Can Now Download Their Own Cylon Detector / Galactica Brings Record Viewers And Web Traffic To Sci Fi / Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction / Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

Sci Fi Announces Memorial Day Land Of The Lost Marathon And Other Summer Programing

Source: NBC / Universal

Summer Holidays Feature "Land of the Lost" Memorial Day Marathon and the July 4th Weekend "Twilight Zone" Marathon

And on July 7, SCI FI Becomes...Syfy

After kicking off with a Memorial Day "Land of the Lost" marathon, SCI FI blasts into Summer '09 with a wealth of original programming from the series premiere of "Warehouse 13" and new episodes of "Eureka" (on its new night Fridays at 9PM beginning July 10th) and "Ghost Hunters" to Saturday night movies showcasing stars such as Jason Gedrick, James Marsters and Peta Wilson.

Summer on SCI FI also includes the popular July 4th weekend "Twilight Zone" marathon and, on July 7, SCI FI becomes Syfy.

SUMMER SCRIPTED SERIES

"Warehouse 13" - Premieres Tuesday, July 7, with two-hour pilot from 9-11PM (ET/PT) - Two Secret Service agents find themselves abruptly transferred to a massive, top-secret storage facility in windswept South Dakota which houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and supernatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government. The Warehouse's caretaker Artie (Saul Rubinek) charges Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) with chasing down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects to cache at the Warehouse, as well as helping him to control the warehouse itself. CCH Pounder guest-stars as Artie's boss Mrs. Federic, along with Allison Scagliotti as Claudia Donovan, a young, hip, brilliant techno-wiz.

The 13-episode series (including the two-hour pilot) is produced for SCI FI by Universal Cable Productions. It is executive produced by Jack Kenny (The Book of Daniel) who also serves as showrunner. David Simkins (Dresden Files) is executive producer; Jace Alexander (Burn Notice, Rescue Me) is co-executive producer and director of the pilot; and Stephen Surjik (Monk, Burn Notice) is producer/director of the series.

"Eureka" -- Returns with 10 new episodes beginning Friday, July 10, at 9PM (ET/PT) Season 3.5 picks up where "Eureka" left off at the mid-season cliffhanger with Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) being removed from his job as Eureka's sheriff and Allison (Salli Richardson-Whitfield) announcing that she is expecting her recently-deceased husband's baby.

Carter is also confronted by some challenging decisions on the home front where his daughter Zoe (Jordan Hinson) is concerned and encounters a new love interest with the arrival of Dr. Tess Fontana (guest star Jaime Rae Newman) who will supervise the re-opening of Global Dynamics' infamous 'Section 5.'

"Eureka" was the most watched scripted series on SCI FI in 2008 delivering its best performance to-date. The first half of the 3rd season averaged 3 million viewers per week. Co-creator Jaime Paglia and Charlie Craig (The X Files, Brimstone) and Thania St. John are Executive Producers. "Eureka" is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

SUMMER REALITY SERIES

"Ghost Hunters International" - Returns Wednesday, July 8 at 9PM -- A spin-off of SCI FI's popular "Ghost Hunters" series, "Ghost Hunters International" features a squad of real-life "ghost-busters" - ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. This summer the team travels to Austria, Ireland, Italy, Chile, Argentina and the Czech Republic in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. The first six episodes of season two will air this summer with additional episodes continuing in 2010.

"Ghost Hunters International" earned the best-ever first season for a reality series of the network, averaging a 1.7 HH rating and 2.3 million total viewers.

"Ghost Hunters" - Returns Wednesday, August 19, at 9PM (ET/PT) - Plumbers by day, Ghost Hunters by night, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson head up TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), a close-knit organization of volunteer paranormal researchers - ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. In their investigations all over the U.S. and Europe, these self-proclaimed skeptics have managed to expose some of the most frighteningly compelling evidence of paranormal phenomenon ever seen on television! Throughout its run, "Ghost Hunters" has featured speaking entities, mysteriously moving furniture, and ghostly visages and a healthy dose of squabbling within the investigating team. Being scared has never been so much fun!

Enjoying record-high ratings throughout its run since 2004, "Ghost Hunters" remains one of cable's hottest shows, with an average of more than 3 million viewers tuning in so far during season 5 (premiered March 11, 2009). "Ghost Hunters," is produced in association with Craig Piligian's Pilgrim Films and Television (Dirty Jibs, The Ultimate Fighter, In Harm's Way). Piligian and Thomas Thayer, along with Rob Katz and Alan David, serve as executive producers.

SUMMER MOVIES

"Malibu Shark Attack," starring Peta Wilson - An underwater earthquake generates a tsunami that strikes Malibu and brings a hunting pack of prehistoric-looking goblin sharks to the surface. Although the beach is evacuated before the big wave strikes, a group of lifeguards and a crew of construction workers are stranded in the high water and have to fight the sharks to get to dry land.

"High Plains Invaders," starring James Marsters - In the early 20th century, a small western mining town is invaded by giant insectoid alien creatures whose only mission is to mine uranium to fuel their spaceship - but they'll kill anyone or anything that gets in their way. After they devastate the town, it's up to a retired outlaw to lead a small group of survivors in fighting thing "bugs."

"Hellhounds," directed by Rick Schroeder - After his bride is poisoned at their wedding, a young Greek warrior risks a journey to Hades to rescue her from the God of the Underworld and bring her back to life. What he doesn't know is that the best friend who accompanies him is the man who killed her in a jealous rage.

"Sand Serpents," starring Jason Gedrick - At an isolated Taliban outpost in Afghanistan, a small platoon of US soldiers faces a danger far greater than fanatical rebels - giant worm-like creatures that come up through the sand and devour everything in their path. Their inexperienced lieutenant has to lead them across the treacherous desert to a rendezvous point where an army helicopter will pick them up - but not all of them are going to make it.

SUMMER MARATHONS

A Memorial Day "Land of the Lost" marathon airs from 8AM-4AM (ET/PT), keyed to the theatrical release of "Land of the Lost," based on the 1970s television cult classic. Starring Will Ferrell, Anna Friel and Danny McBride, the Universal movie opens nationwide on June 5th.

For Independence Day, SCI FI presents its annual "Twilight Zone" marathon, running from Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4, featuring episodes from the 1980s version of the series and the classic 1960s show.

See Also: Land Of The Lost Cha-Ka Funko Force Bobble Head / Land Of The Lost Sleestak Funko Force Bobble Head / A New Promo Image For Land Of The Lost / The Land Of The Lost Movie Poster / Hold Onto Your Tenticles Sigmund And The Sea Monsters Is Coming To The Big Screen / The First Photo Of Enik From The New Land Of The Lost Movie / Surprise! The New Sleestaks Look Like The Old Ones! / Land of the Lost (TV 1974-1977) / The Land That Time Forgot (1975)

DiCaprio Wants To Enter The Twilight Zone

Allison Scagliotti Finds A Home In Warehouse 13

The Sci Fi Channel Is Morphing Into Sy Fy.....WTF?

Ghost Hunters Scores Another Number One For Sci Fi / Ghost Hunters International Scores Big Ratings For Sci Fi / Ghost Hunters: New Generation To Air On Sci Fi / Paranormal - Real Life Tales Of The Unexplained / Ghost Hunters Invites Fans To Join The Hunt / The Ghost Hunters Are Set To Go To College / Ghostly Images Appear In The Jennifer Tilly Film Return To Babylon / If Your looking For Ghosts Go To The Aokigahara Forest In Japan / Ghost Hunters To Continue Their Paranormal Investigations For An Exciting 5th Season /

Sci Fi And Will Smith Have Unfinished Business

Source: NBC Universal

SCI FI is teaming up with James Lassiter, Will Smith and Ken Stovitz through their company Overbrook Entertainment for a 2-hour back door pilot entitled Unfinished Business. Written by Emmy-nominated Sally Robinson (Iron Jawed Angels), the pilot will be produced by Universal Cable Productions. Emmy-winner Mikael Salomon (Band of Brothers, The Andromeda Strain, The Company) is attached to direct. Both Robinson and Salomon will serve as executive producers. Heather Courtney, head of Overbrook Entertainment television, will oversee production.

"SCI FI is excited to begin development on Unfinished Business with Overbrook Entertainment and Will Smith," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. "It is a compelling and thrilling drama that is perfect for our audience."

Unfinished Business is the story of an ex cop, who after a brain injury, finds himself experiencing flashes of memories from the recently deceased. The experiences compel him to help these lost souls resolve their unfinished business.

Allison Scagliotti Finds A Home In Warehouse 13

Source: NBC / Universal

Allison Scagliotti (Drake & Josh) has been cast in Warehouse 13, the all-new SCI FI original one-hour dramedy adventure series. She joins the previously announced cast members Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek and CCH Pounder. Warehouse 13 will premiere Tuesday, July 7 with the 2-hour pilot from 9 - 11PM ET/PT.

Scagliotti will portray Claudia Donovan, a young, hip, brilliant techno-wiz, who manages to successfully breach the Warehouse's complex security system in order to track down Artie (Rubinek). With a natural aptitude for science and technology, Donovan's talents enable her to manipulate and activate many of the objects contained in the Warehouse to help the Team.

Allison Scagliotti is most recognizable for her role on Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh as Josh's smart and sassy girlfriend, Mindy. She has had numerous memorable guest spots on ER, CSI, and One Tree Hill and can be next be seen this summer in National Lampoon's Endless Bummer and My Name is Jerry, starring Doug Jones.

Warehouse 13 is about two Secret Service agents who find themselves abruptly transferred to a massive, top-secret storage facility in windswept South Dakota which houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and supernatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government. The Warehouse's caretaker Artie charges Pete (McClintock) and Myka (Kelly) with chasing down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects to cache at the Warehouse, as well as helping him to control the warehouse itself.

The series is produced for SCI FI by Universal Cable Productions. It is executive produced by Jack Kenny (The Book of Daniel) who also serves as showrunner. David Simkins (Dresden Files) is executive producer; Jace Alexander (Burn Notice, Rescue Me) is co-executive producer and director of the pilot; and Stephen Surjik (Monk, Burn Notice) is producer/director of the series.

Laura Vandervoort In Riverworld And Other Sci Fi Casting News

Source: NBC / Universal

The lead roles in Riverworld and The Phantom, two of SCI FI Channel and RHI Entertainment's recently announced trio of four-hour movie events, have been cast and production on both back-door movie pilots began Monday, April 6.

Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica/Dollhouse) and Laura Vandervoort (Smallville) star in Riverworld based on the popular award-winning series of novels by Philip Jose Farmer. Penikett stars as Matt Ellman, an American war zone reporter who has witnessed the worst of humanity first-hand yet still grasps on to an optimistic spirit. When a suicide bomber kills both Matt and his fiancée Jessie, played by Vandervoort, they awaken, separated in a mysterious world where everyone who has ever lived on Earth, seems to have been "reborn" along the banks of a seemingly endless river. Determined to locate Jessie, Matt joins forces with a 13th century female samurai warrior named Tomoe (Jeananne Goossen) and American novelist Sam 'Mark Twain' Clemens (Mark Deklin). Together they sail upriver in search of its source, and to discover where they are and who put them there. Alan Cumming (Tin Man) guest stars as the mysterious 'Caretaker.' Riverworld (Airdate 2010) is produced by Reunion Pictures and is shooting in Vancouver, BC. RHI will distribute internationally.

Ryan Carnes (Desperate Housewives/Doctor Who) has been cast in title role of The Phantom and his alter ego Chris Walker in this re-imagined version of the classic comic book transported to present day. Isabella Rossellini will guest star in a villainous turn as 'Lithia,' the head of an experimental mind control program. Also starring are Cameron Goodman as Chris Walker's love interest, Renny and Sandrine Holt (24/The L Word) as The Phantom's trusted advisor Guran.

A favorite costumed hero for more than six decades, The Phantom relies on his wits, physical strength and skill with weapons over superhuman powers. Production will begin on Monday April 6 in Montreal with Director, Paolo Barzman (The Last Templar) at the helm. The Phantom (Airdate 2010) is produced by Muse Entertainment. RHI will distribute internationally.

See Also: SCI FI And RHI Entertainment Re-Imagine The Phantom And Alice In Wonderland

Sci Fi Begins Production On Sanctuary Season 2

Source: NBC / Universal

SCI FI's groundbreaking hit original series Sanctuary, the first TV show based on an online series to be picked up for a second season, began production last week in Vancouver. Slated to return this fall, the one-hour drama's 13-episode second season will include the addition of Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander.

Witty and sarcastic with a gift for persuasion, Kate Freelander is a swindler, con artist and thief who finds herself in an uneasy alliance with Dr. Magnus after her business relationship with the Cabal goes sour. Agam has appeared in such television programs as The L-Word, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, Dead Zone, Stargate Atlantis, CTV's Custody and the Lifetime Original Movie The Haunting on Sorority Row. Her feature film credits include Final Destination 3, Snakes on a Plane, and in this fall's highly anticipated 2012 from director Roland Emmerich.

For its first season, Sanctuary delivered a 1.9 HH rating 2.43 million total viewers including 1.42 million Adults 25-54 and 1.08 Adults 18-49. More than 3 million viewers tuned in to the premiere of Sanctuary on October 3, 2008 making it the highest rated original series premiere and the best performance for a first-season SCI FI scripted original series since Eureka's first season in 2006.

Sanctuary follows the adventures of the beautiful, enigmatic and always surprising Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping), a brilliant scientist who holds the secrets of a clandestine population — a group of strange and sometimes terrifying beings that hide among humans. Along with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne), they seek to protect these threatened phenomena as well as unlock the mysteries behind their existence. Sanctuary blazes the television landscape by shooting almost entirely on green screen and is the first television series in North America to use the RED camera exclusively.

In January 2009, Sanctuary bested all top broadcast TV shows in Marketing Evalutions' Q Scores, which measure the viewer's emotional bonding to a TV show. With a 100 index being average, Sanctuary came in second only to Showtime's critically acclaimed series Dexter (174) among females 18-49 with a score of 171.

Created by Damian Kindler (Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis), Sanctuary is produced in association with SCI FI Channel and Tricon Films and Television. Season 2 of the series will be executive produced by Damian Kindler, Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood with Andrea Gorfolova, Carrie Mudd and Keith Beedie.

See Also: Atlantis And Sanctuary Finales Score Big For Sci Fi / Top Ten Hottest Women Of 2008 / Robert Carlyle Has A Date With A Stargate Not A Tardis / Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Sanctuary / Sci Fi To Premiere Two Stargate Movies In 2009 / Sci Fi To Air Stargate Universe In 2009 /Sci Fi To Produce A New Two Hour Stargate Atlantis Movie / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Amanda Tapping To Star In Sanctuary

SCI FI And RHI Entertainment Re-Imagine The Phantom And Alice In Wonderland

Source: NBC / Universal

SCI FI and RHI Entertainment continue a longstanding and successful partnership in 2009 with three new adventure movie events. The two-night, four-hour movie events -- Riverworld, The Phantom and Alice -- will begin production in the coming months and casting is underway for each. In addition, Riverworld and The Phantom will both serve as backdoor pilots for potential series.

Riverworld is a two-night, four-hour movie event based on the popular award-winning series of novels by Philip Jose Farmer. It's the adventure of Matt, a combat photojournalist, killed along with his fiancée by a suicide bomber, who awakens in a mysterious world where everyone who has ever previously lived on Earth, has been "reborn" along the banks of a seemingly endless river. Determined to locate his lost love Jessica, Matt joins forces, a 13th century female samurai warrior named Tomoe and American novelist Mark Twain. Together they sail upriver in search of its source, and to discover where they are and who put them there. Riverworld is produced by Reunion Pictures (Airdate 2010).

The classic comic book character The Phantom has been re-imagined and transported to present day in a live-action, four-hour movie from writers Dan Knauf (Carnivale) and Charles Knauf. A favorite costumed hero for more than six decades, The Phantom relies on his wits, physical strength and skill with weapons over superhuman powers. Production is slated to begin in April in Montreal with Director Paolo Barzman (The Last Templar) at the helm. The Phantom is produced by Muse Entertainment (Airdate 2010).

Alice is a modern-day reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll's classic novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The four-hour movie event is written and directed by Nick Willing; director of SCI FI and RHI's 2007 record-breaking, Emmy-nominated miniseries, Tin Man. Production on Alice is expected to begin in May in Vancouver. Alice is produced by Reunion Pictures (Airdate: 4th Qtr 2009).

Reunion Pictures (www.reunionpictures.ca) is a Canadian-based company that develops and finances high quality television and multi-platform properties. Launched in 2004 with the partners' experience of having collectively produced over a billion dollars worth of award-winning filmed entertainment, Reunion Pictures has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and has won Genies and Gemini's as well as the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for Excellence in Television. Reunion Pictures' list of credits includes a # 1 US box office release (Butterfly Effect), a #1 US network mini-series (10.5), and two #1 cable mini-series (Tin Man and Earthsea, both produced with RHI Entertainment for SCI FI Channel).

Muse Entertainment Enterprises, headed by President, CEO and Chairman of the Board Michael Prupas, is a major Canadian independent film and television producer and the country's leading service producer for international studios and networks. Muse Entertainment is known for bringing well-crafted, high-quality, award-winning productions with strong international appeal to big and small screens. Since 1998, Muse has produced, co-produced or provided production services on 100 TV movies and mini-series, television series and feature films. Muse's head office is located in Montreal. Muse has four production operations in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles.

See Also: Rosario Dawson To Produce True Believer For Sci Fi

The Sci Fi Channel Is Morphing Into Sy Fy.....WTF?

Source: NBC / Universal

Building upon sixteen years of water cooler programming and soaring ratings growth following its most-watched year ever, SCI FI Channel is evolving into Syfy on air and on-line beginning July 7th, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI.

By changing the name to Syfy, which remains phonetically identical, the new brand broadens perceptions and embraces a wider and more diverse range of imagination-based entertainment including fantasy, paranormal, reality, mystery, action and adventure, as well as science fiction. It also positions the brand for future growth by creating an ownable trademark that can travel easily with consumers across new media and non-linear digital platforms, new international channels and extend into new business ventures.

Imagine Greater will become the new brand message and tagline, inviting both consumers and advertisers into a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment. Syfy more clearly captures the mainstream appeal of the world's biggest entertainment category, and reflects the network's ongoing strategy to create programming that's more accessible and relatable to new audiences. Syfy will continue to celebrate the traditional roots of the genre, while opening the brand aperture to accommodate a broader range of imagination-based entertainment.

"While continuing to embrace our legacy and our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and reflects our broader range of programming," said Mr. Howe in making the announcement. "Syfy allows us to build on our 16 year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the Imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand."

Syfy, unlike the generic entertainment category "sci-fi", firmly establishes a uniquely ownable trademark that is portable across all non-linear digital platforms and beyond, from Hulu to iTunes. Syfy also creates an umbrella brand name that can extend into new adjacent businesses under the Syfy Ventures banner, such as Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids.

Additionally, as the Channel's footprint expands rapidly around the globe, aiming to reach more than 50 international channels by the end of next year, Syfy meets the need of a globally relevant, trademarkable brand that stands for something unique to the brand in each territory.

The new brand evolution will launch on air and on-line July 7th, in tandem with the premiere of the new scripted drama, Warehouse 13, and the return of breakout summer series Eureka. An aggressive trade marketing campaign will kick off this spring. Scifi.com will assume the URL Syfy.com at that time.

Ghost Hunters Scores Another Number One For Sci Fi

Source: NBC / Universal

An episode featuring an investigation at the historic Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia jump-started season 5 of SCI FI's Ghost Hunters. Airing Wednesday from 9-10pm, the premiere delivered a 1.9 Household rating, 2.7 million total viewers, 1.6 million Adults 18-49 and 1.7 million Adults 25-54.

Ghost Hunters was the #1 cable telecast for the day in Adults 25-54, out-delivering the season premiere of South Park as well as new episodes of The Real World, Dog the Bounty Hunter and Monsterquest. In addition:

In the 9pm hour, SCI FI was the #1 cable network, sweeping all major demographics – Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49, Adults 25-54, Males 18-49, Males 25-54, Women 18-49 and Women 25-54.

In 8-11pm prime, SCI FI was the #1 cable network for Adults 18-49

The season 5 premiere demonstrated the series' continuing success among women, making SCI FI the #1 cable network in Prime for Women 25-54 and #2 in Prime for Women 18-49

Ghost Hunters was also the #1 site on SCIFI.COM for the day in page views, uniques and visits

In October 2004, SCI FI introduced Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson – plumbers by day, Ghost Hunters by night! Its spin-off series, Ghost Hunters International, recently wrapped a successful first season that cemented the Ghost Hunters brand as the top paranormal franchise in cable. The franchise just expanded further with the greenlight of a brand-new pilot, Ghost Hunters: College Edition. Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International and Ghost Hunters: College Edition are produced in association with Craig Piligian's Pilgrim Films and Television (Dirty Jobs, The Ultimate Fighter, My Fair Wedding). Piligian and Thomas Thayer, along with Rob Katz and Alan David, serve as executive producers.

See Also: Ghost Hunters International Scores Big Ratings For Sci Fi / Ghost Hunters: New Generation To Air On Sci Fi / Paranormal - Real Life Tales Of The Unexplained / Ghost Hunters Invites Fans To Join The Hunt / The Ghost Hunters Are Set To Go To College / Ghostly Images Appear In The Jennifer Tilly Film Return To Babylon / If Your looking For Ghosts Go To The Aokigahara Forest In Japan / Ghost Hunters To Continue Their Paranormal Investigations For An Exciting 5th Season /

Ghost Hunters International Scores Big Ratings For Sci Fi

Source: NBC / Universal

On Wednesday night, a chilling investigation at a former military prison rounded out a phenomenal debut season of SCI FI's hit reality series Ghost Hunters International. Airing Wednesday evening at 9 PM ET/PT, the episode delivered a 1.6 Household rating, 1.3 million Adults 18-49, 1.4 million Adults 25-54 and 2.2 million total viewers.

Overall the season averaged a 1.7 Household rating, 1.3 million Adults 18-49, 1.4 million Adults 25-54 and 2.3 million total viewers, making this the best debut season for any SCI FI original reality series in the network's history in all key demos. In addition:

In 1st quarter 2009, SCI FI is the #1 cable entertainment network in Ghost Hunters International's Wednesday 9-10pm timeslot for the Adults 18-49, Adults 25-54, Females 25-54, Males 18-49 and Males 25-54 demographics

Ghost Hunters International continued to attract new viewers throughout its run, with the 1st quarter 2009 episodes of the series outperforming the 1st quarter 2008 run by +6% in Household Ratings and total viewers

Ghost Hunters International continued to build upon the franchise's popularity with younger viewers, averaging over 1.3 million Adults 18-49 (the third-highest season 1 performance for any SCI FI original series, scripted or reality, trailing only the first-season performances of Stargate Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica in 2005).

A spin-off of SCI FI's popular Ghost Hunters series, Ghost Hunters International features a squad of real-life "ghost-busters" - ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. The team travels to different international cities each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims, and is currently gearing up to head overseas later this month to start production on Season 2.

Season 5 of the original Ghost Hunters, featuring lead investigators Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, will premiere next Wednesday, March 11 @ 9 PM with an investigation at the historic Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia.

Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International are produced in association with Craig Piligian's Pilgrim Films and Television (Dirty Jobs, The Ultimate Fighter, My Fair Wedding). Piligian and Thomas Thayer, along with Rob Katz and Alan David, serve as executive producers.

See Also: Ghost Hunters: New Generation To Air On Sci Fi / Paranormal - Real Life Tales Of The Unexplained / Ghost Hunters Invites Fans To Join The Hunt / The Ghost Hunters Are Set To Go To College / Ghostly Images Appear In The Jennifer Tilly Film Return To Babylon / If Your looking For Ghosts Go To The Aokigahara Forest In Japan / Ghost Hunters To Continue Their Paranormal Investigations For An Exciting 5th Season /

Sci Fi Announces The Cast Of Stargate Universe

Ming-Na (ER, Vanished) is Camile Wray, a human resources executive with the international oversight committee that governs the Stargate program.

Source: NBC / Universal

The SCI FI Channel has confirmed Lou Diamond Phillips, Ming-Na, Elyse Levesque and Alaina Huffman as cast members of the highly anticipated new original series SGU: Stargate Universe, which began production last week in Vancouver. They join the previously announced stars Robert Carlyle, Justin Louis, David Blue, Jamil Walker Smith and Brian J. Smith in the latest adventure of the Stargate franchise produced by MGM television.

Edgier and younger in tone, SGU will take the franchise in a dynamic new direction, appealing to longtime Stargate fans and first-time viewers alike. The two-part premiere of Universe is being directed by Andy Mikita (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate SG-1) and lensed by Rohn Schmidt (The Shield, The Mist). The series is expected to premiere in October 2009.

SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth. Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship's Stargate to survive. The danger, adventure and hope they find on board the Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them.

The cast includes:

Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Full Monty) stars as Dr. Nicholas Rush, one of the most brilliant scientific minds, whose motives are not what they appear to be.

Lou Diamond Phillips (Che, La Bamba) is Colonel Telford, a proud lifelong military man, who puts his faith in the chain of command. Stubbornly confident, he's highly regarded by his superiors. He is the chosen leader of the ill-fated expedition.

Justin Louis (Hidden Hills, The Fighting Fitzgeralds) portrays Colonel Everett Young, an experienced Stargate team leader. Married, with years of tough decisions under his belt, life has taught him never to take anything for granted. He stays on top of his team so they stay alive.

Brian J. Smith (The War Boys, Hate Crime) is Lt. Matthew Scott, a junior member of the Stargate team. Green and rough around the edges, he is thrust into the role of leader well before he's ready for the responsibility and must learn to command, earn respect through action, and manage the diverse personalities aboard the ship.

Elyse Levesque (Smallville, Men in Trees) stars as Chloe Armstrong, the daughter and aid of a U.S. Senator. Politically savvy, but with a wild side, she is considering following in her father's footsteps, until she finds herself trapped on the ship. As tensions rise, her character will be tested and her place among the group revealed.

David Blue (Ugly Betty, Moonlight) stars as Eli Wallace, a total slacker, who just happens to be an utter genius with anything he puts his mind to - mathematics, computers, video games. A lack of confidence has left him with an acerbic sense of humor.

Alaina Huffman (Smallville, Painkiller Jane) portrays MSGT. Tamara Johansen. Unable to afford medical school, the Air Force was the best option for the strong-willed field medic. Faced with the mounting pressure and a lack of in-depth experience, she will be forced to rise to the extraordinary occasion of needing to treat the seriously wounded.

Jamil Walker Smith (Waynehead, Sister, Sister) portrays MSGT. Ronald Greer, a Marine with a temper you don't want to mess with. His past is mysterious but it's clear something dark formed the hard shell around him.

Ming-Na (ER, Vanished) is Camile Wray, a human resources executive with the international oversight committee that governs the Stargate program. Now the highest ranking member of that division left stranded on the ship, she carries herself with a misguided sense of superiority over the other military and civilian survivors.

Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.

Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI and will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

See Also: Sci Fi To Premiere Stargate Movies This Spring / Atlantis And Sanctuary Finales Score Big For Sci Fi / Top Ten Hottest Women Of 2008 / Robert Carlyle Has A Date With A Stargate Not A Tardis / Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Sanctuary / Sci Fi To Premiere Two Stargate Movies In 2009 / Sci Fi To Air Stargate Universe In 2009 /Sci Fi To Produce A New Two Hour Stargate Atlantis Movie / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Amanda Tapping To Star In Sanctuary

Knights of Bloodsteel Is Four Hours Of Dragons And Heros For Sci Fi

Source: NBC / Universal

SCI FI will premiere the two-night movie event Knights of Bloodsteel (formerly titled Mirabilis) on Sunday, April 19 at 9pm ET with the second half of the four-hour fantasty adventure airing on Monday, April 20 at 9pm ET. David James Elliott (JAG), Natassia Malthe (Elektra) and three-time Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd (Taxi, Back to the Future) star in the movie event set against the backdrop of knights, sorcerers and dragons where heroes battle the forces of darkness.

Knights of Bloodsteel is produced by Reunion Pictures (Lisa Richardson, Matthew O'Connor, Tom Rowe) with RHI Entertainment, (Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr.) distributing the project internationally. Reunion Pictures acquired the rights to the property from Industry Entertainment's Keith Addis and Andrew Deane. Emmy-nominated Sam Egan (Sanctuary, Jeremiah, The Outer Limits) wrote the script.

Mirabilis is a world dependent upon the rare metal called "bloodsteel," a precious element that is the source of all magical power -- and now the bloodsteel is running out. The forces of evil, led by the ruthless and powerful Dragon Eye, are descending on Mirabilis to take control of the remaining bloodsteel. Acting on an ancient prophecy, the elf wizard Tesselink (Lloyd) recruits four ordinary people to save Mirabilis. A human vigilante John Serragoth (Elliott), an elf bounty hunter Perfidia (Malthe), a goblin with extrasensory powers Ber-lak (Dru Viergever), and a young conman Adric (Christopher Jacot) become the Knights of Bloodsteel. They undertake a quest for the mythical Crucible, reputed to be the source of all bloodsteel. Dragon Eye and his army are also looking for the Crucible, as whoever finds it first will have unlimited power.

See Also: Grove And Firestone Want To Rival Rings With Gathering Of Heroes

Galactica Prequel Caprica To Premiere On DVD

Source: NBC / Universal

Caprica, the highly anticipated prequel to "Battlestar Galactica," will enjoy its world premiere exclusively on DVD on April 21, 2009 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. In a groundbreaking move sure to delight fans of the long-running television phenomenon, the feature-length prequel will be available on DVD as a limited-edition uncut and unrated version before the series' broadcast premiere on the SCI FI Channel in 2010. Caprica is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") and Remi Aubuchon ("24"). Exclusive bonus features that take viewers behind the scenes of the creation of Caprica make this DVD a landmark event for any fan of "Battlestar Galactica." The film will also be available at selected online destinations for digital download transactions.



As "Battlestar Galactica" wraps its gripping final season on SCI FI on March 20, 2009, Caprica begins a brand new epic saga that continues the franchise's commitment to thought-provoking storytelling and extraordinary characters. Set over 50 years before the events of "Battlestar Galactica," Caprica is a world at the peak of its power, grappling with new science and technologies and the issues they create. The series will star Golden Globe nominee Eric Stoltz (Mask, Pulp Fiction), Esai Morales ("Jericho," "NYPD Blue"), Paula Malcomson ("Deadwood" "ER") and Golden Globe® nominee Polly Walker ("Cane," "Rome") in a story laced with passion, intrigue and family conflict.

"We are thrilled to take the groundbreaking step of offering the world-premiere of the Caprica feature-length extended pilot episode on DVD prior to the new series' television debut," said Hilary Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Brand and Digital Marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "This innovative distribution model will serve to satisfy 'Battlestar Galactica' fans' appetites for a new content while building excitement for the franchise's next great adventure."

"Ever since fans first caught wind of the 'Battlestar Galactica' prequel Caprica, they have been eagerly following its development," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. "We wanted to give them a chance to see the pilot in its original form and experience the prequel to the BSG story while that series' finale was still ringing in their ears. It also affords the creative team an unprecedented chance to get viewers feedback before production on the Caprica series begins this summer."

"If 'Battlestar Galactica' offered us a way to shatter the conventions of space opera, Caprica will be a show which will challenge the conventions of science fiction storytelling as a whole," said Ronald D. Moore, Executive Producer/Writer.

"Part sweeping soap, part meditation on the dangerous moral ramifications of artificial intelligence, this is a truly unique opportunity to continue telling stories which will be as daring and shocking as the best of 'Galactica' -- and yet will be altogether different from 'Galactica,'" said David Eick, Executive Producer.

Universal Cable Productions will begin production on the "Caprica" series in the summer of 2009 in Vancouver for a 2010 television premiere on the SCI FI Channel. The DVD of Caprica is priced at $26.98 S.R.P. Preorder close is March 3, 2009.

BONUS FEATURES:
• Feature Commentary with Director Jeffrey Reiner and Executive Producer/Writer Ronald D. Moore and Executive Producer David Eick
• Deleted Scenes
• Video Blogs
• What the Frak is Caprica?
• The Director's Process
• The V Club
• The Birth of a Cylon

SYNOPSIS
Set 50 years before Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families and their patriarchs – Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – as they 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.

See Also: iPhone Users Can Now Download Their Own Cylon Detector / Galactica Brings Record Viewers And Web Traffic To Sci Fi / Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction / Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

iPhone Users Can Now Download Their Own Cylon Detector

Source: NBC / Universal

The SCI FI Channel announced today that Battlestar Galactica fans can now be part of the action with a fun Cylon Detector application now available on the Apple App Store. Also launching today is a free SCIFIWIRE.com application that will allow users to see all their favorite content, view gallery photos, watch videos, sort articles by topic and keep up with all the fast-breaking news on science fiction, fantasy and horror entertainment.

But you may just want to ignore that last part and come to "Monster Island News" instead.

The Cylon Detector app lets iPhone or iPod touch users simply snap a picture of the suspected Cylon, or using a stored image from the "Photos" section, select either "Scan Male" or "Scan Female" and testing will commence. In just moments, the subject's face will appear in a classic Battlestar Galactica scene along with the verdict: CYLON or HUMAN. Once you know the truth, you can save the results, send them to a friend or download them to a computer.

The Cylon Detector is available for $1.99 from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Battlestar Galactica is the gripping saga of humanity's last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, Galactica's intensity, issues-driven topicality, and command performances have garnered it numerous awards, including three Emmys and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. The show was twice recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) as one of the most outstanding programs of the year. The series is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, and the outstanding ensemble cast is led by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park.

Galactica Brings Record Viewers And Web Traffic To Sci Fi / Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction / Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

Sci Fi To Premiere Stargate Movies This Spring

Source: NBC / Universal

Fans of the hit Stargate television franchise will rejoice this spring when SCI FI presents the U.S. premiere of the two highly successful films Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum. Beginning on Friday, March 27 at 9 PM/ET, get set for The Ark of Truth and then tune in on Friday, April 3 at 9 PM/ET for Continuum.

Continuing the legacy and thrilling journey of the popular Stargate SG-1 television series, Stargate: The Ark of Truth picks up after "Unending," the SG-1 series finale. Searching for an ancient weapon which could help them defeat the sinister Ori force, SG-1 discovers it may be in the Ori's own home galaxy, and the crew finds themselves fighting two powerful enemies. The film stars series favorites Amanda Tapping (2005 Saturn Award, Best Supporting TV Actress), Golden Globe® winner and three-time Emmy Award® winning actor Beau Bridges, Michael Shanks, Ben Browder, Christopher Judge, and Claudia Black. Robert C. Cooper serves as writer/director and co-executive producer along with Brad Wright. Both men are the co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and currently serve as executive producers on Atlantis.

Stargate: Continuum, the adrenaline-driven, action adventure film, has members of SG-1 returning to a world where their history has been dramatically altered. Continuum reunites Richard Dean Anderson as Jack O'Neill, with all the series favorite crewmembers. The most northern filmed movie production in history. Stargate: Continuum features incredible visual effects, out-of-this-world battle sequences and breathtaking scenes shot on the Arctic ice. Directed by Martin Wood (Sanctuary) and written by Brad Wright, the film finds Ba'al as he travels back in time and tries to prevent the Stargate program from ever being started. The SG-1 team must somehow restore history and once again save the galaxy from oppressive domination.

See Also: Atlantis And Sanctuary Finales Score Big For Sci Fi / Top Ten Hottest Women Of 2008 / Robert Carlyle Has A Date With A Stargate Not A Tardis / Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Sanctuary / Sci Fi To Premiere Two Stargate Movies In 2009 / Sci Fi To Air Stargate Universe In 2009 /Sci Fi To Produce A New Two Hour Stargate Atlantis Movie / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Amanda Tapping To Star In Sanctuary

Galactica Brings Record Viewers And Web Traffic To Sci Fi

Source: NBC / Universal

Battlestar Galactica added to its stellar premiere numbers with the release of new Live +7 data. Overall, the January 16 episode, the first of the series' highly-anticipated final installment, averaged a 2.0 HH rating, 1.8 million Adults 18-49 (up +38% over the Live +Same Day ratings), 1.9 million Adults 25-54 (+35%), and 2.8 million total viewers (+32%). This was the best performance for Battlestar Galactica in total viewers since the season 2 premiere in July 2005.

Fans also visited SCIFI.COM in droves during the month of January to get their Battlestar fix online. With its robust slate of original content offerings, including the 10-part webisode series, "The Face of the Enemy," the Battlestar section of SCIFI.COM was #1 section of the site in January in page views (8.9 million, best month since April '08) and video streams (4.7 million, best month since October '06). Since debuting in December, "The Face of the Enemy" has served up 2.5 million streams.

Overall, January 2009 was SCIFI.COM's best month ever, shattering all previous records and scoring double and triple digit increases over January 2008 with 4.5 million uniques (up +63%), 7 million visits (+72%), 43.1 million page views (+84%) and 7.3 million video streams (+318%).

Battlestar Galactica is the gripping saga of humanity's last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, Galactica's intensity, issues-driven topicality, and command performances have garnered it numerous awards, including two Emmys and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. The show was recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) as one of the most outstanding programs of the year two years running. The series is from Universal Cable Productions and is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. The outstanding ensemble cast is led by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park. The series airs Fridays at 10pm on SCI FI.

See Also: Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction / Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction

Source: NBC / Universal

Tricia Helfer's ("Number Six") Red Dress, Michael Hogan's ("Colonel Saul Tigh's") Liquor Bottle And Michael Trucco's ("Samuel Anders") Holsters & Knives To Be Auctioned To Benefit Charities

200 Items To Be Offered On eBay In Teaser Auction Beginning Monday, January 12

NBC Universal Television, Music, DVD and Consumer Products Group has teamed with Propworx to offer an unprecedented opportunity for "Battlestar Galactica" fans to own a piece of the show, with an enormous two-day, live auction set for January 17 and 18. Hundreds of items from the hit SCI FI Channel series including costumes, props, set pieces and more will be offered at auction at the Pasadena Convention Center. The auction will also stream live at http://www.auctionnetwork.com/ so those unable to make it to Pasadena will be able to watch or bid online.

A portion of the auction's overall proceeds will benefit United Way. Additionally, several cast members have designated specific items that will be auctioned off to benefit other charities.

Tricia Helfer, who portrays the award-winning series' sultry Cylon "Number Six," has chosen her character's iconic red dress to be auctioned off for the benefit of four charities including the Richmond Animal Protection Society (www.rapsociety.com), Kitten Rescue (www.kittenrescue.org), World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org). Helfer originated the role of the humanoid Cylon "Number Six" in the SCI FI Channel's "Battlestar Galactica" miniseries in 2003. Her many film and television roles include NBC's "Chuck," "CSI" and USA Network's hit series "Burn Notice." She also garnered the "Leo Award" in 2005, Canada's equivalent to the Emmy Award, for her work on the second season of "Battlestar Galactica."

Michael Hogan, who portrays the series' troubled "Colonel Saul Tigh," has chosen the character's infamous liquor bottle to be auctioned off for the benefit of the Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver (www.palvancouver.org). PAL Vancouver is a not-for-profit charitable society created to provide quality affordable housing and support for seniors in the performing arts and allied professions. An accomplished and award-winning Canadian actor, Hogan has appeared in countless plays, films, television series, radio dramas and even opera over the course of his career. Among his many award nominations are a "Blizzard" Award for Best Leading Actor in the film "Nights Below Station Street" from Manitoba Film and a "Genie" Award for Best Supporting Actor in the film "Solitaire."

Michael Trucco stars as "Samuel Anders" on the series, a former resistance leader on "Caprica" and "New Caprica" and then a Viper pilot on "Galatica." Trucco has designated several items including two holsters, a retractable knife and two rubber knives with holsters to be auctioned off for the benefit of Food on Foot (www.foodonfoot.org). Food on Foot is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing and assistance in their transition to employment and a life off the streets. Trucco's additional television credits include "Beverly Hills 90210," "One Tree Hill," CSI" and "CSI: Miami."

"The preparations for the 'Battlestar Galactica' auctions are nearly complete and it has been a tremendous experience for all of us," said Kurt Ford, Senior Vice President Production Services Universal Media Studios. "We are really looking forward to offering all these fantastic props and costumes to the fans, who we know will keep the series alive. Between the live auction event and the series of online auctions, there will definitely be something for everyone."

As a pre-cursor to the live auction weekend, 200 items will be offered through eBay starting on Monday, January 12. This auction will include several smaller items from the series including "Admiral Cain's" books, Viper flight manuals and panels from Galactica's CIC. This auction will close on Monday, January 19.

The live auction weekend will kick off with a preview day on Friday, January 16th at 10:00 a.m. The preview day will also feature a series of live panel discussions with the creative team that developed all the fantastic props, costumes and set pieces for "Battlestar Galactica." The two day live auction event will take place Saturday January 17th and Sunday January 18th and will feature hundreds of items from the first three seasons of the show.

Following the live auction weekend, another 200 items will be offered on eBay beginning on Tuesday, January 20, and then, as previously announced, even more items will be made available for auction each Friday on eBay in conjunction with the final episodes of "Battlestar Galactica"(Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT starting on January 16). These items will be relevant to the particular episode that just aired. The first of these auctions will take place on Friday, January 23, starting at 9:00 a.m. (ET).

There are several online auctions being held in connection with the live auction weekend. The complete "Battlestar Galactica" Auction schedule of events is as follows:

Pre Live Auction Offering Of 200 Items – Monday, January 12 – In a special pre-cursor to the live auction weekend, 200 items will be offered on eBay starting Monday, January 12 and closing Monday, January 19.

Public Preview Day – Friday, January 16, 2009 – Pasadena Convention Center (Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m).

Live Auction Day – Saturday, January 17, 2009 – Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Auction begins at 9:00 a.m.

Live Auction Day – Sunday, January 18, 2009 – Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Auction begins at 10:00 a.m.

Post Live Event Auction of 100 Items on eBay – Tuesday, January 20 – This auction goes live at 9:00 a.m. (ET) and will conclude Friday, January 23, starting at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

First of Several Weekly Online Auctions – Beginning on Friday, January 23, weekly online auctions on eBay begin at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

Post Auction Online Auction of 200 Items – Tuesday, January 20 (Auction goes live at 9:00 a.m. (ET) and will conclude Friday, January 23, starting at 9:00 p.m. (ET). Only 100 items. This is actually Episode 413 (Week 1 of auctions) on eBay.

For more information on the auction and to view the catalog please visit http://www.battlestarprops.com/

The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 East Green Street in Pasadena, California, 91101 http://www.pasadenacenter.com/).

See Also:Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Destination Truth

Source: NBC / Universal

The SCI FI Channel has renewed its investigative reality hit Destination Truth for a third season, following its blockbuster 2nd season that achieved double-digit growth. World traveler and intrepid explorer Josh Gates will return to host nine all-new episodes, slated to premiere on SCI FI in Fall 2009.

Josh, a recent inductee to The Explorers Club (a prestigious and exclusive organization dedicated to the advancement of exploration and field research), will once again take viewers around the globe in search of answers to some of the world's most intriguing unexplained mysteries. In a Destination Truth first, this season will feature United States-based investigations, in Alaska and in Florida. Other adventures include a trip through the ghost towns of Chernobyl, a trek into eastern Turkey in search of a lake mystery and an attempt to uncover secrets behind of the Bermuda Triangle. The team will also return for another investigation of the mystery that last season yielded the show's most compelling evidence to date: the Himalayan Mountains and the timeless myth of the Yeti.

Josh's thrilling and humorous adventures into the unknown made Destination Truth a bona fide ratings hit for SCI FI, bringing in over 1 million new viewers over its 6-week debut season in summer of 2007. Season 2 was the best sophomore performance for a reality series on SCI FI ever, and outperformed the first season in all key demographics: household rating (+9%), total viewers (+15%), Adults 18-49 (+17%) and Adults 25-54 (+28%).

Destination Truth will be Executive Produced by Brad Kuhlman for Ping Pong Productions (1000 Places to See Before You Die, Celebrity Rehab, FM Nation). Bechara Gholam will serve as co-executive producer.

See Also: If Your looking For Ghosts Go To The Aokigahara Forest In Japan / Cryptozoological Figure Set / Southeastern Ohio Society For Bigfoot Investigation Holds Meatings To Discuss Sightings / Are Russian Female Bigfoot Looking For Human Mates? / Bigfoot Stalking Mormons In Houston / Nasa Photo Shows Human-like Figure On Mars / Another Knucklehead Comes Forward To Claim That He Created Pattersons Bigfoot / Recent Reports Lead To The Possibility Of A Large Bigfoot Population Near Houston BC / Monster Quest Is In Colorado Searching For Bigfoot / The Sci Fi Channel Travels Into The Unknown With Unexplained With George Noory This Month / Recent Bigfoot Sightings In BC Suggest Bear-Like Migration / Bigfoot Prints Found In Siberia / Russian Soldiers Discover A Harry Monster On The BeachHas The Loch Ness Monster Become A Victim Of Global Warming? / Nessie Celebrates Her 75th Birthday / Has Monster Quest Found A Baby Ogopogo? / The Sci Fi Channel Travels Into The Unknown With Unexplained With George Noory This Month / A Mysterious Creature Washes Ashore In New London Connecticut

Atlantis And Sanctuary Finales Score Big For Sci Fi

Source: NBC / Universal

SCI FI had two of the top ten programs in cable entertainment on Friday, January 9, 2009 with the series finale of Stargate Atlantis and the season 1 finale of Sanctuary. This led Sci Fi to become the #4 cable entertainment network among Adults 25-54 and #5 among Adults 18-49 in primetime for the evening.

The series finale of Stargate Atlantis entitled "Enemy at the Gate" (9 pm) delivered a 1.5 HH rating with 973,000 Adults 18-49, 1.15 MM Adults 25-54 and 2.02 MM total viewers (P2+). This marks a season high in all key measures and is the best performance for an Atlantis episode since the season 4 finale on March 7, 2008. The second half of the Sanctuary two-part season finale "Revelations" (10pm) delivered a 1.6 HH rating with 900,000 Adults 18-49, 1.13 MM Adults 25-54 and 2.0 MM total viewers (P2+). This is the best performance for the series since its premiere on October 3, 2008 in total viewers and among Adults 18-49.

Season program highlights include:

For its fifth and final season (including all available timeshifting data), Atlantis averaged a 1.6 HH rating with 1.06 MM Adults 18-49, 1.24 MM, Adults 25-54 and 2.1 MM total viewers (P2+). Compared to season 4 Atlantis is up +14% in HH ratings, +5% in Adults 25-54 and +5% in total viewers (P2+).

For its full first season (including all available timeshifting data), Sanctuary has averaged a 1.8 HH rating with 1.04 MM Adults 18-49, 1.36 MM Adults 25-54 and 2.35 MM total viewers (P2+). This is the best performance for a first-year original scripted series on SCI FI since the 2006 debut of Eureka.

Stargate Atlantis and Sanctuary were the #9 and #10 cable programs for the day among Adults 25-54.

Stargate Universe, the newest installment of the hit Stargate franchise and the second season of Sanctuary will premiere later this year.

Stargate Atlantis follows the adventures of an intrepid team of military and civilian explorers who travel the distant Pegasus galaxy by means of a Stargate, a portal created long ago by a highly advanced alien civilization called the Ancients. In their never-ending quest to seek out other technologies left behind by the Ancients, the Atlantis team encounters alien cultures – some friend, some foe. The exceptional ensemble cast is led by Joe Flanigan, Robert Picardo, David Hewlett, Rachel Luttrell, Jewel Staite and Jason Momoa.

Sanctuary features the beautiful, enigmatic and always surprising Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping), a brilliant scientist who holds the secrets of a clandestine population — a group of strange and sometimes terrifying beings that hide among humans. Along with her new recruit, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne), her quirky tech wiz Henry (Ryan Robbins) and her fearless daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup), Magnus seeks to protect this threatened phenomena as well as unlock the mysteries behind their existence. The series also stars Christopher Heyerdahl as the sinister John Druitt.

See Also: Top Ten Hottest Women Of 2008 / Robert Carlyle Has A Date With A Stargate Not A Tardis / Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Sanctuary / Sci Fi To Premiere Two Stargate Movies In 2009 / Sci Fi To Air Stargate Universe In 2009 /Sci Fi To Produce A New Two Hour Stargate Atlantis Movie / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Amanda Tapping To Star In Sanctuary

Hannah Simone Set To Co-Host WCG Ultimate Gamer

Source: NBC / Universal

Professional broadcast hosts Hannah Simone and Joel Gourdin have signed on to co-host SCI FI Channel's new elimination-style reality competition series WCG Ultimate Gamer (formerly announced as 'Gamequest'), from Granada America, World Cyber Games (WCG) and Samsung Electronics, it was announced today by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. WCG Ultimate Gamer consists of eight 1-hour episodes and is set to premiere in March 2009.

Born in London and raised in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, India, and Canada, Hannah Simone has spent the last two years as a VJ for MuchMusic in Canada. She has interviewed hundreds of artists and covered major events including the MuchMusic Video Awards, Live Earth, and the national elections. She previously worked as a human rights and refugees officer for the United Nations, which prepared her to spearhead social-issues specials like MuchTalks: AIDS and MuchTalks: Climate Change at the network. Hannah was also a radio personality and associate news director for a Toronto radio station and hosted season one of Canada's HGTV series Space for Living.

An accomplished gamer himself, Joel Gourdin is best known for his work as a correspondent on G4's Attack of the Show and X-Play. He also has been seen on the TV Guide Network's TV Guide Countdown to the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and Emmy Awards this past season.

This exciting new series features a diverse group of contestants who embark on an intense and emotional journey, all hoping to win prizes that include $100,000 cash and the ultimate Samsung electronics package complete with the company's most advanced technology products. Additionally, the winner will have the privilege of traveling worldwide as a VIP representative of the WCG (World Cyber Games), which each year involves over 1.5 million players competing in events and online tournaments across more than 80 countries. As the 12 contestants share a loft in downtown Los Angeles, they will be tested in real-life challenges inspired by best-selling game titles, compete in the video games themselves, and ultimately must avoid elimination in head-to-head battle in an arena filled with hundreds of spectators. Ultimately, the player who is versatile and strategic enough to best their opponents in both the real-life and virtual gaming worlds will emerge as the ultimate gamer.