New Canadian-produced, original series to premiere late fall 2014 on CBC
CBC has announced the acquisition of ASCENSION, a new six-episode, Canadian-produced original drama commissioned by American television network Syfy. A co-production of Lionsgate and Sea to Sky Studios in association with Quebec-based Lift Off Productions and Blumhouse Productions, ASCENSION began production this week in Montreal, with an official premiere on CBC scheduled for November 2014.
In 1963, the U.S. launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, the mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship’s population to question the true nature of their mission.
Brian Van Holt (Cougar Town, The Bridge) will star as the ship’s heroic captain, William Denninger, opposite Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galatica, The Firm), who will play the role of his wife. In addition to Helfer, the cast features a number of Canadian actors including Jacqueline Byers (90 Days, Scared Stiff) and Andrea Roth (Rescue Me, Ringer). Wendy Crewson (Revenge, Saving Hope), Ryan Robbins (Sanctuary, Apollo 18) and John Ralston (Bomb Girls, Life with Derek) are currently set to guest star. Other lead cast members include Brandon P. Bell (Hollywood Heights, Mission Impossible III) and Tiffany Lonsdale (G.I Jane: Retaliation), who will also star alongside Van Holt and Helfer.
“We’re so pleased to be adding Ascension to our roster of superb programming this fall,” said Sally Catto, general manager of programming, CBC Television. “Adding this futuristic drama series will complement our overall schedule nicely and will undoubtedly draw a strong audience with its compelling and unusual plotline.”
ASCENSION is an ambitious original drama created and written by Philip Levens (Smallville), who will also serve as executive producer and showrunner on the series. Jason Blum (Stranded, The River, film franchises Paranormal Activity and The Purge) is also an executive producer, along with Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock from Sea To Sky Studios. Canadian director Stephen Williams (Lost) is set to direct the first two episodes. The series is co-financed and distributed by Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television.
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Kylie McGregor
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