BATTLESTAR GALACTICA PREQUEL GIVEN SERIES GO AHEAD

The Sci Fi Channel has given the go ahead for 20 hours of the new Caprica Drama which will include a two hour Pilot.
Caprica is the prequel to SCI FI's hit original series Battlestar Galactica. The series will star: Eric Stoltz, known for his work in the film Milk and the hit TV show Chicago Hope, Esai Morales of Jericho and NYPD Blue, Paula Malcomson of Deadwood and ER and Golden Globe nominee Polly Walker of Cane and Rome fame.

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 perceptibly similar to our own. The two families will wage war against each other - blending action with corporate conspiracy and sexual politics. While being simultaneously enmeshed in the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence and robotics that will eventually lead to the creation of the Cylons.

"Caprica will build on Battlestar Galactica's acclaimed legacy of gripping drama and extraordinary characters," explained Dave Howe. "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."

As television's first science fiction family saga, Caprica will deliver passion, intrigue, political backbiting and family conflict.

"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 as Battlestar, but like that show, this series has smart, dimensional characters who grapple with issues of love, sex and politics from a world in transition," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions.

Production on the series is slated to begin in the summer of 2009 in Vancouver for a 2010 premiere.

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

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