SciFiAndTvTalk

Jamie Bamber, Eric Mabius And Hermione Norris Star In New BBC America Sci-Fi Series

BBC America today announced the co-production of a new high concept drama Outcasts.  From Kudos Film & TV - the makers of award-winning and international hit series Life on Mars, MI-5, Hustle and Occupation - Outcasts takes viewers into a new world as it explores humans' drive for power, politics and sex in a new post-earth era. Created by Ben Richards (MI-5), the new explosive series stars Eric Mabius (Ugly Betty, The L Word), Liam Cunningham (Clash Of The Titans) and Hermione Norris (MI-5, Wire In The Blood).

Production is now underway in South Africa with Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica), Daniel Mays (The Bank Job, Atonement), Amy Mason (Being Human, Torchwood) and South African actress and model Jeanne Kietzmann also cast in the series.

Outcasts is set in 2040 on a recently-discovered planet and tells of the dilemmas, loves and lives of a group of people setting up a new world. This life-sustaining planet is now home to the surviving population from Earth. Here there is a chance to start again, to bring the lessons learnt from Earth and to put them into action on a new planet.

The series begins on the day the last known transporter from Earth arrives, prompting great excitement on the new planet - who is on board? Friends and loved ones? Important supplies and news from Earth? But also many questions - will the new people bring the problems of Earth with them? Will the mistakes that destroyed Earth be repeated? Will the arrival of a new, would-be leader, rock the fragile and precarious equilibrium of the fresh, unified and courageous new world? And, most importantly of all, how do is a new and better world created?

Executive producers are Jane Featherstone, Simon Crawford-Collins and Faith Penhale for Kudos and Matthew Read for the BBC.

Being Human Returns To BBC America In July

Being Human's Russell Tovey (George), Aidan Turner (Mitchell) and Lenora Crichlow (Annie). Photo copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC.

THE highly anticipated second season of BBC America's co-production, Being Human, premieres this July. Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner return as George, Annie and Mitchell, the three twenty-somethings trying to live as normally as possible despite being a werewolf, a ghost and a vampire.

After the death of vampire leader Herrick at the end of season one, the supernatural friends are hoping they can now get on with their lives, but an even greater danger is lurking within the very human world of which they want to be a part. Unbeknown to the trio, the mysterious Professor Jaggat (Lyndsey Marshal) and her cold-hearted colleague Kemp (Donald Sumpter) - religious zealots who have discovered the existence of vampires, werewolves and ghosts - are determined to carry out brutal experiments and destroy them.

While Professor Jaggat and Kemp plot behind the scenes, werewolf George is coming to terms with the fact the he has Herrick's blood on his hands, and a girlfriend who knows his horrific secret. Turning down the door of death has implications for ghost Annie, but her confidence is at a peak and she's determined to stand up and be counted in the real world. And, with Herrick gone, Mitchell must appease an out of control vampire world - can he find a way to lead by example?

Being Human first premiered on BBC America last July and quickly won over fans, with a sold out crowd at last year's San Diego Comic Con. The Los Angeles Times said it, "has not only avoided any sci-fi Three's Company comparisons, but wound up with a compelling, self-aware and funny story line. Buffy fans - come out of the Twilight and sink your teeth into this import," while The New York Times noted that, "all three characters are highly appealing, but the charm of the show lies in the delicate balance of engrossing drama and disarming humor; the series is not campy or self-conscious, it's witty in an offhand, understated way."

The Being Human: Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray is available from July 20th. It features all six episodes along with over an hour of bonus material including deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, video diaries and character profiles. The entire first season is also currently available on iTunes and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Season two of Being Human premieres Saturday, July 24th, directing following the Doctor Who season finale.

As noted above, photo copyright of Touchpaper TV and BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

BBC America Acquires New Seasons of Being Human

The UK's unlikeliest of roommates - George (Russell Tovey), Mitchell (Aiden Turner) and Annie (Lenora Crichlow). Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC.

BBC America has announced the acquisition of two new U.S. premiere seasons of the BBC America co-production, Being Human. The show's highly anticipated second season will premiere in late summer, with the third season following shortly.

George, the werewolf...Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC.

Being Human premiered on the channel in July 2009 and quickly won over fans, with a sold-out crowd at last year's San Diego Comic-Con. The Los Angeles Times said it, "has not only avoided any Sci-Fi Three's Company comparisons, but wound up with a compelling, self-aware and funny story line. Buffy fans - come out of the Twilight and sink your teeth into this import." Meanwhile, The New York Times noted that, "all three characters are highly appealing, but the charm of the show lies in the delicate balance of engrossing drama and disarming humor; the series is not campy or self-conscious. It's witty in an offhand, understated way."

Annie, the ghost...Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC.

Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner return as George, Annie and Mitchell, the three twentysomethings trying to live as normally as possible despite being a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. After the death of vampire leader Herrick at the end of season one, the supernatural friends are hoping they can now get on with their lives, but an even greater danger is lurking within the very human world of which they want to be a part.

And Mitchell, the vampire...Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC.

Werewolf George is coming to terms with the fact the he has Herrick's blood on his hands, and a girlfriend who knows his horrific secret. Meanwhile, turning down the door of death has implications for ghost Annie, but her confidence is at a peak and she's determined to stand up and be counted in the real world. And, with Herrick gone, Mitchell must appease the vampire world, but can he find a way to lead by example?

The entire first season of Being Human is currently available on iTunes and Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

As noted above, all photos copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Re-Imagined Being Human Comes To Syfy

THE Syfy Channel has ordered 13 episodes of Being Human from RDF Media USA, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, Syfy, and Chris Coelen, CEO of RDF Media USA. Being Human will premiere on Syfy in Summer 2010. The series is a re-imagining of the acclaimed BBC original. Three twentysomething roommates - a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf - struggle to keep their dark secrets from the world, while helping each other navigate the complexities of living double lives. The original UK series is produced by RDF subsidiary Touchpaper Television and executive produced by Rob Pursey. "Being Human is a smart, contemporary, young and imaginative series that reflect Syfy's new brand positioning. We are very excited to adapt this for an American audience and bring it into Syfy's family of programming," said Dave Howe in making the announcement. Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Content for Syfy and Co-Head, Original Content for Universal Cable Productions added, "We've loved this project and been tracking it for a while. Being Human definitely distinguishes itself as something new and different in a landscape filled with familiar supernatural fare. In adapting it, we intend to work closely with RDF to keep the wit, insight and humor of the original, while opening up the series for a new audience." Adds Chris Coelen, CEO of RDF Media USA, "We're incredibly proud of our British series and had a tremendous amount of interest in adapting the project for the States. With Syfy's unwavering passion and dedication for the show, we're confident it can be as successful here as it is in the UK."

This Week On Being Human - 08 - 22 - 09

[caption id="attachment_2815" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="L-R: Mitchell (Aidan Turner), a vampire, George (Russell Tovey), a werewolf, and Annie (Lenora Crichlow), all share a house along with the desire to "fit in" like everyone else in Being Human. Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC"][/caption] SPOILER ALERT!! - The end of Mitchell's (Aidan Turner) friendship with Bernie has pushed him back towards the vampire fold. He learns that the vampires are starting a mass conversion - they will only feed from people who want to be vampires themselves. But the truth is much darker than Mitchell could have ever dreamed. Meanwhile, George (Russell Tovey) is trying to hide his identity from his now-girlfriend, and Annie (Lenora Crichlow) is crumbling in her attempts to avenge Owen (Greg Chillin), who still has a firm hold on her emotions.  Episode five of season one airs Saturday, August 22nd @ 9 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America. As noted above, photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

This Week On Being Human - 08 - 15 - 09

[caption id="attachment_2703" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mitchell (Aidan Turner) faces a major hurdle in this week's episode of Being Human as he struggles to suppress his vampire side and lead a "normal" life. Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC"][/caption] SPOILER ALERT!! - Mitchell's attempts to embrace humanity become even more intense when he befriends a 12-year-old boy, Bernie, and his divorced mum, Fleur, who live in the same street. The relationship reminds him of his own childhood, and what he's become, and helps him to stay on the wagon. However, things turn sour when Bernie is shocked to see a glimpse of Mitchell's vampire existence. It's not long before word gets around in the neighborhood, threatening to ruin the housemates' desire for normality and acceptance. Meanwhile, Annie (Lenora Crichlow) is traumatized by a shocking revelation about Owen (Greg Chillin). Her despair turns to anger when she learns Owen will be visiting the house to try to sort out the growing problems with the neighbors. Through her rage, Annie discovers some powerful and uncontrollable skills. When confronted by Owen, her fury develops into a lust for revenge. Episode four of season one airs Saturday, August 15th @ 9 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America. As noted above, photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

This Week On Being Human - 08 - 08 - 09

[caption id="attachment_2506" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="After a tragic accident, Annie (Lenora Crichlow) continues to live - as a ghost - in the house she died in. Photo copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC"][/caption] SPOILER ALERT!! - Annie meets another ghost, Gilbert, a Smiths fan who died in the mid-1980s. He loves being a ghost, and lets Annie know she's stuck in limbo because there is something unresolved about her death. Meanwhile, a nurse who George (Russell Tovey) works with is clearly interested in being more than friends, but he does not think, considering his situation, that he should be in a relationship. But as the full moon gets closer, and George's animalistic tendencies take hold, he becomes more impulsive - and lusty. Episode three of season one airs Saturday, August 8th @ 9 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America. As noted above, photo is copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any form. Thanks!

This Week On Being Human - 08 - 01 - 09

[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="George (Russell Tovey) - Being Human's (were) wolf in the fold. Photo copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC"][/caption] SPOILER ALERT!! - George is shocked when he meets another werewolf, Tully (Dean Lennox Kelly). Tully is the opposite of George - he's perfectly content being a werewolf. He wants to teach George how to enjoy himself, but George just can't accept what he's become and is disgusted by Tully's attitude. Unfortunately, Tully's invited to stay at the house by Mitchell (Aidan Turner) - a failed attempt on his part to embrace the world and be more human. Of course, he soon becomes the housemate from hell. Episode two of season one airs Saturday, August 1st @ 9 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America. [caption id="attachment_2360" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="George and Mitchell (Aidan Turner) have very different views about their new roommate. Photo copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC"][/caption] As noted above, all photos copyright of Touchpaper TV and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any form. Thanks!

This Week On Being Human - 07 - 25 - 09

[caption id="attachment_2194" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Once upon a time there was a werewolf, George (Russell Tovey), a ghost (Lenora Crichlow), and a vampire, Mitchell (Aidan Turner), and they all decided to live together... Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC"][/caption] SPOILER ALERT!! - As Being Human begins, the three friends seem to be having a somewhat normal life. Ghost Annie is buoyed by the fact that she's finally starting to be seen by ordinary people, rather than just by her housemates. Vampire Mitchell has sworn off blood, determined to kick the habit. Even the neurotic and anxious George is in relatively good spirits, putting his monthly transformation into a rampaging werewolf to the back of his mind. But it's not long before their supernatural conditions catch up with them. The vampire world won't leave Mitchell alone, and George, who considers the house a sanctuary from his affliction, promptly tears his new abode to shreds on the first full moon. Annie is heartbroken all over again when their landlord, her fiance Owen (Greg Chillin), pays a visit and reminds her of everything that she lost by dying. Episode one of season one airs Saturday, July 25th @ 9 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America. As noted above, photo is copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Being Human - Three ' s Company, Just A Little Brit Different

[caption id="attachment_1399" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Aidan Turner (Mitchell), Russell Tovey (George) and Lenora Crichlow (Annie) star in Being Human. Photo copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC"][/caption] WAY back when, it was Jack, Chrissie and Janet rooming together in Three's Company, but these days Mitchell, George and Annie are sharing digs, and some very special confidences. Mixing the mythic with the commonplace, the farcical with the horrific and the domestic with the epic, Being Human, a BBC America co-production, is a witty and extraordinary look into the lives of three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives - as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Russel Tovey (Doctor Who, The History Boys), Lenora Crichlow (Sugar Rush, Doctor Who) and Aidan Turner (The Clinic) star as housemates trying to live normal lives, despite their strange and dark secrets. George (Russell Tovey) and Mitchell (Aidan Turner) work in anonymous drudgery as hospital porters. They lead lives of quiet desperation under the burden of a terrible secret - Mitchell is a vampire and George a werewolf. Deciding to start life afresh and leave behind the dark side, they move into a house, only to find that Annie (Lenora Crichlow), the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious circumstances, haunts it. As the monster threesome deals with the challenges of their new life together, they're united in their desire to blend with their human neighbors. By all appearances, George is a mild-mannered and geeky guy - except for one night a month when he's a flesh-hungry, predatory werewolf. Mitchell is good-looking, laid-back and, unlike George, has an easy confidence with the ladies. But he's also suffering withdrawal from the blood he craves. Annie is chatty, insecure and desperate for company, and now that death has separated them, she longs for her fiance, who owns the house she haunts. With the unwelcome intruders into their world, a threatened revolution from the vampire underworld and constant threats of exposure - on top of the day-to-day issues faced by young people - the only thing they may be able to rely on in their heightened world, is each other. As the series begins, the three friends seem to be having a somewhat normal life. Ghost Annie is buoyed by the fact that she's finally starting to be seen by ordinary people, rather than just by her housemates. Vampire Mitchell has sworn off blood, determined to kick the habit. Even the neurotic and anxious George is in relatively good spirits, putting his monthly transformation in a rampaging werewolf to the back of his mind. But it's not long before their supernatural conditions catch up with them. The vampire world won't leave Mitchell alone, and George, who considers the house a sanctuary from his affliction, promptly tears his new home to shreds on the first full moon. Annie is heartbroken all over again when their landlord, her fiance Owen (Greg Chillin), pays a visit and reminds her of everything that she lost by dying. BEING HUMAN premieres Saturday, July 25th @ 9 p.m. EST/PST. Be sure to check back in with SciFiAndTvTalk for weekly episode updates. BEING HUMAN UNEARTHED is a behind-the-scenes look at BBC America's highly anticipated new Sci-Fi drama and features exclusive interviews with the cast. Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner speak candidly about what it takes to play a werewolf, a ghost and a vampire. BEING HUMAN UNEARTHED premieres Sunday, July 26th @ 10:30 p.m. EST/PST. As stated above, photo is copyright of Touchpaper Television and the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any form. Thanks!