BBC Two to defy gravity

 

BBC Two logoBBC Two commissions a new 13-part drama series, Defying Gravity, revolving around the lives of eight astronauts from different countries.

BBC TwoRon Livingston (The Time Traveler’s Wife, Sex And The City, Band Of Brothers) stars in Defying Gravity, a new adventure drama series from creator and Executive Producer James Parriott (Grey’s Anatomy) and Executive Producer Michael Edelstein (Desperate Housewives). The 13-part thriller begins filming in Canada in January 2009, and will broadcast on BBC Two later next year.

 

“In 2009 it will be 40 years since man first landed on the moon and yet the subject of space remains as mysterious and fascinating as ever, making it a timely and compelling backdrop for this epic adventure.” Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two

 

Set in the near future, Defying Gravity revolves around the exploits of eight astronauts from five countries (four men and four women) who undertake a mysterious six-year international space mission through the solar system. With the eyes of the world upon them – everything they do is monitored and every emotion they feel scrutinised – they soon discover that their real assignment is not at all what they thought…

 

“The calibre of the talent involved in this drama series both in front and behind-the-scenes makes Defying Gravity one of the most exciting new series for 2009. Although primarily a human drama, the landscape and context and genre of Defying Gravity give it a very different flavour from other dramas on the BBC.” Jane Tranter, BBC Controller, Fiction

 

The cast also includes: Laura Harris (24, Stargate, CSI) as Chloe; Eyal Podell (Commander In Chief, The Young And The Restless) as Mintz; Christina Cox (Stargate: Atlantis) as Jen; Zahf Paroo (Firewall) as Ajay and Florentine Lahme will play Nadia. Further casting to follow.

 

“This is a new way of making and selling television, and we could not be more thrilled to be in business with the BBC and ahead of the curve. It has been a joy to work with this team, and all the partners on Defying Gravity, as we set out to build a show with drama, humour and suspense – elements we hope will resonate for viewers across the pond and planet.” Creator/executive producer Jim Parriott

 

Filming in Canada for six months from 19 January 2009, Defying Gravity is a US/Canadian co-venture with Fox Television Studios and Omni Film Productions Ltd in association with Canadian broadcasters CTV and SPACE, German broadcaster ProSieben, and the BBC.