New Stargate Series in the Works

NEW YORK, August 25: SCI FI Channel and MGM Television
Entertainment have reached an agreement to extend the hit Stargate franchise with a new series to premiere in summer
2009.

Production on the first season of Stargate Universe will begin in early 2009. Brad Wright and Robert
Cooper, the co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis,
will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series. SCI FI will
kick off Stargate Universe, which
follows as the crew discovers that their ship is unable to return to Earth,
with a two-hour movie special, assuming a regular hour-long slot in summer
2009. The series will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

“SCI FI has enjoyed tremendous success with Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and we're proud to be the home of the new
Stargate Universe," said Mark Stern,
the executive VP of original programming for SCI FI and co-head of original
content for Universal Cable Productions. “Universe will continue the Stargate legacy of vibrant story lines and compelling
adventures, but will re-invent the format in a whole new way.”

"The Stargate
franchise enjoys a loyal and substantial fan base that welcomes each new
installment with fevered enthusiasm," added Charles Cohen, the senior
executive VP and corporate development for MGM. "We are delighted to be
working again with Brad and Robert and look forward to seeing new adventures
with the launch of Stargate Universe
on SCI FI Channel next year. Stargate Universe will continue the longstanding relationship between
MGM's stellar science-fiction franchise and cable's premier destination for all
passionate science-fiction fans."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski