Primeval Gets Canadian Spin-Off

TORONTO: SPACE has ordered the new original Canadian drama series Primeval: New World, a spin-off of the hit ITV sci-fi show.

SPACE, a division of Bell Media, will be lead broadcaster of the 13-episode, one-hour scripted action/adventure drama. It was developed in association with Omni Film Productions and the producers of the original Primeval U.K. series, Impossible Pictures. Production is set to begin in Vancouver this winter

Primeval: New World follows a team of animal experts and scientists who investigate prehistoric and futuristic creatures that time travel. The series features Canadian characters and stories created by an all-Canadian team of writers and is set in Vancouver against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. It is darker than the U.K. series but will tie in plotlines and characters from both series.

“This is a truly unique opportunity, building a parallel yet independent series that will appeal to existing fans and new audiences,” said Corrie Coe, the senior VP of independent production at Bell Media. “This new Canadian series offers a fresh world of possibilities in terms of characters and stories, while including some favorite elements from the original U.K. Primeval.”

“We’ve worked closely with SPACE and Impossible Pictures for two and a half years to create this series, and we’re excited to take on the challenge of a Canada-U.K. co-production with companies whose creative work has impressed us for years,” said Gabriela Schonbach, the VP of Omni Film Productions.