Stargate SG-1 star Michael Shanks [Dr. Daniel Jackson] has been cast as the lead in new sci-fi movie “Swarmed,” currently filming in Toronto, Canada for Premier Bobine Productions. Shanks plays a scientist called Kent who is developing a new super-pesticide. His closest friend (played by Earth Final Conflict’s Richard Chevolleau) works in pest control and accidentally sprays a swarm of wasps with Kent’s experimental serum.
Instead of eliminating the wasps, the super-pesticide genetically alters them into powerfully toxic killers. When the swarm is drawn into a small Indiana town by the scents of a community barbecue, the town’s inhabitants come under attack.
As the killing goes on, Kent teams up with entomologist Christina in a desperate attempt to stop the swarm.
In an interview for Variety.com, Sci Fi Channel General Manager Dave Howe discussed the role of Tom Vitale [Senior VP Programming and Original Movies] in purchasing new movies. “Vitale’s dealmaking skills have paid dividends in allowing the network to amass a library of movies that we can draw on for years to come.”
And the appeal of new, original genre movies like “Swarmed?”
Sci Fi pays a modest license fee of about $750,000 for the U.S. rights to each movie, whose production cost usually hovers at $2 million-$2.5 million. Although deal terms appear unfavourable to the suppliers, they’re eager to do them because the international marketplace has a fondness for monster movies, which travel well across foreign borders. More people continue to discover the Saturday Action Movie on Sci Fi Channel, whose Nielsen numbers are up about 20% vs. the same period a year ago.
“Swarmed” will be broadcast on Canadian television, and may also be shown in the US. Further details on the cast and availability of the movie to be confirmed.
SWARMED
Feature currently filming in Toronto, Canada
Premier Bobine Productions
Executive Producers: Tom Berry, Richard Schlesinger
Director: Paul Ziller
Cast: Michael Shanks, Richard Chevolleau
PM: Gordon Yang (Line)
PC: Gary Maher
Shoot: Oct. 23 Nov. 9/04
Thanks to Michael Shanks Online for the original tip
Grateful thanks to Sally Allan for her research into the “Swarmed” movie production