SCI FI PI

Co-recreator of Battlestar Galactica, Ronald D Moore, has been given the greenlight for a two hour backdoor pilot by Fox, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Called 'Virtuality,' it is set in on the Phaeton, Earth's first spaceship, on a 10 year journey to a distant star system. To keep the 12 crew-members from going completely bonkers during their decade in space, a virtual reality system is installed (think primitive Holodeck - as you would). Unforch, a bug gets into the system. Hilarity ensues, and the line between reality and fantasy gets smudged out.

A 'back door' pilot means that the initial film will be created as a stand alone movie, but with a premise that leads to a series if it is picked up. Moore will be working with fellow BSG writer/producer Michael Taylor. High profile NZ-born director Martin Campbell (Goldeneye) is slated to direct.

NBC was offered but passed on the project, deeming it 'too sci fi'. Time well tell if that's a whoopsy or not. Given Moore's track record (Star Treks, Carnivale, BSG) one would think Fox is on a winner. Production will begin in July. No release date as yet.