Sci Fi Channel sees 'Eternity'

Cabler also greenlights 20 hours of 'Atlantis'

By JOHN DEMPSEY

NEW YORK -- The Sci Fi Channel has bought 26 episodes of "Code Name: Eternity," a series dealing with an alien creature that takes on human form.

In addition, Tom Vitale, senior VP of programming for Sci Fi, said the network has greenlit 20 hours (including a two-hour opener) of "Stargate Atlantis," a project in development for the last year and a sequel to Sci Fi's hit series "Stargate SG-1."

"Eternity," from Warner Bros. TV and CanWest Global, is shot on the Isle of Man and features Billy Dee Williams in a recurring role. Sci Fi plans to premiere "Eternity" on Fridays, starting in January, in a two-hour primetime block with "Stargate SG-1," which will kick off a batch of new hours.

"Atlantis," from MGM TV Distribution, starts shooting early next year for a summer kickoff. When "Atlantis" begins on the schedule, it will be paired with "SG-1." Casting is now under way on "Atlantis." Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, veteran producers of "SG-1," will serve as executive producers of "Atlantis."

"Eternity," filmed originally in 1999, stars Cameron Bancroft, Ingrid Kavelaars and Olivier Gruner . Its creator is Jeff King. The executive producers are Dimitri Logothetis, James Margellos and Peter Mohan.