Claudia Christian joins Bruce Hopkins in "Barrier" short SF movie

[Michael]

A couple years ago I was introduced to a proposed television show called Barrier by its Executive Producer, Sheldon Whittaker. Although funding for the project never materialized, Sheldon and his team have persevered through the recession and brought together the resources and talent they need to make a short film based on the original concept.

Bruce Hopkins (see his IMDB profile here) accepted the role of lead character Dante Lau earlier this year.

Claudia Christian (see her IMDB profile here) accepted the role of Gallea Flynn very recently.

Matthew Werkmeister (see his IMDB profile here) has accepted the role of James Ngaio.

Here is the original press release about the project from 2006:

“IN PHYSICS THERE EXISTS THE ULTIMATE SPEED LIMIT"

The space race enters new heights and speeds down under, as New Zealand producer Sheldon Whittaker proposes to film a futuristic science fiction television series called “Barrier”.

“Setting the speed limit”

It’s the year 2439; Earth is a member of the United Alliance of Independent Worlds (UAIW), a loosely bound government that has endorsed the “Barrier Racing League” to promote the development of faster starship engines. The series follows the adventures of a maverick racing team that finds itself in trouble after salvaging new technology from an alien derelict.

“Barrier” is the vision of Sheldon Whittaker, a producer from Wellington, New Zealand.

“This show is something that I would really like to watch,” explains Whittaker. “Never before have we seen a show about a professional racing team in an outer space setting. Its entertainment and business potential is literally infinite.”

A few months ago, Whittaker set up the official "Barrier" website in an attempt to gain public support for the project. He has discovered a strong interest from male and female fans of age 14 to 60 from all over the world.

“The unique thing about the internet is that you can reach out and connect with huge communities of people,” explains Whittaker. “I am really humbled by the interest that people have shown. It has helped focus my resolve that this show will become a reality.”

Currently working with colleagues on story and script, Whittaker plans to approach television producers for financial backing. He envisions shooting the series in Australia, and New Zealand to make full use of the highly skilled crews that reside there.

“It makes perfect sense to me,” explains Whittaker “I want to utilise the talented crews that worked on Mr. Peter Jackson’s movies "The Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong", and Mr. Andrew Adamson's "The Chronicles of Narnia", to create a stunning break through science fiction show for television. This show would be an excellent source of inspiration and artistic expression for many artists and actors that reside here in Southern Hemisphere.”

You can follow the production's progress at the Official Barrier TV Blog.

I'll share more news when I hear it.

[Michael]

Actually, here is a short introduction to the movie itself:

It's the year 2438, the race master Gallea Flynn has died. Friends and fans alike have gathered together to pay their last respects and to attend an off circuit race meet in her honor at her home world, Alluri Prime.

Attending the event is her young rookie apprentice James Ngaio, and fellow race master Dante lau.

It's James last chance to impress someone of Dante's level in the racing community, and his last chance to get a place on a sanctioned Barrier League racing team... All he has to to is win the race!

You can read about the cast and crew at the Official Barrier Web site.

Short movie info: http://www.barrier.tv/shortMovie.html