A converted 30,000-plus-square-foot production space in Aldergrove, BC makes its television debut this month, hosting the 21st century update of the campy sci-fi classic Flash Gordon.

Produced by Vancouver’s Reunion Pictures and commissioned by Sci-Fi Channel in the U.S., the 22 x 60 is due to debut in August.

Eric Johnson (Everest, Smallville) has the lead role. No other cast – for such returning, classic characters as Ming the Merciless – had been announced at press time. Canadian names will help the production earn a 12.5% tax rebate on expenses because it is shooting ‘out of the zone.’

With 22 television projects either prepping or in production in greater Vancouver, the pressure for available studio space – especially in the suburban hotspots of Langley, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge that qualify for the regional bonus – is forcing location managers to be creative in securing space. The Flash Gordon space was formerly a greenhouse with a dirt floor. Production started May 1 and runs to Dec. 10.

Reunion’s Tom Rowe (Masters of Horror) and Matthew O’Connor (Tin Man) will oversee production along with frequent business partners from RHI, Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr., through an agreement with King Features Syndicate.