Stage 3 Media has sold its high-def webisode series Sanctuary to Sci Fi Channel.

‘We have a broadcast deal to move forward with 13 hour-long episodes,’ says Dawn Wattie, COO of Stage 3, pointing out that the Vancouver company is still completing financing on the series. Tricon Films and Television is attached to the project as international sales agent.

The sale comes amid a wave of deal-making for Canadian shows with U.S. broadcasters, which are feeling the pinch of the WGA walkout. CBS earlier this week picked up Flashpoint, while NBC has nabbed The Listener. CBC’s Sophie has sold to ABC Family, and The Border has been considered by a couple of U.S. broadcasters.

The series was commissioned by and is also set to air here on The Movie Network and Movie Central.

‘We are thrilled to be a part of this true multi-platform project that is breaking new ground on numerous fronts – from its unique conception to its distinctive graphic novel look and feel this series will be the first of its kind on Canadian television,’ said Michelle Marion, director, Canadian independent production for TMN.

Sanctuary launched online last May as the first high-def web series created for the Internet. The original eight episodes, running between 15 and 21 minutes and budgeted at $4.5 million, follow the adventures of Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) on a quest with her reluctant protégé Will (Robin Dunne of Dawson’s Creek) to track down monstrous creatures that walk the Earth. It makes ample use of CG effects.

The web program follows a subscription model, with fans paying $1.99 per episode to watch online.

Sanctuary is created by Stage 3 principals Damian Kindler (writer/producer), Martin Wood (director) and Tapping, all of whom were involved in Stargate SG-1, the Vancouver-produced series that also airs on the Sci Fi Channel.

All three will exec produce the TV version, along with Sam Egan, an Emmy-nominated sci-fi writer and producer whose credits include Jeremiah and The Outer Limits.

The cast from the web series will also be part of the TV series, confirms Wattie. The producers are aiming for a March production start. A new two-hour premiere will be created as part of the 13-episode order and footage from the web series will be incorporated in the series.