New Syfy scripted series Helix has begun production in Montreal.

The 13-episode thriller from Sony Pictures Television follows a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control that travels to the Arctic to investigate a possible disease outbreak. There, the team encounters a lethal threat that could lead to total annihilation.

The series is slated to air on Shaw Media’s Showcase in Canada in 2014.

Helix stars Billy Campbell (The Killing) , Hiroyuki Sanada, Kyra Zagorsky and Canuck actors Mark Ghanimé, Jordan Hayes, Meegwun Fairbrother, Catherine Lemieux and Neil Napier.

Friday Night Lights director Jeffrey Reiner is on board to direct the premiere episode.

Helix is exec produced by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), showrunner Steven Maeda (Lost, The X-Files) and Lynda Obst (Sleepless in Seattle).

Cameron Porsandeh wrote the pilot and co-exec produces.

Helix is produced by U.S.-based Tall Ship Productions, Kaji Productions and Lynda Obst Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.