“Flatland” -- a science fiction series described variously as a tale in which “the present and the past exist side by side” and a cross between “The Matrix” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” -- is set to begin shooting today in Shanghai.
The series, the first ever to star Dennis Hopper, may see all 22 of its episodes (budgeted at a total of some $40 million) completed without the cooperation of a U.S. broadcast or cable outlet.
Created by veteran TV writer-producers Albert S. Ruddy (“Walker, Texas Ranger”), Andre Morgan and Steve Feke (“Beastmaster,” “Profiler”), the series will be set at least partially in 2010 Shanghai, where a trio of Americans find themselves the pawns of Hopper’s character, the mysterious Mr. Smith. (The chief antagonist in “The Matrix,” you’ll recall, was Agent Smith.)
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Americans are played by Francoise Yip ("Romeo Must Die"), Phillip Rhys (MTV’s “Undressed”), and Bumper Robinson ("White Man's Burden"). Others in the cast include Katherine Kendall ("Swingers") and Liam Waite ("Simpatico").
Created by veteran TV writer-producers Albert S. Ruddy (“Walker, Texas Ranger”), Andre Morgan and Steve Feke (“Beastmaster,” “Profiler”), the series will be set at least partially in 2010 Shanghai, where a trio of Americans find themselves the pawns of Hopper’s character, the mysterious Mr. Smith. (The chief antagonist in “The Matrix,” you’ll recall, was Agent Smith.)
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Americans are played by Francoise Yip ("Romeo Must Die"), Phillip Rhys (MTV’s “Undressed”), and Bumper Robinson ("White Man's Burden"). Others in the cast include Katherine Kendall ("Swingers") and Liam Waite ("Simpatico").
