Science Fiction Fans and Barrier

New Zealand producer Sheldon Whittaker introduced us to his proposed science fiction television show, Barrier. The concept art (which the masthead on this page uses with permission) is stunning and provocative. The show's premise is unique: in a multi-species galactic civilization several centuries from now, a government-sanctioned space racing league drives engineering innovations in starship designs. One Barrier racing team, Team Goliath, finds an abandoned alien spaceship and cannibalizes the advanced technology to gain and advantage over better-funded racing teams.

The salvaga operation and its inevitable positive consequences for racers James Ngaio and Dante Lau soon draws the attention of the United Alliance of Independent Worlds, other racing teams, criminal elements from the UAIW society, and an extremely hostile alien species called the Scree. James and Dante are sure to experience adventure among the stars like nothing before ever seen on television.

The production team is hard at work developing scripts and concept art. The official Web site includes information about the story, the characters, and the production team. He posts on the Barrier TV blog to keep interest in the show stimulated. You'll find a litte more information about Sheldon and his team on the official Web site.

When we looked at the site, we were most interested in the Alesian species art. These arboreal sentients look tough and dangerous but they seem to be positioned as human-friendly allies for the show's heroes. Because the show is still being developed, we will refrain from speculating on plot lines and characterizations.

The official Web site does offer character profiles with silhouette images, leaving the imagination to fill in faces for lead roles on the show. We'll be asking Sheldon and his team some questions as time passes. Please share questions with us through our contact form that you would like to see answers to.