Dark forces begin to work in Toronto

Let the supernatural sleuthing begin.

The Sci Fi Channel has begun production on the first of 12 episodes of Lionsgate-produced "The Dresden Files," starring Paul Blackthorne. Shooting in Toronto, the drama combining hard-boiled detective action and fantasy elements will premiere in January.

Based on the best-selling series by Jim Butcher, the series centers on Chicago-based P.I. Harry Dresden (Blackthorne), who's the only practicing professional wizard in the yellow pages. His extraordinary abilities allow him to solve crimes that stump his city's finest. Vampire attacks, acid-spitting demons, werewolves, fairies abducting kids: He handles it all.

Stage and screen actor Terrence Mann (Broadway's "Les Miserables," "Cats") joins the cast as Harry's trusted confidant Bob, an air spirit of intellect that resides in a human skull Harry owns. Bob's been around for centuries and has a vast amount of magical knowledge that Harry can access. The cast also includes Valerie Cruz as Lt. Connie Murphy of the Special Investigations division of the Chicago PD and Conrad Coats as Daniel Morgan, one of the wardens (law enforcers/military personnel) of the White Council, which is the governing body of the Wizard community in the human world.

David Simkins and Robert Wolfe are the executive producers on the project, with Nicolas Cage and Norm Golightly of Saturn Films ("The Life of David Gale," "Shadow of the Vampire").

Blackthorne, 37, is probably best known for guest starring as Stephen Saunders on "24." He's also appeared on "Deadwood," "ER" and "Medium." He also starred in "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India" on the big screen.