Writers for Spielberg's new sci-fi series laid off

Having a boss who is one of the wealthiest men in Hollywood doesn’t necessarily translate to job security.

The Los Angles Times reports that most of the writing staff for Steven Spielberg’s new Fox sci-fi show “Terra Nova” has been let go. Those who received the ax include former "X-Files" writer Chris Brancato.

The series – which is being produced by a group including Spielberg and former News Corp. head Peter Chernin – is described as “a time-travel epic that toggles between the 22nd century and prehistoric times” with a pilot episode that reportedly cost nearly $20 million.

According to the L.A. Times, the network recently decided to use a strategy similar to the one used for the hit Fox show “Glee,” and unveil the series with a two-hour special in May and then bring the show back as part of the regular fall 2011 lineup.

But that tactic means employing writers while not much is going on. So instead, the show will either hire back the writers later on or, in  the case of those who are unavailable, bring in new writers.

The show is set to feature a cast which includes  “Avatar” co-star Stephen Lang.