The ABC Television Network has picked up IDT Ent.'s series MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION, which will feature works from some of the most well known authors of science-fiction.
Negotiations are underway to include works from Isaac Asimov (author of I ROBOT and NIGHTFALL), Ray Bradbury (THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, FAHRENHEIT 451), Harlan Ellison (A BOY AND HIS DOG, JEFFTY IS FIVE) and Robert Heinlein (THE PUPPET MASTERS, STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND). IDT Ent., in association with Industry Ent., will produce a minimum of six one-hour episodes of the series.
"We're delighted that MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION has found a broadcast home on ABC's primetime lineup," said John Hyde, coo of IDT Ent. "ABC is the perfect venue for these interpretations of science fiction's seminal literary voices."
"With IDT Ent. and Industry bringing such high-end talent, we're very excited about this anthology," said Quinn Taylor, ABC svp, movies and miniseries. "We've been trying to put together this kind of series because it has great potential to become appointment television."
Writer Michael Tolkin (THE RAPTURE, THE PLAYER) will adapt and direct one episode. Discussions are underway to feature such works as THE DISCARDED by Harlan Ellison, THE LAST QUESTION by Isaac Asimov and for Ray Bradbury to adapt his own DARK THEY WERE, AND GOLDEN-EYED.
"We are excited by the response we're getting from the creative community," says Industry Ent. partner Keith Addis. "We are in advanced discussions with distinguished screenwriters and directors to bring the works of these science fiction icons to a broad audience in the most compelling and entertaining way."
Production on the series will begin this May in Vancouver. IDT Ent. will handle worldwide sales and home entertainment distribution of the series.
Morris Berger, Steve Brown and John Hyde are exec producers for IDT along with Industry Ent.s Keith Addis, Brad Mendelsohn and Andrew Deane. Ben Browning and Adam Goldworm are co-producers.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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