SCI FI Channel has launch a new Visions for Tomorrow public affairs initiative set to champion a bold, optimistic view of the future and is predicated on the belief that individuals can have a positive impact on the human condition. What began as a two-day SCI FI Channel management off-site in the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California in May 2004 has become the inspiration for SCI FIs ambitious new public affairs campaign, which is comprised of public service announcements, educational outreach, nonprofit advocacy efforts and an illustrious advisory board.
Two years ago, SCI FI invited a diverse group of visionary thinkers to join with the Channels creative and executive teams to explore the role of science fiction in shaping the future, and to examine the impact of imagination on individuals and society. The workshop was designed by Global Business Network (GBN) to explore the dramatic transformational changes that surround our lives, our society, our planet and our understanding of the universe, and was modeled after a similar think tank workshop that GBN conducted for director Steven Spielberg during the development of MINORITY REPORT.
"The workshop was such a success, we asked ourselves what would happen if we took things to another level," said Bonnie Hammer, president, USA Network & SCI FI Channel. "With Visions for Tomorrow, we're combining what SCI FI's known for provocative, speculative thinking with an impressive assembly of brainpower to promote a hopeful vision for our future."
The convening became the foundation for an ongoing SCI FI advisory board, a specialized collective of innovators, visionaries, and artists whose goal is to help SCI FI put "a face" on futurism by championing progressive thinking and the notion that individuals can make a significant, positive impact on the future.
"Scenario planning requires a broad range of perspectives from various disciplines uniquely focused on finding creative solutions to the myriad of challenges facing society today," said Peter Schwartz, co-founder/chairman, Global Business Network. "As advisory board members we set the stage to engage an even broader cross section of citizens and organizations in the exploration and realization of positive outcomes for today's most pressing concerns."
Visions for Tomorrow advisory board includes:
* Chris Anderson Editor-in-chief, WIRED Magazine; named Editor of the Year by Ad Age magazine; author of THE LONG TAIL
* Peter Calthorpe Renowned architect, planner, and urban designer of environmentally progressive communities; named one of 25 "innovators on the cutting edge" by NEWSWEEK
* John M. Deutch Institute professor at MIT, former director of the CIA, former deputy secretary of the defense department, and former undersecretary of the department of energy
* Esther Dyson Editor-at-large, CNET Networks, noted analyst in emerging digital technologies, respected thought leader in policy-making concerning the Internet and society
* Joel Garreau Cultural revolution correspondent and editor of THE WASHINGTON POST; author of RADICAL EVOLUTION: THE PROMISE AND PERIL OF ENHANCING OUR MINDS, OUR BODIES - AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN
* Bonnie Hammer President, USA Network & SCI FI Channel
* Jeff Hoffman Former NASA astronaut; flew five Space Shuttle missions; now professor of the practice of aerospace engineering at MIT
* Dr. Mae C. Jemison Former astronaut, first woman of color in space; physician and chemical engineer; founder BioSentient Corp.; founder The Earth We Share International Science Camp
* Dr. Michio Kaku World-renowned theoretical physicist, author of PARALLEL WORLDS; co-creator of string field theory, host of syndicated radio programs Explorations, and Science Fantastic
* Dean Kamen Inventor, entrepreneur and advocate; founder of DEKA Research & Development Corp.; inventor of the Segway human transporter
* Neal Lane Malcolm Gillis University professor at Rice University; served as President Clinton's White House Science Advisor
* Mary McDonnell Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress; credits include INDEPENDENCE DAY, DANCES WITH WOLVES and SCI FIs BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
* John Podesta President/ceo of the Center for American Progress; visiting professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center; served as chief of staff to President Clinton
* Karim Rashid Leading figure in the fields of product and interior design, fashion, furniture, lighting and art; his work is in the permanent collections of 16 museums worldwide
* Peter Schwartz Renowned futurist and business strategist specializing in creating alternative future scenarios; cofounder and chairman of Global Business Network; author of THE ART OF THE LONG VIEW
* J. Craig Venter Renowned scientist for visionary contributions in cracking the human genetic code; currently founder/president of the J. Craig Venter Institute
* Edie Weiner Leading futurist; practitioner of social, technological, political and economic intelligence-gathering; clients have ranged from the U.S. Congress to many of the Fortune 500
* Anton Yelchin Young Artists award-winning teen actor; credits include HEARTS IN ATLANTIS, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, HUFF, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and STEVEN SPIELBERG PRESENTS TAKEN
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI features original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming and produces a website (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 86 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
