The ABC Television Network has geenlit a television series that will bring to the small screen stories written by some of the big names in Science Fiction
The network has committed to at least four episodes of the series, produced by IDT and Industry Entertainment to air during the summer or next season.
"Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451" author Ray Bradbury is in negotiations to adapt one of his lesser-known books, "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed."
Talks also are under way for "The Last Question" by Isaac Asimov ("I, Robot") and "The Discarded" by Harlan Ellison ("A Boy and His Dog") to be turned into episodes of the series as well as a book by Robert Heinlein ("The Puppet Masters").
As previously announced, writer Michael Tolkinis is set to adapt and direct one episode of the series, which is shepherded through ABC's longform division.
And it seems some big name stars are signing up
Judy Davis, Sam Waterston and Anne Heche are among the long list of actors who have signed on to star in episodes of ABC's upcoming anthology series "Masters of Science Fiction."
Malcolm McDowell, James Cromwell, John Hurt, Sean Astin and Brian Dennehy also have signed on to star in installments of the six-episode series, which is based on short stories by some of the sci-fi genre's top writers. The hour-long show is set to air during the 2006-07 season.
Other actors starring in episodes are Terry O'Quinn (ABC's "Lost"), Elisabeth Rohm (NBC's "Law & Order"), Clifton Collins Jr. (ABC's "Alias"), Kimberly Elise (CBS' "Close to Home") and James Denton (ABC's "Desperate Housewives").
SciFi Storm notes that the focus seems to be right; on the writers.
The first episode which started shooting in Vancouver, Canada in April is "Watchbird" based on a story by Robert Sheckle. It's directed by Michael Tolkin (The Rapture) and written by J. Michael Straczynski (Bablyon 5).
Might be a reason for me to watch Network TV this Winter afterall..
