SFTV.org's SciFi Channel Pages





Press Releases from the SciFi Channel   July 2000

 
Company Press Release

"Babylon 5" Series Comes to Sci Fi Channel in Letterboxed Format

Kicked Off by Special Sciography Episode

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000--Sciography
will devote an entire episode to the intriguing behind-the-scenes
story of Babylon 5 on Sunday, September 24 at 9 PM (ET) as a kick-off
to the letterboxed edition of Babylon 5, the series. The Babylon 5
series launches exclusively on SCI FI the following night (September
25) - and will air Monday-Friday at 7 PM. As a special added feature,
SCI FI will televise the series as it was originally conceived and
produced -- in its never-before-seen letterbox format.

J. Michael Straczynski's dream of a sci-fi series based on a
five-year story arc soon turned to nightmare in its actualization.
The hour-long Sciography ``Babylon 5'' episode gives both fans and
the uninitiated a chance to experience the real dramas behind one of
the most popular sci-fi series of all time. Television executives'
expulsion of the main star of Babylon 5 after the first season, cast
members threats to walk off, a distributor in trouble, accidents on
set, and a lack of syndication slots for the fifth season -- all
forced Straczynski to redevelop his master plan time and time again.

Sciography: Babylon 5, broken down into five ``Acts'', takes a look
at each season from the eyes of the producer, cast, crew and fans as
they comment on all aspects of the show - from casting, story,
writing, and its impact on sci-fi/pop culture. While each week a new
episode aired, there were countless casualties along the way.
Straczynski's master plan took many turns, sometimes echoing the
world around him. For instance the B5 dockworkers' strike in ``By Any
Means Necessary'' was paralleled by the B5 film crew strike; at the
end of ``Severed Dreams'' Garibaldi (Jerry Doyle) is using a cane to
hobble around when-in-fact actor broke his arm during the same
episode.

Sciography, an irreverent new entry into cult-of-personality driven
programming, is devoted to classic science fiction programs. From
Dark Shadows to the Bionic Woman, each episode of Sciography combines
clips, interviews, historical footage, relevant news pieces, pop
culture tidbits, humor, and fan testimonials, to give an inside look
into what made these shows great. Aiming to recount each featured
shows' creation, popularity, fan base and historical significance,
these tributes will also take a look at the lives of the principal
players, both in front of and behind the camera. Sciography ``Babylon
5'' is produced by Robert Hughes and executive produced by Andy
Schatzberg.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

Beware the Scorpion's Sting! SCI FI Channel Acquires the Exclusive
Rights to the 'Black Scorpion' Series

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000--SCI FI Channel
has inked a deal with Roger Corman's New Concorde to acquire the
exclusive rights to 22 episodes of the comic-style action series,
Black Scorpion. The series will begin airing during the first quarter
of 2001, and stars former Miss Kansas Michelle Lintel as the
straight-laced cop by day who turns into sexy crimefighter `Black
Scorpion' at night.

Darcy Walker (Lintel) is a second-generation cop whose father is
murdered at the hands of the evil Breathtaker (Adam West). Unable to
obtain justice through traditional means, Darcy decides to take a
less conventional approach to crimefighting. Donning a leather
disguise and flanked by high-tech weapons and a super-fast Black
Scorpionmobile, Darcy's superhero alter ego 'Black Scorpion' is born.
Dangerous, ruthless and sexy, Black Scorpion can do what `by the
book' Darcy can't - trading in her badge and law-abiding attitude for
a more maverick approach against the colorful array of villains that
threaten the safety of the City of Angels. While Darcy loves the
freedom she finds in Black Scorpion's mask, she soon fears losing
herself in its darkness...

Black Scorpion also stars Scott Valentine (Family Ties) and features
17 Playboy playmates and Penthouse Pets including Playmate of the
Year Victoria Silvstedt as voluptuous villainess, ``Hourglass''.
Among the featured super villains are Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk), Soupy
Sales, Charles Fleischer (Dick Tracy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) Frank
Gorshin (Batman's The Riddler) and David Landers (Laverne & Shirley)
make guest appearances as resident bad guys, Slave Master, Professor
Prophet, Dr. Praktus, Clockwise and Greenthumb respectively.

``Financing and producing a full year's program of 22 one-hour shows
was the biggest gamble I have ever taken, but it has paid off
admirably with the airing of Black Scorpion: The Series on the SCI FI
Channel. Since its inception, the SCI FI Channel was my first choice
and I'm delighted it will be premiering there,'' says Roger Corman.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

Farscape's Latest 3-Episode Story Arc, Look At the Princess, Begins July 21

SCI FI's Hit Original Series is "Critic's Choice for Best Sci-fi
Series of 1999" -- TV Guide

PASADENA, CA--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000-- Farscape, SCI FI
Channel's weekly original series, has captured and exhilarated TV
audiences with its inventive characters, cinematic special effects
and imaginative writing. The hit series, created by Rockne S.
O'Bannon (Alien Nation), now in its second breakout season was just
recently picked up for a thrilling third. With a devoted fan
following and much critical acclaim, Farscape will celebrate with its
first fan convention in August. Now, on Friday, July 21st at 9pm ET,
SCI FI will begin an innovative three-episode story arc: Look at the
Princess, which will delight fans with revelations about the evil
Scorpius's abominable heritage and Moya's mysterious builders.

Look at the Princess finds Crichton, Aeryn, Rygel, D'Argo, and Chiana
on a planet about to crown their new monarch. The problem is, the
Princess Katralla, cannot ascend unless she finds a mate genetically
compatible to her poisoned DNA. Her brother, Prince Clavor, is over
his head in a bargain with the Scarran Diplomat, Sastaretski Cargn,
to ascend the throne in her place...whatever the cost. Enter
Crichton, unawares of the game of thrones taking place around him.
Spurned by Aeryn (again), he takes to the native culture of testing
his genetic compatibility with the local women, which is a sort of
kissing litmus test. The trouble starts when he kisses the princess
and is found to be the only person ever to be compatible with her
which could save the monarchy.

Meanwhile, Scorpius' warship arrives in orbit around the planet,
forcing Zhaan to flee in Moya, only to discover a greater peril at
the hands of Moya's builders -- god-like creatures with the power of
life and death over their creations.

Trapped on the planet, Crichton is forced to make a decision: marry
the princess or be turned over to Scorpius, who has been pursuing
Crichton across the galaxy. One of the many drawbacks to being
crowned is that he will have to spend eighty cycles as a statue,
absorbing knowledge of the state's parliament until it is time for he
and his wife to rule.

From The Jim Henson Company and Hallmark Entertainment, Farscape's
22-episode second season airs regularly on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET as
part of ``SCI FI Prime,'' the Channel's successful Friday night block
of original programs. The lineup also includes Invisible Man at 8 pm
ET and LEXX at 10 pm ET. Farscape replays at 12 pm ET.

Farscape stars Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia
Hey and newcomer Gigi Edgley, following the adventures of astronaut
John Crichton (Browder), who joins a motley band of escaped renegades
traversing the universe in Moya, a living ship.

A home base for Farscape fans, SCI FI's award-winning Web site
SCIFI.com extends access to the Farscape universe with exclusive
background information, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and
downloadable audio cast interviews. In addition to regular live
scheduled chats with the cast and crew based in Sydney, Australia,
the chat room has been known to feature their surprise appearances.

Farscape has quickly become recognized for its feature film quality
special effects and technologically innovative creature design from
the Academy Award-winning Jim Henson's Creature Shop(TM). Filmed in
Sydney, Australia, Farscape is executive produced by David Kemper,
Brian Henson, Rod Perth and Robert Halmi, Jr. Naren Shankar and
Richard Manning are co-executive producers. O'Bannon serves as
executive consultant. Sue Milliken is producer.

The Jim Henson Company, an established leader in family entertainment
for more than 40 years, is an independent multimedia production
company; one of the top character licensors in the industry; a
leading publisher of children's books; and home to Jim Henson
Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive and Jim
Henson's Creature Shop(TM). The company is headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices and production facilities in New York and
London. The Jim Henson Company website is located at: www.henson.com.
Henson's official Farscape website, www.farscape.com was developed by
Jim Henson Interactive and the Farscape production team. The site
includes exclusive imagery, screensavers and coming soon, web-only
interactive expanded show content.

Hallmark Entertainment is the world's leading producer and
distributor of miniseries and television movies, owner of the
Hallmark Entertainment Network, the rapidly growing 24-hour
international pay television film service and a leader in home video
with Hallmark Home Entertainment. The company's acclaimed list of
credits, include an impressive 122 Emmy Awards, which is comprised of
such memorable television events as Gulliver's Travels (produced in
conjunction with The Jim Henson Company), Lonesome Dove, The Odyssey,
Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor, and most recently, the
highly-rated miniseries Moby Dick and Merlin. Hallmark is a
subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

It's a S.C.I.F.I. World After All

SCI FI Launches New Daytime Programming Schedule

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2000--Five days, five
letters in SCI FI, five addictive new marathons a week. Monday, July
17 at 10 am ET we're launching S.C.I.F.I. World, a virtual, on-air
theme park that celebrates everything SCI FI, using our moniker as a
point of departure. Each weekday, from 10 am - 4 pm ET, SCI FI
viewers can tune in and be whisked away to a different theme park in
S.C.I.F.I. World, from Superheroland on Mondays to Inhumanland on
Fridays. These daily mini-marathons will feature back-to-back
episodes of classic sci-fi shows in an innovative, interactive way.
And it all begins with Six Million Dollar Man.

S.C.I.F.I. World will offer viewers more than a standard, run of the
mill viewing experience. Graphic teasers, goofy animated shorts, and
on-air questions will be peppered liberally throughout the shows -
visual nudges that bring spontaneity to familiar episodes and
reinforce the rapport the Channel shares with viewers. But the
borders of S.C.I.F.I. World don't end on air. The super-galactic
playground extends into the virtual world of SCIFI.COM, offering
viewers online communities filled with like-minded science fiction
and fantasy addicts.

Superheroland Mondays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday is dedicated to the heroes of yesterday and today with
shows like Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman, Incredible
Hulk, Wonder Woman, Robocop: The Series, Swamp Thing and
Automan. Monday, July 17 catch Six Million Dollar Man in
superhero action.

Creatureland Tuesdays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What would SCI FI be without a healthy dose of creepy
creatures? The second day of the week will focus on those
beings from beyond, friendly and otherwise, with some oldies,
but goodies, including The Incredible Hulk, Star Trek, Land
of the Giants, Seaquest, Hercules, Ray Bradbury Theater,
Manimal, Lost in Space, Earth 2, Alien Nation. Tuesday, July
18 the green and mighty Incredible Hulk makes his appearance
in Creatureland.

Intergalacticland Wednesdays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intergalactic space travel has never been so easy! Just sit
down in front of your television. Explore our universe and
others with shows like Star Trek, Space: Above and Beyond,
Battlestar Galactica, Lost in Space, and Ray Bradbury
Theater. Intergalacticland will jet you into the world of
Battlestar Galactica on Wednesday, July 19.
Fantasticland Thursdays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The depths of the human imagination are explored on

Thursdays, as we bring you stories of the unbelievable and
the strange. Tune in for Highlander, Twilight Zone, Land of
the Giants, The Time Tunnel, Probe, Otherworld, Quantum Leap,
Darkroom, Ray Bradbury Theater, Voyage to the Bottom of the
Sea, Sliders, Beyond Reality, and Night Gallery. Leap into
Fantasticland on Thursday, July 20 with episodes of Quantum
Leap.

Inhumanland Fridays
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aliens, monsters and creatures from the deep. SCI FI has them
all and is bringing them to your television on Fridays. Alien
Nation, Manimal, Earth 2, Seaquest, Gemini Man, Invisible
Man, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Visitor, Dark Skies.
Manimal will be prowling the grounds of Inhumanland on
Friday, July 21.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

SCI FI Channel Confirms Presence of Secret Laboratory

New Programming Unit Cooks Up Strange Brews for SCI FI

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000--SCI FI has
confirmed that it is in the final stages of construction for a
``secret'' programming laboratory in Los Angeles. This hidden unit of
SCI FI Channel is in actuality headed by Josh Greenberg, who was,
until recently, head of marketing for SCI FI. Now Senior Vice
President, Original Programming & Development, SCI FI Lab, Greenberg
will continue to report to Bonnie Hammer, Executive Vice President &
General Manager of SCI FI. The new facility boasts a darkly
avant-garde design befitting any mad scientist complete with aptly
titled areas like ``The Circle of Thought,'' ``The Egg'' and
workstations known as ``pods''. The laboratory will open up in August
2000 and will intentionally stand alone from its SCI FI sister
programming division.

The SCI FI Lab has been created to generate cutting-edge alternative
programming outside the traditional programming development process.
A small core team, headed by Greenberg, will concoct fully-owned
programming ideas for SCI FI, bolstered by a rotating team of
'creatives' brought in to work on specific projects

``SCI FI has rapidly become synonymous with innovation and
risk-taking,'' says Bonnie Hammer. ``In the last two years, we have
achieved an unusual integration between our programming and marketing
divisions, and Josh has proven himself to be a formidable talent. The
SCI FI Lab is the perfect example of creating a new brand of
programming in a creative and free-standing environment.''

Greenberg joined SCI FI Channel as Vice President of Marketing &
Creative in 1998 with the specific mission of re-launching the
Channel's marketing and creative efforts. Beginning in March of 1999,
the Channel began an eye-catching on-air and off-air renaissance
dominated by an innovative new look utilizing cutting-edge technology
and design tools - all aimed at re-invigorating SCI FI's brand.
Coupled with a strong surge in programming investments, SCI FI has
rapidly realized strong ratings gains and garnered consistent
recognition for its innovative marketing tactics ('99 Brandweek named
SCI FI one of its ``Guerilla Marketers of the Year''). Additionally
under Greenberg, SCI FI's received a sweeping total of 24 Design and
Promotion Awards at the 2000 Promax & BDA Awards.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits fantastic images to
63 million human homes. Launched in 1992, SCI FI features a
continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and original series, and
special events, as well as classic sci-fi, fantasy, and horror
programming. Check out scifi.COM, the SCI FI Channel's award-winning
Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

SCI FI Channel Orders Up Nine More Episodes of Its 'Can't See TV'
Series "The Invisible Man"

Recent Series Launch Delivers Largest Audience EVER to the Channel

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000-- SCI FI has
picked up an additional nine episodes of its newest breakout original
series, The Invisible Man. The series, which premiered during ``SCI
FI Prime'' on Friday, June 9, delivered the largest audience EVER to
the Channel with its opening episode (1,534,000 HHs). Currently in
production in San Diego, the weekly one-hour action/comedy series,
which also airs in syndication on stations covering nearly 75% of the
U.S., stars Vincent Ventresca and will air all-new episodes all
summer long as part of SCI FI's aggressive ``Summer of SCI FI''
original programming strategy. The announcement was made today by
Bonnie Hammer, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SCI FI
Channel.

Created by Matt Greenberg (Halloween: H2O), The Invisible Man stars
Vincent Ventresca (Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Prey,
Friends) as Darien, a small-time thief who is drafted into secret
government experiments on invisibility. Forced to enlist as a secret
weapon for a ramshackle, under-funded intelligence agency, Darien
balances his professional obligations against the tantalizing
mischief no clear-thinking invisible man could resist. Paul
Ben-Victor (3 Stooges) co-stars as his sidekick, ``Hobbes'', with
Shannon Kenny as ``The Keeper'' and Eddie Jones as the manipulative
bureaucrat known as the ``Official.''

David Levinson serves as the executive producer of the series, which
is distributed by USA Cable Entertainment in association with SCI FI.

The Invisible Man, which features state-of-the-art special effects,
began airing in June as the kick-off of an aggressive effort by the
Channel to showcase its increasingly popular original offerings -
such as Farscape, Lexx, First Wave, Exposure and the
highly-anticipated late-night series Crossing Over With John Edward.
Viewers can look forward to not one repeat of these original series
over the course of our ``SCI FI Summer.'' With the launch of the John
Edward show on July 10, this brings the Channel to a total of 7 1/2
hours of new originals each week.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Press Release

SCI FI Presents 'Frank Herbert's Dune'

Epic Six-Hour Mini-Series Presented as a Widescreen Event

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000-- SCI FI
presents Frank Herbert's Dune, an epic mini-series premiering as a
widescreen event on December 3-5, 2000. A true adaptation of one of
the most loved and read futuristic stories ever published, the
mini-series will air as a three-part, six-hour movie. Frank Herbert's
Dune features a prestigious ensemble cast, including Alec Newman,
Matt Keeslar, Saskia Reeves, Ian McNeice, PH Moriarty, Julie Cox,
Italian screen icon Giancarlo Giannini as the Emperor and Academy
Award-winning actor William Hurt as Duke Leto. The film is written
and directed by John Harrison (Tales from the Darkside: The Movie).

Frank Herbert's Dune is executive produced by Richard P. Rubinstein
and Mitchell Galin, who previously collaborated on Stephen King's The
Stand and Pet Sematary. The producer is David Kappes. The acclaimed
production team includes three-time Academy Award-winning
cinematographer Vittorio Storaro (Last Emperor, Reds, Apocalypse
Now); Oscar-winning costume designer Theodor Pistek (Amadeus);
Cesar-winning production designer Miljen Kreka Klijakovic
(Indochine); and Emmy-nominated visual effects supervisor Ernest
Farino (From the Earth to the Moon, Terminator 2).

Since its debut in 1965, Frank Herbert's Dune has sold over 12
million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling science fiction
adventure of all time. Now, based on John Harrison's new and faithful
adaptation of the novel, viewers will finally have a chance to
experience the legend as it was meant to be told - in all of its
intricate detail, unfolding over six hours. The production was shot
at exotic overseas locations, including one of the largest
soundstages in Europe, Barrandov Studios in Prague.

Frank Herbert's Dune tells the adventures of young Paul ``Muad'Dib,''
(Alec Newman), heir to the noble Duke Leto Atreides (William Hurt)
and an ancient prophecy. House Atreides is among several feuding
Great Royal Houses that comprise a tenuously balanced trilogy of
power with the Emperor and the Navigators of the Spacing Guild.

That balance appears in favor of House Atreides when Leto is ordered
by the Emperor (Giancarlo Giannini) to oversee the production of
``Spice,'' a life-sustaining substance that is the most precious
commodity in the universe. It is believed among the Houses that he
who controls the Spice controls the Empire. But when Leto is betrayed
by one of his own, a devastating conflict ensues. Paul and his
mother, Jessica (Saskia Reeves), a mystical `Bene Gesserit' witch
with powers of mind control, must escape into the desert. Under his
mother's tutelage, Paul hones his own considerable Bene Gesserit
gifts, and begins to see into the future and realize his far-reaching
ability to shape it.

Frank Herbert's Dune is a New Amsterdam Entertainment, Inc.
production, in association with Victor Television Productions, Inc.
and BetaFilm, GmbH.

New Amsterdam Entertainment, Inc., is a New York City based developer
and producer of theatrical feature films and TV programming. In
addition to Frank Herbert's Dune, New Amsterdam is developing Keller,
a theatrical feature based on Lawrence Block's best seller Hit Man,
with a screenplay by Maria Aitken and Patrick McGrath. Jeff Bridges
is attached to star and will executive produce with Neil Koenigsberg.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Company Press Release

SCI FI Presents Fi-Sci With Penn Jillette: The Fiction-Science Show

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000--SCI FI begins
production in July on four one-hour specials from the ever-irreverent
Penn Jillette entitled Fi-Sci with Penn Jillette: The Fiction-Science
Show. Jillette's mission? To separate the Science from the Fiction
found in a number of classic sci-fi television & movies. Executive
produced by Mark Phillips, the first of the four specials will air
exclusively on SCI FI in early 2001.

Fi-Sci with Penn Jillette will find the real science behind the
science fiction movies we all love. Because it really will be 2001,
for his first special Penn will go to MIT and ask the big cheese at
the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Marvin Minsky (who was the
consultant on the original Kubrick movie) what goes? What are the
problems with getting a real HAL? Then it's off to NASA to talk to
the people who are working on the manned Mars mission about long
duration in human space flight. Says Penn, ``Now that Kubrick's dead,
let's beat him up. Hey, Stan, the free ride is over.''

In other shows, Penn will talk to top evolutionary scientists and
find out the ever-elusive answer to the question -- if the Planet of
the Apes monkeys really could evolve, would their lips turn into
molded rubber like in the movie? Entomologists will explain to him
the real problems with giant ants (...at least they can't run under
the fridge). He'll check in with geneticists about the cloning in
Jurassic Park and Boys from Brazil. (How come Hitler and dinosaurs
are everyone's first choice for cloning? How about Uma Thurman?)
What's the real dope behind all those volcano and asteroid movies?
All of us who have yelled, ``Oh give me a break!'' at our movie
screens will love Fi-Sci with Penn Jillette: The Fiction-Science Show.

Penn Jillette is best known as the ``taller, louder half'' of the
Penn & Teller comedy magic duo whose award-winning theater show has
been a long running hit on and off Broadway since 1975. Penn & Teller
Go Public won two Emmys and the recent Penn & Teller's Sin City
Spectacular was nominated for a third. Penn's writing has been
featured in the New York Times, Playboy, Reason, and PCComputing.
Penn has lectured at MIT, The Smithsonian Institute and Oxford
University.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at http://www.scifi.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Company Press Release

SCIFI.COM's Newly Relaunched Site Ramps Up Its Convergence With SCI FI Channel

PASADENA, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 11, 2000--Recently
re-launched site SCIFI.COM announced today an expanded line-up of
convergent programs in conjunction with SCI FI Channel, its sister
cable television channel. In addition to SCIFI.COM's branded original
content, the site has introduced extensive cross-platform
initiatives, as well as up-to-date news and insider information on
SCI FI Channel's original movies, series and specials.

``SCIFI.COM extends and expands SCI FI Channel programming with
convergent online features that let viewers interact with their
favorite programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,'' remarked Craig
Engler, executive producer, SCIFI.COM. ``Together, SCIFI.COM and the
SCI FI Channel are working to bring SCI FI to the broadest possible
audience with innovative online and on-air programs.''

Current highlights on the SCI FI - SCIFI.COM convergence horizon include:

-- Frank Herbert's Dune - officially launched today, SCIFI.COM's
companion Web site to SCI FI Channel's highly-anticipated epic
mini-series Frank Herbert's Dune. This definitive interactive
experience ensures that press and consumers alike will get
obsessively documented information about this amazing production -
from early footage, exclusive photographs, to a dedicated area
from John Harrison, the project's writer and director (also
featuring regular inside information through Q&A and online
chats). An early version of this site recently streamed SCI FI
Channel's `first glimpse' trailer of the new scini-series - and
received an unprecedented 50,000 visitors within the first week.

-- EXPOSURE: Future of Film Festival (EFF Festival) -- SCIFI.COM will
play an integral part in SCI FI Channel's EFF Festival, being held
in that filmmaking mecca, New York City, on August 3-6.
Celebrating the convergence of filmmaking, this four-day,
Manhattan-based multi-media experience will showcase cutting-edge
science fiction features, shorts and original programming. SCI FI
fans can log-on to http://exposure.scifi.com and view many of the
festival's short films in their entirety and also experience
extensive streamed interviews with the directors.

-- Sciography -- SCIFI.COM is also plugging into SCI FI Channel's

Sciography-- and plugging Sciography producers into fans! The new
monthly SCI FI series is devoted to giving the obsessed fan a
mother lode of in-depth information on the shows and movies of the
science fiction genre. In a unique arrangement, SCIFI.COM is
soliciting contributions of footage, memorabilia, anecdotes,
behind-the-scenes photos, collectibles, trivia and other material
from the series' extensive fan base to be incorporated into
upcoming episodes. Fans can log-on to SCIFI.COM for details.

About SCIFI.COM

SCIFI.COM (http://www.scifi.com), lauded as the top-rated online
sci-fi destination from USA Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit
(NASDAQ:USAI - news), is the official Web site of the SCI FI Channel.
A ``People's Voice'' Webby Award winner, SCIFI.COM is dedicated to
the vast spectrum of science fiction, science fact, fantasy, horror,
the paranormal and the unknown, and features original entertainment,
daily news, feature stories, commerce, games and ground-breaking
special events. SCIFI.COM launched in 1995 in part to fulfill a
wide-variety of commerce, information and entertainment needs for an
increasingly wired audience.

About SCI FI Channel

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA
Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI - news), transmits
fantastic images to over 63 million human homes. Launched in 1992,
SCI FI features a continuous stream of cinematic hits, new and
original series, and special events, as well as classic sci-fi,
fantasy, and horror programming. Check out SCIFI.COM, the SCI FI
Channel's award-winning Web site, at www.scifi.com.