Prophets of Science Fiction
Prophets of Science Fiction is a Science Channel documentary series hosted by Ridley Scott, covering the life and work of leading science fiction authors of the last couple of centuries. The series consists of eight episodes, each of which features one of the great minds of science fiction: Mary Shelley, Philip K. Dick, H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Jules Verne, Robert Heinlein, and George Lucas. The series depicts how they predicted and, accordingly, influenced the development of scientific advancements by inspiring many readers to assist in transforming those futuristic visions into everyday reality. The stories are told through film clips, reenactments, illustrations and interviews.
| Episode 1 - Mary Shelley |
Episode 1 - Mary Shelley
In 1816, teenager Mary begins stitching together a patchwork of ancient legend, modern technology, and personal tragedy - giving life to her novel, Frankenstein...and the genre of science fiction.
Episode 2 - Philip K. Dick
Literary genius, celebrated visionary, paranoid outcast: Writer Philip K. Dick lived a life of ever-shifting realities straight from the pages of his mind-bending sci-fi stories.
Episode 3 - H. G. Wells
With stories like The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The World Set Free, and The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells established himself as a sci-fi writer of almost clairvoyant talent.
Episode 4 - Arthur C. Clarke
Some sci-fi storytellers are content to merely predict, but Sir Arthur C. Clarke creates. The writer is single-handedly responsible for the cornerstone of modern telecommunication technology: the satellite.
Episode 5 - Isaac Asimov
He saved the future from Evil Robots! Isaac Asimov dreamed a better future where we need not fear our own technology.
Episode 6 - Jules Verne
He put a man on the Moon in the Victorian Era. He criticized the Internet...in 1863. Jules Verne is the ultimate futurist, with a legacy of sci-fi stories predicting everything from fuel cell technology to viral advertising.
Episode 7 - Robert Heinlein
Sci-fi legend Robert Heinlein is a walking contradiction. His stories address themes of patriotism, and duty while stressing the importance of personal freedom and expression.
Episode 8 - George Lucas
George Lucas - From Luke Skywalker's light sabre to Darth Vader's Death Star, the Star Wars franchise is one of the defining science fiction works of the later 20th century.
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