Exposure (TV series)

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Exposure is a short-film oriented science-fiction anthology series that aired on the Sci Fi Channel between the years of 2000 and 2002. The series showcased the short sci-fi films of both unknown and known (Tim Burton, George Lucas and Kevin Smith) filmmakers, giving rise to the channel's own Exposure Studios. Hosted by actress Lisa Marie, the films presented a wide range of science fiction subject matter. The series received poor ratings and was canceled in the fall of 2002. The series was originally shown on Sundays at 10:00pm EST and was repeated the following Saturday at 2:00am EST, later on the time was changed to 11:00pm EST and still repeated the following Saturday well after Midnight, which probably is a major reason for the poor ratings this show received. The series also had two guest hosts. Terry Farrell (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) would host the "Best of Season One" episode and director Kevin Smith hosted the "Star Wars Short Films Showcase".

The Sci-Fi Channel had also struck a deal with AtomFilms which gave them the broadcast rights of any of Atom Films' new science-fiction acquisitions, as well as all science fiction films currently in their library, for Exposure.^[1]

1 Notable films aired
2 Exposure Studios
3 Legacy
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Notable films aired

Some of the rare films that were aired on the series include Tim Burton's Disney short film of Frankenweenie (which Disney decided not to release because they deemed it too scary for children) and George Lucas' original student film of "Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138:4EB" which was a basis for his 1971 cult sci-fi film THX-1138. Other notable works that were aired include The Forbidden by Clive Barker, Groping by Alex Proyas, More by Mark Osbourne, George Lucas in Love by Joseph Nussbaum, Battle of the Sexes by Eric Kripke, Season's Greetings by Michael Dougherty, Silent Number by Jamie Blanks, To Build a Better Mousetrap by Christopher Leone, Suspicious by David Koepp, Oink by Rand Ravich, Tripping the Rift by Chris Moeller, and Evil Hill by Ryan Schifrin.

[edit] Exposure Studios

This offshoot of the "Exposure" program was created by the Sci Fi Channel to serve as a springboard for promising amateur and semi-professional filmmakers. Exposure Studios was focused primarily on funding, mentoring and promoting young directors, commissioning them to create mini television pilots. Among the short films it produced were: The Man with No Eyes, Dream Hackers, Area 52 and Grasp. Wes Craven served as a mentor on the project.

[edit] Legacy

Though it appears that there are no plans to bring Exposure back on the SciFI Channel lineup the channel did sponsor a short film showcase called "Exposure:Future of Film Festival" in New York City in August 2000. Though this has not been done again, the SciFi channel still fosters a love of short film and has cashiered the works of interested filmmakers under the Exposure brand. The series did receive a following in the science fiction/media fandom community. Many complained about the late night Sunday schedule the show was aired and asked the network to air it much earlier in the evening. Apparently, SFC management failed to hear the viewers concerns.