From: Stig_Agermose@online.pol.dk (Stig Agermose)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 02:41:14 +0200
Fwd Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 09:55:40 -0400
Subject: Saucer Shaped Science Fiction Hall of Fame

Flying Saucer Shaped Science Fiction Hall of Fame Being Built Near
Queen Mary

Business Wire - April 14, 1998 07:16


LONG BEACH, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 14, 1998--Science
fiction fans won't have to wait until 2001 to experience their own
space odyssey. Queen's Seaport Development, Inc. (QSDI), operators of
the popular Queen Mary attraction in Long Beach, Calif., are building a
$30 million, first-of-its-kind Science Fiction Hall of Fame (SFHF) on
the 45-acre property adjacent to the Queen Mary.

Shaped to resemble a massive flying saucer, the 100,000-square foot
facility is scheduled to open in early 2000, with projected attendance
of more than one million adults and children per year. Interactive
exhibits and immersive activities will feature state-of-the-art
technology and special effects to showcase science fiction, fantasy and
horror in film, television, comic books and graphic arts.

"Characters and lines of dialogue from science fiction works have made
their way into the cultural lexicon," said Joseph F. Prevratil,
president, QSDI. "Is there anyone who wouldn't recognize Darth Vader?
Hasn't everyone, at some time, said `Beam me up Scottie,' or `Hasta la
vista, baby?' Prevratil noted that while the term "hall of fame"
conjures up images of static museum exhibits, this facility will be
anything but that, using video, audio, light, computer graphics, live
presentations and special guest appearances to engage visitors in a
journey befitting the exciting world of science, married with the
future.

"Whether they are conversing with a holographic science fiction hero,
creating their own comic book or `starring' in a famous sci-fi scene,
visitors to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Long Beach will be part
of the action, directing their own unique science fiction adventure
each time they visit," he said.

Plans for the SFHF include opportunities to experience virtually every
genre of science fiction in the facility's imposing entry/arrival zone,
pre-show theaters and five interest areas, covering television,
graphics, film, authors, and science fiction heroes. Corporate
sponsors, including studios, publishers and others, who recognize the
broad appeal of science fiction, are also being approached for
cross-promotions, as well as short and long-term partnerships.

Leading filmmakers, authors, artists and aficionados will be invited to
sit on the Hall of Fame's advisory board. Prevratil indicated that an
announcement of board members might take place in conjunction with the
facility's August 1998 groundbreaking.

A selection committee will also announce the first inductees to the
SFHF at a gala event in November of this year. To be eligible for
induction, nominees must have made outstanding contributions in the
arts and sciences of science fiction, based upon either cumulative
contributions or achievements, or a singular and extraordinary
contribution or achievement. Furthermore, a candidate must also have a
body of work spanning a minimum of 20 years.

A series of television specials honoring the genre and its pioneers is
in production and will be presented under the auspices of SFHF. The
first special will showcase women in science fiction and is scheduled
for production late this year.

Prevratil noted that fans will also be able to help preserve
memorabilia and honor icons of science fiction through tiered
sponsorships (beginning at $25) in the SFHF Foundation. The non-profit
foundation is being formed to assist the Hall of Fame in securing
artifacts from around the world and developing appropriate educational
programs.

In addition, a rich world wide web site is currently under
construction. It will bring the SFHF collection and its fascinating
world of make-believe into homes around the globe.

CONTACT: The Bohle Company

Patricia Johnson, 818/593-5743