Exposure

Sci-Fi pulled this off the air last year, presumably because of low ratings; now they don't even show re-runs of it. It was the show that really inspired me to become a filmmaker. Anyway, it was a really good show, and I liked how they didn't just show the short, they usually interviewed the directors on what inspired them and even had famous guests like Tim Burton a couple times. Anyway, it was my favorite show after MST3K and the Simpsons.

It's a shame that this show was so short lived. I loved it. It actually showed original short movies, ranging from a few minutes to a half hour, by up and coming directors, some of which became famous. My favorites were a couple of early works by Alex Proyas, who went on to make "The Crow" and "Dark City". They also showed a lot of computer animation and really cool music videos by artists like "Vast" and Bjork. It also had interviews of the directors. While some of the shorts were bad, some were so good, I sorely miss seeing them. I actually taped a few episodes back in 1999. Anyone I showed them to were very impressed. The Sci-Fi Channel really should show repeats, instead of always showing lame monster movies or the overrated "Stargate". I miss Lexx and MST3K also, but that's another story! On a good note, on DirectTV there are a few channels that show independent films, shorts, and documentaries.

As someone who will switch channels to TCM and AMC to see if a short is playing between movies, I really enjoy Exposure on the Sci-Fi channel. It gives me a chance every week to see 3-5 shorts (with horror/Sci-Fi themes). They still tend to the very modern, although I have no idea how large the volume of older Sci-Fi shorts is. They are now, apparently, making their own shorts as well as encouraging directors to produce and submit their own. I have generally enjoyed guests such as Kevin Smith over the current host of Lisa Marie. However, I am watching for the shorts and can live with pretty much anybody introducing them.

I love science fiction, but so much of what is made today, is all bang em' up, and feel good. It's all cookie cutter, is basically what I'm trying to say. I eventually got to a point where I didn't believe I could see any good new science fiction. Thank god for exposure! The most innovative show to come out in a long time. I look forward to what they have in store. Where else can you see all these amazing shorts? If you like anything science fiction, be sure to watch.