PASADENA, Calif.–(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)–July 11,2000–Critically-acclaimed independent filmmaker Kevin Smith will host a special episode of SCI FI’s short Exposure film series focusing on the impact director George Lucas and his film Star Wars has had on a generation of filmmakers. The episode, airing Wednesday, August 23 at 10 pm ET, will be hosted by Kevin Smith from his famed Red Bank, New Jersey comic book store and will feature the world television premiere of Lucas’ short film “Freheit.”

Additionally included are cinematic nods to Lucas’ influence on filmmakers including Joe Nussbaum’s “George Lucas in Love,” a nine-minute parody of the hit movie Shakespeare in Love, that became an instant online must-see classic. Exposure’s special tribute episode will also feature the television premieres of Steve Dooher’s “Searching for Carrie Fisher,” about the director’s search for his childhood crush, and the edgy Star Wars spoof “Tripping the Rift,” by director Chris Moeller. Exclusive interviews with twenty-seven year old Nussbaum, Joe Levy (producer of the “George Lucas in Love”), as well as Kevin Smith will also be included.

As an avid fan of Star Wars and an outspoken voice in the world of independent filmmaking, Kevin Smith was a natural pick for the role of host of the special episode. He is the director of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma, and the owner of “Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash,” a comic-book store located in his hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey.

There is no doubt about George Lucas’ impact on the world of filmmaking. Star Wars, released in May of 1977, was an instant hit with moviegoers and continues to be one of the defining films of the genre. The Exposure tribute will take a look at the dawning of Lucas’ brilliant career through a film he completed as a student at the University of Southern California, “Freheit.” Exposure’s airing of this film about the Vietnam War, marks its world television premiere. As a special tie-in, SCI FI will air another one of Lucas’ student film shorts “Electronic Labyrinth” during the July 26th episode of Exposure.

Featuring the short works of students, up-and-comers, and leading professionals, Exposure is SCI FI’s response to a new era of students, artists, inventors and multimedia creators – the pioneering force behind the ever-evolving craft of filmmaking. As well as showcasing the hottest sci-fi talent you’ve never seen, Exposure gives viewers the chance to see early works by, and interviews with, cinema masters who got their start through the short film medium. Additionally, SCIFI.COM offers an in-depth, cross-platform experience for viewers through an extensive Web area devoted to interactive elements of the on-air show, interviews and a growing multimedia library of sci-fi shorts.

SCI FI Channel, owned and operated by USA Cable, a division of USA Networks, Inc.’s Entertainment unit (NASDAQ: USAI), 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.