Science Channel has greenlit “The World of Michael Crichton,” a project that will focus on the late bestselling science fiction author.
Special, to air early in 2012, will look at the way the writer crossed over into television and film. His tomes adapted into movies include “Jurassic Park,” “Westworld” and “Congo,” while his most significant smallscreen accomplishment was creating “ER.”
“Before he was an entertainment icon, Michael Crichton was a man of science,” said Science Channel g.m.-exec VP Debbie Adler Myers. “This will be an illuminating look at the remarkable life of a man who is synonymous with enthralling scientific drama but who also managed to maintain a very private personal life.”
Karga 7 will produce. Exec producers are Kelly McPherson, Miriam Leffert, Sarah Wetherbee, Emre Sahin, Laurent Bouzereau and Josh Berkley.
Popular on Variety
Also, the Steven Spielberg-exec produced “Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero” is set to premiere Aug. 25 on Science’s parent network, Discovery. The six-hour miniseries showcases the men and women who have rebuilt and restored the new structure at One World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. The site incorporates four skyscrapers, a transportation hub and a memorial featuring the largest man-made waterfall in history.
Science Channel will encore the mini in two three-hour segments, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4. All six hours will be telecast Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
“‘Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero’ will be a touchstone for audiences to remember, reflect and look forward,” Myers said.
Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Danny Forster, Victor Kralyevich, Kristy Sabat and Christo Doyle exec produce with Spielberg and Myers.
