PREMIERE

A PSYCHIATRIST TRIES TO GET THE TRUTH FROM A VERY UNUSUAL PATIENT, ON THE PREMERE OF ABC'S "MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION," SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Judy Davis and Sam Waterston Star

Four thought-provoking tales of present and future Earth are brought to life in the all-new anthology series, featuring a stellar lineup of actors and directors, and narrated by acclaimed physicist Professor Stephen Hawking. "Masters of Science Fiction," from Starz Media in association with Industry Entertainment and its Vancouver partner, Reunion Pictures, is based on some of the genre's most popular and highly regarded short stories.

Academy Award� nominee and Emmy� nominee Sam Waterston, two-time Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner Judy Davis, Anne Heche (ABC's "MEN IN TREES"), internationally renowned star Malcolm McDowell, Terry O'Quinn (ABC's "Lost"), Elizabeth Rohm ("Law & Order"), two-time Tony Award winner and Emmy winner Brian Dennehy, two-time Academy Award nominee John Hurt and James Denton (ABC's "Desperate Housewives") star the four installments of the series.

In the premiere episode, "A Clean Escape," set somewhere in the not-so-distant future, psychiatrist Dr. Deanna Evans (Judy Davis) doggedly interrogates a distinguished man (Sam Waterston) who appears to be suffering from a lapse in memory. Why can't he remember � and why is it so important that she uncover the secret he holds deep inside? The episode airs SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Starring are Judy Davis as Deanna, Sam Waterston as Havelman, Allison Hossack as Kelley, Malaya Cooks as the technician, Peter Bryant as Dr. Gavin, Tom Butler as Geslow, McKye Kelly as Claire, Burkely Duffield as Will, Peter Hall as Nick and Robert Moloney as Pierce.

"A Clean Escape" is based on Nebula Award-winning author John Kessel's short story. Award-winning director Mark Rydell ("On Golden Pond," "The River," "The Rose") directed from a script by Sam Egan ("The Outer Limits").

"Masters of Science Fiction" is filmed on location in Vancouver, B.C., and is from Starz Media, in association with Industry Entertainment and Reunion Pictures. John Hyde is executive producers for Starz Media. Industry Entertainment's Keith Addis, Brad Mendelsohn and Andrew Deane are executive producers. Sam Egan and Lisa Richardson are co-executive producers. Industry's Ben Browning and Adam Goldworm are co-producers.

The series is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.