In the following University of Kansas professor James Gunn interviewed Rod Serling about science fiction in literature. It is incredible and inspiring to hear a creator show true humility and deference to the works of science fiction.

I think the networks have traditionally and almost ritualistically short-changed the science fiction audience both qualitatively and quantitatively. I don’t think…they’ve given the proper respect to science fiction as a legitimate area of literary attempt. Number one, I think, first of all, it’s a high level literary form and number two I think it’s much more than a small coterie of loyal viewers who’ve read Amazing Stories and want to go on.

I think it’s a sizable group, particular amongst the young. Because we live in a society which is so technologically improved and which is so scientifically orientated now that indeed this is simply a reflection of the time around us now. –Rod Serling

It is refreshing to see a creator genuinely interested in making good stories and being brutally honest about his own work. This is such a stark contrast to the bulk of creators popular today that seem to believe the sun rises and sets on their “awesome film-making abilities.”

As you’ve no doubt noticed, we’ve placed the interview above the cut and combined them into a playlist for easy viewing.

Read the rest of this entry »