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Science fiction anthology television series

Electric Dreams
Genre
Based on
Short stories
by Philip K. Dick
Developed by
Theme music composer
Harry Gregson-Williams
Composers
Countries of origin
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
Original language
English
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
  • Ronald D. Moore
  • Michael Dinner
  • Bryan Cranston
  • James Degus
  • Isa Dick Hackett
  • Kalen Egan
  • Christopher Tricario
  • Maril Davis
  • David Kanter
  • Matt DeRoss
  • Lila Rawlings
  • Marigo Kehoe
  • Kate DiMento
  • Don Kurt
Producers
  • Lynn Horsford
  • Rupert Ryle-Hodges
  • Dan Winch
Running time50 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
Release17 September 2017 (2017-09-17) –
19 March 2018 (2018-03-19)

Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams, or simply Electric Dreams, is a science fiction television anthology series based on the works of 20th-century writer Philip K. Dick. Written by British and American writers, the series consists of ten standalone 50-minute episodes serving as adaptations of Dick's work—nine short stories and one novelette ("Autofac").[1][2] Electric Dreams premiered on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2017,[3] and in the United States on Amazon Prime Video on 12 January 2018.[4]

Production

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Development

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The series was initially planned to run on AMC and Channel 4, before AMC pulled out, leading Channel 4 to announce the series.[1] In February 2017, it was announced that Amazon Video had bought the U.S. rights to the series.[2]

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television with Ronald D. Moore, Michael Dinner, and Bryan Cranston serving as executive producers. Cranston also stars in one of the episodes.[1] The episode writers include Ronald D. Moore, Michael Dinner, Tony Grisoni, Jack Thorne, Matthew Graham, David Farr, Dee Rees, and Travis Beacham.[5] Jack Thorne wrote the teleplay for "The Commuter", based on the short story of the same name, with Tom Harper directing the episode.[6]

Casting

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In March 2017, Timothy Spall joined the episode "The Commuter", starring opposite Anthony Boyle and Tuppence Middleton.[6] The following month, Jack Reynor and Benedict Wong were cast to lead the episode "Impossible Planet", alongside a supporting cast including Geraldine Chaplin and Georgina Campbell.[7] Also in April, Steve Buscemi was cast in "Crazy Diamond", and Greg Kinnear and Mireille Enos joined the episode "The Father Thing".[8]

On 3 May 2017, Anna Paquin and Terrence Howard were cast in the episode "Real Life", with a supporting cast including Rachelle Lefevre, Jacob Vargas, Sam Witwer, Guy Burnet and Lara Pulver.[9][10] Also in May, Richard Madden and Holliday Grainger were announced to star in "The Hood Maker".[11] Later that month, Vera Farmiga and Mel Rodriguez were cast to lead the episode "Kill All Others", with Jason Mitchell, Glenn Morshower and Sarah Baker also appearing.[12][13] Finally in May, Janelle Monáe and Juno Temple joined the cast of the episode "Autofac" alongside Jay Paulson and David Lyons.[14]

In June 2017, Maura Tierney and Annalise Basso were cast to star in "Safe and Sound", and Bryan Cranston was confirmed to appear in the episode "Human Is" with Essie Davis, Liam Cunningham and Ruth Bradley.[15]

Filming

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Five episodes were filmed in England and five were filmed in Chicago.[16]

The fourth episode of the series, "Crazy Diamond", filmed in two locations in Kent, England; the Dungeness estate was used for various exterior settings and driving scenes, and the Cheyne Court wind farm was used as the checkpoint Sally passes on her way in and out of the estate.[17]

Music

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Harry Gregson-Williams was hired to compose the main titles theme music and score an episode, and Ólafur Arnalds and Cristobal Tapia de Veer were also hired to score multiple episodes each.[18] Brian Transeau and Mark Isham scored music for the episode titled "Autofac", while Bear McCreary scored music for three episodes in the first season.[19]

Sequels

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Amazon intended the production as a limited series. The Hollywood Reporter reported in 2019 that sources said Sony TV was attempting to find a new home for the drama.[20]

Episodes

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Each episode is based on a short story by Dick.[21] The episode sequences are different on Channel 4 and Amazon Video.[22]

No.TitleDirected byTeleplay byBased onOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
1"The Hood Maker"Julian JarroldMatthew Graham"The Hood Maker"17 September 2017 (2017-09-17)1.49[23]
2"Impossible Planet"David FarrDavid Farr"The Impossible Planet"24 September 2017 (2017-09-24)1.35[24]
3"The Commuter"Tom HarperJack Thorne"The Commuter"1 October 2017 (2017-10-01)1.50[25]
4"Crazy Diamond"Marc MundenTony Grisoni"Sales Pitch"8 October 2017 (2017-10-08)0.96[26]
5"Real Life"Jeffrey ReinerRonald D. Moore"Exhibit Piece"[27]15 October 2017 (2017-10-15)0.88[28]
6"Human Is"Francesca GregoriniJessica Mecklenburg"Human Is"29 October 2017 (2017-10-29)0.85[29]
7"The Father Thing"Michael DinnerMichael Dinner"The Father-thing"26 February 2018 (2018-02-26)N/A
8"Autofac"Peter HortonTravis Beacham"Autofac"5 March 2018 (2018-03-05)N/A
9"Safe and Sound"Alan TaylorKalen Egan and Travis Sentell"Foster, You're Dead!"12 March 2018 (2018-03-12)N/A
10"Kill All Others"Dee ReesDee Rees"The Hanging Stranger"19 March 2018 (2018-03-19)N/A

Reception

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On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 72% based on reviews from 53 critics, with an average rating of 6.06/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Electric Dreams's dreamy production values and optimistic tone help make up for a lack of originality and tonal cohesion – and save the show from feeling like just another Black Mirror clone."[30] Metacritic assigned the first season a weighted average score of 68 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[31]

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2018 44th Saturn Awards Best Guest Performance in a Television Series Bryan Cranston Nominated [32]
Best New Media Television Series Electric Dreams Nominated
2nd Black Reel Awards for Television Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series Terrence Howard Nominated
Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series Janelle Monáe Nominated
Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series Dee Rees
(for the episode "Kill All Others")		 Nominated
Outstanding Writing, TV Movie or Limited Series Nominated
70th Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Music Composition
for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special		 Cristobal Tapia de Veer
(for the episode "Crazy Diamond")		 Nominated
Harry Gregson-Williams
(for the episode "The Commuter")		 Nominated
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The series was greenlit for production by Channel 4 in the UK and Amazon Prime in the United States. The first six episodes were screened weekly on Channel 4 in 2017, with the rest premiering on 12 January 2018 on Amazon, when the entire season was released on Amazon Streaming worldwide (except UK, Canada and Australia). On Amazon, the episode order is sequenced differently from the UK broadcast.[2] Electric Dreams was broadcast on Space in Canada[33] and on the streaming service Stan in Australia.[34]

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 Lodderhose, Diana (10 May 2016). "Bryan Cranston to Star in Philip K. Dick Series From 'Outlander's' Ron Moore". Variety. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Littleton, Cynthia (14 February 2017). "Amazon Grabs U.S. Rights to Bryan Cranston's 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' Anthology Series". Variety. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  3. ↑ Jaafar, Ali (10 May 2016). "Bryan Cranston To Star Electric Dreams: The World Of Philip K. Dick". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  4. ↑ White, Peter (20 November 2017). "'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams': Amazon Sets January Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  5. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (14 February 2017). "'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' TV Series From Ron Moore, Michael Dinner & Bryan Cranston Picked Up By Amazon". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  6. 1 2 Petski, Denise (21 March 2017). "Timothy Spall To Star In 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' 'Commuter' Episode". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  7. ↑ Lodderhouse, Diana (7 April 2017). "Jack Reynor & Benedict Wong To Star In 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' 'Impossible Planet' Episode". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  8. ↑ Mitchell, Robert (18 April 2017). "Steve Buscemi, Greg Kinnear Enter 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams'". Variety. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  9. ↑ Pedersen, Erik (3 May 2017). "Anna Paquin & Terrence Howard To Guest On 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' For Amazon". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  10. Otterson, Joe (3 May 2017). . . from the original on 25 June 2021.
  12. ↑ Mitchell, Robert (24 May 2017). "Vera Farmiga Joins Cast of Anthology Series 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams'". Variety. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  13. ↑ Petski, Denise (24 May 2017). "'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams': Mel Rodriguez & Vera Farmiga Join Sci-Fi Anthology Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  14. ↑ Verlocci, Carli (31 May 2017). "Janelle Monáe, Juno Temple Join 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' Cast". TheWrap. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  15. ↑ Pedersen, Erik (6 June 2017). "'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams': Amazon Finalizes Season 1 Cast With Maura Tierney & Others; Bryan Cranston Role Set". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  16. ↑ "Swanberg's "Easy" one of 3 new TV series filming here". ReelChicago. 11 January 2017. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  17. ↑ "Filming in Kent: Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams (2017)". Kent Film Office. 14 September 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017.
  18. ↑ "'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' to Feature Music by Harry Gregson-Williams, Olafur Arnalds & Cristobal Tapia de Veer". Film Music Reporter. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  19. ↑ "New Episodes of 'Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams' to Feature Music by Mark Isham, BT & Bear McCreary". Film Music Reporter. 9 January 2018. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  20. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (28 January 2019). "Isa Dick Hackett Inks First-Look Deal With Amazon". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  21. ↑ Carroll, Tobias (5 February 2018). "How Electric Dreams Compares to Philip K. Dick's Short Stories". Vulture.com. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  22. ↑ Tallerico, Brain (22 January 2018). "Every Episode of Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams, Ranked". Vulture.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  23. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 11 Sept – 17 Sept.
  24. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 18 Sept – 24 Sept.
  25. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 25 Sept – 1 Oct.
  26. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 2 Oct – 8 Oct.
  27. ↑ "Interview with Ronald D. Moore for Electric Dreams". Channel 4. 6 September 2017. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  28. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 9 Oct – 15 Oct.
  29. ↑ "Weekly top 30 programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2017. Ratings on Channel 4 (SD+HD) for week 23 Oct – 29 Oct.
  30. ↑ "Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  31. ↑ "Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams: Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 3 March 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  32. ↑ McNary, Dave (March 15, 2018). "'Black Panther,' 'Walking Dead' Rule Saturn Awards Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  33. ↑ Middleton, Richard (5 June 2017). "Bell bags Dick's Electric Dreams". C21Media. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  34. ↑ Johnston, Rae (1 August 2017). "Philip K Dick's 'Electric Dreams' Is Coming To Stan". Gizmodo Media Group. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
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