Press Release: Official web site devoted to science fiction author Philip K. Dick set for November 2003 launch

Debut to coincide with the release of “Paycheck” from Paramount Studios starring Ben Affleck

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2003

Los Angeles, CA – More than 20 years after his death, the life and work of novelist Philip K. Dick are more influential, more talked about, and more popular than ever. His Estate is proud to announce the impending launch of an official Web site dedicated to the author at philipKdick.com.

The launch will take place in November 2003 to coincide with the theatrical release of Paycheck, the Paramount motion picture based on Dick’s 1952 short story of the same name, starring Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman, directed by John Woo.

PhilipKdick.com will serve as Philip K. Dick’s official Web presence, connecting hundreds of thousands of fans around the world with information about the author and with each other. In addition, the Estate will unveil exclusive content from the author’s archives throughout the site.

From his first short story in 1952 to his final works in 1982 Dick used the techniques and ideas of science fiction to explore psychology, religion, politics, and technology with compassion and humor. Today, nearly all of his prodigious output of short stories and novels is in print both in the United States and in dozens of foreign countries, and sales are at an all-time high.

His impact has been further spread by the record number of major motion pictures based upon his work, including Total Recall, Minority Report, Blade Runner, and the upcoming Paycheck, and by the many others directly inspired by or influenced by his unique vision, such as the Terminator and Matrix Series, The Truman Show, Memento and David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. Nine new motion pictures based on Dick’s novels or short stories are currently in development in Hollywood.

Jason Koornick, a film and music producer residing in Los Angeles will build and maintain the new web site. He started the original philipKdick.com in 1998 as a vehicle to meet other PKD fans. It has since grown into the most comprehensive online resource dedicated to the author and his ideas. Contributions from fans include articles, fiction, artwork, letters, exclusive interviews, multimedia, and photographs. This original site will continue as the “fan site,” a separate but active section of the new, authorized philipKdick.com.

The Philip K. Dick Estate is represented by his daughters Laura and Isa, his son Christopher, and Mr. Dick’s literary agent Russell Galen. They will work closely with Mr. Koornick to offer exclusive, previously unavailable Dick material. His voluminous output of letters, essays, his famous “Exegesis” which analyzes his life-changing experience of 1974, photographs, and interviews will also find a home at the new philipKdick.com.

“I’m thrilled to be involved with sustaining and growing the legacy of my favorite author,” Mr. Koornick says. “I’ve gotten so much from Philip K. Dick’s words that it is deeply satisfying to be able to give something back. Phil would have been fascinated by the Internet while seeing the beauty and the absurdity in how people use it. PhilipKdick.com, as the official site authorized and maintained by Dick’s family, will be a loving tribute to the author’s vision that will become a rallying point for readers around the world.”