Two weeks ago the Star Trek New Voyages team premiered their third episode "World Enough and Time" in an Internet streaming event. Unfortunately at the time they were not ready for the demand and it was taken down, but the problems are all sorted out and now it is available for streaming again at a new location (small and medium WMV only…currently limited to 300 simultaneous streams). Plus there is an official bit torrent site up now as well. The STNV team have also secured even better streaming providers which should come online within a few weeks. Now that things are sorted out for WEaT, the STNV team are moving on to their next episodes. Executive producer and star James Cawley talked exclusively with TrekMovie.com about what we can expect next from the popular independent Star Trek production.
New faces
The STNV team are already hard at work on post-production for their fourth episode "Blood and Fire" based on an adapted unused TNG screenplay by David Gerrold (see related article for more details). That episode has been expanded to be a two parter so it will actually end up being episodes 4 and 5 for STNV. The big guest star for that episode will be TNG’s Denise Crosby who will be playing Dr. Jenna Yar, an ancestor to TNG’s Tasha Yar (pictured above). The other big change for "Blood and Fire" is the recasting of Mr. Spock and Lt. Uhura. Professional actor Ben Tolpin (IMDB page) will be taking over for Jeff Quinn as Spock and aspiring actress Kim Stinger will take over for Julienne Irons as Uhura. Quinn and Irons had to leave due to scheduling conflicts, but Cawley tells TrekMovie.com that he used their departures as "an opportunity to cast working professionals." Although the series has had the benefit of many professional guest stars, these two will be the first actual SAG members as regulars. It is a welcome sign to see STNV realize it can still be a fan film with the fans behind the camera.
Tolpin (left) and Stinger (right) join STNV in "Blood and Fire"
Progression towards TMP
There will also be some changes with the look of the show. Cawley will start to incorporate wardrobe from "Phase II" (the planned Star Trek series from the 70s that eventually was scrapped in favor of ST: TMP). Most of these costumes will be genuine originals purchased from the "It’s a Wrap" Paramount auction (in fact Cawley bought out everything left in their Phase II inventory). James feels that slowly introducing new elements "shows the progression" towards the end of the 5 year mission and on into the movie era. Another way he will show this progression is by introducing the character of Xon (played by Patrick Bell). He has also brought in TMP style engineering radiation suits, however Cawley does not plan on fully transitioning to the often maligned TMP style of uniforms until his final episode (whenever that is). Cawley jokes "we will show them pulling into space dock and being handed their new uniforms, which they will hate."
Left: Cawley (Kirk) in Phase II uniform – Right: Root (Scotty) in TMP radiation suit
The Dochterman effect
The other change starting with "Blood and Fire" is that Daren Dochterman is joining STNV as a visual effects supervisor – working with Joel Bellucci and the DAVE school. Although the TrekMovie.com review of "World Enough and Time" noted that the DAVE school had made marked improvements for the effects from the previous episodes, there are still some issues with the Enterprise model (and of course…the nacelle caps). Plus some of the ship movements are still a bit anachronistic. Dochterman tells TrekMovie.com that he will ensure that the effects are more in line with The Original Series, but will still be evolved (as it would have evolved in a 4th or 5th season).
Dochterman/Bellucci/DAVE school Enterprise in "Blood and Fire" (click to enlarge)
Faster pace
Another change for STNV is the plan to start putting out episodes at a faster rate. Currently the goal is to have both parts for "Blood and Fire" (Episodes 4 and 5) out by this holiday season – just a few months after the recent premiere of the third episode ("World Enough and Time"). The sixth episode (the follow up to "Blood and Fire") goes into production in March. The ambitious goal is to release episode 6 by late summer and the seventh episode by the end of 2008. This is a much faster pace than seen before by STNV (the first episode came out in 2004 and the second in 2006).
Mudd can wait, get ready for cats
Episode 6 was originally going to be "The Sky Above, The Mudd Below" featuring veteran Trek actor J.G. Hertzler as Harcourt Fenton Mudd. However Hertzler (who is also slated to direct) has some issues with his schedule and so his episode has moved officially into the ‘TBD’ category (no sooner than 2009). Cawley has not yet decided what will be the two episodes for 2008, but he has three current candidates.
One possibility for episode 6 (or 7) is an adapted script originally planned for the (not-to-come-to-be) 5th season Star Trek Enterprise titled "Kilkenny Cats" written by sci-fi giant Larry Niven and veteran Trek writer Jimmy Diggs (who will also direct). As you might guess from the title that it involves bringing Niven’s cat-like Kzinti (to be created entirely in CGI) into the Original Series (something Niven previously did in his TAS episode "The Slaver Weapon."). The second possibility is a script from sci-fi luminary George Clayton Johnson (who wrote "The Man Trap" and co-wrote the novel Logan’s Run). Clayton had sold the script (called "Rock-A-Bye Baby–Or Die") to Roddenberry for the first season of TOS, but it was never produced. Johnson later bought it back and now wants the STNV to do it. This would be a ship-based "bottle show" about an alien entity entering and growing up inside the Enterprise’s computer and will be directed by Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise). The third possibility in the queue is an untitled script written by two (unnamed) veteran Trek writers which will be directed by Kevin Rubio (director of the most famous Star Wars fan film "Troops."). Cawley was sketchy on the details, but did say it would be a primarily planet-based episode to be shot mostly on location (Cawley actually scouted the Trek favorite location Vasquez Rocks last weekend).
So it looks like we will be seeing more and more from STNV in the years to come. TrekMovie.com wishes the team good luck and hopes they continue to raise the bar on both fan films and on themselves.
UPDATE: Next episode picked…dates set
On September 9th James Cawley posted the following update on the STNV website:
The Next episode of Star Trek: New Voyages will shoot from June 14th – 24th,2008 in Port Henry and Ticonderoga,N.Y. ! Both at the studio and on LOCATION! For the FIRST time The Enterprise crew will be beaming down and kicking ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The New Script is being written by Dave Galanter and Greg Brodeur from a concept by Howard Weinstein.
I can’t say more about the story yet, except that we will indeed be shooting a couple of Key scenes in March at Vasquez Rocks! the March shoot is by invitation only, Sorry but we need to keep the numbers to a minimum as this will be our First ever exterior shoot. This episode promises to be an all out action/adventure in the spirit of Original TOS, and I finally get the girl!
Vasquez Rocks…the next stop for the STNV crew
Related "World Enough and Time" links:
"World Enough and Time" also got a ringing endorsement from Rod Roddenberry (Gene’s son)
Looking forward to working on more eps! Glad to hear things are progressing good boss!
While I am disappointed to hear that J.G.’s episode has been put on the back burner, I am very much looking forward to seeing the new Spock and Uhura in “Blood and Fire” (and that is NOT to slam the contributions made by Jeff and Julienne, who I thought were two of the stronger actors in the original NV cast).
Great to see people with passion working so hard to realise their dreams. Someone at Paramount should hand these guys a budget to make a “canon” film.
The outfit that Denise Crosby is wearing looks very similar to the ones that the scientists wore in TNG (the episode with the sand that was alive, who called the crew “ugly bags of mostly water.”…lol…) I wonder if that was inspired by those outfits?
The Phase 2 outfits look great! Love to see more of this in the series.
Dochterman’s Enterprise is stunning! Simply perfect!!
Dirty Daren’s E looks AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get ready for the poopstorm to come when DD’s New Voyages effects are compared to the Trek remastered effort, if his E is a taste of what’s to come should be mind blowing!!!
I love NV almost as much as TOS. Loved WEAT, and looking forward to their new episodes–and I really hope that the faster pace really pans out.
It’s nice to see Capt. Kirk without Elvis’ hair. But I am also an Elvis fan, and have always wanted to see some video of James Cawley’s Elvis.
Does anyone know if there is any video available of Cawley doing Elvis?
Denise’s costume is an original TNG costume. I do not know the episode(s) it appeared in but it was purchased by James.
#4 – According the NV Mag it is one of the uniforms purchased from It’s a Wrap on Ebay!
Boy, I’m just not feeling the love for that phase 2 shirt. But I am looking forward to seeing the new Spock, even if he lacks the maturity of Nimoy’s Spock, appearance wise. If he has the acting chops I can look past the boyish looks.
I’m also looking forward…I think…to Gerrold’s story. I just hope it’s not a “hit you over the head” story about “tolerance” for gays. I always felt that in Trek’s time, gays would just “be”…without any prejudice and certainly without any fanfare. General acceptance is what Trek’s universe is all about, they shouldn’t make a big deal out of things like that..it makes Trek look like one of those very “special ” episodes of Blossom that made us all cringe.
Being engaging and thought provoking, without preaching, is a tough balancing act, I hope they succeed.
Guess that’s my 2 cents, till I see the episode.
#2 the people they had playing Uhura and Spock before were good. I’m looking forward to the future of New Voyage.
They should consider shifting to a Sulu series starring Takei, maybe as an additional venture if they can.
Wow, never seen one of these all the way through, and I gotta say it was surprisingly good. The actors were a little iffy in places, but the great production values made up for most of that. The teaser especially was really well done.
And I never thought I’d say this, but I’m kinda disappointed now that Takei DIDN’T get that Sulu series he wanted. I don’t know if he was just having an off day on that VOY episode or what, but he was really good here.
OK, I’ll admit it–I just watched the episode and was emotionally moved by it. I totally bought Sulu’s anguish (as well as Kirk’s). Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT!
THIS IS WHAT STAR TREK IS ALL ABOUT A GOOD STORY WITH EMOTION, THAT IS WHY STAR TREK HAS OUTDONE STARWARS , LOST IN SPACE, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA!! STAR TREK LIVES, AND SO WILL THE NEW MOVIE LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!!!!
Some obvious things here.
1. Takei was excellent! He was so convincing and very good as he was portrayed with that over the top outfit that they had him wear – it was such a good choice. More…more..more!
2. The Special Effects were equally fine. The best all around….keep up the good work.
3. Though I only watch about a 1/3 of it (so far) the story was something I’d gladly pay $$ to see in the theater. It looked better then most of the Feature films that Paramount released.
4. James Cawley should be saluted and given the recognition he deserves for all of the effort he has put forth on this series. He’s starting to look better (over time) as Capt. Kirk
The only real complaints are these:
1. The Spock character: Couldn’t someone…somehow give him better ears or perhaps a more talented (convincing character) to portray him? Looks almost like a Cartoon.
2. I can’t (for the life of me) understand why they feel they must portray such iconic characters on such a legendary ship? Why not start anew? New aliens and a ship to go along with it. It would make it so much easier to swallow. The medicine may be good but who wants a somewhat dull (at times) horse needle? Not me….!
Well…..in all fairness the new Spock looks much better. But….the other one was Ok too.
#12 – I second that for Sulu.
The Excelsior with Captain Sulu would be a fantastic series, and using the Excelsior as seen in the movies and ST:NV, I think great adventures can be had.
Since very little has been established about the Excelsior, there is a lot of room to develop the crew, and the possibility of the occasional guest encounters from that era.
Some episode ideas (just some of my thoughts):
1. Pilot – Excelsior has completed it’s refit (After Trek VI), and is launched with a new crew. During her shakedown, a distress call is recieved from a Klingon vessel, and the attackers are other Klingons.
As they help the Klingon ship, trying their best not to get into a brawl, and with tentions and prejudices showing on both sides, they uncover an underground movement in the Klingon Empire by the Duras family.
In bringing light to this group, the crew of the Excelsior face their own prejudices and preconceptions about the Klingons.
2. Tested – The Excelsior is undergoing a test of her Transwarp engines, and pushes them to the limits.
When the Engines are shut down beyond repair, and the backup systems are overloaded by a power surge, they have to figure out how to survive the harsh cold of space, and are pushed to the edge.
To make things worse, they are drifting slowly into the orbit of a Stellar Black Hole.
3. Children of the Hollow World – The Excelsior is sent to investigate the fate of the Yonada asteroid ship, which has started to form a colony, only to find it in a state of Civil War between a group breaking free of the strict religious regime enforced by the Oracle, and the Priestess, who is succumbing to a slow dementia for which there is no cure.
#4 – I believe the episode was “Home Soil”.
Say what you will about the STNV folks, you have to give them credit for being ambitious. I am amazed at what they’ve done, what they’re doing and what they’re planning. I wish them the best and I look forward to their progress and development. Next to new TOS-R images, STNV news gets me jazzed like nothing else on the site – including the reboot movie. Obviously the Star Trek umbrella is big enough to accomodate the interests of a lot of different kinds of people. Viva variety (and Las Vegas).
Demode – September 5, 2007
The outfit that Denise Crosby is wearing looks very similar to the ones that the scientists wore in TNG (the episode with the sand that was alive, who called the crew “ugly bags of mostly water.”…lol…) I wonder if that was inspired by those outfits?
You are correct, I have one of thease that was worn by Walter Gottell (James Bond movies) from IAW. Thease weren’t made but off-the-rack according to the tags inside. Remember this was the 80’s and shitty new wave bands had jumpsuits like this. I wonder if her’s was a auction costume as well?
Darth “Walter Rocks” Gottell
” I can’t (for the life of me) understand why they feel they must portray such iconic characters on such a legendary ship?”
Yeah, that’s what hurts it the most for me, because the acting just aint all that. If they were an all new crew, ala’ Exeter, I could buy them much easier. And while I’d just as soon watch a Star Trek who’s future from the end of season three up is entirely re-written, I give them some big props for the incorporation of Phase 2 elements.
“Remember this was the 80’s and shitty new wave bands had jumpsuits like this.”
Wow, I had somehow successfully managed to block that out, but you are exactly right. Grey utilitarian jumpsuits from the Scorpio Collection, manufactured by Globex, for all your henchmen’s megalomaniacal world-conquering clothing needs.
I’m really impressed by this latest effort. The first couple episodes were tough to get through, but I enjoyed this more than I enjoyed 90% of Voyager episodes. Great job, folks. You’ve hit your stride!
Well I’ll be Damned. I actually watched the whole episode. Pretty good. Takei, of course, was the best actor. Jeffery Quinn as Spock showed some improvement, as did Charles Root as Scotty. Though none can come close to mastering disappearing inside their roles like Takei. John Kelly’s McCoy has nothing on deForest, just a lump there. The actors er uh Portrayer’s of Kirk, Chekov and Uhura, well, only one came kinda close. Ahem, Keptin. The effects are much improved, nice. The photography and editing were very good. The pacing a bit rushed, though. It looked pretty decent on WMP. That’s a surprise. Good to see Mimi Chong reprising her role from STVI as Sulu’s daughter. Grace Lee Whitney has been hanging around the extras too long. 2.5 stars/5.
Exciting script ideas. But I think J.G. Hertzler is too slim and angular to play Harcourt Fenton Mudd.
#21: Isn’t that Henchco? You know, producer of Project Titan, supplier of the grunt villian redshirts who stole the pan-dimensional vortex inducer? CEO Jack Hench?
C’mon; I’m not the only one here looking forward to the Kim Possible finale, am I? :P
Anyhow, I was really impressed by WEAT, despite not being very happy with NV after TSAMD and In Harms’ Way. I’ll be looking forward to Blood and Fire, despite the sensitive political ground on which it treads.
Am I the only one that thought the first Spock guy’s head was totally disfigured compared to Leonard Nimoy? Not to be mean or anything, but he had a very V-shaped head, as opposed to Nimoy who was more an oval.
Just out of curiosity, what ever happened to “Starship Exeter”?
Watched most of the episode. The production values are top notch, and the acting is pretty good.
But I gotta say, I just can’t see ANY of these people as the original characters. I dont see Kirk, Spock, Bones, ect…I see people pretending to be them, and not succeeding at all.
And thats what I fear most about the new movie.
Good to see Mimi Chong reprising her role from STVI as Sulu’s daughter?
Star Trek VI??? Mimi Chong was in Star Trek before WEaT?
As i recall the only actress to play Demora Sulu before was JACQUELINE KIM in Star Trek Generations
The plans for the future are pretty cool. I admit that the Blood and Fire story doesn’t really excite me, but some of the other options sound like fun. And WEAT was outstanding. The worst part of WEAT was that they did so well with the guest casting that I don’t think they can ever top it short of getting Shatner.
I wish we could see more of Takei as Sulu, in any form. He did an amazing job.
The only thing about WEAT I felt was unnecessary was the Alana/Kirk romance subplot. Kirk’s only true love is his ship, and he would NEVER take time away from a life threatening emergency to deal with Alana.
Everything else about the episode I really enjoyed.
As for why they use the classic characters, I am thrilled about that. The characters are as important to the Trek universe as anything. We have time invested in these characters. They are classic for a reason.
I don’t care about new crews. That would just be a copy of a copy of a copy.
James (if you read this), your production is rapidly becoming top notch. But please, get yourself some acting lessons! You’re making Bill Shatner’s performance look like Shakespeare.
#28… I get the same impression.
.
The eye candy and set recreations (which are superb) and stunt casting only carry the show so far. It’s an interesting, fun at times, novelty, but nowhere close to being Star Trek’s 4th season. The real meat and potatos is the story and the characters. But in order to become emotionally invested in the characters I have to believe in them. And in order to believe in them, I need them to seem real. And to seem real, they need to be good actors. To quote Bill Shatner, “It hasn’t happened yet.” Not for me anyway.
#28 and #31
I think that this is a bit harsh.
Granted it is a bit jarring to have such well recognised roles filled by different actors, but I believe these people are doing a great job under considerable pressures.
Bear in mind that they do not have to just worry about getting the acting side of things done right. But as far as I am aware, especially in the case of James Cawley, they perform a lot of behind the scenes tasks as well.
I for one think the New Voyages team is getting better all the time and quite honestly believe they are going from strength to strength.
This is of course my opinion, and all others are welcome to theirs.
#29 I stand corrected sir.
Another vote for a Captain Sulu series/feature length episodes produced by the NV team.
Im wondering what made Cawley change his show concept. He originally said hed be doing 24 episodes based in season 4 and 24 in 5…now hes progressively moving toward phase 2. I guess he realized hed be 90 when season 4 ends. Then again Exeters 5 years mission ended before act 3 came out lol.
As for a NV Sulu series, Im sure George had fun making this. But I doubt he wants to work for free for the next few years making the fanboys dreams come true. Hes not trying to build a resume as some are.
Wonder how he manages to afford doing all this?JC must be a very rich man
Thank’s to everyone for the kind words about New Voyages.
I just want to point out that Joel Bellucci is Our Resident VFX supervisor and he has been doing the vast majority of work on our show. The cgi Enterprise above is actually a joel Bellucci / Daren Dochterman collaboration. Joel is a MADMAN! Both he and Daren are collaborating.
So BIG KUDOS to Joel and Daren, and what they have planned for us is Exciting.
James Cawley
“… but Cawley tells TrekMovie.com that he used their departures as “an opportunity to cast working professionals.” ”
Hmm, I hope they’ll also find a “professional actor” for Kirk….
Ditto on cheers for Joel Bellucci. He’s the guy doing the heavy lifting here… I’m just helping with some lighting and fancy engines so far. :)
Well Nightwish, Whether you like me or not, I am not going anywhere.
and I have been a working “paid pro actor” for almost twenty years, on stage. Feel Free to critique, Insult or whatever. I have the wear with all to take it…. I am playing in my childhood sandbox and nothing you or anyone else can say, can diminish my experience!
James Cawley
YOU TELL’EM JAMES!
Wasnt there an entire season of scripts (or at least detailed storylines) for Phase 2? I’m sure a book was wriiten about them detailing each proposed storyline….
Regarding the transistion to TMP – James Cawley have you read the second Annual in the DC comics 1st run? Its about the end of the 5 year mission and we see Decker come aboard in TMP uniform and Scot says he hates them…’I dinna wanna be zipping around the cosmos in a pair o pjs’ or the like – but Uhura likes them…Its a great read..full of references to the TOS and movies.
http://homepage.mac.com/mmtz/stcomix/dc1tosann.html
I’m all for seeing progession toward ‘Phase 2’ and leading up to TMP…that would be fun.
LOL @ 42.
One of the reasons you will take as much crap as you will is because you put yourself out there. You aren’t William Shatner, but you don’t claim to be. And you’re doing the best. Fact is, you are better than when you started.
Your biggest problem will be finding a way to top WEAT. Takei’s performance was so strong it will take a hell of a lot to even equal it. In my opinion, Blood and Fire isn’t a strong enough story to follow WEAT, but that’s just me. I know you are putting a lot into it.
What I really want to see is the long awaited special edition of To Serve My Days. At least some sort of clear explanation on why he’s back at his station. I know you guys want to look forward, but I think it’s a cloud hanging over your production that you can get rid of.
Based on a post you made and your general attitude, I can’t see you letting that stand as is.
btw – heres that book about the Phase 2 lost stories:
http://i22.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/ae/9f/e560_1.JPG
I didn’t realize the new Kirk shirt was a Phase II design, let alone an actual Phase II costume. When I saw it in the preview I thought it was a command version of McCoy’s sickbay shirt that NV had thought up. Either way it’s neat to see some variety and progression in design.
If Cawley bought all the Phase II costume material, much of it was unfinished, so is he actually sewing with and completing those original pieces or just using them for reference?
@Cawley
Your episodes are way better than the professionally-produced “And the Children Shall Lead,” which isn’t saying much, but I enjoy your episodes.
You and your crew rock.
I love the passion these people have for what they’re doing. Truly amazing that their sets look as good as…or better than…what has been done in modern Trek (Through a Mirror Darkly, Trials and Tribble-ations, Relics). The look of the show keeps improving and their vision is becoming even more ambitious. BUT IMHO…they should keep than ambition behind the camera. Producers are rarely good actors and vice versa. And stage experience doesn’t necessarily translate to strong performances in front of a camera.
Play from your strengths. The STNV universe looks absolutely professional/real. Now they should populate it with professional actors. The new Spock and Uhura are (most likely) a step in the right direction. Have the courage to keep going forward. Look at the buzz and awareness this “enterprise” has generated. Imagine how big it can become if they address their shortcomings with as much clarity and ambition as they’ve put into everything else.
Onward and Upward!
Some of the Phase II stuff was unfinished that I bought, And yes I took on the job of finishing those pieces for use on our show.
James