New Voyages Heads To Phase II February 18, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: New Voyages , trackback
The popular independent fan production Star Trek New Voyages is changing its name and changing direction. Starting immediately New Voyages will be known as Star Trek: Phase II, adopting the name of the planned but never produced ‘second Star Trek series.’ Show star and executive producer James Cawley announced the change at the Farpoint Convention in Baltimore on Saturday. Cawley talked to TrekMovie.com about the new name and new direction for the show formerly known as New Voyages.
Bridging the gap
The original Phase II was going to be the series television return of Star Trek, with most of the Original Series cast. It was to be the cornerstone of a new Paramount network. Scripts were written, costumes were made, sets were built and things were ready to go but the network deal fell through and eventually the show evolved into the feature film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Cawley says that he has always been "enamored" with Phase II for what "it could have been." and over the last year he has been building an inventory of materials related to it. He and his team have been working with Jon Povill, story editor on Phase II as well as an associate producer on Star Trek: The Motion Picture, who has provided scripts, outlines, pitches and other background material. In addition Cawley has been purchasing many of the original Phase II costumes which have become available through the "Its A Wrap" Star Trek auctions.
The plan is to begin to incorporate more and more original Phase II ideas and designs into the series as it heads towards the end of the 5 year mission. Of course the original Phase II was to be a second 5 year mission. However, it is Cawley’s plan is to try to ‘bridge the gap’ between the end of TOS (in the third year of the five year mission) and The Motion Picture. Cawley explains:
I am in no hurry to end the five year mission, but obviously I want to see us progress towards the end of it and the start of The Motion Picture. So how to get from here to there? You can’t go at it as if you end the five year mission then do Phase II then have The Motion Picture because many elements of what would have been in Phase II are now in The Motion Picture. For example, we can’t bring in Ilia because you saw her greeting the crew for the first time in Motion Picture, but we can bring in Decker if we wanted to. So basically what were are going to do is involve certain element of the concept of Phase II into the timeline of the last two years of The Original Series.
New Star Trek: Phase II logo (designed by Daren Dochterman)
Some of this transition has already started. In the upcoming episode, "Blood and Fire" Cawley’s Kirk will be seen wearing a Phase II shirt and Scotty (Charles Root) will be sporting a TMP engineering uniform. That episode should be available by April or May. Plans are afoot to build a new Phase II-like set for engineering to appear in a future episode. In addition Cawley says that there will be "some Phase II adjustments to the Enterprise’s exterior, but only those that will allow us to see the progression to The Motion Picture." The new elements will likely begin to be seen more prominently in the episodes following "Blood and Fire." The Phase II team are planning on shooting "Rest and Retaliation" and an additional episode ‘back to back’ in June, with the first of those hoped to be out by the end of the year.
Left: Cawley (Kirk) in Phase II uniform - Right: Root (Scotty) in TMP radiation suit
from “Blood and Fire”
All in all this change of direction is a bold and potentially risky move. It is also somewhat ironic for the show that has prided itself on recreating The Original Series down to every detail. Perhaps Cawley’s recent stint on the set of JJ Abrams new Star Trek has inspired the self-described ‘purist.’ As Mr. Spock says in "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield," "change is the essential process of all existence."
New cast and new Phase II character
Speaking of changes at Phase II, there are also new cast members ready to board the Enterprise. The first is the previously announced Ben Tolpin who joined last year and will appear as Spock in "Blood and Fire." And for the following episode there will be a new Chekov and a new Sulu. Both of the current actors (Andy Bray and John Lim) have other commitments and have decided to leave the show. Stepping in are JT Tepnapa as Sulu and Jonathan Zungre as Chekov. Both are experienced actors with stage and commercial work.
And to show the progression to Phase II, the character of Xon has been added to the cast (played by Patrick Bell). Leonard Nimoy was not going to join the the original Phase II so Gene Roddenberry created the character of the Vulcan science officer Xon, who was to be Spock’s replacement. The role was even cast (with David Gautreaux), but once the series evolved into Star Trek The Motion Picture Nimoy came on board and Xon was no longer needed. Bell’s Xon will appear in the new Phase II episode “Blood and Fire,” but in this case he is just joining the crew and not replacing Spock.
(L-R) Bray, Cawley, Tolpin and Jay Story (Kyle)
in a shot from “Blood and Fire”
More on cast and name/direction change at the official site.
Comments»
Now this I have to see!!
Look at the bridge above!
See how modern and futuristic it still looks even today?
Why couldn’t the new Star Trek film keep the same interior design?
Should be interesting. My Phase II book by the Stevens is one of my faves.
No matter what they do with it I wish ‘em the best of luck. Cawley & Company’s work gets better and better and I’m excited to follow it; that last one made me all misty-eyed both times I watched it (but Cawley, dude, enunciate just a little more for me, man … I seriously have to tap back sometimes to make out what youv’e said).
This is a cool idea!
thank god rodenbarry s second vision will be shown
Those sets are amazing!
I am going to start watching these episodes asap.
Does everyone see how retro-futuristic still holds up?!?!?!?!
To quote a late great Captain we all know and love.
“Sounds like fun!”
Sweet !
#2 & #7
In my eyes, that set doesn’t hold up at all as looking futuristic. The Master Control room as the TV station I work at looks more technologically advanced than the TOS Enterprise set.
Good on them!
Silly question, but did these guys win the lottery? Does Paramount allow them to turn a profit (or at least meet costs) somehow?
I have taken the time to see some of their productions, & am amazed by the professionalism of a self-professed ‘fan-production’!
Phase 2 captures my imagination as well … unexplored ground is what ST is all about. ‘Cool’
This is cool. I’m interested in how they’re going to handle the Enterprise. There was a complete design for the Phase 2 ship but I’ve never considered if it would still fit in to continuity having abandoned the show in favor of the new matrix, I mean movie. Doing the Phase 2 ship would require an entire refit in and of itself.
This will be a fascinating new aspect to Cawley’s productions, and I don’t think it detracts at all from the TOS “purist” visions. Had Phase II gone into production as a TV series, a lot of things would have looked different. The Enterprise refit was still part of the story, as were new characters and costumes. The simple fact that Cawley’s intent has always been to “bridge the gap” between the end of TOS and the beginning of TMP makes this a perfect idea.
And I have a request for Mr. Cawley: If you can use script treatments from the original Phase II, Richard Bach wrote an interesting story called “Practice in Waking” that I think would make a great episode for you. Please see if you’re able to put that episode together.
Best of luck to the Phase II (nee New Voyages) crew!
(Oh, and here’s hoping they can slip in a nod to “Black Fire,” an older Trek novel by Sonni Cooper which addressed the transition from TOS-to-TMP with a nice bit of humor back in the day) ;)
I wonder what Edith Keeler will have to say about this …? :)
See? We managed to have a third season, and now, we have managed to have a fourth. It has taken us 40 years, but we’ve done it!
Trekkies can do anything!
*Sigh* For a lifelong Trek fan like myself, Cawley’s bridge set is a joy to behold. In its lighting and detail it’s damn near perfect. The part of me that will always be young wouldn’t change a thing. None of which means that the original bridge for its archaic details wouldn’t be laughed off the screen by contemporary audiences, and justifiably so. Hopefully, Abrams has managed to capture the essence of what we love about Matt Jeffries’ original concept while allowing for technical advances and modern tastes–we’ll just have to wait and see.
I’m looking forward to more New Voyages–uh, that is, Phase II–though I hope Cawley isn’t too faithful to what the aborted series proposed to do, as I found most of the stories and script treatments that have been described in various publications to be fairly weak at best. And it’s really a shame about Bray and Lim, who were not only decent actors (Bray managed to hold his own quite well opposite Walter Koenig, I thought), but bore an amazing physical resemblance to the originals as well. They’ll be missed.
>See how modern and futuristic it still looks even today?
No, I don’t see it actually. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the old bridge design but it does look very dated to me. I’m glad the new movie will be giving it a facelift, but I really admire and respect everything that New Voyages has done to faithfully recreate it.
Love New Voyages, been a fan since fairly early on, when the original “pilot,” which name escapes me right now, and “In Harm’s Way” were the only ones available.
The Phase II idea is great–I’m all for it. Except….. …. um, can we skip the Phase II/TMP uniforms/jammies? And go direct to to TWOK uniforms? Can’t we all just pretent the jammies never happened? :)
Exciting stuff! Can’t wait to see :)
#2 I can’t tell if you were being sarcastic…but I certainly hope you were. If you were to walk into a doctors office that hadn’t been redecorated since 1965 would you let them treat you? That’s the sorta vibe I get when I see the old set. Nifty for it’s time, but really. Would I wanna travel faster than light in that thing? Um, no.
I always loved the colour, the lighting and shadows across the actors faces in TOS that Mr. Crawley has captured so well. I liked the idea that the bridge was lit by mult-colored lights from above.
I also liked the unlabled candy buttons as well. It created a sense of mystery–and the sound effects that they made when pressed–I felt that they had to make music in order to operate the ship. It just seemed so otherwolrdly. I have not seen such a combination of colour and sound in any other sci fi.
To me touch screen panels that are now featured in the other series seems so conventional.
Yeah, I too think that bridge is just awesome! I also think it is right where it belongs; in a lavish, well-produced fan production that pays tribute to their favorite old show. Whatever I may think of the acting, the “Phase 2″ crew has done an amazing job recreating the look of the original series. I think it will be interesting to see where they will go from here.
However, I am one of those people who feels that it might have been a mistake to recreate the old bridge and other set designs for the later Trek episodes like “Relics” and such. While I love and respect those folks for writing us those love letters, look at all the continuity flap that has generated as a result. I am with those who don’t believe that the current crop of movie goers would buy this “classic” vision of the future. Most would find it too campy to be believable. My personal opinion has always been that they should have taken the James Bond approach with every new incarnation of Trek: New shows, new vision, same universe, same philosophy.
Let J.J. and Paramount “update” the concept for a new audience. Here in this alternate Internet universe, Cawley and co. have the opportunity to live out the purist dream and not worry about shoehorning it into “canon”. I think this is the perfect way for the two to co-exist.
Besides, he isn’t the first guy to build a starship bridge in his basement. Anyone remember John Cosentino’s Super-8 epic “Paragon’s Paragon” from the glory days of Don Dohler’s “Cinemagic”?
#11,
The way I understand it, they’re just a couple of financially well-off people with a VERY big hobby.
Imagine if you had a full-sized train set in your basement and David Copperfield stopped by your house to make the dining car disappear just before Agatha Christie reveals the murderer, and they do it for free out of respect for your love of trains.
What a terrible metaphor. I’m sorry, everyone : (
All the best to Mr. Cawley as he embarks on this new fan journey. Keep making those amazing episodes and the fans will continue to be behind you all the way.
“Phase II” isn’t copyrighted? I’m just asking.
I’m sorry to see both Sulu and Chekov are leaving. Young Chekov was a highlight of that episode and Sulu wasn’t so bad either.
Pfff, I wish they did’t steal that name. Find something out for yourselfs for crying out loud!
fanfilms can use copyrighted stuff, names images sets characters props etc as long as they dont make profit from the films…
The Phase II uniforms looked identical to the original series. Any changes would be beyond Phase II and into TMP.
Cawley must make a lot doing Elvis.
To bring a little more light to #11 and #24’s comments: Cawley said in a interview when New Voyages first started that he got permission from Paramount to produce these films. After Paramount saw the first episode, they gave him their blessing, as long as no money was being made. Cawley spent his own time and money in making the sets of the bridge, transporter room and now engineering. As far as I’m concerned, he is a purist in every since of the word. I wish him well in his forthcoming efforts!! Keep at it James!!!
come on guys for me as a relative young trekkie, im 22, the old tos bridge doesn’t looks cool. for real it looks exactly what it is, an old red coloured bad lightnend thing of paper.
i would hate it if j.j.abrams would use an exact replique in the new movie and i think 90 % of the watcher under 30 too.
#2 “See how modern and futuristic it still looks even today?”
Don’t think so ;-)
I love TOS, but unless JJ was going for some sort of live action Dick Tracy look, the original bridge would be a mistake on screen. Even back in the day of the TOS that look would blow out your retinas on the big screen.
I’m 28 and I think the TOS bridge looks cool. Not modern in today’s standards, but u see, what looks modern today looks dated in 10 years. It looks spaced out, crazy, retro-futuristic, totally unlike anything else and therefore looks futuristic and cool to me :)
Just as TOS as a whole I might add!
Wow. This answers a question I had posed to Cawley a while back. Incorporating the design elements is great, but changing the name??
I think that may have been a hasty misstep. The show was BRANDED. Now it’s been stripped of that identity. “Phase II” should remain the name of the unproduced series.
Sorry to see Andy and John leave. They were excellent.
Regarding the sets of the new film, I have a point to make…
If you compare TNG’s pilot, “Encounter at Farpoint”, with the final season — there’s a very obvious difference. Sets are better, lighting is way better, costumes and makeup are better (Crusher’s got her own hair!) etc.
Everything looks subtley slicker and cooler as the series develops. Yet in a way it’s supposed to be “the same ship” all along.
In the Trek universe, I consider TOS like a “pilot” in terms of production. The look of TOS doesn’t have to be rigidly preserved, no more than the look of “Encounter at Farpoint” has to be rigidly preserved. So I certainly don’t mind JJ Abrams giving the TOS Enterprise a “face lift” for the big screen, especially if it looks amazing (fingers crossed!).
And if ANYTHING is going to disrupt visual continuity with TOS, it’s the cast. Sets are far less significant than actors. Given the choice between having the original sets, and having the original cast, (as they appeared in the ’60s) I’m sure there isn’t a single Trekker who wouldn’t prefer the latter.
The fact is, a new cast means continuity is significantly broken, so a few style changes are not going to do much more harm. But, crucially, they will be IMPROVEMENTS. Just like season 7 TNG was a visual improvement to “Farpoint”.
To me, making things look better is NOT breaking canon. It’s just production. If JJ actually changes continuity — if he messes with established facts, if he reinvents pon farr, or “makes Greedo shoot first” (without very strong plot-oriented motivation), then that will be something to moan about.
#27 “find for themselves” OH… you mean like JJ is NOT doing?
I thnk the original bridge probably looks good and futuristic to anyone who hasn’t haunted fan boards for years listening to the cry of “those sets are made of cardboard”.
The design still works today because everything was created from scratch to make new technology. The controls aren’t modern toouchscreens or audio switchboards stuck on a wall. The screen displays aren’t conventional plasma screens displaying graphics that look like they come from your home PC. The circular stations and configuration is totally unique. The TOS design doesn’t look like anything else in Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica or Lost in Space, or Space 1999 or the real world.
The TOS bridge is totally unique and instantly identifiable. That’s why the design remains timeless.
I must admit, I´m impressed by this idea. Looking forward to it!
#38 “The TOS design doesn’t look like anything else in Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica or Lost in Space, or Space 1999 or the real world.”
I have to disagree regarding Space 1999. Like TOS, IMO its design is quite unique, identifiable and beautiful. As for the bridge of the original Enterprise, we are trekkers and we love it but there is no way that casual audience will get it other than a nostalgic show from the 60s. Star Trek has to tell wonderful stories, not bring laughs.
26. ety3
>“Phase II” isn’t copyrighted?
Part of the important news is that Paramount has given them permission to use the Phase II name and remaining archives.
Talking about TOS design, consider that back in 79 it was considered outdated and replaced by a new design that had a totally different look and feel. The bridge was round, the stations was in the same position but the colors, the lights, the shapes and the feeling was something new, more 70ish and like Space 1999 in my opinion. TOS visual feeling was no more.
So, in my opinion there is no absolute in Star Trek apart the vision of its creator.
This is very interesting news. I have always enjoyed the Phase II stories (well, most of them) and the vision for the show. The uniforms were going to be essentially TOS anyway, so that doesn’t bother me.
To be honest, and this is just my personal preference, I’d love to see Cawley pretend that the events in (name some episode) caused a divergence in the timeline. Then he could ignore TMP and beyond and create an alternate universe in which Phase II did exist as written.
Sure, I’d find a different way to handle Decker/Ilia (i.e., avoid Riker/Troi comparisons) but otherwise, I think a lot of the stories had potential. In particular, the two part Kitumba episode would have been excellent.
Hey, if you need a Decker, I could grow my hair back out ;)
Rob+
Thank G-d for people like James Cawley, his passion for TOS is clearly reflected in his work. I thorough enjoy New Voyages and look forward to Phase II. I only hope that Abrams and crew demonstrate their passion for the ST franchise in the movie. Continue to the great work Mr. Cawley!!!!
I have to believe that the folks at Paramount look on Cawley’s efforts as something that, while not making money, keeps the temperature warm under the franchise. That’s why they gave it their blessing.
The more they look at what Cawley is doing, the more they have to appreciate just how special a franchise Star Trek actually is meant to be.
#23.. I do remember that… I still have the copy of the Cinemagic issue that spotlights it…. those were the days!
Actually, a Phase II Star Trek recreation is less jarring visually than a TOS recreation because the Phase II material is less iconic, less familiar - and therefore easier to recreate convincingly. A brilliant move by Cawley if you ask me.
I will miss their Spock though (Jeff Quinn). He was really good.
I wonder if Crawley’s “enamor” with STP2 will extend to leaving Spock out of it? As with some much of this “New Voyages” hobby of his, he puts in whatever he thinks ST should be and leaves out the part that he doesn’t.
I have always found it odd, that he seems to get the benefit of the doubt on it and the actual owners of the copyrights and franchise don’t?
#38.. I agree the basic deisng was timeless… but not the execution. I prefer plasma screens rather than backlit paper posters. Real video screens with moving readouts to blinking lights or backlit static images.
The design can remain but the details be filled in for a more real look, and I think that’s what JJ is doing.
If they simply stay within the framework of the remaining two years of the original mission, there is no need to write around Decker, Illia or the missing Spock. That didn’t occur until after the five year mission was over. If they simply incorporate the design elements of Phase II into the existing years, you have the look without having to explain other things.
I loved the look of TMP. Ok the uniforms were a bit dodgy but I’d be happy if they did a variation on the theme… and maybe explain what the different colours mean, if anything. I liked the belt buckle idea (later adopted as the badges by TNG).
Most of all, I loved the increased number of alien crew. I’d be happy to see a Deltan crewman again, or an Andorian (I think Rhaandarite, Saurian and Arcturian make-up might be a bit outside their budget).
My only nerdy criticism so far is that Rand should be a petty officer, and then chief petty officer at the time of TMP (shown clearly on the promo pics). She became an officer at some unspecified future date (the movies are inconsistent showing her an officer in ST3 and a CPO in ST4).
I think Phase 2 should be fun, especially if they take us beyond TMP. I have to admit I was expecting the next Star Trek sequel to focus on the second 5 year mission. It will be interesting to see what happens.
These guys got major BALLS! They are very daring!! I like that!!
The acting is still developing, but they got HEART!!
I think it’s great that Cawley wants to proceed to Phase II.
However, a few important notes if you are out there, James…
1.) Presumably, all your set designs will change — not just the bridge — as there are designs out there for pretty much the entire Phase II Enteprise setpieces. Note that these were not exactly the same as the TMP sets. Structurally, the bridge set for Phase II was different from the TMP bridge as it had a holographic dome as part of a tactical station and it was designed to have a mini transporter on it as well.
2.) The Enterprise. Contrary to what a lot of fans think, the Phase II design IS NOT exactly the same as the TMP ship. The Phase II ship had pentagonal travel pod airlock doors (in fact, the travel pods were tetrahedronal pods that were actually part of the space office complex); shorter engine pods with different details, tapered engine pylons that also taper INWARD towards the engines where they connnect (top edge), two turbolift shafts visible on the exterior of the ship behind the bridge dome, a different less-detailed lower dome (more like the one in the original series; lit up), different photon-torpedo launcher (more rounded in appearance), NCC-1701 marking on the secondary hull, shuttlecraft hangar doors more like TOS Enterprise, etc.
I reiterate - the P2 Enterprise was NOT identical to the TMP ship.
It’ll be interesting to see what the NV team does with this…
When I was a kid, I got my dad to help me build a transporter console out of plywood, cardboard, acrylic paint and the air-conditioning controls from a junked car.
I am SO freaking jealous of James Cawley and his set designers/builders….!
: )
STAR TREK :The return of the stone age !
I hate ‘the red soldiers era ‘…i prefer ‘the purple soldiers era’..
54 Redjac –
In actual on-screen canon, we never saw Phase II bridge and ship designs, so it may have never happened. If the Phase II TV show ever did become a reality, then it would have featured a re-fit Enterprise. But since the TV show was scrapped for TMP, it was TMP that featured the re-fit ship design.
I always felt that the “re-fitting” Scotty talked about at the beginning of TMP was what changed the look from the familiar TOS ship into the TMP ship. There was no “in-between” refit — I think before TMP, the ship looked liked the TOS ship. Therefore Cawley’s exitsing bridge set and “stock” CGI ship design will be just fine for his version of Phase II, in my opinion.
10. Daniel Broadway
Agreed about master/live control in a TV station, our new ones look just like some kind of starship command center. They don’t laugh as much anymore when I lean in there and yell, “Klingon battlecruiser decloaking to starboard!” Heh.
arrrr…
the most realistic uniforms… as in what a sailor would actually be wearing… are (uh,oh- I almost hate to put it out thar) the Enterprise uniforms. Blue overalls…. that don’t rip too easily
While the red movie informs look bonny, who would spend all day wearing a formal suit in space? Checkov had enough and wore his pink civvies through a’few of the films…
arrrr…
I’ve always thought that the Spock in New Voyages looked too made up, making me realize immediately that it was merely a fan production. Hopefully they will remedy that along with the change in title. Maybe then I can actually say that I enjoy it.
-Hmmm…they are ‘the real trekkies’…their description on ‘phase II’ is very impressive..great job..but i still like ‘the purple era’
Hopefully this production won’t slowly evolve into the TMP look…
…I would hate to see Cawley wearing one of those form-fitting pajama uniforms that show a bit more of his anatomy than I would care to see. [shudders]
-I really don’t like ‘the new betazoids’..
#62.. yeah… those one-piece jumpsuits were distracting. Nobody should have to work in a suit that contantly outlines your private bits.
-Maybe the new betazoid race will be erased by klingons…
The Phase II uniforms were never going to be the jumpsuits, folks. :)
#54 Redjac
There are some good surprises in store in the months ahead. I hope I’m not talking out of turn, but James and I have discussed the Enterprise Refit for Phase II, and it is progressing.
More to come.
I know it’s in good hands, Daren…:-) I keep forgetting you are on this project…DOH!!!
Can’t wait to see what you guys do. I’ve always wanted to see the P2 ship on screen…I mean a screen accurate one. Some dude did one that’s out on YouTube….that thing’s not accurate — but I know yours will be.
Redjac
Thank’s to all of you for your enthusiasm! It is what keeps driving me to do this. The simple fact that I get to share my Fun with all of you is a Great Reward to me.
The set design will not change much, other than the Engineering set. We are however, creating updates to the Bridge thru the use of LCD displays.
We have been installing them around the bridge for some time now, and updating those blinking light panels(some of which can be clearly seen already in “World Enough” at Spock’s console) to deliver a better more active Set with Tactical displays etc. Even the large overhead screens will have Better actual animations on them, but still kept in tone and Flavor with TOS. The exterior of The Enterprise will be updated to reflect some of The planned Phase II elements, Darren Dochterman will be handling those modeling duties! Jon Povill will be helming an upcoming episode and David Gautreaux who was to play XON has agreed to appear as SAREK, The Legendary Father of Mr. Spock!
Jon Povill has provided me with a lot of materials to be used for research and at this time, we have no plans to use any of the unproduced scripts. As they require ALOT of changes, to fit whithin our framework, and I would not use any of them withut their original authors involved either.
We are mapping out our own journey with Proffesional writers doing the duties. So stick with us, I think this is going to be really fun!
And In case I have Not been heard before, J.J. Abrams, Bob Orci and Damon Lindleoff Rock!
What they have planned for all of us WILL BE AMAZING!
James Cawley
Way too cool, James!!!
You rule.
the original bridge and sets on Star Trek were filled with color because at the time people were buying color TV sets and wanted to SEE color.the networks also wanted shows with color to attract these viewers.
By the time the 70’s rolled around there was a different esthetic breifly represented by ST;TMP.
Maybe its just me, but from what I have heard, I think a re-fit Enterprise bridge would work very well as the bridge of the Excelsior in any future Sulu films.
Hint, hint… :)
I wish i was Crawley. He is in the new movie and has his own trek show and is captain kirk. none of the rest of us can say that.
Classic Trek rocks -there’s nothing wrong with the sets and props from the 60’s — it’s just a matter of using a little bit of imagination and having a little fun to see the characters and story through. Cawley and crew do a fine job of this on film- as do any number of other film makers, podcasters, fan-ficters - and role players on our site and many others.
I wish the Phase II crew the best of luck!
#6 Roddenberry’s second vision was in fact Star Trek The Next Generation. Many aspects of Phase II were taken over to TNG.
Jeez. Their Sulu and Chekov were fine. Now, if they wanted to throw Scotty overboard for a new actor, I don’t think I’d cry too much. Sorry, but it’s the true. Can’t say I’m a huge fan of TMP/Phase II’s 70’s sensibilities, either. The leisure suit look projected forward three hundred years is odd, to say the least. Still, Cawley has a fine project here. I WISH Sci-Fi would pick up stuff like this and make a weekly feature. We could use a break from ‘Sasquatch n’ Big Snake Theatre.’
I’m not sure where the line between “fan production” and copyright/legal issues begin…
Obviously, there will never be a James Cawley as Kirk action figure for sale at Toys R Us, etc…
I think if this was a Disney-based project, James would have been shut down a long time ago. It’s amazing Paramount is so lenient with their property.
But, anyway, I’d love it if Sci-Fi would air these NV and P2 episodes.
That would get me back to watching TV again! :-)
Problem is that Phase II also had the new weirdo enterprise (check out some of the designs–it’s a geometry diagram), which we know won’t happen, nor will the TMP enterprise happen until the movie. We did see Kirk wearing the really weird wide-collared T-shirt in one still though, which I didn’t care for.
For those that are un-familar with Phase II designs, The uniforms were the TOS design. Bill Theiss did however, create variations of them, for use on screen, such as short sleeved versions, utillities etc. He also modified the trousers from the strange sort of Bell bottom cuff to a more attractive pleat. At any rate, the standard duty uniform was pretty much the same. The silly Pajama style TMP uniform was not created unitl the switch over from P2 to TMP when Robert Wise brought in Robert Fletcher.
This move was one of the Biggest dis appointments for Mr. Thiess, he did however go on to major emmy success shortly afterwords.
James Cawley
James… having David G portray Sarek.. what a stroke of genius! Wow…
#78 You are mistaken the weird geometry design of the Enterprise to which you refer, was actually designed for the ILL-FATED Trek film “Planet Of Titans” in 1975-76, by non othe than Ralph Mcquarrie of Star Wars fame.
James Cawley
James — since you’re reading this –
Is there no way you could convince TPTB at Paramount to package your episodes as a block of Saturday specials for SciFi or some other readily available outlet? I know they don’t want you making bucks, but maybe they’d like to make bucks. We’d all like to see these projects given a nice glossy framework — possibly interviews, outtakes, etc. But, on TV — where old farts still tune for fun.
It all sounds very good. I’m thrilled. Now they need to find a way to let viewers put each episode into our own computers so we can view it at our leisure. I wonder if such a technology could ever exist?
No actually as I think about it, it’s more important that the producers know the numbers of those who’ve viewed the episodes. Much more important then the convenience of those who actually watch the shows.
James,
I think slowly incorporating design upgrades as envisioned for Phase 2 is a brilliant move. Now we’ll get to see some of those things that would have made the TV series look more advanced, while still within the 5-year framework. Keeping the good stuff and working in the better.
Great idea!
I am hopefull that at some point, something could be worked out between The studio and myself. You just never know! The Internet is the way of tomorrow!
Seriously, though I am constanly amazed by the experiences, I have been blessed with due to my connections with Trek. it has given me a very rich life, full of happiness and Friendships.
James
Well, that’s very disappointing news. Even more disappointing that such a faithful replica of the TOS Bridge will be destroyed to make room for a shitty one like TMP, or that the original uniforms will be replaced with the equally shitty TMP uniforms, which will look ridiculously out of place in whatever TOS sets he decides to keep. Either way this is a blow to TOS, and I’m sorry to see this happening.
Cawley was always something of a sell-out to those dumb TOS Movies, though, so this move doesn’t totally surprise me.
In that case, James –
Do you have any plans to do a “Mugatu v. Chubacabra” episode?
#86, Perhaps you should read my posts.
James
#86… have you been reading ANY of James comments here? He’s slowly incorporating elements from the UNSEEN Phase II show… not TMP.
It’s what Roddenberry himself would have done had the series gone on. Here, we’ll simply see the same TOS designs with some upgrades as time goes by.
You’re too harsh on someone that is living out our fan dreams for us.
James…. since you’re here.. we have a mutual friend… Roger Romage.
#86- James didn’t say they were going to replace the bridge or go in the total direction of TMP at all.
I’m looking forward to the P-II elements. It’s going to be fascinating!
TOS PURIST: (#86)
Have you ever heard of a thing called “storage?” I don’t think the classic bridge is going to be destroyed. The parts they are changing will probably be kept safe in storage. I’m sure they will be able to flip back and forth if they choose to do so. Relax. As for the Phase 2 uniforms, I think they look cool, and who says we won’t see a combination of the two uniform styles on screen? In TNG, we saw many of the extras still wearing the season 1 uniforms while the bridge crew got updated uniforms. I would be surprised if we didn’t see some of the crew wearing the classic uniforms.
Anyone have screencaps of this:
“In the most recent episode, “World Enough and Time” Cawley’s Kirk could be seen wearing a Phase II shirt and Scotty (Charles Root) wore a TMP engineering uniform.”
Don’t really have time to watch the whole thing to be able to find them myself. Thanks in advance!
hey james. i think you are doing a great job and i wish that if paramont and cbs was to do another series that you should be the one to head it up with mr abrams.i think you guys should be given a budget and cut loose to make a startrek series that gene roddenberry would be proud of. i love the new voyages/phase 2 and i want to thank you for keeping startrek on the air for all of us fans and please keep up the great work and if you can get william shatner to do a guest apperence and may spock himself as well that would be fantastic.
james,
roll on april man i needs my fix!!! and its a two parter too!!! oh the pain the pain!!!
as always you and your crew are the best!
The new guy they brought in as Spock looks terrible! But I guess now he fits in better. In TMP Kirk had a new toupee, I wonder if they will change theirs as well.
James Cawley™, my good Captain… I love your work and trust your decisions. Don’t let the hataz keep the playa from playin. Because playa got game, YO!
I’ve recently registered over at your forums and we can discuss your greatness further in that venue. Phase II, it is. ixnay on the ewNay oyagesVay. Gotcha!
BEST!!
=h=
So, in essence, we’re getting first some Phase 1 1/2 stories, then skipping TMP, and resuming with the second 5YM with a Phase II Take II?
The many novels covering the TOS-TMP era (and I *do not* mean Black Fire. Yuck. K/S done poorly. Yuck.) could really inform the production. Or at least the originals before the editors of the day and R. Arnold butchered them. James, you could probably get Margaret Wander Bonanno (garamet on many a Trek board) to contribute something if you asked. Heck, you could even make a great future Phase II episode out of the original Probe, not the published one. (Usually referred to by the subtitle Music of the Spheres.)
Looking forward to your use of Decker (I recall the comics approach, when he came onboard wearing the new TMP outfits, and the guffaws from some of the TOS-costumed Enterprise crew) in the era of run-up to TMP. Commander Sonak could immediately appear as Spock’s deputy, and begin the process of taking Spock’s place. And, I’d be interested to see if you bring in Lori Ciani. Chance for you to cast your significant other? :)
The after-TMP era should be interesting…. Maybe to replace Ilia, you could use the novel character Piper, or bring back the TOS character Tonia Barrows….
Best wishes!
I love New Voyages, and think that the whole idea of Phase II is spot on.
I also agree with these adventures of Star Trek being available on the Internet. As nice as it would be to see them on TV, you would have to deal with all of the garbage that goes along with working with a network.
I don’t think JC would be able to express his purely TOS ideas if he had to contend with all of the constraints of ratings, the anti-TOS crowd, etc.
I am also one of those people that believe that the Theiss look is what TOS was all about, along with the set/ship designs of Jeffries and the TOS crew. TMP took most of that look away.
I always wondered what P2 would have looked like. The more like TOS the better as far as I’m concerned, maybe even incorporating elements of TAS since that was actually the TOS crews fourth year of the five year mission.
Yeah, I am so old school, much like Mr. Cawley. Thanks JC for giving us New Voyages, and looking forward to Phase II!
sorry james, any plans to appear at any uk trek conventions cos me and my crew would love to me your crew!
If you’re interested in some of Matt Jefferies’ design work on the exterior of the uprated NCC-1701 for “Phase II,” take a look here:
http://www.cloudster.com/Sets&Vehicles/STMPEnterprise/Phase2Drawings.htm
Andy Probert also has posted photos of the Phase II model under construction (along with the Phase II drydock) as part of his feature on redesigning the Enterprise for ST:TMP:
http://www.probertdesigns.com/Folder_DESIGN/P-2_Enterprise.html
Wow, if this works it would be truly amazing as it would bridge a gap that has been glaringly obvious for almost 30 years.
Kinda reminds you of Tim Russ talk about his movie “not being a fan movie.” I say New Voyages is better, in almost every way, but in particular the story department. Now that they are drawing on quasi-official stories it’s getting better stil. Throw in sets and props that could not get any more “like the actual TV show” (because that’s what they have been designed for in the first place) the show the chance to become something truly unique.
I second the appearance at European conventions, by the way. I am absolutely sure that if you contact the FedCon people, for example, they would be more than happy to show at least some of the episodes. (unless they do already, missed the last few years as I wasn’t living in Europe.)
They should go Phase II all the way; that giant ribbed engine core they built for the TV series was interesting. Go for the uniforms in that preproduction painting too.
Looking so forward to it!!!
Thanks, James!!!!
Does Phase II include exploring the Deltan race and their culture of open sexuality? Now that would be interesting to see. Oath of celibacy in place or not.
And what spinoffs might we be seeing?
81 - My bad. I knew I’d seen it somewhere.
Why all the cast changes? Will there be a release stating Bray’s reasons for leaving? I really liked him as Chekov.
Okay, I’m going to allow myself just a small moment to fanboy freak-out because James Cawley actually responded to something I said…and I’m being serious here…the Man I [used?] to consider the Master Purist RESPONDED TO ME!!! OMFG!!!!!
…now that that’s out of the way….
Mr. Cawley, will you completely discontinue making straight-up TOS episodes?? I don’t like to “kiss-ass” like other people tend to do when we have a celebrity on here, but you’ve been a source of NEW TOS for us starved and deprived TOS fans for years. Please don’t take it away from us!! Don’t sell out!!
#107 -
How is this taking away TOS from us, or selling out? It’s showing a natural progression from Season 3 into Season 5…and showing that…yes, the world these characters live in does evolve and grow. I think you’re completely misunderstanding what James is doing. Yes, they are changing their name to Star Trek: Phase 2…but I think this is more symbolic than anything. We aren’t suddenly going to be in ‘phase 2′, it’s going to be TOS + some natural progression TOWARDS phase 2. Clinging to one moment in time, one vision of what TOS was is ridiculous. It would have changed from season 3 to season 5 if there had been one. I don’t know whether to think some people are truly purists or simply puerile.
I’ve never known Trek fans to be shy about voicing displeasure over a bad idea…at least I know I don’t.
I highly doubt anyone is just “brown nosing”.
Mr. Cawley –
I still don’t understand “canonically” how any extensive Phase II re-fit fits in with the TMP re-fit. Are we to believe that the Entewrprise was extensively refit once for Phase II then again had an 18-month refit for TMP, even though TMP took place only a few on-screen years after TOS?
I always got the feeling from TMP that there was only one refit between TOS and that film. What are your thoughts?
…By the way, when I wrote that I wouldn’t want to see you in TMP style uniforms, if your series ever evolved towards that aesthetic, It wasn’t anything personal — Hell, I wouldn’t even want to see myself in one of those uniforms!
107- No need to worry! this is still the last two years of the ORIGINAL 5 year mission. As a PURIST, I have a handle on this, and what it is I intend to do. It is my intention to continue the Original Series, and get it to a place where it would “LOGICALLY” conclude and bridge with the first feature.
J.J. Abrams and Co. are doing a Fantastic job, of things with their film,
and I think he is doing a phenomenal Job of making Star Trek accessible to the Next Generation of Fans, and to the masses, while striving to please all of us hardcore devotees, And that is no easy task, I can assure you! I think Most fans will revel, in what he is accomplishing. J.J. and his team are brilliant people. I have said it before, not since the 70’s has it been this COOL to be a Trekkie!!!!!!!
I get to play Star Trek, get excited over a New Film and Buy Mego’s!!!
Jesus, I am a GEEK!
James Cawley
the iphone has made the bridge of the tos era look silly.
Dennis — thanks for the pix. I see the elusive second turbolift at the aft of the bridge. Boy, THAT woulda save a few hundred entries on these threads awhile back. I’ve always loved the changes to the E. Her TOS incarnation is pretty, but on the big screen she truly shines. JJ’s E looks wonderful as well.
Hopefully, the Phase II refit includes better air scrubbers. Those TMP unis are said to be on the stinky side.
*Perhaps Cawley’s recent stint on the set of JJ Abrams new Star Trek has inspired the self-described ‘purist.’ As Mr. Spock says in “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield,” “change is the essential process of all existence.” *
ah, editorializing.
110- I think that there can be “some testing” done by Starfleet on some PRE-TMP WARP elements as the begining of a major refit program for the constitution class ships, and who better to test those elements than the flagship herself.
James
#107…..James and the rest of the cast and crew are still going to give everyone what they want and NEED! Real Trek done by real fans who “get it” ! I am so proud to have been a part of this team of fans and proffessionals for the last two years….and I can promise that we all will continue to give the fans what they want. STAR TREK!
I have added pictures of Cawley in a phase ii uniform and Root in a TMP radiation suit…both from the upcoming episode “Blood and Fire”
#86 -
I’m not exactly a big fan of the NEW VOYAGES, but that’s a pretty lousy attitude to level towards James Cawley.
Just no pleasing some purists around these parts, I guess. The TOS movies were “dumb?” Good lord…
TOS Purist
final warning for trolling
comments to http://trekmovie.com/about/feedback
Now listen up to me main geezah, JC™ himself da grand masta Jam Cawley, and REPSECTAH dem Nude Voyages dat hims be tellin you about YO. Big Up yoself, aiiight???
Why all the second guessing happening here? We don’t second guess JC™. HE put the whole thing together. HE made it work. It is his brilliance and dedication, his dealio. The first rule of Fight Club is that we don’t second guess JC™. The second rule of Fight Club is WE DONT SECOND GUESS JC™.
JC™, drop me a line. use my supermodeldoug account, thats the one I use only for important folks. BIG DAWG AP doesnt even ring me on that one yet. supermodeldoug@aol.com
We’ll sort this all out. PHASE II style!!!!!
=h=
I’m still not quite convinced that JJ and Co. are doing a proper job, but I’m still reserving final judgement until I see the picture.
I sincerely thank you for responding to my comments, Mr. Cawley (I’m still freaking out, btw XD). I also thank you for giving us TOS fans some good TOS, and the first REAL Star Trek since 1979. It’s been awesome, and although I’m saddened at the new direction, as a TOS fan I’ve learned to deal with being happy with old episodes. :)
Sort of off-topic, but I remember reading about how you built your own TOS sets. My Dad and I just completed finishing off a room in his house that we made to look like the officer’s quarters from TOS; it’s not exactly like that used on a Starship Class, Constitution-variant, so I made up my own TOS ship to go along with it. Anyway, it kind of reminds me of what you did (although not as intensive!!), but I must say that my cabin “set” is better than yours. ;)
As a prospective film director it was really cool to do it, especially as a TOS fan. I’ve got “publicity photos” if you’d like to see them…I posted them on a forum and can provide a link. Unless you’d just like me to email them…
#2: The picture you refer to measures barely 5.5″ (diagonally) on my monitor which is running a desktop resolution of 1280×1024. With a picture this small just about anything will look “good”. Unfortunately a big 40′ movie screen is much less forgiving.
#7: I’ve seen computer network operation center (NOC) control rooms that look far more advanced than the TOS bridge set of the 1960s. These NOC control rooms have multiple work stations (each one with three or more monitors) and a wall of multiple monitors to keep an eye on traffic loads and status of the monitored network infrastructure. There is even a BIG screen on the middle of the wall of smaller monitor screens that shows something that is considered important for everyone in the room to see.
#59: I agree. The uniforms of Enterprise made the most sense. To me these uniforms resemble the overalls worn by current NASA astronauts when onboard the space shuttle. Plus these uniforms had the side benefit of making all those times Hoshi wasn’t in her uniform be that much more special.
117. Anthony.
Thanks. I appreciate that you updated with those images. I’ve always been a little disappointed that we’d never really seen the stuff between TOS and TMP.
James (if I may) - I’m very much looking forward to seeing where this goes. Also glad to hear your endorsement of Abrams’ film.
“In my eyes, that set doesn’t hold up at all as looking futuristic. The Master Control room as the TV station I work at looks more technologically advanced than the TOS Enterprise set.”
…Yeah, well, if you’re still using Grass Valley switchers, then you’re probably biased towards the Death Star :-P
122:
I always get tired of hearing people say how “such and such” looks more advanced than what we saw on the TOS bridge. Could it not just be that things are kept nice and simple (and more streamlined) in the TOS universe? It is the future. Why should they have “multiple monitors” all over the brigde when just a few will suffice to get the job done? Wouldn’t that be kind of distracting for the crew?
As they often say, less is more!
I wonder if some “uber-purists” here are really just masquerading as such to parody those holding to the purist opinion. You know, the “straw man” thing.
#126 - A lot of people do do that, which pisses me (a REAL Purist) off to no end.
Couple of interesting (to me) points that I would like to bring up.
Have people not lost sight that this is a fan production? Don’t get your warp core in a breach over percieved canon violations. This is for fun.
James, are you planning on having Xon eventually become a crewmember of the Enterprise? I think that would be cool as he would be an interesting character to play off of Kirk and McCoy. A Vulcan with less emotional responses than Spock.
And I would also like to see some of the more exotic alien races as crew on the Enterprise. When I was a kid, I always though Arex would be fun to see in a live action setting. Lotta CGI there, boy. Or maybe a Horta crewman.
And Hitch, love ya’ man. Your posts are an absolute enigma to me. Maybe THEY come from a different timeline.
Xon, will be appearing begining with “Blood and Fire”. I am absolutely for adding more aliens as we can. Arex is a favorite of mine, and we have discussed it. Canon violations nope, won’t happen. I am being very carefull to adhere to what has been depicted in FILMED TREK. I do not go by the perceived evEnts in the trek encyclopedia, not gonnna happen. Nor will I use the revisionist, re-numbering of the “connies” I will only use those from The Making of Star Trek and The Original Tech manual.
James
James - SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) Always loved this era! Feeling very confident about the new film with Mr. Nimoy and yourself giving it thumbs up :)
Great days!
we had already reported on Xon in an earlier article, but I added a paragraph above as well. I have met Patrick Bell, the new Xon, and he is very Vulcan.
THX-1138 is of the body™, full-on. And that is good. For he understands, and GETS IT. These are the New Voyages, people. Fan productions. If you don’t like them, do your own. But I highly highly highly doubt that they will be as good.
JC™ has set the bar and will continue setting that bar higher and higher. The decision to go Phase II is merely an expression of that vision. I for one, am grateful for the New Voyages. When I first heard of them, my response was to chuckle with amusement but curiosity got the best of me. When I saw them… I realized that my initial reaction was so far off - I was totally blown away at what this cat had put together. Quality stuff.
I’d rather have JC™ in the new trek movie than Shatner. There, I’ve said it. Go read the STV review for Shatner’s Opus. Trek V was Romulan cloaking device techMology in the wrong hands. Shatner cannot be trusted with the franchise. JC™ cares, and also he shares. He is the real Captain Kirk. No Chris Pine, no bloody Shatner. Not even Belushi. VIVA PHASE II!
Cherry Cordials,
=h=
That sounds great, James! I know that the exotic aliens will prove to be a mindbender to pull off, but it will be a lot of fun to see what you come up with. Nice to see some love for TAS. And I can’t wait to see the visuals story arcs you take us on as the Phase II storyline develops.
You and your team’s improvement curve has been really quite breathtaking in terms of acting, storytelling, and FX work. Particularly the storytelling in WEaT. That was real Star Trek.
As “canon” is concerned, my opinion is that it’s your sandbox. Like E.T. said, just “Be Good”. (Did I just quote E.T.?)
Hi James -
Curious - one of the things that’s always bugged me about NV is that the episodes “look” like video - as opposed to film. At least, that’s the way they appear when viewed online. Not sure what they look like in reality…
On what format are you shooting NV? Are you shooting DV? HDV? Digibeta? HD? Are you shoointing 24p, which would give you more of a “film” feel?
As someone who works in television, I’ve been stunned at the level of detail you’ve achieved, especially on the budgets you have. If you are indeed shooting video at a standard video setting, I’d love to see you work to achieve a film look that would bring you closer to that ’60’s TOS feel.
Again, you might be doing all of this, and it’s just not coming across on-line.
Great work.
We are shooting in Hi def, with the Panasonic HVX cameras. I know that film grain is somehow acheived and /or added. I believe that what you see online just does not show this.
James
I’M ALL FOR THE PURIST “STRAW MEN…”
I find them hysterical, and I’ve done it myself from time-to-time (though not as often as I used to… don’t want to be called out by Anthony for trolling!).
Sometimes, the hardcore purist needs the wind taken out of their sails every so often. It’s healthy. Trust me.
Jeez! If these guys put all of this money, time and effort into something original they could really “MAKE IT.”
As fun as this is you’d think after a while it would get a little repetitive and give cause to say, “let’s do something original and SELL it.”
Actually I hadn’t read the other comments until after I posted the previous, therefore I’d like to put my previous comment into question form and ask
WHEN DO YOU MOVE ONTO SOMETHING BIGGER OR AT LEAST DIFFERENT THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY STAND TO MAKE A LOT OF MONEY OFF OF.
Unfortunately, I suspect there will be a serious downturn in the popularity of this venture after their next episode hits. There is a reason this story was rejected in form after form for so many years. But since they are not doing this to make money, and in fact have always spent tons of it, I don’t see that they will slow down at all–just have a lot less people to watch.
Dear James Cawley,
1) You are a genius.
2) I wonder whether Phase II will drift towards the trippy ’70s weirdness that comes through in the fascinating Phase II book and the under-examined Roddenberry novel of The Motion Picture.
It blew my mind when I read that Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, had written a treatment. Meanwhile, for all the talk we hear about Roddenberry canon, Gene’s TMP book questions whether TOS really happened the way we saw it…and takes us into this sort of ultra-’70s California New Age future where Kirk has a secret Federation mind implant in his head, open marriage is the norm, and Kirk has this mysterious spouse who dies when Janice Rand screws up the matter gain.
I guess I’m just saying that when I see the New Voyages Kirk walk into the bridge wearing the shiny life signs monitor/pleasure device/whatever it is, I will be able to die happy.
139… JC isn’t adapting any of the stories lined up for the Phase II series.. just some of the costume and set upgrades. I think it will add visual interest and carry TOS a little further down the road it was going anyway when interrupted. So, I don’t see the audience dropping off because of that.
#137: Not everyone is motivated by the same things.
136… of, I have too.. only got called down by Anthony once on it when I got a little too cuastic. But it is fun… as long as one makes known right then that it’s a hyperbole statement. It’s when one creates a silly-looking “straw man” and then hides behind it, that it goes from poking fun to deceptive baiting. I’m all for fun.
#139: “There is a reason this story was rejected in form after form for so many years.”
Which, “Blood And Fire?”
It was “rejected” exactly, uh, once - and in a petty way for petty reasons.
I too enjoy what Cawley & Co. are doing with the New Voyages series. It’s awesomely wonderful, and obviously a lot of hard work—but then, as “Star Trek,” that’s more [a labor of love]. I wonder if (and this may stir some to negative comments) they might consider showing and/or referencing TAS characters M’Ress and Arex? No, that’s not necessary, but since JJ & Co. are stating they like some of the material from the novels (i.e. Kirk’s parents named, etc. etc.), that might be another way to “bridge the gap” between TOS and ST-TMP.
Why? Why not? Why consider that at all? In TOS episode “Journey to Babel,” Scotty was NOT SEEN, but Kirk spoke into the intercom on the bridge asking him to be sent up to take his place—then aborted that request when the alien vessel began making agreesive moves. That could also be done (if desired at all by this group of writers/producers) to show there’s more going on “below decks” than was ever seen. (It’s easier for them, too, because unlike Desilu and later Paramount, Cawley’s actors aren’t paid under contract for speaking and/or appearance roles. (That budgetary consideration makes a lot of difference in any A-List film or TV series.)
Naw, TAS characters aren’t absolutely necessary by any means. However, if it is POSSIBLE within their budget and time constraints, such additions would be stunning and thought-provoking (to show NON-human crewmembers beginning to show up just prior to ST-TMP, and perhaps provocative for viewers of the show. Hmmm?
I know we didn’t meet Ilia until the first movie but I think it’d be acceptable to fudge a bit on that part of canon to explore her character and her race. I mean that was to be part of Phase II and she sure has potential for incredibly interesting story lines. Or maybe another Deltan who hasn’t taken the “Oath of Celibacy”. I could live with either.
And I’m still interested in seeing what other possible offshoots/spinoffs the team is planning.
James,
1. Did you have to get special permission from Paramount/CBS to use “Phase Two” as your new title?
2. Will we see double turbolift bridge doors on the TOS bridge?
3. Will we see the Warp effect changed from nothing, or a white streak into the multi-colored look of the movies?
#139 “BLOOD and FIRE” footage was shown at The Farpoint Convention this past weekend “including” the very Controversial(as far as Trek is concerned) Gay scene, and it received an OVERWHELMING, POSITIVE REACTION!! and Not One “Why did you do that” comment or anyhting NEGATIVE! I for one am proud that The Trek community seems to more accepting than most other groups. IDIC, or Infinite Diversity thru Infinite Combinations are More than Just words, at least to me. It is a positive vision of a future and a world, I someday want to Live in, for real. Unless we all try, to understand each other here and now, we will never get there.
James Cawley
Faze 2 Electric Boogaloo! Go James
This sounds like it’s gonna be fun.
For one thing, very few people will be able to come back and say that James and his merry band are doing it all wrong!
As for the ship, I’m expecting something like this:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v219/CaptApril/?action=view¤t=phase21701color.jpg
As opposed to the Battlestar Enterprise we’re being treated to in JJ’s little romp…
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v219/CaptApril/?action=view¤t=CoreandDrive02.jpg
147- Paramount is very much aware of all that I do. I deeply respect them, and what they do.
My use of Phase II is no more different than my use of STAR TREK.
Phase II as a title was never used, by the studio. The actual working title of that second series was simply STAR TREK II.
Phase II was a nickname that was tagged on by it’s produciton people, and fandom at large.
No double doors, that is part of TMP, and Yes you will see a COOL warp effect.
James
Keep up the great work James.
http://trekweb.com/articles/2008/02/19/First-Look-at-Phaser-from-New-Star-Trek-Movie.shtml
UH-OH!!!
TrekWeb supposedly has a pic of the new TREK Movie phaser from the 2008 Toy Fair. Get ready for a rumble! If authentic, it looks more like a TOS Movie-era phaser than the ’60s TV version.
Everybody take a deep breath…
Interesting that characters such as Decker could come into the stories. I mean, there’s never been anything stated, AFAIK, that the entire lead cast crew stayed on board the ship for the whole five year mission. Who’s to say that Spock didn’t leave to pursue Kohlinar four years in and McCoy didn’t transfer off six months before the mission ended? Maybe Scotty left early to set up the refit of the Enterprise?
Given the distance that develops between the characters by the time of TMP, there are some great opportunites to explore the background of what happens to these guys and gals in the intervening years.
Best of luck! :)
The Phaser is a phoney!
TRUST ME.
James
150, That is Gabriel Koerner’s Enterprise rethink. We don’t know what the Enterprise from JJ Abram’s film looks like yet, beyond the Teaser.
153, That is NOT the phaser from the new movie.
In fact, it looks like the phase pistols from Enterprise.
Guys, speculation is fun, but please base your judgements in what is actually known.
#153… nothing but a replica of the ST3 phaser… somebody is dumb or deceptive…. pheh…
I meant to say ST6…
#155 -
Consider it done!
arrrr….
seems me and Rick James have tha same fashion sense… Who knew?
ya still need pockets, even in space…
… I just always blocked out the outrageous ST uniforms, particuarly tha obsession with lavendar, and enjoyed the stories and tha characters…
(but lavendar? I mean really- whar did that come from? sometimes I will get taken aback by Scotty’s bright crimson but at least it wasn’t lilac…)
Oh… off topic? harrrr
Phaser 2- I never heard of it until just last year… arrr… it did sound like it had such promise so could be a nice hoot to see some elements from it…
But I canna help it- back ta lavendar! God save us! I dinna think that would fly fur any military outfit…
Sometimes Trek is better in b/w…
sorry… anyway… It be a surpsise ta me that this be doin’ but good fur him and the fans that watch the ST NV show… where did they go? what did they do before TMP?
but lavendar as part of a uniform??…. I mean that awk really made me wonder… guess TMP various utilities were just as bad in some cases… but not lilac…arrrrrr….
#153 - That is the phaser from Final Frontier (complete with 1911 magazine).
155 - Thanks for confirming.
BTW, Will we start to see the Bridge transition to having some Phase II/TMP like elements?
It would be an interesting challenge to change the Bridge in a subtle way to match ST:TMP …
#158 -
I thought it looked a lot like a TOS Movie phaser, but I wasn’t sure. I think I’m one of the rare fans here who doesn’t own ANY phaser replicas, sadly.
FYI, I think this is the phaser pictured:
http://www.phasers.net/2280/2288.htm
I’d like to get one of these. Or the Star Trek II Phaser.
#101
Interesting differences in design like engine detail and secondary hull design. The bridge area seems to be the most different…no VIP lounge and twin turbo lifts!
…Amongst all this New Voyages / Phase II talk Dennis, I’d like to say I’m looking forward to Act IV of “The Tressaurian Intersection” …it’s been great so far! I am crossing my fingers hoping that Exeter will continue. It’s too good to end now
Concerning toy phaser pics:
If you go to the article linked in the page they also describe a TNG tricorder as an “illuminating communicator”. So the people captioning the pictures have no idea what they are talking about. Playmates did not have Star Trek XI toys at the NY toy Fair. From what I’ve read.
James,
First of all thanks for replying to me.
Secondly, wasn’t there double bridge doors in TAS, as well as “The Cage” pilot?
153.
That is NOT a New Movie phaser, that is the new Master Replica’s Star Trek V assault phaser. Somebody ether didn’t know what they were looking at or were trying to pull our collective leg.
Ash
I can’t believe how detailed their bridge is…
Guys, it’s not the Enterprise phase OR the Star Trek III phaser. It’s the one from Star Trek V!
Roll on phase II. I also hope that at some point in the future a deal can be worked out between the studio and you.At the heart of Star Trek lies the theme of exploration and your persuit of exploring what happened during the Phase II years is very much in keeping with that theme.This of course means bringing about the necessary changes which allow the story to progress.In the absence of a new incarnation of Trek on television the potential for Television movies is surely a realistic option as has been demonstrated by other shows like Babylon 5, Battlestar galactica and Stargate.Likewise in a show format we have Smallville and the recent Superman movie.A combination of the studios resources and your talent offers so much potential.Your recent award winning episode with George Takei was one of the best episodes of Star Trek I have ever seen.Ever Since we were first introduced to Hikara Sulu’s daughter in”Star Trek, Generations” I have often wondered what was family life like for the Sulu’s.The reunion scene between Sulu and his daughter and grandaughter was deeply moving and poignant.I believe that Star Trek’s greatest strenght exists in the the emotional bonding it creates between its main characters and the fans.A positive future with good people in the context of our chaotic world in an almost intoxicating formula.You have definetely tapped into this Mr. Cawley ,thank you very much and best of luck in your future endeavours.
#93: Check out the end of WEaT… it’s in the trailer to BaF.
Or for all of you, swing over to the ST:P2 website and check out the forums - some shots and drawings have already been posted…
http://www.startrekphase2.com/
#150 & #156: Oddly, many design elements shown in the ST:11 Trailer seem to have elements from Gabe’s design (checking through his work files and various designs, you can catch the similarities) - whether by coincidence or not, I dunno… and I have a feeling that the person or people in these forums who DO know aren’t gonna say. ;-)
#160: “ya still need pockets, even in space…”
- Or velcro… like in TOS. ;-) And yeah, pajamas on board the Enterprise were a bit much for me… I for one am glad James is sticking with the P2 elements, and not the silly TMP style.
#167: Check out the forums, that too was covered there by our own Greg S, who is a never ending wealth of knowledge all things Trek.
#169: It (the bridge) is an amazing thing to see in person and to work on.
-Robert
#83:
There are some new technology and internet delivery options in development.. It is too early to determine if these will prove practical. However, if they do one of these I am aware of will be a significant step forward for those of us that want to get our entertainment when we want it, via the internet.
I am very excited by the move to Phase2. With all the new people coming to work on Star Trek: Phase II the quality and interest of the episodes should continue to rise.
:)
Bst Luck to James and Company!
#122: What you describe about NOCs is actually much like what the bridge of the TOS Enterprise looks at. Something that doesnt show very well on 1960’s TV/film, and even with us shooting in hi-def, doesnt show well in ST:P2 is that all those “blinky lights” actually are more than just “blinky lights”.
There’s actually text on each one, and text on other places on the MSDs. Most of them had pre-defined purposes. Some were in-jokes (just like the conduits in the ship that were labelled “GNDN” - which stood for “Goes Nowhere Does Nothing”
And of course, consider, each bridge station had multiple displays devoted to the station’s particular function…
I (somewhat for the fun of it, somewhat because I think it looks cool) actually have a network and server daemon status monitor designed off the TOS look which we do use on our network to monitor network and server daemon status. From “far away” it looks a lot like the “useless” blinky light displays from the TOS bridge. When sitting in front, one can see that every “blinky light” has a purpose, and each one is labelled on the “blinky light” and next to them as well… like:
CPU USAGE [b01] [b02] [b03] [b04] [32%]
…where “CPU USAGE” is really small (big enough to read close up, but too small to show on camera, and the next 4 are blinking lights corresponding to the binary bit values of the CPU’s usage, followed by the 5th which lights up RED when the value is updated, then switches to yellow between updates - but displays in small text (in either state) what the total CPU usage is in %.
I use similar ones for disk read/writes, time, server “I’m up and running” reporting, and various other information. From far away (even with little knowledge of binary) I can tell when certain figures are higher from what lights are flashing (and if I am in the mood, calculate the value in my head via the bit pattern)… from where I sit… I can just read the numbers on the “blinky lights”.
Of course, there might have been simpler ways of doing it… but it does look really cool, does serve a purpose, and does convey all the info I need (and then some).
-Robert
After seeing Cawley/Kirk in the Phase II shirt above, it was extremely jarring to see the TOS shirts in the bottom picture! They all look so dated and old fashioned compared to the P-II outfit… :)
I was very shocked by the announcement, but now that the novelty has worn off I think it’s a really good move and I can’t wait to see how this plays out! Very exciting stuff!
Best of luck and thank you James!!
Will Cawley follow Shat’s lead and start wearing bad hairpieces?
#176:
Cawley doesn’t wear hairpieces. In most of the New Voyages pictures and episodes his hair resembles that of Elvis Presley because he has worked two+ decades as a professional Elvis impersonator with a high degree of success! The hair seen is natural, but dyed black for his Elvis work.
There are current pictures on Star Trek Phase2 forums where he sports his natural hair in its sandy color.
Of course, as James ages he made need a ‘rug’ but I would doubt it!
My phaser scares the crap out of the cat! Can that be in the film too?
Mr. Cawley…
Did you happen to read my last comment?? #121 it was…the long one. XD
Not that you have to, of course…
Mr. Cawley, let me say this in three words, repeatedly!
I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!
That being said, it’s great. A series I always, always wanted to see was Phase II. I thought it was unfortunate that the series never did go into production, even if it did turn into The Motion Picture. On that note, they should really retroactively name it something else…but that’s a side note.
It’s great to see, and I can’t wait to see what comes down the line! Keep on truckin’!
And I just wanted to say…I didn’t know what the Phase II uniforms looked like; I figured they were just like the ones in TMP. Does anyone else think that Kirk’s Phase II outfit there looks like a Command Division version of the short-sleeved uniform that McCoy wore on occasion??
#155 James I am a long time Star trek fan and have watched and enjoyed your new Voyage episodes from the very beginning and have been impressed with the level Sophistication in production , story telling and acting you and the cast have been able to achieve. I have to admit i am looking forward to see Phase 2 come to pass, I remember years ago, when they talking about it in some of the magazines and I remeber being disappointed when it never happened. It will be nice to now see what kind of show we might have gotten, and please don’t pay attention to the boo birds and critics, just do it. One more item I had an Idea for a new voyage episode, What about a prequel to the classic episode Obession, the untold story of young James t Kirk and that Ill fated mission on the Farragut command by Captain Garovik . just a though. Keep up the good work
#177
Dude, he does wear one. He goes to the same place my uncle goes for his hair, and my uncle specifically asks them to put sandy blondish highlights, which by the way he tells me they charge extra for. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
Sorry, but at 41, I have a full head of real hair.
Thankfully!
James
What are the chances of torrenting some 720p HD versions of New Voyages/Phase II?
Sorry, I’m not digging that phase two shirt at all. Looks like those pull-over T-shirts you could buy back in the seventies that were command gold with an iron on insignia. Logically, I can see the evolution to the white casual short sleeves of the motion picture, but aestetically, I think it’s very unnappealing.
Besides, I always got the impression that the events of the motion picture came along quite a few years after the original 5 year mission ended. That’s why Kirk wanted command again, he was tired of being a desk jockey for so many years. .
James -
At 27, I am jealous, you at 41 with a full head, and my dad at 64 with a full head! Would you like to do a next generation fan series? Your Captain is sat here with a shiney top, and complete with a Yorkshire accent?
Keep up the fantastic work!
I was very disappointed when “Phase” II (I don’t remember it being referred to by that name back then) was scrapped in favor of doing The Motion Picture. I was really looking forward to seeing that series, even without Spock. I liked that they were going to keep the basic uniform much the same, but wasn’t real crazy about the bridge redesign (although I’m not sure I ever saw what it would have looked like in its final design). The exterior changes to the ship made sense because it was going forward in time and was to be a refit, like in the movie.
I like the idea of including Arex in any production if he could be made to look like he did in the animated series (maybe a little less two-dimensional ;) )
I’m not a huge fan of New Voyages, but I appreciate most of what is done there and the attention to detail.
The Phase II shirt looks just like the T-Shirt McCoy wore sometimes, only command gold. I can’t tell if it has that same sheen to it.
That short sleeve version is actually one of Bill Theiss’ design for Phase II’s class B uniform, it was purchased thru itsawrap aucitons. As stated before the Class A or Standard duty uniform was the same a sin TOS.
James
#190 James I don’t suppose that Paramount would ever approval any kind of Dvd release of New voyage episodes. If you you and the studio could come to some type of arrangement it might provide you additional revenue to produce more episodes and maybe go bigger on your productions then you do. I can’t see Paramount turning down the opportunity to earn more revenue for the Trek franchise.
‘Never really watch NEW VOYAGES, always seemed a little like community theatre to me. However, I have always been truly in awe of the endeavor. This new direction WILL get me to watch because this has always been an area of Trek history that has been intriguing. Maybe because it would have been great to see the tv sci-fi visuals of the ‘70s be more than BUCK ROGERS. Or because those concept drawings we have seen so much since THE ART OF STAR TREK came out in the mid ‘90s would be great to see realized.
Hats off!
Can’t wait to see the show evolve.
This should prove most interesting.
29. Jeffrey S. Nelson “The Phase II uniforms looked identical to the original series.”
Oops, I always figured they had planned the jammies for Phase II and simply used them for TMP. Obviously, the ship changes for Phase II were nearly identical to TMP, though. Somewhere I have a coffee table book on Phase II and remember photos of Persis Kambata doing screen tests in TOS uniforms….I always assumed she was wearing them because the jammies weren’t ready yet….
hey james. would you ever consider takeing phase 2 to net work television if you were asked to do so. or if jj asked you to.
The TOS Purist started out by staying, and I quote:
“Cawley was always something of a sell-out to those dumb TOS Movies, though, so this move doesn’t totally surprise me.”
Then he does a 180 and tries to be his best buddy just because Cawley responded to one of his posts. Classic. Thanks for the laugh!
I wonder if Starship Farragut and other series will update as well?
#196 - My opinion on Cawley has not changed. He’s a good guy but he seems to have watered himself down in the purism department, so to speak. I hate kissing ass, and I hate it when other people kiss ass, so I am the last person who would do it myself.
Still, this is an opportunity to speak with a like-minded person who represents all of us TOS Purists out there in the Big World, so that was pretty cool, too.
If you think, I have watered down in the Purism dept. You don’t know me at all.
James
Regarding “double” doors. The bridge in TAS did have a second turbolift, occupying the pie slice to the left of the viewscreen. Shown here:
http://www.danhausertrek.com/AnimatedSeries/Bridge.html
Another meaning for double doors is the turbolift having inner and outer doors for realism, which was done in early TOS episodes but abandoned probably because it was hard enough for the stagehands and actors to coordinate one set of doors opening on time.
#198 what’s your Beef with James Cawley Anyways? is itperhaps over the fact that he liked what he say in Abrams Movie and defended it Or perhaps you don’t like the whole Phase 2 thing well your entitled to your opinons if this is the case. You label yourself as trekie purist, which to me means change nothing, vary nothing and let the Trek franchise calcify into oblivion, which is what will happen if you allow no changes at all. in the Case of Phase 2 there is no radical change here. As for the Abrams movie , He doing homage to what came before and I believe him. If James Cawley says he likes what Abrams is Doing that to me does not constitute kissing up as you call it.
I need to say this. I definitely am a big fan of what James Cawley has done with Star Trek. But at the same time, changing the name from New Voyages to Phase II doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. His last episode, “World Enough and Time” was top notch, and truly felt like Star Trek. So why, after accomplishing that, would you change “brand” names, just when the current one is beginning to gain real respect from the community. The name Phase II implies something beyond the original five-year mission. Reading what Cawley has said, he has no plans to end the five-years yet. I will still look forward to each and every new episode. I am still a big fan and admirer of the project. But this name change seems completely unnecessary and even counter productive.
James Cawley, STXI should have been yours to write & direct. You are the only one who understands & honors canon. No one else can lovingly recreate the look & feel of TOS like you.
May Phase II live long & prosper!
#199 - That’s true…I really don’t know you at all. It’s unfair for me to pass judgement, I suppose; who died and made me the Purist King? Don’t let some of the disparaging words from people like myself get you down. And I am looking at this Abrams thing with an open mind…albeit with a little trepidation.
To risk ridicule from others, I will say that I never really gave P2 much notice; I figured it was basically just a TV version of TMP. Now that I’m actually looking more into it, it’s not as bad as I figured; now that I’m actually doing research instead of passing judgement blindly, I can see how it would appeal to fellow Purists, and it’s actually starting to appeal to myself, as well.
As one who does not consider the films to be canon, P2 can be viewed (by purists) as a sort of “valid continuation” to TOS, especially if you don’t think that TMP/etc fits that bill.
There’s one thing worse than wearing a hairpiece and pretending it is real: having real hair and making it look like a hairpiece.
Oh wait, there’s something worse than that: Cawley’s bad impression of someone pretending to be an actor - 40 years ago.
This could escalate into an all out flame war, and that isn’t what 99% of us on this board are here for.
[The] TOS Purist, please proceed from logic. To deny Mr. Cawley’s love or fandom of Star Trek by calling it watered down is just silly. Have you not seen what he’s involved with? James Cawley, in my humble opinion, is more pure to the TOS vision and concept than anyone out there today including every author of every authorized Trek reference book, whether it be encyclopedia, maps, or whatever. You may have your opinion, but I fully believe that Cawley has literally put his money (lots of it) where his mouth is regarding his nth degree replication and adherence to what was seen on TV regarding The Original Series.
Now, he wishes to delve into the gray area, Phase II. I can’t think of anyone living that I’d trust more showing us some of those voyages and the evolution of life on Enterprise leading up to the refit. If James Cawley has watered down his “purism”, then I’m ready to drink my doctor recommended 8 glasses a day of that purism.
Am I kissing butt here? Absolutely not. I’m stating facts as I see them. I met James at DragonCon in 2006, and in the 5 minutes we talked, I’ve never spoke to a more genuine & uncompromising Fan of the series. I’ve watched his episodes, I’ve read his forum posts at the New Voyages site. This guy is the real deal. Other people have attempted Trek “fan episodes”, but I’m sorry, TNV’s set the bar way outta their reach. Probably Gene Roddenberry himself would tell him to relax a little on the attention to detail…but that’s only conjecture