Creation Developing New Fan Reality Show With William Shatner – Pilot Shooting At New Jersey Con

It looks like The Captains may not be William Shatners "final farewell" to Star Trek. Friday at Creation’s official Star Trek convention in New Jersey, Shatner began shooting the pilot for a proposed new reality show called "Fan Addicts," which will be centered around fans attending Creation shows. More exclusive details and photos below.  

 

Shatner starts shooting "Fan Addict" reality show

Fans arriving for the first day of Creation Entertainment’s Star Trek Convention in Parsippany, New Jersey were surprised by none other than the original Captain Kirk, William Shatner. He was there not as a speaking guest, but in his capacity as Executive Producer and Director of a new reality television pilot, “Fan Addicts.”

The new show will focus on fans who attend Creation conventions around the country. Fan Addicts will not be limited to Star Trek fans, with each episode focusing on a different Creation convention for various different genre properties, which also includes Supernatural, Twilight, Stargate, Xena, Farscape and others. Adam Malin, co-founder of Creation, tells TrekMovie "the emphasis is on the fans," and he also made it clear that they will ensure that Fan Addicts will have a respectful depiction of passionate fans and the forces which drive them. To keep the emphasis on the fans (along with the team who put together Creation shows), Shatner will stay behind the camera for Fan Addicts.


William Shatner with Nichelle Nichols shooting pilot of "Fan Addicts" at Creation Star Trek Con in New Jersey

Shatner and crew spent the day interviewing fans, filming the onstage action and constantly moving around the dealer’s room and corridors of the Parsippany Hilton capturing the excitement of the convention. One of the highlights came when Shatner encountered Nichelle Nichols, the original Star Trek series’ Lt. Uhura, and asked her to discuss her most moving experiences with fans. As a crowd huddled around in respectful silence outside the hotel coffee shop, Shatner politely asked the fans not to utilize any flash photography and gently and skillfully persuaded Nichols to reveal details about the “skinhead” fan who told her that her portrayal of the Swahili communications officer had taught him racial tolerance, the admirer who gave her the beautiful custom crafted Trek necklace she was wearing, and her experiences recruiting astronauts for NASA. Most heartening of all for the fans present was to see the easygoing relationship between Shatner and Nichols.

According to Malin, they are already in talks with a number of cable networks about Fan Addicts. Creation is working with David Zappone, who also produced Shatner’s new The Captains documentary as well as his Gonzo Ballet documentary. The footage being shot this weekend will be used as a proof of concept and additional filming for the pilot may also be done at the big Creation Star Trek show in Las Vegas. If things go as planned, then Fan Addicts will be the latest cable reality show, likely starting off with an episode dedicated to Star Trek fans. TrekMovie will have updates on this exciting project.


William Shatner with Nichelle Nichols shooting pilot of "Fan Addicts" at Creation Star Trek Con in New Jersey

More to come from Star Trek New Jersey

Look for our customary full convention wrap-up early next week. Also note that we are tweeting live commentary and photos from the convention for the remainder of the weekend. You can find our coverage under @FrankJayGruber on Twitter.


Shatner and Nichols pose for picture with fan and friend of Nichols

 

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Shatner cannot rest! Somewhere, someone needs to be entertained!

Go Shatner!

William Shatner is so cool. And Nichelle Nichols is still beautiful after all of these years!

Great to see the ever lovely Nichelle and the ever gorgeous Bill (!) working and smiling together.
I realise in life colleagues don’t always get along but it has always been a real sadness to me that the actors that so brilliantly portrayed our beloved crew so often had difficulties with each other.
It just didn’t seem right given how close and how loyal they are on screen.

I was there it was awesome!

I think William Shatner has mended fences with Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig and James Doohan. The only beef still going on is the feud between Shatner and George Takei. Shatner has offered to sit down and settle it with Takei, but Takei, for some reason, has decided to keep being spiteful towards Mr. Shatner.

Not sure we’re ever going to see the Shatner/Takei feud end. :-(

seeing him was the most shocking thing that ever happened to me!

i admire him so much, i was too shy to go and say hi, i wanted to so much!

Great-shat doesnt let any grass grow under his feet-one show barely cancelled n another pilot starts-this sounds like a great idea-adam n gary may be makin more money from the fans-sounds like a natural for syfy or if done for laughs-comedy channel right before futurama hah
oh this sounds like rippin off denise crosbys trekkies films–which were great-

Was at the event, Shatner was such a super-cool surprise, a positive show about fans of all kinds is gonna be wonderful, hope it sells.
The Creation guys have been at this a long time, will be nice to see how much work goes on behind the scenes, especially dealing with the celebrities, if they can show that.
Rene and Nana were just wonderful, FYI
The KlingonKing

I was right there when this was shot today. It was terrific and I can say that he looks no older than his mid-60’s as does Nichelle Nichols.

The show should be great. It was cool to be a part of Trek History!

It will not go anywhere, and if Creation is “about the fans” why charge rip-off prices for everything? Adam Malin and Gary Berman have ruined the convention circuit. Paramount should open the license up to other companies so, there would be more competition I have seen a downhill movement of the creation convention circuit since the 1990’s. I remember when autographs and pics were free. Now, they want you to pay ridiculous fees just to get a pic or two! I have been lucky to meet most of the Trek people outside of creation conventions but, I feel sorry for those who have no other choice…

I’m glad Bill keeps getting work. I really enjoy seeing him. He’s more likable now than he’s ever been.

I think I’ve solved the current jobs shortage problem.

Shatner’s got’em all.

The guy is an unstoppable entertainment dynamo.

Here is a link to some video footage of the filming!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj9HEbOLVkQ

I see Bill sitting on the chair (looks like he is blocking the way to the women’s restroom…. that’s one way to get an interview, keep it quick and to the point). I guess that’s one way to meet girls, or film them for that mater..

The Shat never stands still does he.

There sure are a lot of men and cameras in that Women’s Rest Room…

A bit classier than the men’s too. Just the usual porcelain accouterments and wild exaggerations written on the wall.

#12 Spock –

I know that you consider the prices at Creation to be outrageous, but consider this ……….. no one can get a new photo with Gene Roddenberry, Deforest Kelley or James Doohan anymore. What would you pay if that opportunity were possible again?

These awesome stars look healthy and I wish them peace and long life but no one lives forever. Enjoy the convention, do what you can afford, but please don’t gripe to those of us who are half a globe away that it was a rip off!

Being at that convention is a privelige, not a right, that’s why it’s not free!

IMHO

17: Funny, Christopher! Leave it to Bill to go “Where No Man…”

Actually it happened right outside the hotel coffee shop, situated in the Hilton’s main lobby, just to the left of the Women’s restroom.

What’s strange is Shatner is not actually scheduled to appear at the convention! Had he been one of the guests, I probably would have went, and paid to get the photo with him.

20: Tell me about it, Greg! I was pretty surprised he was there, too. Looking forward to covering what he does today.

I think that is great for Shatner, but what about the fans that go to FAN RUN Conventions. Creation is professionally run and started in the convention business AFTER FAN RUN CONVENTIONS were doing it for years! Fan run conventions are really where it’s at because they put Star Trek Conventions on the MAP! Creation, they saw DOLLAR SIGNS, they didn’t have the fan in mind. Their idea of a convention was have several celebrities appear and have merchandise available, but the panel discussions, and the masquerade (costume contest) they totally eliminated that out of the mix. I go to FAN RUN because they offer that, not just to see the celebrities talk and buy merchandise. I hope William Shatner will talk to a bunch of fans and tell him that he should visit the FAN run conventions as well, because there is a lot more than just going to see the celebrities..

That’s kind of neat. Too bad the Creation conventions (or cons) are such a ripoff. At least locally here in California. It’s like they’re run by the Ferengi….

The last one I attended cost and arm and a leg for everything and the value was just not there, sadly. Comic Con (while crazy-busy) offers much more bang for the buck.

#22

I couldn’t have said it any better

AND

There are still a few “Fan Run Cons” out there that are still are going at it

Why is Shatner wearing the McGill Business School Hat ? lol. Must be the free stuff he got when he was at mcgill LOL

This is a reality series that not only can I see on SyFy but would actually watch. They should approach SyFy with it…

Notice the sign for the women’s restroom above Shatner’s head. Did the film crew scout out a spot they know Ms. Nichols would eventually have to show up?

Creation is allowed to charge whatever it can to make as much money as possible. Its called capitalism. As long as the demand is there, then Creation will continue to charge high prices. It might not be fair to all of us, but that is the way things work. It is a privilage, not a right. Also, the stars who attend want to be (quite rightfully I might add) paid for their services. Charging money for autographs also shortens line-ups and helps deter those who are thinking of re-selling autographed memorabilia on eBay.

I can’t afford to go to these conventions. I’d like to one day, but it doesn’t bother me at all. Because at least I have this site to come to…..for free! :-)

No doubt about it, the fan-run cons (Dragon*Con is my current fav) are much better than any of the Kreation Krap. I have been to many Creation cons over the years, and they had some good guests, but it was all about the $$$$ and they stick to a rigid formula.

Nichelle looks great.

The man just works and works and works!! This looks good,keep em coming Mr.Shatner!! :)

I went to NJ Creation event Friday, cost me $20 and I got to see some great stars, like Rene and Nana speak and then actually perform a play. Also caught Shatner and Nichelle in the hallway, what a surprise!
Have you people complaining about prices been to a play, movie or concert lately?
For me the Star Trek Convention was a huge bargain and I got to see Shatner which no one was expecting.
The stars charge to appear and they know from EBAY what their autographs are worth: times have changed as have prices from 20 years ago.
I’m going back to NJ Sunday since I had such a great time.
LoistheTrekker

Please stop moaning about con prices.
I love going to them.
Can’t put a price on your memories.

Its sad that he has partnerd with the ripoff of a company that is known as creation. They are horrible they claim to be “FAN ORIENTED” but they are not they charge high rates, and heaven forbid you need help with something, their staff be it the volunteer ones or paid ones do absolutely nothing to help you, their mindset seems to be “we have your money sucker, $hove off”

companies like Vulkon and other cons were always so much more affordable and (wait for it) FAN FREINDLY.
Now days i stick to places like the Hollywood show or frank and sons or the la comic book sci fi show. cause atleast with those if you have to pay for a photo, its like 10 bucks and goes the star donates it to its charity if they even charge for it to begin with.

And #18 I had in the past gotten photos with De Kelly, James Doohan and even Gene Roddenberry and majel and it didnt cost me one cent.
Its outrageous that Creation now charges anywhere from 49.99 to 109.99 to get a 30 second photo op with a star taken by Wal Mart Portrait Studio reject. and the worst part is you dont even own the rights to the photo of yourself. Creation owns the photo rights to those photos they charge 49.99 to 109.99 and can use your likeness from them with out compensation to you, to promote their cons, their photo service and anything else they want.
and what do you get for it a laser jet printed 8×10 photo.

31 you know the same stars who charge, also willing will sign for free at late night tv show tapings, movie/tv show premieres, play openings, etc.

the only one who wont is Shatner, but he will take photo ops if you run into him.
Heck if even Nimoy will stop and sign photos and take pics for Free inspite of creation charging over 100 bucks for his autograph, the same goes for non trek stars who charge as well. Mark Hamil autographs run over 100 dollars at conventions but hell sign in a heart beat for free in person for a fan, same goes for a photo op

31 Creation for the most part pays the headline stars to appear and sign, so its not the stars that set those prices. the ones who are not the headlines usually charge because creation doesnt compensate them beyond providing a hotel room and ocassionally airfare, and youll note those are the ones who dont charge an arm and a leg either.

at shows like hollywoodshow they charge like 10-30 bucks depending on if its your item or one of theirs and alot of times quite a bit of the money if not all of it goes to their favorite charities.

last year Rene Auberjonis was at the autograph nationals in Burbank he charged 20 bucks a signature with all the money being donated to his charity he supports, I went in just planning on getting my boston legal poster signed ended up walking away with 3 different things along with my poster signed, a photo and a 15 min conversation with him.
no obnoxious un friendly security goons pushing you to move along after 30 seconds. I was more than happy to spend 80 bucks on all of that cause it went to a great cause and the enviorment was so fan friendly.
at that same event, Tim Russ, Ethan Phillips, Garret Wang,Marina Sirtis,Jude Ciccerello,Robert Picardo along with countless other non trek actors, were there and were all super friendly talkative took free photos, charged a respectable amount for autographs.

Autograph nationals was great! No lines, I got to actually have a conversation with the actors. I volunteered at a benefit for American Cancer Society that Lightspeed Art put on. Gary Berman (one of the owners of Creation). Would not allow any volunteer to take any pic. with the guests like Jonathon Frakes, Levar Burton, etc. I volunteered for two days drove 1.5 hours both directions and worked for nearly 12 hours prepping food, etc. He strutted around trying to prevent me from getting pictures, saying I had to pay for them. Needless to say, I walked up to Frakes and asked him if I could, and he was very nice and let me get some pics for free with him and the other TNG folks. Walter Koenig was also very nice and did the same. I was not asked back to volunteer nor would I go back.

Berman, treats his volunteers like s?i? and he is a jerk. Frankly, he and Malin should not have a hold on the trek license. They rip off the fans, I remember when you could go to conventions and pay admission and get autographs and pics for free. This idea that someone will sell them on ebay is bunk. I always have mine personalized. And Creation began falling apart in the early 00’s when they began to charge for everything. Last con in Burbank 4 years ago was a big failure. Spiner was sitting by himself and there was not a soul around. The only reason why Vegas is “big” is because it is the only “big” one and it is much smaller than the Pasadena Civic Center.

# 18- I have photos with most of the cast members of all the casts, most I never paid a buck for! As for them being gone, it is unfortunate but, I wouldnt pay a $100. I have a great one with me and Nimoy, that I took when I was visiting Paramount for a benefit a couple of years ago! Very impromtu!

ps- George Takei is the nicest man, I met him at Egyptian theater and got a picture taken with him (taken by Brad). And we had a talk about WWII Japanese Internment camps….

I’m going to Creation’s Vegas Convention in August on Sunday to see Patrick Stewart and Shatner together plus everything else, paying $40. I paid $700 to see a UFC fight night for 3 hours not long ago.
Personally I think the Creation conventions are fantastic deals, even from general admission seats and when I’ve gone Gold Package it was well worth the money.
Went to Dragon Con last year and waited over 4 hours at registration, they were so messed up. And have been to San Diego comicon and it is so overcrowded that it has become unpleasant. Waited hours there to get into a theatre and then was turned away. I was almost trampled trying to get one of the studio’s “freebies”. At Creation shows you buy a ticket and you see everything and get what you pay for.
All the conventions are different, all are fun. I’ve known the Creation staff for 25 years and they are good people who are fans themselves. They’ve gotten the actors to do so much more than just Q and As, I’ve seen some amazing musical and theatrical appearances by my Trek favorites. I’m going to see Jeff Combs in his Poe Play in Vegas as well (and it is part of any admission ticket)
The Creation people made a business out of their hobby, something I’ve admired and I look forward to the TV series if it gets on air. Shatner knows what he’s doing!

@37. Agreed — #12 — dude, you are being a cheapskate and are behind the times. It costs $250 to take my boys to a Lakers game once a year, and I’ve just spend $300 to get tickets for the entire family to the LOTR in concert this fall. IMHO, the Creation prices are under fair market value, so stop the whining please.

and dont forget not all stars like creation, Chris Pine has gone on record saying he will never do a creation sponsored event, after the way they treated his father Robert Pine from chips at an event here in Los Angeles several years ago.

@39. Can you please explain further what happened to Robert Pine at that Creation Convention — I had not heard of this incident before?

38 definately disagreee with you, I love how posts like yours are always saying those of us who disagree with YOU are whining.
how many boys do you have that it costs you 250 bucks to go to a lakers game once a year, they have affordable seats that would cost well under 250 for a family of 4. unless you are going out of your way to pick the high ticket prices.

creation prices are definately far over fair market value.

#36: Volunteers, volunteer. I volunteer for the fun of it and have done so at MANY conventions: Creation and others. I have to say that Malin and Berman at Creation have always gone out of their way to make sure that volunteers get autographed photos and (sometimes) photo ops of one of the stars.
One Vegas Creation show I got like $300 plus worth of signed photos even though I wasn’t expecting it. The two owners personally thanked all of us and have always been very gracious to me. I’m helping in Vegas again this time and looking forward to it. If you didn’t want to volunteer, don’t sign up expecting to “get something” for it.
And, FYI, Gary Hasson runs Lightspeed so if it happened there it wasn’t Creation. I did get a T-shirt at another show for helping all day.

Cheapest Lakers tickets are $40 with fee, and those are the nosebleed seats. The next level, still in the upper deck, are the ones I get, which are $60 each, so $240 for 4 tickets. Cheapest solution would have been $160 in the nosebleed portions of upper coliseum.

LOTR in concert tickets for second-tier seats are $60 x 5 = $300. Chepeast are $40 x 5 which would have been $200, but those are the upper nosebleed seats.

Any more questions, Einstein?

Yeah you dont treat them like they are dirt, both events have done that Berman was there, Hasson is the same as well. I didnt expect to get ‘anything’ just respect, and not being told to pay premium for pics. You should be good to volunteers, most other places are.

$300 is a subjective price the paper and ink are what maybe $2?

FYI: Jon Voight, who I met at USC an academy award winning actor, signs free, brings his own pics, and will sit and talk to you and take pictures!

It sounds like some people have been treated very well by Creation and others haven’t. How is that any different than fan-run conventions? I have to been to both types, and have found both A-holes and outstanding people involved with each type of convention. BFD…like this should be some some sort of surprise to any of us?

There are bad apples in any organization, and you should make a complaint if you feel you are mistreated. That is how a successful organization will knows who to root out and improve operations.

To: The 76th Distillation of Blue

I took the time to respond to your question, so please do me the courtesy of responding to my question to you in #40 above. Thanks.

Hey #44 Spock: No one promised you discounted photo op prices if you volunteered and you certainly, I’m sure, weren’t asked to pay more than anyone else.
Seems you just don’t get it: don’t volunteer if you don’t want to help out. All us “regular” Creation volunteers are a team and we don’t need your bad attitude. We’re here for the fans and we have a great time, we can’t wait for Vegas and the Creation guys have put together an AMAZING line-up and personally I love The Rio.
We all feel totally respected by the bosses, so maybe this is about you? FYI VALERIE AND STEPHANIE OF CREATION ROCK TOO!

@49. Well said!!!