A day with the Mouse... Bill Lutz

Bill Lutz (Mouse)

Today I am proud to have an interview with my friend Bill Lutz, also known on the Phase II sets as "Mouse"... ZORT!

1. What is it that you both do for your “day job", if you can talk about it

I work 2 jobs right now:

1) I work security and computers at a pharmaceutical company, I’m the ‘in-house’ IT guy

2) I wait tables / bartend on weekends

2. What is your earliest Star Trek memory?

Screaming my head off when I first saw the ‘scary’ Balok from ‘The Corbomite Maneuver.’ I was two years ago and was already watching Star Trek

3. How did you first hear of Star Trek: Phase 2?

I was web surfing about star trek and found the site, it was unique and different, and so I joined the site and have been with P2 since.

The Enterprise and The Eagle from "Enemy: Starfleet!"

4. How has your appreciation for Star Trek changed now that you have been on the set for Phase 2?

 Yes, it has. If anything, the devotion to Star Trek has gotten much more personal and enjoyable. I’m actually making part of a Star trek episode with the pros and fellow fans.

4. What was your role/job at this Production? And did you do more then that duty?

I am the Digital Ingest Dept Mgnr / Lead and the on-site editor for the production. Basically it means I organize and process the shot film into a hard drive and I try to get a work print of the episode organized ready to  I’ve also done other things as well:

-set photography, -camera operator, -sound / boom operator, -transportation, -construction, -G&E

A page from "Star Trek Phase II: Illustrated"

5. What was it like for you to be with the most passionate fan base in quite frankly the galaxy? And did you feel intimidated  

It’s great and it feels right. When I first came aboard I was intimidated, not anymore. In fact, I relish the chance to get back up to make an episode.

6. What is your favorite memory of being on set or just hanging around with the crew?

It was seeing the bridge for the first time and the bonfires at the camps, the people working together. Hanging with the crew is like hanging with family, and it’s a great feeling to have when working with the cast and crew.

7. In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and Is it really a "family" as some people have described it? 

It IS a family.

Its tense, excited, crazy, hard work, stressful, annoying, sad, happy. All the emotions are in play. Heck yeah, isn’t THAT a family?

8. How Long have you and Glenn been working on Star Trek Phase 2 Illustrated, and how long do you think you can keep it going

Since the Star Trek Magazine came out a few years ago. And we will keep going until the interest peaks out. Glenn has quite a number of ST stories to tell so we’re gonna be around for some time with P2 Illustrated.

9. What are Omniverse’s other titles that we can look forward to in the future?

The Realm

Legend of the Khi-Mara

Mars Vs. Earth

Pathways

The Return of the Frontiersmen

From "Pathways"

10. Which Captain would you choose to command your ship…. Pike, Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway or Archer

Captain Brain and FO Pinky, of course

11. Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? If you'd like to promote something you are in or are interested in here. Or maybe a message to the fans and readers of the blog.

Come on over and check us out at Omniverse-Productions.com.

We’ve got some great stuff and more is coming out soon!

Thanks to Mouse for stopping by the blog, and thank you all for reading the blog. What you guys can do is "like" the blog on facebook... Help Phase 2 on Indiegogo... stay tuned to the Omniverse Productions for more Comics.  And continue to read the blog and watch TOS and Phase II.

Until next time readers, Ms. Uhura... Close hailing frequencies.

An update on Phase II

"Friends, I've been reviewing the footage of our episodes that you are waiting for and all three episodes require some additional footage to be shot in order for us to finish and release them. I've decided that it would simply be irresponsible to start filming another episode at this time while we have three episodes that still need footage. So we are going to put off filming "Troublesome Minds" for the time being and devote our fall 2012 shoot to picking up the footage needed to finish "Kitumba", "The Protracted Man" and "Bread and Savagery". With everything I plan to accomplish this fall our fans can look forward to exciting things from Phase II in 2013!

We can still use more folks to help with both the fall shoot (10/31-11/10) and our fun and terrifying Haunted Penfield event (10/26-28). You won't regret joining us! Go ahead and email phase2.volunteer@gmail.com to add your name and get details!"- Executive Producer James Cawley

With this in mind... Phase II would like your help to finish these three episodes: "Kitumba", "The Protracted Man" and "Bread and Savagery". if you cannot donate your time and help out in person, I encourage you to donate what you can to the Phase II Indiegogo for the November pick-up shoot http://www.indiegogo.com/phase2fall


I hope you all continue to watch Star Trek: Phase II and read the blog... there are some interesting things upcoming, and hopefully I see some of you at a shoot soon, until then Lieutenant Uhura close hailing frequencies.

~Fez

Director Mark Burchett talks to the blog

1.What is it that you both do for your “day job", if you can talk about it

I currently am a “day worker”, taking jobs and projects as they come to me. I did spend over 20 years in the theatre business, running movie theatres. During that time I ran drive-ins, art houses and multi-plexes ranging up to 16 screens. I also have been lucky enough to direct 4 feature-length motion pictures and have worked on a dozen other films over the years. For two years I was President of the Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association (SOFA).

2. What is your earliest Star Trek memory?

I remember watching the Original Series when it first aired when I was a kid. I remember watching “Amok Time” when I was seven and getting scared when Kirk called McCoy “Bones”! I was sure I was seeing a horror show! What an idiot I was! I became addicted during the 70s when the show was in syndication.

3. How did you first hear of Star Trek: Phase 2?

I found it on my own on the internet. I first stumbled upon “Starship Exeter”, then I found “New Voyagers” and “Phase II”. I was immediately a fan. I couldn’t believe how perfect everything looked! The sets, the costumes, the props, everything! I was also impressed with the passion of the actors and had watched them grow in their roles with each episode.

4. How has your appreciation for Star Trek changed now that you have been on the set for Phase 2?

I certainly gained even more respect for the work done by the original crew and directors in the 1960s! But I also gained a greater appreciation for what the Phase II crew had already accomplished. When I stepped on in that studio, I found a family of people that I shared a passion with. Every production I’ve ever been associated with has been a family of sorts, but Phase II is special in that we share much more than the desire to see the individual project completed. We share in the vision of Gene Roddenberry, and our own “Great Bird of the Galaxy”, James Cawley.

4. What was your role/job at this Production? And did you do more then that duty?

As the director of “Mind-Sifter” , “Bread and Savagery”, and “Going Boldly” my job was primarily to work with the actors and Director of Photography to tell the story in such a way that the editors could create the final product. On “Bread and Savagery”, I worked with the Producers in helping James recast Captain Kirk (Brian Gross) and Lt. Uhura (Jasmine Pierce). It was an honor to have a part in that, since they are such iconic characters.

5. You came into the fold at an interesting time, with all the changes and fun stuff that was going on at Retro Film Studios... What was it like for you to be with the most passionate fan base in quite frankly the galaxy? And did you feel intimidated

Of course I felt intimidated! When Jim Cawley called me and asked me to help him find an actor to step into the shoes (or boots) of Captain James T. Kirk, I knew I was in a very important place in fandom. I mean, other than Gene Roddenberry and J.J. Abrams, how many people have had a chance to cast the role of captain of the Enterprise? Plus, Uhura! I mean, how lucky am I?

6. What is your favorite memory of being on set or just hanging around with the crew?

Stepping onto the Bridge for the first time! In my mind, I’d been there thousands of times since I was 13. To finally be there was incredibly special. Meeting the cast was amazing, as I was a fan already. Other than that, getting to know the cast and crew was really special. They are such a kind, intelligent, talented group of people! They welcomed me immediately and made me feel like part of this amazing group.

7. In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and Is it really a "family" as some people have described it?

It is a family, absolutely/ As I’ve said on more than one occasion, Fez, I consider you the warped son I never had! I felt instantly at home on set. The people shared a passion with me that few people I’ve encountered have felt. In many ways we are siblings. James is like our father (though he is considerably younger than me) and Patty Wright is definitely a mother figure to the Phase II crew.

8. Are there any other projects you are working on? Whether it is Star Trek or Something else?

Well, I have been asked to direct the Spring / Summer 2013 Phase II shoot. It’s a script by “Bread and Savagery”’s Rick Chambers called “The Holiest Thing”. I’m also working with my producing partner Bill Dever on a series with Traci Lords and a couple of SyFy Channel projects with director Jim Wynorski.

9. Will you direct an episode if I write one that is accepted?

Absolutely! I would be hurt if anyone else directed your script!

10. This is a first I will ask on this blog, Which Captain would you choose to command your ship…. Pike, Kirk or Picard

Kirk. Definitely Kirk. Picard was a fine character, but Kirk had the skills to work miracles when the odds were against him. Plus, he always got the girl.

11. Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? If you'd like to promote something you are in or are interested in here. Or maybe a message to the fans and readers of the blog.

My only other thought would be to thank James and the whole Phase II family for giving me the chance to live my boyhood dream of being a part of Star Trek. I consider it a high point of my career.

Alright everyone, thank you to Mark for donating his time to the blog but also to helping make more Star Trek for all of us.... and also a HUGE THANK YOU to all you readers out there... there is a bunch more to come. Until then Live Long and Prosper

"Going Boldly...."

"Going Boldly"

Release date: August 06, 2012
Writer: Dave Galanter
Stardate: Unknown (None given)

Watch it here


This short film starts with a tribute to five lost souls, two real life Phase 2 crewmembers and 3 fictional characters in the series:

Commander Anthony DeGregorio: was our Art Director for Star Trek: Phase 2

Lieutenant John Olson: A real person who was part of the Grip & Electric team at Phase 2

Lt. R.L. Dickerson: A fictional character who was chief of security in the TOS episode "The Savage Curtain" and killed in the opening sequence of "Enemy: Starfleet!"

Lt. Mikhail Hodel (played by Nick Cook): A fictional character who was an engineer and eaten by bloodworms in "Blood and Fire, Part One"

Lt. Alexander Freeman (played by Evan Fowler): A fictional character who was the medical technician and boyfriend of Ensign Peter Kirk in "Blood and Fire, Part Two"

This vignette is the first appearance of Brian Gross as our new James T. Kirk, Jasmine Pierce as Lieutenant Uhura, Wayne W. Johnson as Ensign Dawson Walking Bear and finally Chris Doohan as the voice of Lieutenant Arex from the Animated Series. The newly refitted USS Enterprise as it leaves Space dock makes her debut as well

Making appearances in this short are: John Kelly who again inhabits Dr. Leonard McCoy, Brandon Stacey as Mr. Spock, Charles Root as Engineer Scott, Jonathan Zungre as Lieutenant Chekov, Alec Peters as Captain Garth, Robert Withrow as Admiral Withrow, and Clay Sayre as The Troyian Assistant

This was an emotionally charged shoot and vignette to shoot, as we were in a way commemorating the losses of our fallen family, the tears you see on the screen and the ones you couldn't see were all real. I was there in front of the camera and behind it, there was not a dry eye in the place. I think that we honored them in the way they would have liked, where we all feel safe on the starship Enterprise.

It's hard to go through life knowing that in time, the people you have met... although you feel that they will be there forever, one day they will be gone. This truly is a family, and even though we do not often see each other except at these yearly events we are family in every way that counts: we care for each other, we fight with each other, we laugh with each other, we mourn with each other.

My review: Well, The sets were amazing as usual and I have to give major props to Rob Mauro, Kent Schmidt and the entire G&E team for some awesome TOS lighting even some re-lighting to blend in with a shot not done for this vignette (no I will not tell you where it is). The performances were heart-felt, as it was many of the P2 crew reacting to our lost family. Some people have complained about Spock emoting too much, and I say why not? Spock is half-human and the conflict between his halves have been a source of many episodes. Brandon has continued to impress in each of his performances in the role and this was no different. It was great to see Doc John back as Dr. McCoy he really plays well with Brandon and the Spock/McCoy dynamic. Brian Gross, shows a lot of promise as the new Captain Kirk, having worked with him on set you will be pleasantly surprised when you get to see him in full action when "Bread and Savagery" comes out.

These effects were amazing, a BIG THANK YOU! and shout out to Tobias Richter and all the other visual effects artists that worked on all the green screen, Exterior VFX, Lieutenant Arex shots. The old girl looks amazing.

The pacing could have been better, but I understand the importance of each person getting their moment to grieve... Although, this was a somber vignette... I think it is important to remember that James and Company along with Captain Kirk and his crew always continue to "Go Boldly", into the unknown and explore it. So Thank you all so much for everything that you all do.

And the Adventure Continues...

Wait a minute... that's not Drusilla! That's Faith Stanek

A surprise that same out of the June 2012 Star Trek shoot of "Bread and Savagery" was that I we got an another excellent addition to our Star Trek family: Faith Stanek. Below is my interview with her:

1.What is it that you both do for your “day job", if you can talk about it

Well I have been a hair & makeup artist for about 8 years. I love it & it comes in handy on photoshoots & film sets-like in shooting Phase 2! I helped make some of the cast even better looking than they already were!

2. How did you first hear of Star Trek: Phase 2?

From a friend who has worked on the production in the past Mr. Jeff Forsyth! He said they we're looking to cast someone that fit my description so I sent all my info, headshot, demo reel and clips to Patty & that's how I ended up in this episode!

3. I understand that you were not a Star Trek fan before you came to shoot "Bread and Savagery", are you now or do you have an appreciation for it ?

I never really knew anything other than some guy had weird eyebrows & they are in space or something- The set was so cool the enterprise, the transporter (where I tried to nap) was just so cool I wanted so badly to take a picture in captains chair! On set I saw how passionate everyone was about it and all the memorabilia around the studio- it made me very interested in it all & I can't wait to figure out how everything turns out!

4. What was your role/job at this shoot? What was the audition/Orientation experience like?

Well when I walked in to the studio I was SO nervous there were so many people, I didn't know anyone really just emails back & forth with Patty for weeks. I was the "Slave Girl" to pro council played by the amazing Daren Dochterman & felt like it haha just kidding but I did jump from doing hair & makeup to in front of the camera..and I was thrilled with my wardrobe & pretty sure all the guys on set were too! Ha-ha

5. You came into the fold at an interesting time, with all the changes and fun stuff that was going on at the shoot... What was it like for you to be with the most passionate fan base in quite frankly the galaxy? and did you feel intimidated

I'm very outspoken, fearless, can talk to anyone about anything but I was walking into an already formed family as the "newbie" so I was extremely intimidated. Walking in everyone kinda just stopped & looked up- I was like a deer in headlights!! But everyone was so warm & welcoming, I immediately started chatting everyones ear off. I really bonded with Spock (Brandon Stacy) & Captain Kirk (Brian Gross) since we were hotel buddies across the hall from each other! As well as Brian Tubbs it felt like we had a lot of down time both waiting around on set for our time to film. Brian holloway was awesome I worked a little with him side by side helping with hair & makeup he's great and I learned a ton! Of course Fez too! I miss them all and can't wait for the next episode! I hear everyone raving about this being the best one yet!!

6. What is your favourite memory of being on set or just hanging around with the crew?

Honesty just being around everyone was so much fun! I was constantly entertained and had So many people to strike up a conversation with since I'm a chatter box! The day we filmed in the quarry was the best! Brian Tubbs performing his meteorology skills in between Filming his & the boys scene and at the last line being shot The skies opened up, chaos everywhere people grabbing everything & running..then Kirky running with with metal chair for cover...bahaha I have to say.. That made my day!

7. In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and Is it really a "family" as some people have described it?

It truly is. Everyone is looking out for one another at all times, complimenting eachother, staying positive & bonding. You have all these great people sharing stories, advice, & food lol poor Tubbs I was always hungry and he always had food!! And you have big name actor like Brian Gross who was the sweetest guy I've met in this crazy Hollywood life! Everyone was wonderful- friends for life I feel so honored to have become a part of the family!

8. Are there any other projects you are working on? Whether it is Star Trek or Something else?

Currently I'm doing a lot of photoshoots & taking some big meetings. I begin filming a horror movie: "The Meat Puppet" which you can check out on IMDB, Facebook, Twitter and pretty much any horror blog, article, or website the press is going crazy! I begin shooting in a few weeks down in New Jersey where I am the supporting lead female in the movie which is great! I'm terrified of scary movies so I'm thinking I won't have to do much acting!! so I can't wait to see how it all turns out! You'll have to stay tuned!!

9. Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? If you'd like to promote something you are in or are interested in here. Or maybe a message to the fans and readers of the blog.

I hope everyone enjoys this episode! The cast and crew worked so extremely hard on everything days and nights. It's going to be amazing and I hope to be a part of it for a long time!

Everyone can Stop by and "Like" my fanpage - Facebook.com/Faithstanek and website - Faithstanek.com where I will be putting updates on all my upcoming and current projects!!! Keep an eye out for new shoots and details on "The Meat Puppet" hope you all didn't start snoozing reading my rants :)

Peace out dolls! Thanks Jaime aka Fez for the interview!!

Love Star Treks Favorite Slave girl!

Faithy!

-------------------------End Transmission---------------------------

Until next time Trek fans, Live Long and Prosper.... and keep your eyes peeled for more from Star Trek: Phase II, there is a lot of exciting fun ahead.... the "Going Boldly" vignette, "Bread and Savagery".... the November shoot of "Troublesome Minds" by Dave Galanter.