Phase 2 Spotlight: Jonathan Zungre

Jonathan Zungre is an up and coming individual, who is an actor for Star Trek Phase 2. I am honored to personally know him and that he agreed to do an interview for me.

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

JZ: It talk about video games on the radio. I started a company called Video Game Winners and Losers (VideoGameWinnersAndLosers.com) where I review all the new video games on a bunch of different radio stations all over the country. It's a tough job, but someones got to...nah, I'm kidding, it's awesome.

2.What is your connection to Star Trek? and how has it affected your life?

JZ: I play Chekov on Star Trek New Voyages/ Phase II. It's the most fun I've had acting and something that people always think is cool when I tell them about it.

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

JZ: I heard of it through my first audition. I was like, "No way, acting in a Star Trek show? That is too cool." When it came to auditions, it really was the diamond in the rough. The "rough" being weeks and weeks of auditions for commercials, cruise ship musical theatre and self indulgent student films. I think I prepared harder for that audition than any.

4. "Enemy: Starfleet!" was your first go around as Chekov, how hard is it to be the character and do you think you have gotten better with each performance?

JZ: The accent can be tricky. I have to warm it up and keep speaking in it or I'll start to lose it. But Chekov is a fun character and especially in a lot of the scripts I've had the pleasure to work on, he's got some great character moments. I got to do a fight scene where I duke it out with a humongous Klingon. I love stuff like that.

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

JZ: A couple of the guys gave me a pantsing during a bridge scene during Enemy Starfleet. Thankfully my regulation uniform was tied pretty tight, so my pants didn't come all the way down. And we used to have bonfires every night, where we'd just sit and talk. Those were great. We eat breakfast in these little restaurants near the set. Driving an hour to see a movie with JT. Laughing till we started crying while playing Grand Theft Auto with Bobby during The Child shoot. Too many good memories to name.

6. In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and the realization of a dream that many dream but few can say they have experienced

JZ: It's a blessing, it really is. It's something I'll always be grateful for. And the atmosphere is friendly...when we're not up at 3 am trying to finish a scene. When you're on set, it's a great marriage of professionalism and fun.

7. Is it really a "family" as some people have described it?

JZ: Yep. People are close. And they fight. Sounds like a family to me : )

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

JZ: Well, you can listen to my radio segment. It'll be on every weekday starting October 31st on the Video Game Winners and Losers Facebook page. Hit me up with "like" if you check it out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Video-Game-Winners-and-Losers-Radio-Segment/204769882900010

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.

JZ: Just want to send a thank you to James, Patty, Sarge, Rob and everybody else that has made Star Trek such an enjoyable and memorable experience for me.


Again a major Thanks go to Johnny for doing this, and keep your eyes out for Johnny's next adventure as Chekov in Phase 2, "The Child" written and directed by Jon Povill.


Until next time blog readers, keep reading, Trekking and Live Long and Prosper

Phase 2 Spotlight : Brian Tubbs

I met Brian Tubbs on the set of Star Trek: Phase 2's "Kitumba" shoot in 2009, we have been good friends ever since. And I would like to thank him for agreeing to do this interview for me.

1. What is it that you do for your “day job"?

I’m a weather Forecaster for the United State Air Force. The difference between me and your local weather man is that I don’t do my job on TV and the focus of my job is on how the weather will affect military aircraft and personnel. This can be tricky because unlike the civilian side, the military will refuel aircraft in the air; a very dangerous business. It’s my job to inform pilots about weather that could affect the mission, such as thunderstorms, turbulence, and icing. It’s also my job to protect personnel and assets on the ground. I do this by issuing “Watches, Warnings, and Advisories” of things ranging from something simple like a 15kt crosswind advisory to a Warning for Hail and tornadoes.

2. What is your connection to Star Trek? And how has it affected your life?

I have watched Star Trek since I was a small child and developed a lasting love for the show when Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987. I remember how excited my Dad was for us all to watch it. I looked forward to those nights when my Dad, my brother, and I would watch the show together. Those were good times. I developed a strong love for science and sci-fi because of Star Trek. Being a cast member on Star Trek phase II and just being a part of the production of Star Trek is a thrill that I will always love.

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

I first found Phase II over the internet. I was searching for any possible news of a new Star Trek show on Google, and I found Phase II. I watch the episodes and after I watched “World Enough and Time” I knew I had to get involved somehow. I decided to contact the show. So I wrote an email and was contact by Rob Mauro. He asked for my head shot and resume. Eventually James Cawley called me and asked me to come out for the “Kitumba” shoot. James must have liked what he saw because he has called me back for 2 more episodes since then, with bigger roles each time.

4. Which episodes have you worked on?

I have worked on Kitumba, Origins or “The Protracted Man” and I will be back in June of next year to shoot “Bread and Savagery.” Kitumba and Origins are still in post production and my part of “Bread and Savagery” won’t be filmed until next June.

5. What is your favorite memory of being on set?

This is a hard one. I have so many. My favorite part of being on set is just being in front of the camera and performing. But my favorite scene would definitely have to be the “Sick bay” scene I shot with my good friend Matt Ewald during “Origins.” He’s a great actor and it’s fun to work with talent people.

6. In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and the realization of a dream that many dream but few can say they have experienced?

The atmosphere on set is very professional and the people are very serious about what they do but they also keep things fun and jovial. Sure tension can get high on set when time is running low and you have several scene’s to film, but that’s all part of the experience. It’s amazing to be doing what you love. Acting is my passion but acting on Star Trek is a dream. I love it. You can’t know what it’s like unless you experience it for yourself.

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

As a matter of fact, I am working on a few projects. I just shot a short film called “The Looking” it’s a Sci-Fi, and should be hitting the film festival circuit soon. I also have a major accomplishment in my voice over career with my first anime out on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Eve-of-October/dp/B005GR1GN2

I’m also very lucky to be involved in an Anime still in production called “E-depth Angel” this one is going to be huge. You can read the online comic or find out more at http://mayshing.com/edepth/wordpress/archives/archive/1

There are a couple more projects I am involved in but they are a bit so early in development right now.

8. Can you explain the difference between working with Phase 2 versus Starship Saladin.

Phase II is a screen acting gig, and Starship Saladin is a voice over gig. Both are Star Trek.

Fez: Side note... Brian plays Commander Xonac on Starship Saladin, their first episode is due out soon, keep your eyes peeled for info on that! I make a couple of appearances during the first two episodes so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

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.

While I’m very proud of my service in the USAF, my real passion is acting. I hope to make a living doing what I love one day. It’s a very tricky business to get into and the antithesis of job security. Hopefully the right people will see my work on Phase II or my voice over stuff will get some traction and I live the dream baby!!!

Until next time readers keep reading and... Live Long and Prosper!!

Episode 03: Where No Man Has Gone Before

Season 1
Written By: Samuel A Peeples
Directed by: James Goldstone
Air date: September 22, 1966
Stardate: 1312.4

*****************SPOILER ALERT*********************

Dialogue of the Episode:

Michell: "My friend James Kirk... remember those rodent things on Dimorus, the poison darts they threw, I took one meant for you."

Kirk: "And almost died, I remember."


Synopsis:

The Enterprise encounters an old ship's disaster recorder from the SS Valiant, which crossed the Galactic Barrier, and survived but was destroyed by the Captain, who was threated by a crew member who began to exhibit strange talents. Kirk decides to the probe of the outer reaches, The Enterprise encounters the Galactic barrier is damaged and two of its crew members are alive but were shocked with some sort of electricity: Gary Mitchell and Dr. Elizabeth Denher... Mitchell's eyes glow like orb and he begins to gain extraordinary powers like taking images out of people's minds, reading very fast, controlling his vital signs... The senior staff holds a meeting to discuss the growing concern for not only what Mitchell was mutating into and the Enterprise.

They set course for Delta Vega, and begin their orbit. Kelso's task is to regenerate the engines of the Enterprise, Kirk's task to beam down his best friend, a man he has known for 15 years and maroon him there. In sickbay, Gary begins to have more and more power... electricuting Kirk and Spock as they attempt to bring him to the Transporter Room, Dr. Denher has to sedate him to get him to the Transporter room. Once there he is again sedated, but before that he says "Soon I'll squash you all like insects!"

The teams begin beaming up the retrofitted parts to the Enterprise to re-energize the engines and Kirk orders Kelso to rig a detonation device just in case, Mitchell is placed into the detention area on Delta Vega, and begins to test the force field, and he loses his powers if only for a second. Later on, Kelso is strangled while talking to Scott as to the efficiency of the work they had done. Mitchell breaks out of the cell and attacks everyone, except for Dr. Dehner who has finally transformed into what Mitchell has turned into.



As Kirk awakens he takes the Phaser Rifle (the first and only time we see it in the series), and begins his hunt for Mitchell. As this is happening Elizabeth and Gary plan their life together, Gary seeing Kirk in his mind attempts to kill Kirk with a falling boulder but fails. When Kirk sees Denher he tries to appeal to her humanity to help him defeat his old friend, Jim fires at Gary as he appears Mitchell flings the rifle away. He then digs a grave while saying "I have been contemplating the death of an old friend, he deserves a decent burial at least." He begins to torture Kirk to make him obey him, Dehner begins to fling electricity at Mitchell weakening him enough for Kirk to start beating on Mitchell. As Kirk picks up a rock to kill him Gary is empowered again and throws Kirk, jumping into the grave Kirk brings Mitchell in and jumps out to fire the Phaser rifle at the rock face to Kill Mitchell. As Denher dies her dying words were "You can't imagine what it's like to be almost a... god."

When Kirk returns the Enterprise, he finishes their files with that they died in the line of duty, they didn't ask to have that happen to them.... The End


My Opinion:

It was a well written and well acted episode of Star Trek, personally NBC should have started with this episode instead of "The Man Trap" which was at the most a monster of the week episode. This episode dealt with a couple of themes: "Absolute power corrupts", Feelings verses Cold Logic. I personally would have liked to see a couple of episodes with the Kirk-Spock-Mitchell dynamic.

Continuity:




One of the big complaints of the episode is one of continuity, you see in the screen cap that the Tomb reads "James R. Kirk", as we all know the Captain's full name was first established in "Bem" an Animated Star Trek episode written by David Gerrold but, was formally acknowledged in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as James Tiberius Kirk. The actual name at this point in the series was not fully explored, however in an upcoming Phase 2 episode there is an in joke to this .


Things to note:



Something that you should realize, the original transporter console was the Helm/Navigation station and also this is the only time in the Original Star Trek that you see Spock and Scott out of their usual colors Blue and Red respectively. Sulu was also in the episode, he was wearing sciences blue, he is the only crew member to wear color on the show: Gold (his main color), Blue (An Astro-scientist in "Where No Man Has Gone Before") and Red (as Mirror Sulu in "Mirror, Mirror")



Well it has been real people but there is more Trek to watch and write about... until the next blog entry... Keep reading and.... Live Long and Prosper

Phase 2 Spotlight- John and Annie Carrigan

I first would like to welcome and thank both John and Anne Carrigan for agreeing to do this interview, I know that they are both very very busy people.

Fez: What is it that you both do for your “day jobs”?

John Carrigan: I am a professional Actor and I have been for over 25 years. I am also a martial arts instructor, I have been training for 40 years.

Anne Carrigan: My day job is working as a legal secretary for an international law firm in London, England.

Fez: What is your connection to Star Trek? and how has it affected your life?

JC: I have always been a huge Trek fan and it got me through tough times when I was growing up. To cut a long story short. I met and got to know "Gene Roddenberry" and he directly inspired me to become an Actor. I was chosen for a TV interview about my career and involvement in Star Trek and some people were asked to sit in the background because they looked good in Trek uniform's, I turned around and looked at one of them never dreaming that she would one day become my wife. "Annie" So Star Trek has had and continues to have a huge effect on my life (especially now that I am in Phase II).

AC: I have always had a love of science fiction from an early age: "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is one of my favourite movies and I remember watching it way back when as a teenager and it having a real influence on me. I met John through Star Trek ... he was being interviewed for a Star Trek 30th Anniversary TV programme back in 1996 which was being filmed in "Pages Bar" in London (which was a meeting place for all science fiction enthusiasts in the area at the time). A few of us had been asked to come along to fill in the background for the programme and I happened to be sitting on the table directly behind where John was being interviewed. We haven't looked back since!

Fez: How did you first hear of Star Trek: New Voyages/Phase 2?

JC: My friend "Doug Drexler" contacted me and told me about these incredible sets this guy had created, so I had a look on the net. Doug later suggested me to James to play "Kargh" and the rest is History.

AC: Through a friend of ours, Doug Drexler. Doug emailed John back in March 2004 saying that he had a friend that was filming Star Trek and Doug had mentioned that John would be great for the part of the main Klingon. We just so happened to be out in LA in March/April 2004 and we met up with James Cawley, Jack Marshall and a few others and the rest is history.

Fez: Have you worked on an episode, and if so... what episode and what have you done there...?

JC: YES, I have played Kargh in "In Harms Way" "To Serve All My Days" "No Win Scenario" "Blood And Fire" "Kitumba" and "Mind-sifter" I also had a small cameo and doubled George Takei in "World Enough And Time"

AC: I have worked on To Serve all my Days (TSAMD), No Win Scenario (NWS), Blood & Fire (B&F), Kitumba and Mindsifter. I was originally asked to join the crew to assist James in the wardrobe/costume department for TSAMD as he was rather stretched on "In Harm's Way" as I am a little handy with a needle.

During the shoot of TSAMD the aim was to also shoot 5 small vignettes (sadly only 3 were actually shot), one of which was to be NWS. The month prior to the TSAMD shoot we had met up with a few of the NV crew at the Las Vegas convention and Erik Korngold, one of the writers of the vignettes was there. Having met me Erik asked John if I would be up for the part of a female Klingon officer and if so, he would re-write the vignette for a female Klingon (as it had already been written for a male) AND Le'ak was born.

Apart from bringing Le'ak to the screen on NWS, B&F, Kitumba and Mindsifter I had a very small cameo as the femal Andorian Ambassador on TSAMD due to the fact that Hurricane Katrina had hit down South and somebody was unable to make the shoot! Having Kevin Haney work on me was an absolute blast - what a maestro he is! His Star Wars sound impressions are great too!

I have also become a bit of an expert when it comes to Klingon costuming .... The Kibumba shoot required a huge Klingon wardrobe and I made quite a few of the classic vests and pants back in the UK before we flew out as I knew there would be no time once we arrived in Upstate New York.

Fez: What is your favorite memory of being on set?

JC: I have so many, but on my first ever episode I was about to beam onto the Enterprise and I looked over and saw "Eugene Roddenberry" (Rod) smiling at me, then all the memories of meeting his Dad and being on the Star Trek sets with Gene suddenly came flooding back and it dawned on me, how far I had come in my career, all because of Gene and now I had actually wound up on Star Trek with his Son. I almost could not finish the scene.

AC: Favourite memory, now let me see, I don't just have the one .... Being made up as an Andorian and seeing the look of surprise on peoples faces when they realised it was me (I was only given 5 minutes notice before getting in the makeup chair) .... The campfires at Sam's cabins with Sarge, Ralph, Ron and all the boys on the TSAMD shoot .... Seeing Walter Koenig come out of wardrobe and make-up dressed once again as Chekov ... Cooking breakfast with Pearl Marshall on a Sunday morning for the cast and crew who were staying at Sam's cabins .... Coming round the corner at Fort Ti on the Kitumba shoot and seeing it turned into a Klingon Garrison - now that really was a spine tingling moment. Oh and Paul Sieber's meatballs of course .... Not all technically on set but still my favourite memories - that's what keeps me coming back!

I have also donned a little red dress for B&F, Kitumba and Mindsifter and in fact at one point I am looking at myself on the view screen on B&F - how cool is that!

Fez: In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and the realization of a dream that many dream but few can say they have experienced

JC: I have worked on many film and TV sets in the past, but I have never worked on a set where everyone was so giving and full of friendship and support, also the love for what we are all doing just radiates the set. I suppose I feel as any Star Trek fan would feel. I had made my own captain's chair when I was young and my room was a shrine to Star Trek and just standing on those sets felt like really being on the Enterprise after I had done it a million times in my mind and my dreams, but because of my involvement with Gene in real life, it was even more special, if that were possible.

AC: The atmosphere on set can be fraught sometimes due to time pressures ... but most of the time it's great! Everybody is on the same page and the crew really pull together. My hat goes off to each and everyone of them. I can't say it was a realisation of a dream for me - for John definitely yes! I came on board to help James out in wardrobe/costuming (which I still do when on set) and the fact that Le'ak was written for me still amazes me! I love playing her and now it is like putting on a comfortable pair of your favourite shoes - when that wig goes on I AM Le'ak!

Fez: I have heard that you both presented James Cawley with a gift this year for his birthday, what was it? And how were you able to get it together.

AC: You of course refer to No Win Scenario, the Klingon vignette which was filmed back in September 2005 during the TSAMD shoot. I'll leave John to fill you in on all of that. Needless to say we persevered and succeeded due to John's determination to see it finished for all who worked on it back in 2005 and 2007 and of course the superb assistance of Graham O'Hare and Pony Horton. We were really pleased that James liked it!

JC: We presented James with the finished version of the lost Klingon Vignette "No Win Scenario" It would take pages to tell you the whole story of how we got it together. Let's just say that it took something Kirk said in Trek III "The answer is no, I am therefore going to do it anyway" It took determination, planning, semi secret re shoots, tracking down the original footage, Money, months of editing in the UK, months of getting amazing CGI created, months of post production which turned into years and loads of nerves hoping everyone would think all our hard work was worth it.

Fez: Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

JC: Only that Star Trek Phase 2 has given me so many friends and opportunities over the past seven years, that it is hard to remember a time before I became involved with my Phase 2 family across the World, I hope I get to play Kargh for another seven. Thank you all.

AC: Being part of the NV/P2 journey has been an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. I have met some wonderful people along the way and made some beautiful friendships. Long may it continue .....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again I want to thank John and Annie for taking the time to be interviewed, they are part of the reason I keep coming back to make Star Trek, because of the givingness and caring that we all share in putting out the best Trek we can. I for one Loved "No Win Scenario" and cannot wait for "Kitumba" to see John and Annie again


Until next time Trek fans..... Live Long and Prosper

STP2: "No Win Scenario"

Vignette 2: "No Win Scenario"
Air date: October 8, 2011
Written By: Erik Korngold
Directed By: Erik Goodrich


Watch "No Win Scenario"

*****SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS GO TO THE LINK POSTED ABOVE*******

Originally thought lost but due to a select group of people, this vignette was made possible and was given to James Cawley as a gift for his birthday by John Carrigan (who plays Kargh) during the Mindsifter Shoot in June 2011.

This vignette was originally filmed in 2005 between "In Harm's Way" and "To Serve All My Days"... Beginning with a campfire, Le'ak (played by Anne Carrigan) discusses battle plans with other Klingons, a Tellerite spy and a cloaked eavesdropper. This opus is about Kargh telling the story of how he beat the Klingon version of the Kobayashi Maru, Kirk being pitted up against 4 Klingon D-7 cruisers commanded by: Kang, Kor, Koloth and Kargh. Kargh is the only one who beats this test (as Kirk defeated his), as the eavesdropper leaves he salutes Kargh's bravery in the simulation. It is Kirk, he contacts the Enterprise asking if they got the Klingons plans, before he leaves the planet he leaves a "gift" for the prisoner at his feet.

This is an astonishing look back at what Star Trek New Voyages was and to what Star Trek Phase 2 has become. As such you will notice that Spock is played by Jeff Quinn, Uhura is played by Julienne Irons and Chekov is played by Andy Bray

The truly amazing part of the release of this vignette was the dedication by John Carrigan and his team to track down the lost footage and shoot pick-ups where possible without people knowing about it and doing a bang up job in Post-Production with effects lead by Pony Horton and Tobias Richter.


My personal opinion: This is a great little short that gives us a little more background on the Kirk/Kargh conflict... And it is also a testament to the steadfastness of the Phase 2 production, in delivering this particular short and in other episodes such as "Enemy: Starfleet!"


Thank you John and Anne Carrigan, Pony Horton, Tobias Richter and anyone I did not mention that helped bring this story back from Sto Vo Kor.


Until next time readers, Live Long and Prosper and keep looking for updates on Star Trek Phase 2 and this blog coming soon.

Phase 2 Spotlight: Stephen Dillard

I figured it was time to liven up the blog, ever so often... I will post an interview with a member of the Phase 2 Crew

Fez: Thank you for taking some of your time to chat with me about Star Trek in general.... First tell the readers who you are and what you do as your "day job".

SD: I've done radio for the past 30 years. My air name is Scott Bohannon, but friends and family know me by my real name: Stephen Dillard. I've been a guitarist, Air Talent, Program Director and current morning show producer for “The Free Beer and Hot Wings show” on “943 The X” Knoxville. (943thex.com)

Fez: What is your connection to Star Trek? and how has it affected your life?

SD: Being a child of the 60's, how can I answer that question without writing a book? In 2nd grade all we talked about was Trek. My Dad made plywood Phasers and Communicators and we played Trek during recess. I was Spock by the way – had the largest ears.


Fez: How did you first hear of Star Trek: New Voyages/Phase 2?

SD: Our radio station had a policy not to use sirens in commercials. I had the idea if we could find a phaser sound from TNG and work audio magic, we could get the same perception without making drivers nervous. We did a Google search: “Star Trek New Phaser Sound” but typed “Star Trek N”. Up came “Star Trek New Voyages”. After seeing “In Harm's Way” I was hooked.

Fez: What do you think of the quality of the writing and the episodes themselves?

SD: The best Trek has always been about story. It's the reason STP2 holds up so well. STP2 truly IS the next 5 year journey.

Fez: Have you worked on an episode, and if so... what episode and what have you done there...

SD: I came to simply help any way I could on the "Mindsifter" production. Thanks to John Carrigan's thoughts on what Kargh's office should have and James' spur of the moment asking, I was lucky to play a Klingon Guard. I also did some “Bridge Chatter” for “Origins”, some small audio recording, grip, and bathroom toilet paper changing on “Mindsifter”.

Fez: In your own words, how would you describe both the atmosphere on set and the realization of a dream that many dream but few can say they have experienced

SD: 18 hour days, no sleep, no pay: how can I best say this.....FUN AS S**T. When I first walked into the green room in Port Henry it felt like home. When you read on the forum at www.startreknewvoyages.com people you're a part of “the family”, it's true. I was only there for the first ½ of a two week shoot and I'm doing this interview with Fez. I feel a part of the “STP2 Family“. All the staff took great care getting the shots perfect. I will say that damn transporter set needs some A/C.

Fez: And you are right you are apart of the family... Any other thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

SD: I'm privileged working with and knowing everybody that's a part of STP2. I was lucky to be on camera, but there are so many people that make this a part of real Star Trek history (too many to mention here). They're the true stars.

On a side note; I believe (I'm sure I'll hear about this on the forum) I'm the only other actor to play a bald Klingon besides Chris Plummer.

We spent a long night (2am) watching a print of “The Child” and “Kitumba”. I wish you all could have been in that room....it was EPIC.

--------------END TRANSMISSION----------------------


I wanna thank, Stephan Dillard for answering a few questions, and you the readers for keep on reading...

Until next time my fellow Trekkies and others, Live Long and Prosper

Introspective: Fez talking about the Final Frontier and the Fez

By the way I am sorry it took me so long to post, Like with Phase 2 my regular life got

a hold of me for a month so hopefully I can make go away for a while. I should start this by saying that without a select few for encouraging me to talk about my perspective on Star Trek and Phase 2, and having the confidence in me to get done on set what needed to be done... You all know who you are, you have my thanks as I have told you before.

On my journey to the Final Frontier, something I have been doing for the last three years... I have become part of a group that I know understands where I am coming from, at least most of the time. I remember the first time like it was yesterday... June 2009, "Kitumba"

I had to ride with my parents because we all were not sure exactly where the studio was going to be... I have to admit I was nervous, these people have made half a dozen episodes already, and probably know more trek then I could ever know... I soon found my niche and got comfortable, due in small part that I was part of G&E, under the Gaffer Ironmaiden guy and the Key Grip Kent (the tie-dye guy).

It was a long grueling shoot, but it was fun... even when we had some injuries (no grips or future scripties were killed at this shoot). I come away with some great friends all of whom I keep in contact with for the most part.

The next shoot I was at was "Origins" or "The Protracted Man" shoot, where one of the writers from TOS was there: David Gerrold. The writer of "The Trouble with Tribbles", was sitting next to me for most of the shoot as I had changed over from a grip to a PA (Production Assistant) and many other jobs subsequent to that. but otherwise was a "tame" shoot.

The latest round of Trek at least for me was this summer, where I had the true pleasure of working on a classic story of Star Trek and one that I think would stand up to the likes of "City on the Edge of Forever"... and that of course is "Mind-sifter", I personally was unaware that it was a famous Fan Fiction story before it was turned into the Marvelous script thanks to Shirley Maiewski (the original author) and Patty Wright who adapted it into a teleplay for our show. It was during this shoot, that I was again transferred to another postion, one that many would agree that one day I will be excellent at... Script Supervisor or Scriptie

Note: I have obtained proof that the Script Supervisor for most of the Original Trek was a man

Well, armed with 2 TOS canon books for reference, all of the episodes and movies, the script and a bunch of Trek fans... I and the crew for this episode survived part one. One of my duties was to work closely with the DP (Director of Photography) Matt Bucy, The Director Mark Burchett and the Line Producer who shall remain nameless. We would discuss what was to be done that day and for the shoot. Some of the duties I had were to find what props were to be in each scene, a study of episodes to determine what props and colors were in certain character's quarters, table read with the actors, feeding them lines they forget while we film (hey were only human, most of us) and of course taking notes while we film... Big job I know... but someone has to do it.

I do have to give a shout out to two remarkable crew members that opened up their home to the crew for the first RFS (Retro Film Studios) BBQ... Thank you so much Denise and Tony D.

All and All my experiences with this set of people has been amazing, I finally have a second family... One that I can always come back to and understand. These people are some of the nicest and kindest humans I have ever met and 2 Vulcans. Hopefully, I can get another blog post out this week. Until then, "Live Long and Prosper"