Saying good-bye to my Captain Kirk

For the last 8 years of my life there has been only one actor to me besides William Shatner that has been Captain James T. Kirk, and that is James Cawley. Watching James as Kirk as a fan for the first 4 years of that span and the last 4 as a crew member of Star Trek: Phase II. In that span these episodes were released: "In Harm's Way", "To Serve All My Days", "World Enough and Time", "Blood and Fire Parts 1 and 2", "Enemy: Starfleet!" and "The Child."

I have to be honest, the reason I liked James so much as Kirk before I met him in person was because he was not Shatner and didn't try to be Shatner. There have been people who have criticized him by saying he's not Kirk because he isn't Shatner or Pine. I maintain that without James and Phase 2, there would be no JJ Trek movie, and therefore no Chris Pine Kirk. Besides, James is not Shatner... James embodies Kirk with his personality and his body language.

As a crew member I was amazed and dazzled by James. I was unprepared for his charisma, generosity and friendship, that to me is James. And as an actor, he has so much range... in fact on an episode I was the Script Supervisor, I was about ready to kill him because he kept changing and playing with his lines... but it only made the scene better, because he is in the head of Captain Kirk, and knows what he thinks and feels, so he knows how to get the best out of himself for the role.

I have to be honest... I was shocked and heart-broken when I heard about James stepping down as Captain Kirk, it was almost like watching Spock die in "The Wrath of Khan". And James has his reasons for leaving the role, but during the June shoot he was as happy as I have ever seen him. And honestly I understand his reasons for doing this, I know that every crew member on Phase 2 is sad that an era is about to close, but as James has said our job is to have fun and to continue to make our episodes better and better each time out. To that end Brian Gross will take over the center-seat from "Bread and Savagery" on. James and I have raved about Brian looking like William Shatner, but also acting like Captain Kirk. I look forward to working with Brian in the fall for "Troublesome Minds" written by Dave Galanter. I would also look out for Brian's first appearance as Captain Kirk soon, if the posts I am reading are correct.

And, don't worry... there are still a couple of Phase II episodes of James as Captain Kirk, to end his historic run as James Tiberius Kirk, "Kitumba" and "The Protracted Man". My final thoughts on James are these: William Shatner left some pretty big shoes to fill, and he did it without the aide of a girdle, he did it with his own style and presence. Although he is leaving the cast as the Captain, he will always be the Captain of the crew of Phase II as he continues to inspire us to go boldly... where no fan has gone before.

To the Great Bird of our Galaxy... Thank you James for everything, As Captain Kirk, a fan, an Executive Producer and a dear friend

Hailing frequencies Open with... Jasmine Pierce

We are now lucky to have the new Lt. Uhura, Jasmine Pierce here on the blog for an interview. She was at the June shoot where we completed a vignette called "Boldly Go..." written by Dave Galanter and an episode called "Bread and Savagery" written by Rick Chambers.

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

I am an actress and I work at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.

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

Star Trek was not a world I was greatly exposed to growing up, but it found me and I'm glad to be a part of it now.

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

I was introduced by the director of Bread & Savagery, Mark Burchett, who hired me at a movie theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio ages ago.

4. What was the audition/Orientation experience like?

The Orientation was an exciting experience for me because I had no idea what to expect walking into this environment. I was blown away by the professional-level work that all of these volunteers had produced, driven solely by a passion for Star Trek. I've never felt more welcome on a set before.

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 never once felt intimidated, I only felt welcomed and accepted. It was inspiring to see people work so hard not for a pay check, but in honor of something they are passionate about.

6. "Bread and Savagery" was your first go around as Lieutenant Uhura, how hard is it to be the character and what have you taken either from Nichelle Nichols performance or the other young ladies that have portrayed our Communications officer?

I did a lot of research watching Nichelle Nichols and I did my best to gather what the fans' ideas of Uhura were. My tactic in taking on this role was to learn as much as I could about it and forget it as soon as I was on set so I could relax and bring myself to the character. I couldn't be successful trying to be Nichelle Nichols' Uhura. I had to be my Uhura and I hope that the fans see the Lieutenant they've grown to adore.

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

My favorite moment was the first time I walked out of the make-up room in full Uhura gear. Everyone was so excited to see my transformation into the character, and so supportive of me taking on the iconic role.

8. 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?

I think Phase II is exactly a family. They are put together like a family, they get through challenges like a family, and most importantly at the end of the day, they can get together, swap stories, and bond like a family. This is something truly special.

9. Are you amazed at the volume and quality if the Trek episodes that RFS produces? And do you see an end in sight for the 5-year mission?

I am amazed by all that RFS has produced and I hope it lives on in honor of Star Trek!

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

I recently graduated from NYU and am working on developing my acting career.

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.

I just want to thank all the fans for the endless support I've received so far. I know Trekkies are quite particular people and the encouragement they've offered me is more than I could have hoped for.

Please visit my website for future updates: iamJasminePierce.com !

And you can like my fan page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JasmineKPierce

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First of all I want to Thank Jasmine for agreeing to do this interview, and for being apart of the Star Trek: Phase 2 family, I know you guys will all be impressed when you see her performance.

Next, there are several more posts coming stay tuned for them

Until next time Trekkies.... Live Long and Prosper

An Interview with The New Captain Kirk.... Brian Gross

As many of you may or may not be aware I have not been posting at all lately, As I was in pre-production and production of the Star Trek: Phase II episode entitled "Bread and Savagery", written by Rick Chambers. We finished around 7:00 pm EST yesterday, and it looks good!

While at the shoot we had the re-launch that James Cawley has been hinting at... and no I will not tell you all the itty bitty details. One of the surprises that was revealed and I am now allowed to tell you is... James has cast Brian Gross as the legendary Captain James T. Kirk.

Having worked with James, I was skeptical at first about a new Captain taking the center seat, after-all besides William Shatner, James has been MY Captain Kirk. But after 2 weeks of hanging out and working with Brian, I can tell you not only does he act like Captain Kirk, but he looks like Captain Kirk. And so direct from the set... I give you Brian Gross

1. Brian, thank you for joining me, let's get into it... Are you a Star Trek fan?

I was not a Star Trek fan, I have seen several episodes and now have an appreciation for it. But I am not a Star Trek fan to the level of fan we have here at the studio.

2. How is it you are coming to Phase 2?

James was working really hard behind the scenes to find someone to replace him as Jim Kirk, Mark Burchett who directed this particular episode had me in mind for the part called Bill Devers who got in contact with me. And the rest as they say is history.

3. How does it feel now that you have stepped into the role that William Shatner, James Cawley and Chris Pine have made famous?

It was pretty nerve racking, knowing the great actors that have gone before in the role and knowing that Star Trek fans are very critical of every aspect of a Production whether it is done by CBS/Paramount or done by fans. But, as the experience started I was welcomed into a family, not knowing what to expect and now I am completely comfortable with the cast and crew that we have because not only are we there to work but we have fun.

4. Have you seen any of the Phase 2 episodes?

I saw the one with George Takei (World Enough and Time), and was impressed by the level of story telling and acting that went on during the episode. I have also seen a bunch of the Original Series episodes to prepare for the role of Captain Kirk.

5. Who did you have fun/ enjoyed working with during the episode?

I enjoyed all the personalities that were on the set but I think my favorite parts would have to be the stuff with Brandon Stacy (Spock) and Doc John (Dr. McCoy). Especially the beam down stuff, because it shows the bond between the characters.

6. What do you think of James and the Production re-creating the Original Star Trek?

It's great! Everyone is very detail oriented...with lines, sets, costumes. It is refreshing to have a bunch of people who care so much about the product that they are producing and want to make it the best it can be.

7. What can you say about your experience so far?

It was really important to bond with the crew, we were filming both an episode and a vignette during the shoot. The Vignette it was very important that the whole crew be present for the speech I was giving, because it is about change and family. And, this group whether you are new or old is a family. And besides being greeted with applause when I came into the studio and was introduced, this was the moment that I felt I was a part of this family, because even though I was not there for the losses that they had, I felt that I experienced them too.

8. Any Last Thoughts?

I really hope that there is more to come, I hope the fans enjoy my performance and the episodes overall. As we go further and do more episodes I feel I will get better and more comfortable in time, and we will raise the bar each time as James has decreed, and I can't wait for that!

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I want to thank Brian and the whole Star Trek Phase 2 production for everyone's time. Until next time my friends... Live Long and Prosper, Look for the next post of Fez Talks Star Trek and Phase 2.

A Small update on Star Trek Phase 2 but BIG NEWS

The next episode to be released is "The Child" written and directed by Jon Povill, the Teaser and Act 1 can be seen now on youtube, the rest of the episode will be released hopefully in short order but from what I have seen it looks very good. Release date: April 5, 2012 at 5:01 pm EST or 17:01 EST

--edited 02/26/2012---Some Good news from James Cawley on facebook about "Kitumba" written by John Meredith Lucas Teleplay by Patty Wright..."Spent almost 7 hours today re-building the edit timeline for "Kitumba"! The good news is I have Act One finished and identified the missing footage that needs to be re-shot! I am looking forward to shooting the re-cast scenes as I know that they will be so much better! If all goes well this episode will be out the door later this spring. Plans are being made to grab the new scenes next month. Sometimes when roadblocks are thrown at you, it makes you all the more determined to drive right thru them!"

"Origins" or "The Protracted Man" written and directed by David Gerrold, is in post-production

"Mind-sifter" written by Patty Wright is awaiting the Second shoot for the rest of Principle Photography and is in Post-Production

"Bread and Savagery" written by Rick Chambers, is in Pre-Production for a shoot in June, the 16th- 30th

--THE BIG NEWS--

Norman Spinrad writer of the TOS episode "The Doomsday Machine", had a script that was not produced for Star Trek, as it was re-written as a comedy, the original script was thought lost until now, and James Cawley and those at Retro Films Studios are going to produce that episode entitled "He Walked Among Us" which Mr. Spinrad has agreed to direct. This episode is in Pre-Production for a shoot at some point.

Until then....

Help out with the production by either donating your time at a shoot (the 'Bread and Savagery' shoot) by contacting the production at the contact us button on the main website or if you cannot attend donate a small amount of money to the Production at the website at the moment only click on the top two buttons for the expenses, the sets and the studio expenses or the server/bandwidth expenses.

Look for the review of the next episode I do... "The Doomsday Machine" in honor of Norman Spinrad coming to Star Trek Phase 2...Coming soon

Episode 14: "Balance of Terror"

Season 1

Written by: Paul Schneider

Directed By: Vincent McEveety

Air-date: December 15, 1966

Stardate: 1709.2

Quote of the episode: "Here is one thing you can be sure of... Leave any bigotry in your quarters, there is no room for it on the bridge... Do I make myself clear?" ~Captain Kirk

So as we begin this episode, the crew is preparing for a wedding ceremony for two crew members: Angela Martine and Robert Tomlinson (remember that for later on). As Kirk is about to begin the ceremony there is a call from the bridge, Spock informs him that an outposts along the Neutral Zone have gone silent. He proceeds by saying "since the days of the first wooden sailing vessels all ship masters have had one happy privilege... that of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony." (Bill Teegarden had an excellent point about this quote and I agreed with it, Look at the Noteworthy section) And, we were interrupted by the red alert.

Then a ship-wide briefing on the situation, by Spock and Captain Kirk. Lieutenant Stiles, hopes to intercept the attackers, saying that the Romulans would have a ship painted with a bird of prey on the bottom. The Enterprise makes contact with outpost 4 and Commander Hansen, which are both destroyed by an "unknown" alien vessel with a plasma weapon. The Enterprise is able to track the ship, by their motion sensors, they parallel the Romulan ship's course, they receive code from the Romulan ship and are able to get a picture of their bridge, there we get a look at the Romulans (Look for the "Holy Shit" look from Spock as he looks at the screen)...

Stiles, who has extreme bigotry says that Spock would be able to translate the code, Kirk immediately disciplines him right there (hence my favorite quote). The ship decloaks as the Enterprise follows. The Romulan commander orders the cloaking device on and has a conversation with his Centurion, about tactics and philosophy. He also disciplines a soldier much like Kirk did to Stiles. In the briefing room, the Senior staff talk about: The debris from outpost 4, tactics and Stiles hatred of the Romulans and Mr. Spock. Kirk decides to attack the Romulans before they enter the Neutral Zone. The Romulan Commander quickly avoids the trap set by Kirk, and Kirk orders the crew to fire proximity phasers (like depth charges on submarines) and hits the Romulan vessel. The Romulan Centurion dies after saving the Commander. The phasers are under repair as the Romulans fire their plasma torpedo at the Enterprise, which is on full reverse power. They discover that it has limited range, as it impacts the ship, they then restore the phasers and continue shadowing the Romulan vessel.

Captain Kirk decides to get the Romulan ship while they are on their side of the Neutral Zone,

firing a blanketing pattern they hit the Romulan vessel, the Romulan Commander decides to

fire debris at the Enterprise to trick them that his vessel had been destroyed The continuing evasion and mimicking of the two ships almost comes to a halt as both vessels hold for the other vessel to make a mistake, Captain Kirk is visited by Dr. McCoy and is given the following advice: "Something I seldom say to a customer, Jim. In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million million galaxies like this. And in all of that, and perhaps more, only one of each of us. Don't destroy the one named Kirk."

Spock trips the sensors, and the Romulans attempt to destroy the Enterprise, but they are damaged further before the Romulan Commander has more debris fired at the Enterprise except with a nuclear warhead. The Enterprise is damaged, with no stand-by crew for the forward phaser room only Tomlinson, Styles volunteers to help out because he was in weapons control for his first assignment. The Enterprise plays "dead" until the Romulans attempt to come in for the kill. Spock, checks in with Styles and Tomlinson in the phaser room saying "This time we'll handle things without your help, Vulcan." after Spock exits the phaser room is flooded with gas... Spock re-enters the phaser room in time to fire the phasers at the Romulan vessel after hearing the Captain's voice over the intercom.

Kirk and the Romulan Commander have a conversation before he destroys his vessel, that in a different reality he could of called him friend. In sickbay Styles is alive, and the Captain asks if we lost anybody, McCoy says Tomlinson the boy who was going to get married today. Before he leave, Yeoman Rand tells the Captain that Starfleet agrees with any decision he has to make. He makes his way to comfort Tomlinson's fiancee, who says she'll be alright

My Opinion:

This is personally in my Top Ten of the Original Series because it's the first appearance of the Romulans, it gives a little more background on the Vulcans, and it is filled with a racial hate message. Most people think that all the people we see in the 23rd or 24th century were enlightened, but I guess there will always be bigotry especially if humans are apart of the future. What I especailly liked about the episode, although they had no contact with each other during the episode Kirk and the Romulan Commander seemed to be thinking along with each other as they planned their attacks.

Noteworthy:

1) Bill Teegarden (a Star Trek Phase 2 crewmember) , suggested to me that It was very progressive for Captain Kirk to say..."since the days of the first wooden sailing vessels all ship masters have had one happy privilege... that of uniting two (people) in the bonds of matrimony." the keyword was "people" not man and wife, very progressive for the time, especially all the bashing on alternative lifestyles during the time... David Gerrold who wrote "The Trouble with Tribbles" wrote a Star Trek: The Next Generation script which was re-formated for Star Trek Phase II, where we discuss the first "real" homosexual characters in Star Trek, one of them being Kirk's nephew Peter.

2) This is the second of three appearances that we see Lieutenant Uhura at the Navigation station in the Original Series, the other was "The Naked Time" and "Court Martial"... there is only one other station besides Communications she has been at, and that is the Library Computer or Science Station in "Spock's Brain"... note she was in the Command chair for the Star Trek Phase II episode "Blood and Fire" for a time

3) Mark Leonard makes his first of many appearences on Star Trek in this episode as the Romulan Commander, he had two other roles in Trek... one was the Klingon Commnander in Star Trek The Motion Picture (the first time we see the ridged headed Klingons) and finally his most known role in Star Trek as Ambassador Sarek or should I say Spock's father... who's your daddy? sorry I couldn't help myself

Closing Thoughts:

If you love the Original Series, I suggest you go check out Star Trek Phase II, there is the impending release of Jon Povill's "The Child", and we are going to be shooting a new episode in June 16th to the 30th called "Bread and Savagery" get on and show some love and support for the cause. You can "like" and get updates from them on Facebook

You can also follow this blog on here and like it on My Facebook page, if you want you can leave questions, comments and topic suggestions on here and there

Until next time Trekkies, Live Long and Prosper!

Beaming to the Enterprise: An Interview with Pony Horton

Hello, fellow Trek fans... I know it has been a long time since I have posted a review of an episode or an interview, however I have been struggling with a broken leg... But enough of that I am very proud to say that this new interview with a dear friend is up... Pony Horton, VFX Artist and Extra for Star Trek: Phase 2 and Back to the Wild Wild West

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

Pony Horton: Not as much as I used to. I am in the process of getting Disability, due to some old, bad neck injuries, as well as dealing with having advanced AIDS. However, I still do my video editing, and some VFX work, and the occasional acting job, and I'm slowly trying to build a resume as an actor.

But, recently, for example, I've had the great pleasure of editing and creating VFX for a number of adventure documentaries and smaller videos for adventure companies and groups that do kayak safaris in Tanzania, or the Day Of Adventure in Chiapas, Mexico. I also am re-doing some of my original VFX work on an award-winning documentary film titled RESCUE MEN: THE STORY OF THE PEA ISLAND LIFE-SAVERS. I am thrilled that this film has just been made required viewing in one of our local school districts! The U.S. Coast Guard even christened a new vessel the RICHARD ETHERIDGE, after the main subject of RESCUE MEN. I'm really honored to have done something that people can refer-to and learn from for, hopefully, generations to come!

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

PH: I started watching STAR TREK during its original run in the late 1960's. I was eight years old when the show premiered. By 1970 I had all the model kits, by 1973 I had the books by David Gerrold and Stephen Whitfield, and was a full-blown fan. My mom was a science fiction fan, and in our home we also loved LOST IN SPACE, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, U.F.O., TWILIGHT ZONE, OUTER LIMITS, GENESIS II/QUESTOR, THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, SPACE 1999, etc.

By 1979 I was an apprentice/janitor at Van der Veer Photo Effects, one of the great old optical houses that created many of STAR TREK's VFX. So, for me STAR TREK has always been a major factor in my life. My grandma Katherine made me my first Command uniform when I was 16, out of real velour. And I still have the Lincoln Enterprises Command Delta patch I got for that uniform in 1974.

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

PH: I had just completed an Indiana Jones-styled short film, and after I posted it on the web, I saw reference links to other "fan films," as they were called. I had never heard of this before. I started hunting around the web for more, and very quickly came across STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES. They had only just finished TO SERVE ALL MY DAYS, and a few months later it hit the web. Walter Koenig was my college acting teacher, and we had stayed friends, so I was really blown away by the quality of the work, and wanted to get involved. They brought me in to do VFX on BLOOD & FIRE, and I was invited to come out for the shooting of KITUMBA, to play the part of K'Sia, the Klingon professor.

4. "Kitumba" was your first go around at a shoot, what was it like, and what have you done for P2

PH: KITUMBA was a trial by fire. It was kinda fun, but I was very intimidated. It was not my first shoot by a longshot as I had done a LOT of directing over the years, but here I was the new kid in this already-established family, and I felt really out of my element. Everyone was very nice (with only one or two exceptions whom I won't name, and they're no longer part of the group anyway) but I have to thank Doc John, James Cawley, Charles Root, and Gil Gerard for noticing that I was in some distress and taking the time to help me work through the feelings of inadequacy I was experiencing.

I also noticed that there were none of the images or paintings I had seen on some of the walls of the original Enterprise, like the starscape image in the Transporter Room, so I offered to paint them, and that seemed to endear me to the group. So far I've created most of the non-spaceship VFX on the show since THE CHILD, like set extension matte paintings, graphics on computer screens, phaser beams, and of course my Transporter effects, which was originally my main job on PHASE II.

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

PH: There are a lot of great memories. Making fun BTS videos with my friend Chris LaRoche and his son, Matthew. Chris and I and Matt and Mike Stearn have a habit of wearing fedora hats to the shoots, so we have become The Hat Squad. Freaking people out with my bullwhip skills is always fun. Wandering around Port Henry is always delightful. One time I walked into the Green Room to find a bit of a hubbub going on. Turns out a Little Brown bat (which are very common in most of the U.S.) had managed to fly into the room, and could not find its way out. The rest of the group was rather stunned when I simply grabbed my T-shirt and used it as a glove to grab the bat, who was clinging to a wall. I showed him around a little (he WAS kinda cute with his turned-up little snout and his pointy-sharp teeth) and I let him go outside. Getting to become friends with these people is one of the best general memories. I remember once, I had taken a Coke out of the freezer in the Green Room, and without knowing it had been shaken-up before I grabbed it, I cracked it open and a second later it became a gusher! Well, without any rags or towels around, the first thing I did, as fast as possible, was to shove the bottle into my mouth! Well, the gusher kept gushing, and my cheeks began to fill up with ever-expanding Coca-Cola. James just happened to be walking toward me, and he sees what is, essentially, a live-action cartoon moment happening right in front of him, and starts laughing uncontrollably! By now I'm looking like Louis Armstrong with his cheeks all puffed-out while blowing the trumpet, and the stuff is almost erupting out of my ears! All I could do was keep gulping, while trying to give James my Patented Death Glare (TM). Needless to say, it was very funny.

One thing that I love to remember is how great and strange it felt to FINALLY be standing at the actual Transporter control console. The Transporter effect is one of the things that attracted me to TREK in the first place. The magic of being able to BEAM somewhere! And here I was, finally, LIVING it! I will admit, I would go into that set when nobody else was around, and pretend (complete with mouth-made sound effects) that I was beaming people places. Since I create the Transporter Effect for the show, I jokingly refer to the Transporter Room as My Office. The rest of the group has dubbed it The Pony Express!

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

PH: The atmosphere on-set is hectic and professional, but also fun. We have a new director, Mark Burchett, and he keeps the work going and keeps the fun quotient up. To me the realization of the dream is both kinda magical, and a bit of cold water in the face. It's a set, like most other movie sets, so in that respect it's all cardboard and MDF and plywood and masonite. You realize, with a bit of a letdown, that none of it's real. BUT, with that in mind, the first time I stepped onto the Bridge, I sat down at Chekov's station and casually hit a button on the console, and the whole console suddenly LIT-UP and CAME TO LIFE! A was really startled by that, and quite delighted! Same thing at Spock's Science station, Uhura's Communications, Kirk's chair, etc. So in that respect, there was little need to pretend. The Bridge set really WORKS!

The fact that I've been officially stationed there as Navigator during one or two episodes, in full Starfleet uniform, is literally living a 45-year dream!

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

PH: Yes, very much so, with all of the positive and negative aspects implied. We all like, and even love, each other, and tend to get along quite well, but like any family there are occasional conflicts. But we all stay in touch on the phone and on-line, and honestly I think they may have saved my life. I lost most of the people closest to me, all in just the last two years, to death. Two of them were brutally murdered, another was allowed to die in a coma due to a lack of financial resources. I am still having a very hard time with this, and if it had not been for this group that has become a new family to me, I don't think I'd be here now.

8. What is it about the original Star Trek that carries on even today in your opinion?

PH: That's hard to say, as today's youth have not "gotten it' when it comes to Roddenberry's idea of a hopeful future. The new TREK movie, for example, is a fun ride with nicely-realized characters. But it was devoid of the hopeful message that Roddenberry was trying to convey. It was all about the coolness, the fights, and the VFX. Of course, Leonard Nimoy was top-notch as always, and I liked his take on Spock in the film. But it doesn't really make-up for the lack of a proper story. Great VFX and dazzling moments do not a great film make, it has to come down to great STORY. I think PHASE II is much closer to what Roddenberry intended, storywise and moralistically, than the 2009 movie was.

So, that message does carry on with me, but I really fear it has been lost on the younger ones today. They're too cynical, too inured to the harsh realities of life today to accept such a positive message without a lot of skepticism.

9. Are you amazed at the volume and quality if the Trek episodes that RFS produces? And do you see an end in sight for the 5-year mission?

PH: I am not amazed at either. We don't put out as many episodes as we would like simply due to the practicalities and difficulties of doing an expensive, all-volunteer production. The quality is top-notch as far as I'm concerned. I hope there's no end to the mission. There should not be, as long as we get great stories to tell.

10. What part did you play in "No-Win Scenario" coming back from the dead

PH: John Carrigan asked me if I would like to create the VFX on the film, and I said YES! That's basically it, I created all the VFX you see, as well as the DVD cover art. Tobias Richter, who handles a lot of our VFX, was kind enough to help me on some shots as well.

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

PH: Yes, I've just finished a fan film of my own, a vignette based on STAR TREK: PHASE II !! It's a comedy short (Comedy similar to TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES or A PIECE OF THE ACTION, only a bit crazier) that will be hitting the web on Christmas Eve, 2011. It will (hopefully) be put up on the PHASE II website. It's titled "1701 PENNSYLVANIA AV." So, it's basically a fan film based on a fan production!

I also just put up a little short scene re-creation based on A CHRISTMAS STORY for a contest at The Christmas Story House website. It's titled FURNACE FIGHTER. You can see it here...

http://youtu.be/TzKxTFsXcyc

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.

PH: I'd like to thank you for the chance to discuss PHASE II and my work, and I want to express my great good feelings for everyone involved in PHASE II !

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All right Ladies and Gents, that will do it for today... I want to Thank Pony for the pleasure of interviewing him. Second, please watch 1701 Pennsylvania Ave, on it's premiere date December 24, 2011... stay tuned as to where to find it. And if you want me to do a specific episode review of any of the Star Trek episodes or Feature Films write a comment below or email me at: JSanchez122588 (at) gmail.com...

But until then Live Long and Prosper