Writer Strike and Star Trek

According to a blog from screenwriter John August, apparently JJ Abrams is feeling some frustration while filming the new Star Trek movie.

Damon [Lindelof]is producing the new Star Trek movie, which J.J. is directing. Which is shooting on the Paramount lot. Which we are currently picketing.

This combination of facts led me to email Damon yesterday, which led to a phone call, which led to us walking in circles at the Van Ness gate along with J.J., talking about the strike, its absurdities and impossible choices. Star Trek is the biggest movie shooting at Paramount. It’s directed and produced by WGA members, who are following the spirit and letter of the Guild’s rules. They’re walking the line while being forced to cross it.

“Forced” isn’t quite right, because there’s an alternative: J.J., Damon, and the other WGA producers could refuse to cross the picket line. They’d get fired, sued, and replaced by a less-conflicted director and producing team — all probably within a week’s time. What’s tougher to figure out is whether it would make a damn bit of difference.

Believe me, there are writers who would encourage (nay, demand) that they walk away, much the way the television showrunners walked away from their series. There’s the belief that the best way to end the strike is through big gestures — and that would be a very big gesture. (Basically, anything short of lighting oneself on fire is a betrayal of the cause.)

So when it got around the picket lines that Star Trek would be coming to the lot on Wednesday, I could foresee a situation that got awkward or worse. If you’ve been reading my daily updates, you’ll know that I’m the guy who is always concerned about avoiding stupid car accidents. This felt like a stupid car accident waiting to happen, so I suggested that Damon and J.J. spend some time walking, talking, and engaging with the picket line.

What I couldn’t have anticipated is that it would be so, well, engaging.

There are a few basic things that should get cleared up first.

Neither J.J. nor Damon are writers on the movie. But they are writers, and WGA members. During a WGA strike, you’re not allowed to write on movies or television shows, period. So they can’t change a word of the script, nor can anyone else. The script they had at 11:59 p.m. November 5th is the script they have to shoot.

To a screenwriter, that might seem kind of awesome. For once, the director can’t change things. But when its your own movie, it’s maddening. J.J. was describing a scene he was shooting the day before. Midway through it, he got a great idea for a new line. Which he couldn’t write. Couldn’t shoot. Couldn’t be in his movie.

Damon described it like having one of your superpowers taken away.

The writers strike going on currently means just what the above says, anyone that is a WGA member cannot (for fear of being blacklisted for crossing the picket line) writer a single line of anything for the studios regardless if its in the capacity of producer, director, or any other hat. That means Abrams, a WGA writer, as a director cannot make writing decisions which a quick on the spot rewrite of a line would be considered. Now sure though if it was "suggested" to the actor and he ad libs the new line would that qualify as a re-write. (source)

Shatner Comments Again on a Shat-less Star Trek

During a signing of his new book "Star Trek Academy: Collision Course", William Shatner once again chimed in on his disappointment with not being cast in Star Trek XI.

"How could you not put one of the founding figures into a movie that was being resurrected? That doesn’t make good business sense to me! ... I've become even more popular than I was playing Captain Kirk. I’m good box office and I get publicity….But, they are going in a different direction and it’ll be a wonderful film."

I am debating on whether to report this type of "news" anymore as its the same song and dance. Shatner wants to be in the film, fandom wants him in the film, shoot JJ Abrams and the writers want him in the film. The problem is Kirk is dead and to bring him back would clutter the storyline. If the writers can pull it off, more power to them but so far don't see how without causing a great deal of confusion in the process (confusion for new Star Trek fans not old as time travel, return from the dead, etc is old hats).

Ben Cross is Sarek

According to Ben Cross' website he has been cast in the role of Sarek, the father of Spock, for Star Trek XI. At least based on his filmography. The role was originated by Mark Lenard in the Original Series, Next Generation and the movies. Cross joins Winona Ryder as the parents of Spock played by Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto.

Cross' is one of those faces you remember from multiple movies but can't exactly place which ones. I now remember him from "First Knight" playing the main villain. He has the looks to make him seem like the father of Spock but I don't know if he as the subtle acting skill the role would require. Sarek is a character that fully engages in suppressing his emotions yet they leak through very subtly when his family is involved. Its done mostly with tone, very tiny expressions and body language rather then over the top acting Cross has done before (but to be fair the roles required it). If he can bring it down a few notches (and don't see why not) then he may be able to make the role his own.

The above pic is Original Series pic of Mark Lenard as Sarek and Ben Cross from First Knight (i think) taken from Trekmovie.com. (source)

Bruce Greenwood On Being Pike

Bruce Greenwood briefly discusses his upcoming role as Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek XI with Blackfilm.com.

Now that you just landed the role of Captain Pike, a name only recognized within the sci-fi community but still bigger when you think of the legions of Star Trek fans. Are you prepared to play a character that is huge in its own right?
BG: The expectations I’m not familiar with that because it was a similar dilemma with playing JFK in ‘Thirteen Day’; even that was an opportunity where you would get criticized heavily. That just comes with the territory. No matter who you are playing or what you are playing. You do a movie and people criticize it. They either like it or they don’t.

Which do you think is tougher to play, JFK or Pike?
BG: It’s riskier to do Pike than it was to do Kennedy because on a certain level Kennedy is so huge on the public’s mind that nobody expects you to do it perfectly. I think the Trekkies are more likely to have expectations that are cut marble.

Have you started to do your research on the character?
BG: I’ve got a lot of homework to do. Having said that, the script, which I can’t talk about, is pretty good and quite different from the last few Star Trek movies.

Nero's Own Number One Has Been Cast

Variety is reporting that Nero's (Eric Bana) second in command has been cast. Clifton Collins Jr. will play Ayel a general working with Nero to eliminate Kirk from Star Trek history.

Quinto as Spock Pics

The Star Trek set leaks keep coming. Below are the first look of Zachary Quinto in full Spock mode with the ears and the outfit from JFX Online. I have my doubts about some of the casting choices made for Star Trek XI but this isn't one of them.

IESB.net also scored some video of the set that shows a scene being filmed involving Spock appearing before the Vulcan Council (the chapel pic below) for unknown reasons. The casting call that had gone out last week was in part to find council members to fill out the scene.

The full gallery can be found here and mostly include a discussion between Quinto, Abrams and others.

The set video can be found here.


Now if only sites would learn how to do watermarks right. The idea of a watermark is basically free advertisement of a site's pics when they show up else (since sites often claim news as their own discovery) but I really wish they wouldn't place it in such a way as it obscures the useful information in the image.

Star Trek Storyline Confirmed

IESB.net is reporting they have confirmation from studio sources on details of the storyline for Star Trek XI. The leak pretty much confirms the Romulans travel in the past to kill Kirk with the older Spock following close behind. The how they get in the past is a different story though.

SPOILER WARNING - stop reading if don't want to know more.

Ok, the how the Romulans get into the past if based upon what most consider the greatest episode in Star Trek history "The City on the Edge of Forever" which first aired on April 6, 1967. In this episode, the crew discovers the Guardian of Forever which, if you ask the right questions, will allow you to view and travel to any point in time. Dr. McCoy, delusional from a drug overdose, jumps into the portal and changes history for the worse. Kirk and Spock go back into time and attempt to McCoy from altering history. They succeed but at the cost of Kirk's only true love.

For the movie, the Guardian of Forever makes another appearance. The Romulans, led by Nero (Eric Bana) use the Guardian to travel in the past to kill James T. Kirk. Considering his "history" is safe to say his death would probably leave Earth destroyed (due to V'ger in STI and the Probe (in STIV among other things). Spock (Leonard Nimoy) learns of the plan and travels through the Guardian also and recruits his younger self (Zackary Quinto) to stop Nero.

One scene mentioned is a heart to heart between the older more experienced Spock with the younger emotionally rigid Spock explaining the friendship that developed over the years. Cool way to explain the change in behavior from Pike's Spock to Kirk's perhaps other then network orders at the time.

The first time that Kirk is seen on screen is while taking the Kobayahsi Maru no-win scenario. This scenario is "famous" for Star Trek fans as Kirk is the only cadet to win the scenario.

The Maru is the name of a civilian ship in virtual reality test for Starfleet cadets to determine their character and command abilities when facing a no-win scenario. The Maru crosses the Klingon Neutral Zone (think of it as a border crossing between countries) and disabled by a mine. The civilians need to be rescued but Klingon starships could attack and crossing the zone violates treaties that could lead to war. The scenario is set up so victory is not possible as you can't rescue the civilians and get out of the zone with the starship intact. So the choices are do nothing saving the ship or attempt a rescue that may save the civilians but will destroy the ship and its crew. Kirk achieves a win by cheating. He reprograms the scenario to achieve his victory earning him a commendation for "original thinking" that helped his ascension to captain of the Enterprise. This also fits the character whose career is cheating death at every opportunity.

Lots of explanations for Star Trek newbies, but to sum up, Spock goes in the past to stop Romulans from killing cadet Kirk who is taking the Maru test.

Now a new wrinkle has been added to this whole idea in the name of Harlen Ellison the writer of "The City on the Edge of Forever" and who somehow owns the concepts and creations used in that script that are not pre-established Star Trek characters. He wants his cut of course to use those creations for the movie and more then a bit angry about not being informed of their use.

"Would someone go to that site, and suggest to those people there, that "City" and all its elements EXCEPT specific Star Trek characters, belong to Harlan Ellison--author of that much-lauded episode--by terms of the Separation of Rights clause of the Writers Guild's Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA), and if Mr. Abrams--with whom I'm currently on strike--or anyone else, at Paramount or elsewhere, thinks they're going to use MY creations--whether the City, the Guardians, Sister Edith Keeler, or any other elements CREATED BY HARLAN ELLISON...they had damned well better lose the unilateral arrogance, get in touch with me, or my agent, Marty Shapiro, and be prepared to pay for the privilege of mining the lode I own."

I don't know how much is true or not as I always assumed that while writers get royalties for the money gained by their scripts, the contents within are owned by the studios. I guess that either wasn't the case in the 60s or maybe never was.

My understanding of Ellison's history with Star Trek is very contentious to say the least so more then likely he will try to use the opportunity to deal with past grievances. As much as I would love to see a reprisal of the Guardian of Forever on the silver screen I am thinking for the studios it would simply be easier and cheaper to do a rewrite as there is an endless supply of way to perform time travel. Yes there is a writer's strike but that means that WGA members can't write, anyone else can. So Abrams, a member of the guild couldn't retool the script but someone else can such as a producer could. Probably the simplest rewrite would be to invoke the slingshot around a sun effect from Star Trek IV. If Romulans know about the Guardian then it stands to reason they would know about how Kirk rescued Earth with time travel.

Hopefully things will be worked out with Ellison (but not holding my breath) as I really like the idea of the Guardian being used once again. Should note though that Ellison would have been better off not saying anything as he has given Paramount a chance to remedy the situation without necessarily paying him. If he waited until the movie came out, it would have been too late and he would have had a much stronger case to get a piece of the film and DVD revenue.

Kirk's Father Cast

Chris Hemsworth (from Australia, no US side roles) has been cast in the role of George Samuel Kirk Sr., the father of James T Kirk. Of note is that Hemsworth is 23 years old while Chris Pine (playing James Kirk) is 26 suggesting that the appearance could be time traveled related. Or done via flashback. One of Abrams' signatures is the heavy use of flashbacks in his projects but the script is rumored to be time travel related so its a tossup on which.

Jennifer Morrison In Star Trek

TV Guide's Ausiello Report has confirmed that House's Jennifer Morrison has been cast in Star Trek XI. This verifies the rumored casting from set pics released on the web last week.

This news comes directly from JJ Abrams who said "She is indeed in the movie and she is most excellent!" He also denied reports that she is playing Yeoman Janice Rand which to me more or less verifies that role is for Rachel Nichols. As for what her role is, Abrams didn't say. About the only other blond from that time period that would be "known" is Dr. Carol Marcus, future ex girlfriend of mother to Kirk's son David Marcus that died in Star Trek III.

Winona Ryder in Star Trek

Believe it or not, Winona Ryder has been cast in Star Trek. Yeah I am shocked too, this just doesn't seem her type of movie. Not artsy fartsy enough. She will play the role of Amanda Grayson, the mother of Spock. The role was orginiated by Jane Wyatt in the Orginial Series and movies. If you have Amanda, Sarek is sure to follow. I wonder who will be cast for that role.

Star Trek Pics and Jennifer Morrison Cast?

IESB.net is reporting that they have pics taken at the secret location of the Star Trek XI shoot. Well its the outside of a building. Supposedly it gives a hint on the costumes but all I see is long coats, crew and a pretty blond that looks like Jennifer Morrison. Not a 100% on that and neither is IESB.net but the physical characteristics match and she is currently a blond on House (for whatever reason cause looks much much better as a brunette). If true, she can't be just an extra but has an actual role in the film. Time will tell.

The full gallery can be found here.

Rachel Nichols Cast In Star Trek

Rachel Nichols, in the upcoming "P2", has told the Toronto Star that she has been cast in Star Trek XI. "I'm very restricted on what I'm allowed to say," she says. "But yes, there's a good chance you'll see my shining face in the new Star Trek ... My mom even e-mailed me about it because she saw it (online) and I hadn't told her yet. There's a lot of buzz about it, but honestly, I don't even know the name of my character."

I am going to hazard a guess that its Yeoman Janice Rand. Nichols previous worked with Abrams on the final season of Alias. I have been a huge fan of hers (good talent, gorgeous woman) since first saw her in the great but short lived series "The Inside" on Fox.

Captain Christopher Pike Role Cast

AICN is reporting that the role of Captain Christopher Pike will be played by Bruce Greenwood. Pike was the second Captain of the Enterprise (after Robert April) and before James T Kirk. Greenwood's face is one of those faces probably seen in may TV shows and movies even if may not recognize the name. A consistently good actor that doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

Of note is Bruce Greenwood is 51 years old. When Jeffrey Hunter played the role, he was 30. Spock was his science officer and 2nd in command. This was established in the Original Series first unaired pilot "The Cage". This piloted was scrapped in favor of the Kirk Enterprise but reworked into "The Menagerie". In Star Trek canon, Spock was with Pike for about 20 years, until Pike was promoted to Commodore, Spock promoted to first officer and Kirk becomes Captain. So that means that Pike was around 50 when he was promoted so one can infer he was 52 or so when his body was destroyed (as indicated in the Menagerie).

Why this background? The rumored story takes place about 5-7 years before Kirk becomes Captain of the Enterprise so Pike would have been 45 years or so during the movie events. To me this is further proof of the real effort to retain or at least acknowledge previous Star Trek canon and that those involved are apparent Star Trek geeks as the ages and time frames are matching up pretty consistently.

Extras Casting Call

A casting call has been sent out for background characters for a movie called "Corporate Headquarters" but is reporting to be a place holder name for Star Trek XI. The description provided by mania.com includes the person being "OK with their eyebrows being shaved from the arch outward to portray a Vulcan-type eyebrow shape." A description that is no longer found on the Headquarters Casting website. The over descriptions does sound like something that would fit a Starfleet Academy scene though.

Seeking:

[MALES & FEMALES] - Ages 18-70, any ethnicity: to play Cadets: young, fresh-faced, Military types: marching experience preferred, thin, regal talent with BROWN or BLACK hair AND are OK with their eyebrows being shaved from the arch outward to portray a Vulcan-type eyebrow shape.

Talent with interesting and unique facial features such as: long necks, small heads, extremely large heads, wide-set eyes, bug eyes, close-set eyes, large forehead, short upper lip, pronounced cheekbones, over- or undersized ears and/or nose, facial deformities, ultra plain-looking people, ultra perfect-looking people, pure wholesome looks, twins, triplets, emaciated talent, regally poised and postured talent, or other visually unique characteristics.

Everyone must be thin, athletic, fit; wardrobe will be form-fitting. All hair lengths on males and females welcome.

Bring: Close-up full facial NON-SMILING snapshot AND a waist-up body shot in Fitted Clothing.

Ladies with long hair, PLEASE pull your hair back in a severe ponytail. Do not wear heavy makeup in your photograph. If your hair is long, let the ponytail length show over your shoulder. If you do not have these photos, we will take them of you for free.

Wear fitted clothing for the photo.

OPEN CALL INFO:
Open Call: Saturday, November 10, 2007.
Hours: 2:30-5 p.m.
Address: 3108 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
(across from Pinocchio's Restaurant)

Star Trek Theme A Keeper

Michael Giacchino, the composer for Star Trek XI, has said that at least the opening theme music from the orginial series, by Alexander Courage, will be kept. Giacchino previousily worked with JJ Abrams on Alias and Lost.

From Scifi.com:

"I think that the thing to do would be to hold on to the only thing that does speak—that says Star Trek—universally, which is the [opening theme from the original series]," Giacchino said in an interview while promoting the upcoming release of Ratatouille on DVD, for which he also composed the music.

Giacchino also revealed a few details about the top-secret film's plot and how the theme music fits in. "To me, that fanfare, boom, that says it all right there," he said. "And this film is about everything that came before that. So, yes, I want to keep that. But everything that was done after that, it shouldn't be about that. It needs to be about these characters now and how they met and all of these things. So it's a very kind of specific place and time."

Not sure what this means for the equally iconic themes from Jerry Goldsmith and James Horner used in the movies and The Next Generation tv series.

Star Trek Teaser Trailer Coming?

A teaser trailer may may come out before the end of the year according to the Latino Review.

“Apparently, there’s a teaser trailer in the works that shows the Enterprise being built. Code name for the production is Central Headquarters.”

The teaser hasn't been shot nor has this rumor been confirmed. It is an excellent idea and a teaser trailer a year before release sure didn't hurt Transformers in the box office and if anything helped jump start the buzz for the film with john q public. It would also make a heck of a Christmas gift to the fans. (source)