By Jack Trevino
Hello to all, Jack Trevino here. Some of you might recognize my name as the co-writer of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine stories, "Indiscretion" and "Little Green Men". Back in the late 90's, I, and my then writing partner, Toni Marberry, sold them along with an un-produced story called, "Quorum". Eight years later, I am truly amazed and gratified that fans still appreciate them as much as they did when they first aired.
Fortunately, co-writing those stories has afforded me a plethora of unique opportunities to meet many of the actors, writers and producers of the various incarnations of Star Trek. So, obviously, it was a "no-brainer" to accept an offer from Dr. Joseph Di Lella to attend and report on the Las Vegas Creation Convention held at the Las Vegas Hilton, home of the Star Trek Experience. (Dr. Joe is an accomplished writer, who for the last five years, has moderated a panel at the world famous San Diego Comic Con on, "How to Pitch for Star Trek.")
Although I was only able to attend the convention on the final day, Sunday, I knew I was in for a treat, as the organizers had apparently left the best for last.
First up was Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, son of the late Gene Roddenberry. Rod is hard at work putting the final touches on his film, "Trek Nation". His trailer for the documentary offers the fans a glimpse into Rod's journey - his quest to discover and fully understand his father's legacy and the many people Star Trek has touched over the years. It ends with a beginning - the realization of his destiny, to carry on his father's dream. Rod proudly revealed that George Lucas has agreed to be interviewed for the film. With that bit of good news, the film is almost assured the funding necessary for its completion. Rod is quite proud of what the film presents, that being hope for the future (for more about "Trek Nation" click here.
I asked Rod about his other projects and he spoke a little about his involvement as producer for a fan film effort called, "Star Trek: New Voyages". Both he and his mother, Majel Barrett, were delighted to add their support to this effort once they learned of its prime directive - continuing the philosophy of Gene Roddenberry and the original series (for more information on Star Trek: New Voyages visit their web site here.
Coincidentally, I ran into Larry Nemecek, managing editor of the ever popular and informative Star Trek Communicator, who just happens to have a small role in Star Trek: New Voyages' first online episode, "Come What May." Larry spoke briefly about his stint as an actor and how New Voyages' upcoming episode, "In Harm's Way," is going to be light years ahead of their first. I asked if he had heard of several major guest stars tapped for this episode, notably, Malachi Throne (one of classic Trek's very first guest stars). He said he had and there were even more guest stars, as yet to be announced. I asked if the Communicator would be running an article on their efforts and he assured me such an article was in development.
After speaking with Larry, I rushed to catch Anthony Montgomery and Linda Park of Star Trek: Enterprise. On stage, the two have a good rapport and were genuinely pleased to be in the presence of the fans. They were very excited about the prospects of the upcoming fourth season and what new show runner, Manny Coto, will be bringing to the table. One thing Anthony stressed, however, was that he would be extremely happy if the writers gave Travis something to do - other than piloting the ship! When asked about who inspired them the most, they both acknowledged Nichelle Nichols. By example, Nichelle has not only mentored these Trek actors on the show, but also has advised them how to really live.
Their comments on Nichelle reminded me that Richard
Arnold's slide show of Star Trek: The
Original Series was up next. But, upon arriving, I discovered it
had been replaced with a slide show on Star Trek:
Deep Space Nine. Having written for the show, I found the various
slides of the actors, sets and behind the scenes information very entertaining.
If you ever get the chance to sit in on one of Richard's slide shows, please
do so, as you will learn a lot about what goes on behind the scenes to bring
the show to the screen.
Upon leaving, I overheard Richard reveal they are working on something that
will prove to be a unique opportunity for music fans. They are working closely
with Alexander Courage and Dennis
McCarthy, planning next year to bring in an orchestra to play music
from all the Star Trek series and movies.
If so, it should be quite an event.
Upon leaving the ballroom, I spoke with avid Trek fan, John Kim. An insurance specialist, and Star Trek fan for many years, he remarked that he would love to see more articles about the original star's personal endeavours -- especially how those endeavours inspire the fans of today to boldly go and make the world of Gene Roddenberry's a reality.
It was then on to the main ballroom to listen to Nana Visitor and Colm Meaney. Like Montgomery and Park, these two stars had quite a wonderful onstage presence that the fans appreciated. Both actors agreed if the script were good - and it would have to be good, they added -- they would love to revisit their respective roles in a DS9 movie.
After Nana and Colm, David Gerrold, the writer of the Tribbles episode (need I say more) was up next. His episode is always at the top of the list of all-time Star Trek favourite episodes. When asked if he would like to write a Star Trek movie, he immediately said, "Yes! But it would have to be a Kirk, Spock and McCoy movie. For me, they ARE Star Trek!" What an absolute pleasure it was to meet and chat with him. He autographed a rare Star Trek photo novel for me, donating the proceeds to charity.
Dashing to the Dealer's Room, I made my way to say hello and briefly talk with a myriad of Star Trek stars. First up, Celeste Yarnell and Arlene Martel (Yeoman Landon and T'Pring -- both as lovely as they were in their episodes, "The Apple" and "Amok Time") and both living proof that beauty survives. Not far away from T'Pring was her suitor, Stonn, played by the gifted actor and acting teacher, Lawrence Montaigne. Mr. Montaigne, star of such great classics as, "The Great Escape," now resides in Las Vegas and is in the process of starting an acting school. Close behind were the Hippies from, "The Way to Eden," Deborah Downey (an extremely talented artist) and Mary-Linda Rapelye, again, beauty survives, along with Victor Brandt and Charles Napier (also General Denning in, "Little Green Men.") Round the bend was Gary Lockwood from the classic sci-fi movie, "2001" as well as, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," who told me a fantastic story about golf legend Lee Trevino (no relationship). Randy Oglesby, who played Degra in last season's arc about the Xindi, chatted about his hopes for more powerful and juicy roles like the one he had on Enterprise. I mentioned his performance (as Degra) was nothing less than Emmy calibre - in every aspect. Finally before I left, I had to say hello to the ever beautiful and talented Chase Masterson. It boggles me how someone who is constantly on the go, always looks so beautiful and vibrant. A Hug from Chase - it's what I live for!
Last, and certainly not least, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy charmed the audience. They still fill the room to capacity and everyone loves and appreciates their wit and charm. (They should give up acting and do a Vegas comedy routine. They'd be an instant hit.) On a more serious note, they made it a point to ask the audience to take time to vote in this year's election, "Upholding the ideals of America can only be accomplished by voting!" they emphasized. They were later joined on stage by David Gerrold and together, they screened and provided commentary for, "The Trouble With Tribbles." To me, it seemed as though the fans enjoyed the episode as if they were watching it for the very first time.
All in all, quite a day, filled with good times for all. Pleased but tired, I left, realizing I had not acquired closing comments from the fans. Not to worry, at the airport I quickly spied a woman with a homemade shirt. It proudly bore the Enterprise on it. I asked Irene Pohl and her Trek companion, Evertt Wylie, both from Canada, if they enjoyed their time at the Trek convention. Although the convention had a few snafus, they never the less had a great time. Having been to Vulcan, that's Vulcan, Canada, they've experienced the positive effects of Star Trek. Being members of a Trek club, "Dagger's Mind," they explained how their love of Trek is matched by their love for doing charity work. Irene, whose Klingon name is Ysnap, left with these words of encouragement for all Trek fans. "Enterprise appeared to have abandoned continuity, but recently I've read the stories that it will be embracing the world of the original Star Trek. I hope that they make good on that promise. And…I hope they bring back Kirk!"
So do we, Irene, I mean, Ysnap, so do we!