By GustavoLeao / 16:24, 8 July 2009 / Voyager

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TrekWeb talks to Star Trek Voyager actor/director Tim Russ about various aspects of the Star Trek franchise in this exclusive interview, including the unofficial Star Trek movie Of Gods and Men, which he directed.

1-  How did you get involved with the unofficial Star Trek film Of Gods and Men?

I was approached by Sky Conway about directing an independent Trek Feature.  He didn't have  script at that time so we collaborated on a story with Ethan Cawlk and Jack Trevino. 

2- How was directing such Star Trek icons as Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols ?  

They were both very surprising in what they brought to their respective roles.   

Nichelle, had just come off of working her own feature so she had some changes she brought to dialogue and such at last minute, but we got through it okay.  On occasion there were some differences in interpretation or line choices but we worked throught those also.

3- Are you happy with the positive fan response regarding Of Gods and Men ?

The response was wonderful and yes I was very pleased with it.

4- Is there a the possibility of a sequel to Of Gods and Men ? Or another independent Star Trek movie ?

Not at present.

5- What is your opinion about J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot ?

Some of the plot was similar to Of Gods and Men.  I thought the feature was magnificent. They did an excellent job of telling a story that anyone, even those unfamiliar with Trek could appreciate, and that was smart.

6- Now, lets speak about Voyager. You have criticized in the past the changes with Seven of Nine joining the crew. Can you explain ?

I just thought her character was designed for to "sex up" the show.  The actress was very talented and did a great job in her work.  But I thought the character was too much like Tuvok's in her behavior.

7- What do you miss most about working on Voyager ?

I miss working with my cast mates and the crew. They were what made it fun on those long days and nights.

8- Overall, were you happy wih the writing on Voyager ?

Yes, very much so.  We had brilliant stories.

9- Are you familiar with the Star Trek Titan books, in which Tuvok serves under Captain Riker in the U.S.S. Titan, after his return to Earth ?

Yes, I have a couple of them although I have not read them yet.

10- Finally, Mr Russ, if you were offered a chance to do a Voyager reunion episode, would you do it ?

Certainly, it would be a kick.

For more information, visit Mr Russ website here and the official Star Trek Of Gods and Men website here.