By GustavoLeao / 18:37, 22 April 2005 / General Star Trek

The latest issue of the STAR TREK Communicator magazine, just out in the US, features an exclusive interview with STAR TREK producer Rick Berman. Here are a few excerpts :

With all of the turnover at Paramount and Viacom, is STAR TREK now considered a TV or Movie franchise going forward?

Berman : I don't know what it is considered, to be honest with you. I think it could be considered a potential TV franchise for some time in the future. There is one movie project, which is in development, so I think it is probably perceived in that way, too.

There has been talk that with Paramount's new film chief, Brad Grey, coming onboard, the idea is to put STAR TREK to rest for a few years, including the feature film idea we've talked about for many issues now. Is the feature film still moving forward?

Berman : Well, that is complete nonsense. There has been no discussion at all about this project being put on a back burner or being decelerated that I am aware of. If there has been any discussion about it, then I am not aware of it. The project is moving along as planned; we are in early story and scripting stages, and absolutely nothing has changed. I also read somewhere that the concept was being thrown out and they were asking for something different; none of that is true.

Well, it would seem to me that if they wanted this film project not to move forward, they would tell you to stop working on it.

Berman : This film is not evolving the way the other films have evolved. It's going through a development process, and whether the film is going to be made depends on the quality of the script and a number of other factors. It is now just a question of developing it and seeing what the powers-that-be think about it.

One of the things you have said in the past is that this film will be much more ambitious and different than anything we have seen from a STAR TREK film yet. What do you mean by that?

Berman : I would say that this film will be larger in scope than anything we've seen previously.

Will this movie involve a younger-skewing cast?

Berman : Yes, it will.

I had thought that the film was post-ENTERPRISE, but there are rumors now that it is set pre-ENTERPRISE "" can you shed some light on this?

Berman : I really don't want to comment on that quite yet.

Do you think the series being cancelled could potentially cause this feature film project to take on more importance? Could it be the next thing now to carry on the torch?

Berman : I don't think anybody is really looking at it that way. I don't think people are saying, "Now it's our turn to carry the torch." There is a STAR TREK film in development "" and based on how the story works out and how the script works out, it will be looked upon and decided upon like any other film project.

So, optimistically speaking, if this feature film project gets the 'green light', we may not have to wait five years to see the new incarnation of STAR TREK?

Berman : The potential is there for that to happen. Obviously, from conception to release of a movie takes at least a couple of years, though.

What do you think you're involvement with STAR TREK will be down the road?

Berman : I need some time to think about that. I'm not really read to comment on that, nor do I think I am even ready to make any personal decisions about that. After 18 years, I need a little more time to determine my future. I am certainly going to be involving myself in other project, as will Brannon and Manny over the next year or so. But I am not sure exactly what the future of STAR TREK is, or what my future connection to it might be.

You have said that you felt that ENTERPRISE was too expensive to move to a cable network to save it. Is that still true?

Berman : For the show to be practical on a cable network or in today's syndication market, unlike the syndication market of 10 years ago, or when the WB and UPN took up two stations in each market, to produce the show for cable syndication would mean doing it for less than half of what it is costing us now. I think that would be impractical. I also think the studio wants to give STAR TREK a rest, as I said - at least on television right now.

Will there be anything happening for the 40th anniversary of STAR TREK next year?

Berman : I am not aware of anything, but I would say you can bet your boots that there will be something done. The studio will undoubtedly recognize the milestone.

Rick, in closing, look into your crystal ball and tell us what you think the future holds for STAR TREK? Is it dead, or just in hibernation for an even bigger reintroduction to the world in the next few years?

Berman : I think STAR TREK is a part of the American nomenclature and culture. I think there is no way that anyone could ever consider it being dead. It, perhaps, has been a little over-extended in the last 10 years, and it is going to get a well-earned rest. When it does come back, I am hoping it will return fresh and different, and that there will be an audience waiting for it.

Thanks to 'MvRojo' for the excerpts.

To read the full interview, get the latest issue of STAR TREK Communicator magazine at your local newstand.

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