Journalist Edward Gross posted at the Earth's Mightiest website an exclusive audio interview with Star Trek actor Bruce Greenwood (Pike) in which he talks about his role as Batman in the upcoming animated movie Batman Under The Red Hood and of course, Star Trek. Here is an excerpt.
In attempting to "find" the character of Captain Christopher Pike, actor Bruce Greenwood really had nothing but Jeffrey Hunter's portrayal of the character in the first Star Trek pilot, "The Cage," was all he had to go on.
"I think the fundamental difference between the Hunter Pike and the Greenwood Pike is that our dilemmas are different," says Greenwood, most recently seen in the National Treasure films as President of the United States. "Hunter's being that he was terribly ambivalent about his place in the Federation; he was torn by whether or not he wanted to go back and have a smaller life or that of a commander. My Pike doesn't have an internal wrestling match the way the earlier one did, but he does have second thoughts and misgivings about the way Starfleet is training officers as by-the-book products that may not, at the end of the day, be what's required for a great leader. So he keeps his eye out for that kind of special young man and as it happens, Kirk seems to fill that bill.
"A mentorship develops between them," he adds, "and, as young heroes are wont to be, Kirk is tremendously cocky, has tremendous ability but also dodges responsibility, and that is something that gives Pike tremendous pause. When you're charged with a task like the Kobyashi Maru exercise and you essentially dodge the real point of the exercise with cleverness and cunning, I'm thoroughly unimpressed. I suppose the dilemma for Pike is that he has to second guess his belief in Kirk and Kirk, of course, has to reconfirm his value."
The audio interview can be found here:http://www.earthsmightiest.com/fansites/justiceleague/news/?a=6903
http://trekweb.com/articles/2010/04/28/Bruce-Greenwood-on-Playing-Captain-Pike-and-His-Relationship-with-Kirk.shtml
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bruce Greenwood on Playing Captain Pike and His Relationship with Kirk
Star Trek's William Shatner for Governor General of Canada?
William Shatner may have saved the galaxy countless times with the Starship Enterprise on TV's "Star Trek," but can he command his native land of Canada? Some die-hard fans think so – they want the original Capt. James T. Kirk to lead Canada as Governor General.
The Shatner believers have launched a Facebook campaign calling for Shatner, a native of Montreal, to be appointed to a real five-year mission as the ceremonial Governor General of Canada. As of Wednesday, nearly 41,000 people were supporting the bid.
"It's time for Canada to boldly go where no country has gone before," the fans wrote on their Facebook post. "It's time for Canada to appoint the incomparable William Shatner to the position of Governor General. Indeed it's time to Back the Shat."
But will Shatner, 79, take charge if he wins the appointment? The famed actor from "Star Trek" and other television and film roles mentioned the Canadian call for his leadership with humor on his Twitter page, where he posts updates under the name "WilliamShatner."
"I believe Governor General means you govern the generals. Does that make me part of the army?" Shatner wrote.
Actually, Canada's Governor General serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the country and acts on recommendations from the prime minister to appoint the chief of Canada's Defense Staff and Royal Colonels, according to a Canadian government description.
The governor represents the country during state visits abroad, is responsible for receiving royal visitors, heads of state and foreign ambassadors at Rideau Hall in the Citadel of Quebec, creates new coats of arms for Canadian citizens and corporations, and presents awards and honors during ceremonies to recognize valor, excellence, bravery and other achievements, according to the description.
Among his myriad other roles on the stage, television and screen, Shatner portrayed Capt. James T. Kirk in the "Star Trek" sci-fi TV franchise from 1966 to 1969, and reprised the role in seven feature films in the 1980s and '90s. He has penned numerous science fiction and autobiographical novels, directed films and appeared in many other television shows as both actor and host.
Canada's Governor General is a largely ceremonial position currently held by television broadcast journalist Michaëlle Jean. She was appointed in 2005.
Whether or not Shatner becomes Canada's next Governor General, he has other things cooking here in the United States.
On May 1, he'll host the William Shatner 20th Annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show to raise funds for various charities for children.
Later this summer, Shatner plans to auction off his Harley Davidson motorcycle and other personal items as part of a larger Trek-themed charity auction in Las Vegas in June.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Gene Roddenberry's 'Star Trek' memorabilia up for auction in June; includes script, dresses
Trekkies, get ready to pack your gold-pressed latinum.
Several items that once belonged to the Great Bird in the Galaxy, Gene Roddenberry, creator of "Star Trek," are going up for auction in Las Vegas in June.
"My father would be proud that his memorabilia will not only be enjoyed and cherished by Star Trek fans, but that the proceeds will benefit society on a larger scale," said Gene's son, Rod Roddenberry.
Among the memorabilia being beamed up onto the auction block are costumes worn by actress Majel Barrett Roddenberry during "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine;" a Peabody award for "The Big Good-bye," an episode from "The Next Generation," as well as a script featuring hand-written notes by Roddenberry.
The dresses are expected to fetch $800 to $1,200, while the script could nab more than $2,000.
Other items include a model of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D that once resided in Roddenberry's office, one of his early IBM computers, and an oak desk.
Along with items from the Roddenberry estate, actor William Shatner (the original Captain James T. Kirk), is offering up his 2005 FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom Harley Davidson, along with several other items.
Shatner's items will help benefit the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which works to aid handicapped children.
Star Trek’s Brent Spiner narrates NASA Hubble documentary
NASA is celebrating 20 years of Hubble Space Telescope operations with a documentary airing today at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The documentary is narrated by actor/writer Brent Spiner who is known for his role as Lt. Commander Data in Star Trek films and TV episodes.
The documentary is also available as a Quicktime download in 1080i from the NASA website. The 536 Mb video runs 15 minutes, formatted at 1280 x 1080 using H.264 compression. The video is a bit jaggy — especially the transitions — suggest viewing at half size on your PC. Audio is 48.000 kHz in 16-bit (Little Endian).
“Hubble: 20 Years of Discovery” celebrates the achievements of one of the most popular and important scientific instruments in the history of exploration. Narrated by actor and writer Brent Spiner, this special video presentation takes viewers on a journey back in time and into the farthest reaches of the cosmos.”
“Hubble: 20 Years of Discovery” is also viewable on NASA’s YouTube channel.
Info and Ad for Upcoming British U.S.S. Enterprise Manual Hardcover Book
According to 8of5's Trek Guide to the Collective and TrekMovie.com, British publisher Haynes company catalog for the rest of the year features an ad for the U.S.S. "Enterprise" Manual
listed for September. It will be a hardcover of 176 pages with 200 color illustrations and a suggested price of £19.99.And here are the details from the ad:
U.S.S. Enterprise Manual By Ben Robinson & Marcus Riley, Technical Consultant Michael Okuda This fascinating Haynes Manual features cutaway drawings, technical illustrations and photographs along with comprehensive background information and specifications on the technology used on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, in all its various incarnations. Seasoned Star Trek writers lift the lid on the most iconic spaceship of all time, while accuracy and authority are guaranteed by Technical Consultant Michael Okuda. This is one book no Star Trek fan should be without. Key Content
- NX-01 (Star Trek Enterprise TV series).
- NCC-1701 (Original TV series plus Star Trek: The Motion Picture, The Wrath of Khan and The Search for Spock, in which it was destroyed. A reinterpreted version of this Enterprise featured in the 2009 film).
- NCC-1701-A (The Voyage Home, The Final Frontier and The Undiscovered Country).
- NCC-1701-B and 1701-C (featured briefly in Generations and in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode ‘Yesterday's Enterprise').
- NCC-1701-D (Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series and Generations).
- NCC-1701-E (First Contact, Insurrection and Nemesis).
is available for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk More info and a larger version of the ad can be found at Bof5's Trek Guide to the Trek Collective and TrekMoviehttp://trekweb.com/stories.php?aid=4bd44d0d4adf0
Saturday, April 24, 2010
William Shatner Makes His Singing Debut on Lopez Tonight
Yesterday we gave you a sneak peek at Star Trek alum William Shatner singing with YouTube star Lin Yu Chun on Lopez Tonight, but you must check out the full performance from last night. Shatner's delivery of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is reminiscent of his Priceline commercials from 2000 and — ahem — his spoken-word album from '67. What else would you expect? See William and Lin take the stage during the full performance below!
http://www.geeksugar.com/William-Shatner-Lin-Yu-Chun-Lopez-Tonight-8205138
Watch Patrick Stewart Talk About Next Gen Laughter, Knighthood & Hairloss
Last night Patrick Stewart was a guest on the Tavis Smiley talk show on PBS, primarily promoting the PBS premiere of Hamlet. But he did talk a bit about his time on Star Trek, including recalling a recent cast reunion. Details and video link below.
Stewart talks about Trek, Knighthood, balding and Shakespeare
Stewart was the guest for the full show, so there was around 22 minutes with the actor. To watch the full interview go to PBS.ORG.
CLICK: WATCH PATRICK STEWART ON TAVIS SMILEY AT PBS.ORG
Here are some excerpts:
Patrick Stewart on what he most
Laughter largely. A few weeks ago I came into L.A., and it just so happens that every one of the principle cast members of Next Generation was in town, and I had something to celebrate, so I got everyone together and we sat down for dinner, all of us. Some brought their wives and partners with them, and my memory of that evening, apart from good food and wine, was laughter. And it remains the dominant sense memory of those days on the set of the Enterprise, was laughing – sometimes uncontrollably. Directors would go on their knees – I had seen it happen – and say "please guys, say the lines seriously, once." And we would say "hey, roll the camera, we will do it seriously. If you don’t roll the camera, we are just going to fool around." I am painting a grossly exaggerated picture of what life was like, because we worked very hard and very seriously, and I am really proud of that series.
Stewart on if it is cool being "Sir" Patrick Stewart
I think it just might just be the coolest thing I have ever done. And it is very recent. So when I hear someone use the title, which I do not expect or ask for, I turn around and look who they are talking to, because it is a little bit uncomfortable.
Stewart and Smiley also discussed
Below is a clip, just on the discussion about the hair, but go to PBS.ORG to see the full interview.
Sir Patrick in Hamlet on PBS
PBS airs Hamlet, starring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart on April 28th at 8PM. More info at http://pbs.org/gperf. Here are some clips and interview with Patrick Stewart about Hamlet.
http://trekmovie.com/2010/04/24/watch-patrick-stewart-talk-about-next-gen-laughter-knighthood-hairloss/
