- Star Trek: Of Gods and Men
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Star Trek: Of Gods and Men 
Directed by Tim Russ Written by Jack Trevino and Ethan H. Calk Starring Nichelle Nichols
Walter Koenig
Grace Lee Whitney
Alan Ruck
Chase Masterson
Gary GrahamMusic by Justin R. Durban Cinematography Douglas Knapp Distributed by StarTrekOfGodsAndMen.com Release date(s) June 15, 2008 (part 3) Running time 1:30 (three 30-minute segments) Language English Star Trek: Of Gods and Men (OGaM or STOGAM) is a three-part unofficial Star Trek fan mini-series which contains many cast members from the Star Trek TV series and movies.[1] It is described by its producers as a "40th Anniversary gift" from Star Trek actors to their fans. It was filmed in 2006, but its release was delayed until 2007-08. It is not officially endorsed by the rightsholders of Star Trek, but has been covered on the official Star Trek website.
Contents
Production
The series was directed by Tim Russ. Best known for playing Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, he had directed one episode of that series. The series was shot in Star Trek: New Voyages sets in Port Henry, New York.[2] Scenes were also shot around the Los Angeles, California area, including at Vasquez Rocks, a popular site for Star Trek location footage.[3] Scenes set at the Vulcan Science Academy were filmed in the San Fernando Valley.[4] Principal photography began July 12, 2006[5] and finished in October 2006.[6][3]
Returning Star Trek cast and crew
The mini-series starred Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov, and Grace Lee Whitney as Janice Rand from the original series.[6] Alan Ruck also reprised his role as Captain John Harriman from Star Trek Generations, and Tim Russ appeared as Tuvok. Other regular Star Trek actors appeared in new roles, including Garrett Wang and Ethan Phillips (who respectively played Harry Kim and Neelix from Voyager), J. G. Hertzler, Cirroc Lofton and Chase Masterson (Martok, Jake Sisko and Leeta from DS9) and Gary Graham (Ambassador Soval from Enterprise). The series was written by DS9 writers Jack Trevino and Ethan H. Calk. Douglas Knapp, the director of photography, had worked on Voyager.[6]
Co-writer Jack Trevino explained how so many actors from the series had been willing to participate: "Trek actors have a special relationship with their fans... they regarded the project, not only as the ultimate thank you to Gene Roddenberry and the original stars of Trek, but as a thank you to [the fans] who supported the series over the last 40 years." Executive producer Douglas Conway had tried to assemble more of the original series cast, but when George Takei (Sulu) was not available, this led to the idea of including Ruck's character as captain.[7]
Two actors from Star Trek: New Voyages, James Cawley and Jeff Quinn, also featured.
Cast
Actor Role[8] Walter Koenig Captain Pavel Chekov / Kittrick Nichelle Nichols Captain Nyota Uhura Alan Ruck Captain John Harriman Garrett Wang Commander Garan William Wellman, Jr. Charlie Evans J. G. Hertzler Koval, a Klingon Tim Russ Tuvok Gary Graham Ragnar Chase Masterson Xela, an Orion Daamen Krall Gary Mitchell Crystal Allen Conqueror Navigator Yara Ethan Phillips Data Clerk Cirroc Lofton Sevar, a Vulcan Lawrence Montaigne Stonn Grace Lee Whitney Janice Rand James Cawley Commander Kirk (James Kirk's nephew, brother of Peter)[9] Herbert Jefferson Captain Galt Jeffrey Quinn Conqueror Helmsman, a Romulan[9] Bobby Quinn Rice G.S.S. Conqueror Klingon Officer/Romulan Officer John Carrigan Klingon Officer Kel'mag / G.S.S. Conqueror Klingon Officer Jack Donner Wedding guest Tania Lemani Wedding guest Celeste Yarnall Wedding guest Plot
Set in the year 2305, Captain Nyota Uhura attends the dedication of a new USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-M), a replica of the original 1701. It is designed as a museum ship and a tribute to all who served on the original Enterprise, especially to Captain Kirk's sacrifice. Uhura meets up with Pavel Chekov and John Harriman, captain of the Enterprise-B, when they receive a distress call from an old friend on the planet housing the Guardian of Forever.
Release dates
The press releases in July and October 2006 anticipated a Christmas 2006 release.[6] On January 6, 2007, it was announced that OGaM would be delayed until April. This was to allow the three parts of the miniseries to be released closer together, with the second part following in May, and the third in June.[10]
On April 15, 2007, the planned release date of OGaM Part 1, it was announced on the official website that the release of the films had been delayed yet again. On October 31, 2007, it was announced on the official website that part one would be released on December 22, 2007.[11] On February 20, 2008, it was announced on the official website that part two would be released on March 15, 2008.[12] On May 22, 2008 it was announced on the official website that part three would be released on June 15, 2008.[13]
In a May 2007 interview with Houston Chronicle blogger J. Kevin Tumlinson, director Tim Russ said the producers were attempting to distribute the project through current Star Trek franchise owner CBS, and if successful they would sell the production as either a download or a DVD. The producers then clarified on the official forum that while "plans to release OG&M as a free download remain in place", licensing by CBS would be required for any versions for sale, e.g. DVDs.[14]
In November 2008, Renegade Studios began giving free DVDs of the film as thank-you gifts to their online customers. As of December 2009, a new edition of the DVD with pop-up commentary trivia was being offered.
Reception
The film won the 2008 Best Web Production award from SyFy Portal.[15]
References
- ^ TV to talk about, Toronto Star, December 18, 2007
- ^ Brian Mann (July 22, 2006). "Star Trek Fan Films Live Long and Prosper". NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5573621.
- ^ a b "Roundup: Wrap Parties, Meaney, Watson, etc.". startrek.com. October 3, 2006. http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/TNG/news/article/29215.html.
- ^ Sean Elliot (October 20, 2006). "Set Report: iF magazine boldly goes to Vulcan for Star Trek: Of Gods and Men". iFMagazine.com. http://ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1726.
- ^ "Let There Be Lights: "Of Gods and Men" Shoots". startrek.com. July 12, 2006. http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/news/article/19255.html.
- ^ a b c d "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men Wraps Production" (DOC) (Press release). Star Trek: Of Gods and Men. October 2, 2006. http://www.startrekofgodsandmen.com/press_release.doc.
- ^ Michael Sheridan, Former Star Trek stars reunite for independent film, New York Daily News, June 26, 2008
- ^ Star Trek: Of Gods And Men. DVD Screener liner notes
- ^ a b Calk, Ethan H. (December 22, 2007). "Topic 402: Post #16". Renegade Studios. http://www.renegade-studios.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=402.
- ^ Anthony Pascale (January 6, 2007). "Of Gods and Men Delayed Until April". trekmovie.com. http://trekmovie.com/2007/01/06/of-gods-and-men-delayed-until-april/.
- ^ Part 1 Release Date Announced on official site, October 31, 2007.
- ^ Newsletter on official site, February 20, 2008.
- ^ Part 3 Release Date Announced on official site, May 22, 2008.
- ^ Copy of blog, with responses at official forum
- ^ STOGAM Wins Best Web Production Award on official website
External links
- Official site
- Star Trek: Of Gods and Men at Memory Alpha (a Star Trek wiki)
- Star Trek: Of Gods and Men at the Internet Movie Database
- Behind the Scenes of Star Trek: Of Gods and Men Photo Essay
- STOGAM Soundtrack composed by Justin R. Durban
Star Trek fan productions Redshirt Blues · Starship Exeter · Continuing Mission · Hidden Frontier · Intrepid · Odyssey · Phase II · Of Gods and Men · The Pepsi Generation · Star Wreck · Steam Trek: The Moving Picture · Stone TrekCategories:- Star Trek fan films
- Dystopian films
- Films set in the 24th century
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