Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 4, 1995 TAG: 9507050090
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Production on ``DS9'' and ``Voyager'' has ceased for the season, which means the co-creator and executive producer of the two current ``Trek'' series is putting in nine-hour shifts as opposed to the 14-hour days he works when the cameras are rolling.
As a result, Berman, who was also executive producer of ``Generations'' (1994), the first ``Next Gen'' big-screen adventure, has a few moments to reflect.
``I'm delighted with `Voyager,''' he said by phone from his Paramount office in Hollywood. ``We accomplished what one sets out to achieve in the first year of a series.
``We established the premise very cleanly in the two-hour premiere. We defined the characters and their relationships as well as possible in the 14 hours of episodes after the pilot.''
Next season, Berman said, fans can expect further character and relationship development. In addition, he said he will address other areas where there may be room for improvement.
Look for an increase in the action quotient, he said, adding that more time and money will be devoted to the visual effects.
``I also think we need to define and create the characters and civilizations in this new quadrant of space,'' Berman said. ``We need to take better advantage of the fact that we are in a part of space that has never been in contact with humanity or anyone from the Federation before.
``We should be meeting fascinating new races, both good guys and bad guys.''
Upon its release last November, ``Generations'' received generally positive reviews and earned $80 million in the United States.
The film, which teamed Capts. Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Kirk (William Shatner) for the first time, also proved a huge hit overseas, outgrossing all previous ``Trek'' films.
``Generations,'' which beams onto video July 18, marked Berman's maiden voyage as a film producer. He said the outing was a ``unique experience and a good lesson.''
Overall, he was pleased with the way the film's main goal, the passing of the baton from ``Trek''-classic to ``Next Gen,'' was achieved.
``I think it did well by both captains,'' he said. ``If I have one criticism of the movie, it's that we had too much plot.
``If I had to do it all over again, I'd simplify the story. Ron [Moore], Brannon [Braga] and I are going to learn from that now that we are writing the next film.''
Berman, Moore and Braga have already written an outline for the next ``Next Gen'' film, which they are now discussing with several of the actors and the studio. If approved, Moore and Braga will begin writing the script in the coming weeks.
Right now, there are no plans to include any ``Trek''-classic cast members, but that could change.
``All I can tell you about it right now ... is that ... the Borg will be back,'' he said dramatically, dropping that bombshell like a kid sharing the world's biggest secret.
How about a Q [John de Lancie] appearance? After all, he introduced the ``Next Gen'' crew to the nefarious Borg.
``You're getting diggy,'' Berman said with a laugh. ``In a couple of months I'll give you a little more juice.
``I hope we'll be filming it in the early spring of 1996, and that the movie will be released at Thanksgiving or Christmas.''
TREK SPECS|
Season four of ``DS9'' will open with a two-hour movie in which the peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire falls apart. As we go to press, it looks as though Michael Dorn may be joining the ``DS9'' cast as his ``Next Gen'' character, Worf. ... Look for Kes (Jennifer Lien) and Neelix (Ethan Phillips) on the cover of an upcoming issue of TV Guide. ... ``Voyager'' collector cards are in stores now from SkyBox International. The first series of 98 cards will feature behind-the-scenes, episodic and character images. Eight-card packs will retail for $1.49 each.
CON CALENDAR
July 14-16
Magnum Opus at the Callaway Garden Resort in Pine Mountain, Ga., featuring Robert Picardo. (July 13-16 only; fax 706-549-8819.)
TREK/SCI-FI ALERT
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, care of the features department, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB