Finally, someone is saying something about the new Star Trek television series which goes into production this September for a January 2017 debut.
That someone is Bryan Fuller who, while attending the Saturn Award, spoke to Collider, revealing ten details about the show.
1. Fuller's feelings about being given the "keys" to the franchise
He describes it as wonderful and surreal, emphasizing that early on in his life it wasn't so much that he was interested in becoming a writer as he wanted to become a Star Trek writer. This situation, allowing him to craft new characters, new adventures and what is essentially "a whole new way of telling stories that you haven't been able to tell on Star Trek, is a dream come true.
2. Where are they at in the writing of the first season?
The first story arc has been mapped out in its entirety, and the first six episodes are completely "broken." Moving into teleplays will be the next stage.
3. How many episodes will season one consist of?
Thirteen episodes telling one story.
4. How will this differ from what's come before?
No details forthcoming, only that this show will be different than the way Star Trek stories have been told over the past 50 years, no doubt embracing new forms of storytelling.
5. When will more details about the show be revealed?
Most likely San Diego Comic-Con next month, which Fuller will be attending.
6. The show has hired a producing director
A producing director is more or less the "house" director, who will not only take the helm of episodes, but play an integral role in guiding the show's look and the approach of other directors. His name is Vincenzo Natali, whose credits include Hannibal, The Strain and Wayward Pines
7. The latest on casting
Fuller has met with a few actor and is determined to continue Star Trek's history of being progressive, admitting that it's fascinating to approach casting through a colorblind and gender-blind prism.
8. There are definitely connections to the Star Trek people know and love, even if it's just spiritual.
"You can look at the original series and pick out episodes we're using the DNA of and using the spirit of what Star Trek offers," says Fuller, "both in terms of high-concept science fiction storytelling and really wonderful metaphors for the human condition."
9. The episodes may not be limited to 43 minutes as they would on a network.
Fuller states that they've been given parameters, that episodes have a minimum or maximum length, but that there is flexibility because the show is streaming.
10. Visual effects producers have been hired
Those producers are currently pulling the team together, and they're definitely shooting very high on this show. There will be digital augmentation to alien species, variations of things we've seen before (i.e. the transporter effect) and, of course, elements that will be complete unique to this iteration of Star Trek.