New Voyages name change

[GeorgeKirk]

It looks like the folks behind New Voyages have renamed it Star Trek: Phase II (link). I think it's a cool idea. I like how they're trying to bridge the TOS/TMP gap in small ways by introducing some TMP (and never-before-seen Phase II) elements into the shows. What do y'all think?

 

[theARE]

I dont know if I like this move. On the one hand it makes it sound more official because of the attempt in the 70's to get a Phase 2 series going. On the other hand though it actually a weaker name than New Voyages. For someone who didn't know what it was, just the name "New Voyages" sort of implied what the series was "Phase II" doesn't quite capture that in the same way.

In addition to that, New Voyages has managed to create a name for itself on the internet and to a certain degree in more mainstream media as well. When your brand is starting to get some recognition it seems a bit silly to change that brand.

 

[Johnny]

I can see why they'd change it to keep with where Roddenberry was going. But whats the point? The story/timeframe/characters arn't changing, where's the advantage?

I still think New Voyages sounds better, why change the name of a brand that's "selling"?


...and correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they label the first NV episode 401? and wasn't Phase-II supposed to be the second five year mission, making it a new 101?

 

[MikeH92467]

Well, re-branding a successful commercial show might be questionable, but James and company are putting their show together on a strictly non-profit basis. While I'm sure they want as many people as possible to see the show, it's reasonable to assume that the fans it's intended for will go along with the switch. A switch might make sense if James intends to take on more of the flavor of the Phase II idea.

 

[RJDiogenes]

I think Phase II is a stronger title, personally. Have they given a reason for the change?

 

[GeorgeKirk]

RJDiogenes said:
I think Phase II is a stronger title, personally. Have they given a reason for the change?

According to this article on their website:

New Voyages began as a fan film project, as a bunch of friends who love Star Trek working together to prove there was still plenty of creative life in Gene Roddenberry's original vision of Star Trek. With our recent Online Video Award from TV Guide for Best SciFi Webisodes, we think we've proven that. We're ready now to move to a higher level -- Phase II, Gene's proposed title for a second Trek series that would've aired in the 1970s . . . The almost universally positive reviews of our latest episode, "World Enough and Time," combined with our next episode, David Gerrold's "Blood and Fire" convinced us that this was the time to re-brand ourselves, to demonstrate our commitment to keep raising the bar for our stories and our production values. What better way than to literally move to our next phase, and to continue to honor Gene Roddenberry's vision.

Also, if you look at some of the on-set photos from "Blood and Fire", Scotty is wearing a TMP-style radsuit and Kirk is wearing a short-sleeved tunic originally made for Phase II.

 

[DarKush]

So, I wonder if they will bring the characters of Decker, Illia, and Xon aboard? I think that would be neat.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Well, that's cool. It's a sign of their respect and commitment. Good for them.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

DarKush said:
So, I wonder if they will bring the characters of Decker, Illia, and Xon aboard? I think that would be neat.

Xon has been cast for sometime, iirc, and will be appearing in "Blood and Fire." He will also be featured in the spin-off, Star Trek: First Voyages which is a "lower decks" type of series. IIRC, James Cawley has stated on the NV boards that he has been searching for a Decker. I may, however, be misremembering that.

 

[jamesmc]

Thanks everyone!
I think we have some Great stuff coming for everyone to enjoy.
Much of the set design for The Original Phase II concept was only slightly modified and used for TMP and will not be used. We will however, be using elements of things that were planned for and never used, such as a New Engineeering set with Warp core. Phase II was intended also as a second five year mission, However that idea was scrapped in favor of an 18 month refit after Phase II was scrapped in favor of making TMP. So it is our intention to wrap all the unused elements of Phase II into the last two years of the Original Five Year Mission, and then dock for the Refit which took place in TMP. We will see Chekov's promotion the Addtion of Decker and many other Cool Surprises!
This is simply a more defined direction for my series.
My Thank's to all of you, for your continued interest and support.
James Cawley

 

[GeorgeKirk]

jamesmc said:
. . .We will however, be using elements of things that were planned for and never used, such as a New Engineeering set with Warp core.

Cool, we're finally going to get to see Engineering! I wonder if it'll be a wholly physical set or if it'll be rendered in CGI like the hangar bay.

 

[EliyahuQeoni]

I definitely like the direction James is taking the show. More than just continuing the voyage they are now bridging the gap between TOS and TMP. I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes us.

 

[creepycrawlys]

I followed the link and saw the new name...hmmm... I like New Voyages better...P2 just sounds like a parking garage. I also saw that they casted a new Sulu. I'm kind of surprised that the new Sulu is not being played by a Asian actor as I'm sure there are many out there that would love to play this role but what do I know?

 

[Lindley]

Both the new Sulu and Peter Kirk were previously on Hidden Frontier. Actually, they were married there.

While Rice has since left Odyssey, Tepnapa will continue on Helena Chronicles concurrent to his part on Ne...er, Phase 2.

I'm really not sure about this move, but I'll wait and see.

 

[ncc-1017-e]

I like the idea!

 

[Kinnison]

It could be a bit confusing, I suppose, but it sounds like there's a good reason for the change. The New Voyages productions have been improving with each episode, and it's neat to see that they're getting even more ambitious.

 

[Johnny]

So if phase-II was scrapped in favour of TMP then the last two years should actually be called 'Star Trek'. Since thats already been taken you could try...um...'New Voyages'...yeah I like that one, came up with it all on my own too!
Not that all the changes shouldn't go ahead, but I think Phase-II could have been an episode of NV, a nod back to what could have been.
Can't wait to see the engineering.

 

[Pindar]

Hmm, somehow this has given me a little buzz of excitement.

I look forward to seeing how they start to bridge the gap between TOS and TMP.

 

[AvBaur]

While I don't think the name change was necessary or even a particularly good idea, I love the concept of "bridging the gap" between TOS and TMP. I'm looking forward to the next episodes and hope you'll be able to keep up the great quality of WEaT.

Is there a new release date for "Blood & Fire"? The website still says "Fall 2007."

 

[Vulcan Soul]

People should be more concerned about them having a Hispanic play an Asian character. I mean, for "official" productions people cry havoc if it's a Korean or Chinese playing a Japanese (or vice versa), but this takes things to a new level for sure!