TOS Docu-Drama Free-For All

[WRStone]

In another thread, I raised this question:

I wonder if the time isn't ripe for a docu-drama about the making of the original series? The backstage drama would certainly be consistent with the soapy dramas and reality shows that are so popular.

I hereby contribute several ideas to any hypothetical producer who'd want to do such a project:

Cast the entire cast of the 2009 film to play the actors who played the characters originally. I.e. Chris Pine as Shatner, Zach Quinto as Nimoy, Zoe Saldana as Nichols, that nameless blonde chick with a really short nurse's minidress and one line as Majel ...

Here's an idea for a specific shot, keeping in mind that it's in no way supported by anything anyone's ever said over the years:

Shatner (Pine) turns away from Doohan (Pegg), his back to the camera. Cut to a medium shot of Doohan. There is a beat, then Doohan raises his right hand and silently flips off Shatner's back. Except that it's his right hand -- the one missing the middle finger.

I can just see the expression on Pegg's face as he flips off Pine with his CGI-doctored missing middle finger. It would be perfect Pegg material.

The scene where John D.F. Black discovers Nichols hiding under Roddenberry's desk with no pants or underwear will generate a lot of ticket sales. I think it could be done tastefully, however.

I offer my services to play Roddenberry.

I was born for this part. I've been able to mimic Roddenberry's voice since the Inside Star Trek album came out (included these days as the second CD on the TMP soundtrack 20th anniversary CD). I've always had a thing for voice acting, and I spent a lot of time getting his cadence and rhythm, not to mention the breathiness as perfect as I could. I can improvise in Roddenberry's voice.

Plus, I'm now just about the right age, my mid-40s. I don't bear any grand resemblance to Roddenberry at his age, but proper costuming and hairstyle combined with my performance will be more than convincing.

To be honest, I see an Oscar in my future for this. Or an AVN ...

It's been a while since I've worked professionally, so the project can get me cheap. Hell, I'd do this one for free if SAG would let me; since they won't, I'll do it for scale.

If they can't get the 2009 cast, they could do the next best thing: use the New Voyages/Phase II cast. They even come with their own bridge set that can't be beat in terms of faithfulness to the original.

However, the caveat is that since I'm to play Roddenberry, I want my choice of Nichelles and Majels. They've used a couple of actresses, and it would certainly help me get into character (nudge nudge, wink wink) to have final say. I would anticipate repeated, lengthy, private auditions and coaching sessions prior to making the final decision.

Just to help me get into character, you understand.

Feel free to contribute ideas to this hypothetical project if the spirit so moves you. I figure with me playing Roddenberry, there's really no personal downside ...

Dakota Smith

 

[scotpens]

Of course, there'd have to be a montage of Matt Jeffries feverishly drawing sketch after sketch, trying to come up with ideas for the Enterprise, and G.R. saying “No, nope, that won't do, I like this part of that one -- Hold on, I think you've got something there!”

“Gene, you're holding the drawing upside down.” (Looks at the sketch again) “Shit, it looks better that way!”

 

[WRStone]

“Gene, you're holding the drawing upside down.” (Looks at the sketch again) “Shit, it looks better that way!”

Hm ... here's an idea: you take the Enterprise-designing montage and score it with the theme from Star Trek being developed by Alexander Courage:

First the Enterprise in Jeffries' drawings looks very 1950s flying-saucer (which it did): in the background, a musical theme that's very Plan 9 accompanies it. As the Enterprise designs change to become closer and closer to the ship we know, the music moves closer to the original theme.

End the whole thing with the beginning of a scene where Herb Solow and Roddenberry go visit the Enterprise model being filmed by Howard Anderson. The big reveal shot of the Enterprise model under studio lights coincides with the TOS theme becoming what we remember.

Hm ... I can really see that scene:

Start with a the back door of a nondescript warehouse. The TOS theme starts, no Shatner voice-over. The door opens to reveal Roddenberry and Solow. They take one look in front of them. There's a beat, they exchange a glance, and smile.

Cut to a far view of the Enterprise 11-foot model at the other end of the warehouse, surrounded by lights and cameras. The cut comes at the exact moment that the ship appears in the first season opening titles.

In fact, frame it precisely so that the camera dollies in to the 11-footer at exactly the same angle and speed as the first shot of the Enterprise approaching the camera in the opening titles, matching the music.

I'm not sure if you could make the entire opening titles out of shooting the Enterprise in a warehouse, but the opening shots could be cool.

Dakota Smith