Monday, November 2, 2015

Star Trek is coming back to TV in 2017...sort of...

Story source
 CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new Star Trek television series in January 2017. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.

The next chapter of the Star Trek franchise will also be distributed concurrently for television and multiple platforms around the world by CBS Studios International.

The new program will be the first original series developed specifically for U.S. audiences for CBS All Access, a cross-platform streaming service that brings viewers thousands of episodes from CBS’s current and past seasons on demand, plus the ability to stream their local CBS Television station live for $5.99 per month. CBS All Access already offers every episode of all previous Star Trek television series.

The brand-new Star Trek will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

Alex Kurtzman will serve as executive producer for the new Star Trek TV series. Kurtzman co-wrote and produced the blockbuster films Star Trek (2009) with Roberto Orci, and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) with Orci and Damon Lindelof. Both films were produced and directed by J.J. Abrams.
The new series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout. Kurtzman and Heather Kadin will serve as executive producers. Kurtzman is also an executive producer for the hit CBS television series Scorpion and Limitless, along with Kadin and Orci, and for Hawaii Five-0 with Orci.

Star Trek, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016, is one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. The original Star Trek spawned a dozen feature films and five successful television series. Almost half a century later, the Star Trek television series are licensed on a variety of different platforms in more than 190 countries, and the franchise still generates more than a billion social media impressions every month.

Born from the mind of Gene Roddenberry, the original Star Trek series debuted on Sept. 8, 1966 and aired for three seasons – a short run that belied the influence it would have for generations. The series also broke new ground in storytelling and cultural mores, providing a progressive look at topics including race relations, global politics and the environment.
“There is no better time to give Star Trek fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”

“This new series will premiere to the national CBS audience, then boldly go where no first-run Star Trek series has gone before – directly to its millions of fans through CBS All Access,” said Marc DeBevoise, Executive Vice President/General Manager – CBS Digital Media. “We’ve experienced terrific growth for CBS All Access, expanding the service across affiliates and devices in a very short time. We now have an incredible opportunity to accelerate this growth with the iconic Star Trek, and its devoted and passionate fan base, as our first original series.”

“Every day, an episode of the Star Trek franchise is seen in almost every country in the world,” said Armando Nuñez, President and CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group. “We can’t wait to introduce Star Trek's next voyage on television to its vast global fan base.”

CBS All Access offers its customers more than 7,500 episodes from the current television season, previous seasons and classic shows on demand nationwide, as well as the ability to stream local CBS stations live in more than 110 markets. Subscribers can use the service online and across devices via CBS.com, the CBS App for iOS, Android and Windows 10, as well as on connected devices such as Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku players and Roku TV, with more connected devices to come.
The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film Star Trek Beyond which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in summer 2016.

Friday, September 4, 2015

New reviews

Hey there fellow trekkers, I thought I'd point you to a couple new reviews!

  Always good to get another opinion and if you aren't sure if Far Trek is for you--this might help you decide one way or the other.

Check out the reviews and keep on Trekking!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Beamed away...

 
Sorry for those who missed it, but the chance to get a physical copy has beamed away.  At some point there may be another chance with a different cover, but for now, please download the complete game PDF for free as well as the first Far Trek adventure.

To those who kindly bought a brother a beer, thanks very much I do truly appreciate it!

Keep on Trekking!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Keep calm and boldly go!



Happy Birthday to Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek!  Thanks for all the inspiration and imagination!  Although the "Great Bird of the Galaxy" passed away in 1991, his creation still lives on and inspires millions around the world.

You can now download the complete game rules in PDF form for free!! Not only that--but the first Far Trek adventure is also a free download as well in the downloads!

I very much appreciate those who chipped in to buy a brother a beer, and if you enjoy Far Trek, feel free to chip in some beer money too Trekking is thirsty work!

Thanks again to Darren Bulmer for helping to expand and edit this edition of Far Trek and Joe Walerko for all his assistance in editing this edition.

With over 4600 downloads of the original, I sure hope you will enjoy this newly revised, expanded and edited edition!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Back from sickbay

Michele Specht as Dr. Elise McKennah in Star Trek Continues
The new version 2 edit of Far Trek is available for download NOW!

Thanks to Darren Bulmer and Joe Walerko this edit should be a much better version.  Can't say its perfect--but it is (hopefully) much better and should act as the final guts of the physical book...coming THIS WEEK!

Thanks for your support and hope you like the game.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

4000+

4000+ downloads of the new Far Trek edition!  WOW!  

Well I hope some of you down loaders would be interested in a new Far Trek yahoo group!  Michael Taylor has set one up to discuss alternate rules, equipment and to share adventures!

In that spirit, I'd like folks to consider if they'd like to submit their stuff to me and I could put it together a free download 'zine called Trekking for us all to enjoy! Any interest?

The re-edit of Far Trek is nearly done as is the first adventure--which will also be a free download.

As to the physical version?

I give you this warning--it will be available sometime next week! 

Again it will be up for a LIMITED time (about 24 hours) and this cover version will not be available again!

Note, I make NO PROFIT from this you are buying at production cost from Lulu.

Last, a heartfelt thanks to the kind souls who bought me a beer.  I managed to get a whole case of Shiner Black thanks to you!  I appreciate your kindness as writing is thirsty work and my wife assures putting up with my crazy game stuff deserves a fine beer or two as well! Grateful for your kindness!



Keep on Trekking!


Friday, August 7, 2015

Meanwhile back on the bridge...

Less than 1 day left to vote for the print version cover you like, although at this point it seems a forgone conclusion!

In the meantime, Joe Walerko took the time to lend his expert technical writing and editing eye to Far Trek and I am currently re-editing the rule set.  In addition, thanks to a good critical review from Michael Taylor, I am making some additional tweaks. This includes adding creature images where I could find them.

Lastly, I am editing an adventure for Far Trek--it won't be in the book, but will be a free download and if all works out it should be ready in August.

If you are near Las Vegas the Official Star Trek Convention is happening now--so beam on over and check it out!

Keep on Trekking!