Bakula - In A Commanding Position
Voyager's last regular episode airs today and filming on the latest Star Trek series has just started. Star Trek: Enterprise starring Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer is now filming for its fall TV debut. We've known for some time that Paramount was hoping to sign Scott and that negotiations on his contract have been difficult. Now in it's fifth incarnation, generating excitement for yet another Star Trek series become a prime directive for Paramount. That's why it was so important that the new show have a well-respected and well-known actor in the lead role. The studio knew that and so did Scott Bakula. As part of his final deal, Mr. Bakula's production company now has a development agreement with the studio for possible future TV series, telefilms, features and specials. That's a much better deal than just a paycheck.

Over the years, several of the Next Gen cast members worked their way into the directing chair during the run of their series. Moving behind the camera is the usual path to creative control on a series. But getting a production deal is even a better step in any actor's journey up the power ladder. Patrick Stewart was able to command a production deal when NG went to the big screen, but only after playing the captain for seven seasons. With his clout, Mr. Bakula gets to start from that position. It remains to be seen if he will eventually get a producer credit (and the requisite power) on Star Trek - that could be negotiated in three years or so, if the show is a success.

In any event, I'm sure we'll see a much different series in this Star Trek incarnation. If his previous work on Quantum Leap is any indication, humor and light-heartedness will play a much bigger role on the new show. Set before the Classic series, the new Enterprise will be freed from much of the Prime-Directive stodginess that prevented Captains Picard and Janeway from playing by the seat of their pants. As Captain Archer, Bakula will be able to make his own rules and interfere with the aliens he encounters in ways that would have never been acceptable in the more civilized Star Trek's we've seen before.

Starland Screening
Vin Diesel (Pitch Black) and Paul Walker (The Skulls) star in the action-adventure film The Fast and The Furious a fierce and frenzied look at rival Los Angeles street teams who use street racing as a means of establishing power. The film co-stars Jordana Brewster (The Faculty), Rick Yune (Snow Falling On Cedars) and Michelle Rodriquez (Girlfight). Walker stars as a rookie cop who goes undercover, posing as a racing team member, in order to investigate truck hijackings. Managing to ingratiate himself with the team's leaders at first, he finds himself in jeopardy when the other members begin to suspect an imposter within their ranks, setting the stage for an exciting climactic showdown. Directed by Rob Cohen (The Skulls) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (Cruel Intentions), The Fast and The Furious will feature the sleek and powerful designs of the modified vehicles along with the heart-pounding adrenaline rush of the most amazing racing action ever seen on screen.

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