STARTREK.COM: We are delighted to present our first guest -- Majel Barrett Roddenberry. Majel is the "First Lady" of Star Trek! Welcome, Majel!
Question: Are there any new developments on "Battleground Earth"?
Chris
Majel Barrett Roddenberry: Oh boy, sure there are. We are in pre-production. We have a head writer, Rick Oki. His is busy writing David Kirschner. That's new. And we have been sold in 50% of the US with 20% of the top markets covered.
I'll have a lot more to tell you in the Middle of January.
Q: Dear Ms. Barrett, in the past few years, you've turned up on several of the series playing Deanna Troi' s mother, recently they've been bringing back characters from the original series more and more. I know it's unlikely, but have they considered having your old character Christine Chapel make a return appearance?
Mark
MBR: Of course I would love it but I'm afraid if they did they would kill the character of Lwaxana. It's an "either/or" situation for playing the characters.
Q: Are you appearing at any upcoming conventions?
George
MBR: I have Washington DC tomorrow. Erie PA for the movie Star Trek: First Contact, Nov 22 in Toronto, Saturday afternoon to SF, CA and I do the SF tribute to Gene. Then I'm home and I'm not going out again until after Christmas.
Q: What is your all time favorite star trek episode?
Asok
MBR: The Cage. No question. True, perfect Star Trek.
Q: Did you do the computer voice for the new movie?
Gleknar
MBR: Yes I did. Booms out there loud and clear.
Q: Have you seen the First Contact movie?
Tuvok
MBR: I saw it last night. It is spectacular entertainment. Patrick does things on that screen that I cannot believe. It is beautiful. The effects and story are good. Great Star Trek. Go see it.
Q: Do you think Gene would like the new movie?
Chuck
MBR: I know he would. He would love it. It is full of adventure, mystery. The acting is incredible. The emphasis on character is unbelievable.
Q: Do you have any appearances coming up on Deep Space Nine or Voyager?
Michelle
MBR: I wish I did. They were talking about DS9 at one point. They were looking for something but I don't know if they ever found it.
Q: Will you be signing autographs at today's convention?
Trekfan
MBR: Yes I will but for a very short time. I have to leave at 2pm to fly to Washington DC.
Q: Do you watch other science fiction series? If so, which are your favorite?
Zelk
MBR: I sure do. I love the X Files. I watch Millennium. I love it. But then I love gory stuff. It appeals to a sadistic part of my nature.
Q: Have you ever written any scripts for any of the Star Trek shows?
Joe
MBR: No I never have. A lot of people think I have but I haven't. The most I did was on the original show, reading the scripts back to Gene and make it more "talkable" not so technical.
Q: Are any of the Star Trek staff going to be involved in Battleground Earth?
Kelly
MBR: Michael Westmore is doing me a favor and has consented to design our aliens for us.
Q: Where will Battleground Earth be filmed?
Paul
MBR: We are shooting it in Toronto. Battleground will start pre-production in March and actual production April and possibly a title change in the beginning of the year.
Q: Do you find Patrick Stewart as attractive in real life as you do in the TNG show.
McCarthy
MBR: I think he is sexy as hell. He performs in First Contact with his shirt off a lot. He has a body like Schwarzenegger.
Q: Mrs. Roddenberry, how's your son Rod doing? Will he come to any conventions, or make a guest appearance on Trek or "Battleground Earth"?
Todd
MBR: Rod is doing fine. He will be working on Battleground Earth in Toronto.
Q: Does any of the acting in STAR TREK affect the way you think or behave in your everyday life?
Alex
MBR: God I hope not. Although if you don't know how I got the job Gene did come home one day and say "Majel, I have a job for you and you don't have to act." She was the Auntie Mame of the galaxy.
Q: What do you think is the most important lesson to learn from Star Trek?
Lisa
MBR: Oh boy. A positive attitude toward life.
Q: What is it like to be part of such a big massive crew on both sides as a wonderful actress and as the wife of the creator?
John
MBR: Spiffy.
Q: Majel, did you have any input on the characters you portrayed throughout the years?
Vanna
MBR: Just in the dialog. No, when you have the quality of writing we have I sure wouldn't want to change it. Except when I had the baby. That was just an idea I had. When I mentioned it, it got made.
Q: Do you have any news on a new Star Trek series?
Dolly
MBR: I have heard nothing. It would shock the hell out of me. They have two excellent series on the air right now. Another would be super saturation in the market.
Q: Where and when in Toronto will Battleground Earth be shot?
Jack
MBR: Pre-production in March and production in April at Atlantis Studios. They will distribute up there and Tribune Entertainment will distribute down here.
We will be filming 22 episodes.
Q: Do you miss the Next Generation?
Zob
MBR: Well I can watch reruns all the time. I'm seeing the motion picture now and the people when they are in town. I miss being on the show with them. Aside from that I am happy doing what I am doing.
Q: Having played so many characters on the series, do you ever get them confused?
Bruce
MBR: Oh I hope not. They are so varied. I hope they don't look or sound like each other.
Q: I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful series, I've watched since they began showing reruns ( I only in my early 20's). And have not missed a single episode. I am looking forward to seeing ST:FC when it comes out on Friday. Also, how are you doing healthwise since you seem to be a very busy person?
Lisa
MBR: I guess it keeps me healthy. I couldn't feel better. Life couldn't be better.
Q: Have you read any of the Star Trek novels? Q-in-law starred Mrs. Troi--it would make a great movie!
Tom
MBR: I love Q-in-law. I tried to get it made. They were considering it for awhile but they said they couldn't make it work.
STARTREK.COM: Majel, thank you very much for chatting with us today!
MBR: Yes. And thank you very much. Its been fun.
