Jonathan has directed the latest two "Star Trek" feature films, in addition to a number of episodes of three series.

Question: So did Insurrection do well at the box office?
Derek

Jonathan Frakes: It's still doing well. I just returned from opening it in Spain and Brussels, where everyone had gone to Germany to see it. Months before.

Q: Do you volunteer to direct the movies, or do you ask to? And is continuingly being a part of Star Trek cool?
#1 fan

JF: I wish it were as easy as volunteering. I've always thought it was cool to be part of Star Trek. Look at Wil Wheaton.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do now since all the trekkies would recognize you anywhere? Are you thronged with fans anywhere you go. How do you like to hideout the most and enjoy life?
Amazzd

JF: I play with my kids as much as I can. I ski where no one can recognize me... if you're moving fast enough.

Q: what do you feel are difference between being directed by actors turned directors (such as yourself) and directed by ones that have never acted in their life?
bb246

JF: I have a soft spot for actor/directors, obviously. I think we understand the actors' psyche problems, neuroses, insecurities, imperfections, self-loathing... need I go on.

Q: Any chances of you making a guest appearence on Star Trek Voyager to meet Seven of Nine?
From your Fans in the UK

JF: If they would spring me from prison from DS9, as Tom, maybe he would be available for 7 of 9. Because I think Wil is spoken for with a beautiful Betazoid.

Q: Are you planning on attending any conventions near the St. Louis area anytime soon?
Maestro

JF: Is Pasadena close to St. Louis?

Q:Mr. Frakes- When you helped to make Star Trek Insurrection, did you intend for the renewed romance between Riker and Troi to be a permanent thing, or would it be a one time deal?
The Caretaker

JF: Marina and I both hope that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Q: What's the latest update you can give us on your Total Recall gig?
ColonelSanders

JF: The draft of the script we have will cost far more than Dimension Films wants to pay. Negeotions continue.

Q: Are there any people you wish to thank for having had a profound influence on your career ? For instance, the staff of Rick Berman Productions.
Sasquatch Lover

JF: I owe everything I have to Udo.

Q: Hi Jonathan. I just wanted to know if you enjoyed making the PC game "A Final Unity" with the other members of the next generation cast? By the way I thought the game was brilliant
Mat

JF: It was a unique experience.

Q: As most loyal Trek fans know, several scene cuts have been made to Insurrection and First Contact. Any plans to do a special edition DVD or Laserdisc of any of the Trek titles that you've directed?
Jonathan

JF: If there were to be a director's cut, "Insurrection" is the one I would rerelease.

Q: How long did it take you to film your part in ST: The Experience? were you blown away?
Jonathan

JF: Actually, we reshot the Experience. I think LeVar and I worked two days.

Q: Any secret movie projects in the works that the public doesn't know about yet?
Jonathan

JF: It's not a secret that I have a movie on UPN... on Thursday the 22nd at 8:00 pm called "Dying to Live." in which I play... an angel, mysteriously named... Wil. Alternative titles I had considered... I'm still Wil... And, Good Wil Haunting.

Q: You goof around on the set I like to know if we will ever see a bloopers tape of the next generation? I like what you all did on the series and the movies.
Lineke

JF: I wish I had a bloopers tape of the last 10 years.

Q: What kind of experience was it to direct two Star Trek feature films?
Aaron

JF: Exhausting. Exhilarating. Rewarding.

Q: I am a big fan of yours and keep up the good work. Are you and Patrick Stewart as close in real life as Riker and Picard?
Shimwa

JF: Even closer.

Q: Does the fact that you tower over your colleagues in TNG give you any extra needed authority in directing?
Hopium

JF: It does in all scenes except for those with Worf.

Q: Jonathan, your wife is a wonderful actress. What do you think about how her career on GH is going, and how her character is being written?
Christi

JF: I think that she was glaringly overlooked for an Emmy nomination this year.

Q: Hi Jonathan! What is the most rewarding thing about being a part of Star Trek?
Skyfire

JF: All the Earl Gray tea you can drink.

Q: I just read your book "The Abductors: Conspiracy", and I was wondering:any chance of a sequel?
Defiance

JF: Doubtful.

Q: What is your favorite episode you have directed?
Jason

JF: I still have a soft spot for "The Offspring".

Q: Who's idea was it to grow the beard? Go on, admit it was you.
Jason

JF: I grew the beard during the writers' stike after the first season and the late, great Gene Roddenberry asked me to keep it because he thought it looked nautical.

Q: Do you have any ideas for how to proceed with the future of Star Trek? What would you like to happen?
Jason

JF: I think some time between this movie and the next is probably a good idea. Let the Star Wars phenomenon die down.

Q: Do you feel the franchise owes you a good death for your character, or do you wish him to simply fade into history?
Jason

JF: Does anyone really die on Star Trek?

Q: We all know that the whole TNG cast really likes each other. Can you describe the very first day where you met your "crewmembers"at the set?
Katja

JF: I remember meeting Patrick Stewart outside the make up trailer for our first day of make-up tests. I almost said make-up and hair tests... but only some of us went to the hair trailer. He and I discussed the relative merits of cricket vs. baseball.

Q: What would you change in the world if you were God for one day?
Shanara

JF: Save this question for John DeLancie.

Q: I would like to ask you about your acting, and directing experiences. Where can I send the letter to?
L. G.

JF: You can write to me c/o Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose, LA CA 90038

Q: Have you ever thought of appearing in a current trek series but made up as another species such as Klingon?
KarenUK

JF: After serving as a Mentakan.... a Cromagnom man... a Malcorian... and watching Michael Dorn for 10 years... I have the utmost respect for actors who need to be glued into their faces. No thanks.

Q: Do you feel that Trek has evolved to keep pace with the changes in society and is it still true to the original ideals, especially with the darker edge it has taken in recent years?
senote

JF: I hope so. I think we're just as current now as Classic Trek was in the sixties. Look at 7 of 9.

Q: What is this DS9 Final Chapter thing? Is the show going off air?
Jordan

JF: They've already ripped the sets down on Stage 17.

Q: Do you miss being involved with a weekly Star Trek series?
anonymous

JF: Actually, I do. I loved the security of knowing where I was going to work in the morning.

Q: How are you and your family doing?
Jacqueline B

JF: All's well in the Frakes household.

Q: Mr. Frakes, How did you start your career in show business and what advice would you give to someone like myself and many others who want to start a successful career, like yours, in film and Television?
Brendan

JF: Always have a straight job. One that you can fall back on. And actually make money at.

Q: are you ever in touch with anyone from ST:TNG? If you are could you tell WIl Wheaton that i have a huge crush on him
Christina

JF: I'd be happy to.

Q: What's your favorite (non-Star Trek) movie?
k_christie

JF: I have a few: Good Fellas, Robert Altman's, MASH, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, oh no, that's Brent's favorite...

Q: I loved you in Gargoyles, thats how i got into trek, which i love more did they give you a reason for cancelling Gargoyles
Star_Trekster_4life

JF: I'm still waiting for a reason. Maybe there were too many Star Trek actors on it.

Q: Which do you find more rewarding being at the helm directing or participating as a member of the cast, or do you like the best of both worlds by doing both.
Martin

JF: Nice choice of words.

Q: Are you planning to guest star in any of the current trek shows? :) KISSES :X
Star_Trekster_4life

JF: If asked.

Q: What was your favourite scene from Star Trek: Insurrection?
James

JF: Spending the day in the tub with Marina Sirtis... the shaving scene.

Q: who created the excellent visual effects for the latest trek film and why did you not choose ILM this time around?
mike

JF: Money, money, money...

Q: Stanley Hazard you yankie! What are you doing in a Starfleet uniform 400 years into the future?
Tommy

JF: All I do is period dramas.

Q: How do you think Star Trek The Next Generation has affected your career?
Deborah

JF: I'm having trouble getting jobs where people drive cars instead of spaceships.

Q: Is it true you are going to apear as Boromir/Faramir in new "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy?
Commander Troi

JF: I haven't heard that rumor.

Q: Do you feel that Riker's 'pulling' power is a legacy of Captain Kirk?
Vic

JF: I would be honored if it were.

Q: First let me congratulate you on Star Trek Insurrection. I loved the movie. I love your edits. I've watched every Star Trek episode and film you've directed and have been in awe. I would like to know if you will be directing any upcoming episodes?
Sherene

JF: Thank you, and I hope so.

Q: How long did the shoots of First Contact and Insurrection take, respectively?
some guy by the lake

JF: Each movie was 60 shooting days.

Q: Who's the better singer: Riker or Picard?
Jesse

JF: Riker can carry a tune.

Q: Did you prefer directing the TV show or the movie and why?
Mike

JF: Both were great experiences... obviously the stakes were higher with the movies. But the storytelling is the same.

Q: How old are your two children???
Star Trekking in Ohio

JF: 4 1/2 and almost 2.

Q: Did you ever go to film school or were your directing skills learned on the set?
josie

JF: I got a theatre degree from Penn State but I learned about directing film at Paramount University.

Q: Mr. Frakes, I think that in the next star trek movie, #1 needs to have a romantic encounter with a beautiful blonde alien creature.....how about your wife playing the part ???????
Rondahl

JF: Good idea.

Q: I'm a huge fan of yours! Can you just say "Hi Ariane!"! Please!
Ariane

JF: Hi Ariane...

Q: How was the bubble bath? Did you enjoy it?
Olaf

JF: Every minute.

Q: First of all: You did a great job on directing "Insurrection". The film is really superb. Where do you see your future: in acting or in directing ?
Juliane

JF: Hopefully both.

Q: Do you think the "Odd Number Curse" has been dispelled?
Derek

JF: Absolutely.

Q: Hello Jonathan I am the President of Ceti Alpha V Productions Inc./PSCI-CON Entertainment and as I find it very hard to contact the Cast to do apperences for my Convention in NY, I am contacting you in this way.
George

JF: Try the Paramount address...

Q: Will you be directing any further Trek episodes now that your career has turned primarily to movies? Your episodes and Weinrich Kolbe's will always be the best delivered and it would be a shame to waste that.
Jon

JF: Thank you, and I hope so.

Q: Who's your favourite Spice Girl, and you should keep the beard.
Hannah

JF: My favorite Spice Girl was Old Spice.

Q: I've know that you actually played the trombone in various episodes. How long have you actually been playing, and how did you get started?
Aaron

JF: I started playing in fourth grade because my arms were longer than the other kids'. So I was given the lone trombone.

Q: Why do you swing your left arm when you walk?
SMW-1

JF: I stole that walk from John Cullum, who I think stole it from John Wayne.

Q: If you're going to direct Totall Recall 2, do you think it's hard to direct it, because TT1 is one of the best Science Fiction movies ever made. What do you think of Paul Verhoeven( director of TT1)?
Al

JF: Those would be tough shoes to fill but it's been a long time since TR1, and visually we're light years ahead.

Q: Whatever happened to Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? I thought it was a really good show...any ideas why FOX cancelled it?
Jess6

JF: I think Beyond Belief will return this fall to a Fox station near you.

Q: On the Enterprise Ncc 1701-D John de Lancie (Q) is real annoying is he annoying on the set too?
Tristin

JF: Only 'Q' is annoying; de Lancie is delightful.

Q: Do you regret ending the series Star Trek: The Next Generation?
James

JF: I didn't end it. If it were up to me, we'd still be out there somewhere and on TV every week.

Q: Ihave seen you other Star Trek roles such as "Generations." What was it like to work with Star Trek legends such as William Shatner and James Doohan?
Jeff

JF: It was always a thrill to work with castmembers from the show that gave us our careers.

Q: Given the celebrity of both you and your wife, do you find it hard to go out alone together?
Stanik of Vulcan

JF: Can you really go out alone, together?

Q: Mr Frakes, just one last thting: If Data really is going to die in the next movie, i think that seeing him dance to "popcorn" and have fun with the crew one last time would be very nice and then you can let his death take place near the end of the movie.
Tommy

JF: Do androids die? I hope not.

Q: Has playing Riker on TNG affected your acting and directing career in a way you didn't think it would before you started filming the pilot?
Rob

JF: It changed not only my career but my life. I now own a car.

Q: What was it like without the beard in "Insurrection"?
Kyle

JF: Smooth.

Q: Mr. Frakes, concerning the cartoon series the "Gargoyles", we have noticed a certain--shall we say "trend" in that the voices of many guest stars and regular characters are preformed by former TNG actors.
Mary and Ruth

JF: Disney has good taste in actors, too.

Q: What was your favorite TNG episode? favorite TNG movie? and favorite TOS movie?
Captain Tuvok/Ambasador Neelix

JF: Best of Both Worlds, First Contact, and Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.

Q: How long will it be until the next Star Trek movie is released? I've heard it could be another three years?
Jason

JF: I've heard the same thing.

Q: I've heard Rumors that you've been pitching an Idea for a new Star trek show is this true? and if so what will it be about?
Jason

JF: It's just a rumor.

Q: One of Riker's hobbies is playing the trombone. Is that simply part of the character, or is it also one of your interests? If so, what kind of music do enjoy playing.
JonathanT

JF: Jazz.

Q: How much more time do you put in when you are the director?
Vek

JF: As a director, it's all your waking hours and your sleeping hours.

Q: Do you know any details for the next movie? Rick Berman said in Communicator Magizine it's being discussed now.
Shana

JF: I know as much as you do.

Q: What do you think of the Riker action figure?
Sorella

JF: I don't see any gray in his beard.

Q: What do your kids think when they see you as Commander Riker?
John

JF: I don't think they get it yet.

Q: Do you ever watch TNG on TV?
Amy

JF: I've been known to stop and watch an episode I haven't seen before.

Q: Which was your favorite type of Uniform. How do you like the latest syle. It looks great, but how comfortable is it?
Russell

JF: I like when Riker wears a blue shirt.

Q: What kinds of music do you listen to in your "free time"?
Maytrix

JF: Lyle Lovett.

Q: I heard you dive sometimes. Where do you dive and with whom? Do you know any places to dive in Europe?
R'ika

JF: You must be thinking of Patrick and Brent.

Q: What can you tell us about "Dying to Live"? Did you enjoy working on it?
Andrea

JF: It is my first project as a producer. I've talked myself into acting in it. And I enjoyed not wearing a spacesuit. Seriously, the character is a departure from Riker... and I think you'll enjoy the black comedy. But grab some tissues... Just in case. April 22nd at 8:00 PM on UPN.

Q: Is the bridge and the rest of the Enterprise D still there or have they destroyed some of to make room for other sets?
HYpErLinK 4of9

JF: The Enterprise D only lives in our memories and the Voyager bridge has been nailed in its place.

Q: How did you get the part of Riker on Next Generation? Also, how close in similarity is Riker to yourself?
Matrix

JF: Both Riker and I think this chat has been great fun... speak to you next time.

Q: Thank you very much, Jonathan, for taking the time to chat with us today.