Principal photography commenced today in New York state on what is billed as a "40th Anniversary Gift to Trek Fans." The new web-only mini-series, "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men," will feature several Star Trek actors, and even some production crew members, including Tim Russ as director. The series was conceived and written by producer Sky Douglas Conway, together with former Deep Space Nine freelance storywriters Jack Trevino and Ethan H. Calk.

The stellar cast for "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men" includes both original and more current Trek actors: Original Series stars Nichelle Nichols ("Uhura"), Walter Koenig ("Chekov") and Grace Lee Whitney ("Rand") will be working along with Alan Ruck ("Captain John Harriman," "Star Trek Generations"), Garrett Wang ("Harry Kim," Voyager), Chase Masterson ("Leeta," Deep Space Nine), J.G. Hertzler ("Martok," DS9), and Gary Graham ("Soval") and Crystal Allen ("D'Nesh" ) from Enterprise. Russ ("Tuvok," Voyager) will appear in the film as well as helm. Many from the same team that created the short film "Roddenberry on Patrol" are involved, which was also directed by Russ.

The idea is to produce the series in three parts, each approximately 30 minutes in length, to be released exclusively on the Internet as a download. The timing couldn't be better as the phenomenon of Internet-only episodes — or "webisodes" — is gaining momentum, especially as there is no current Star Trek show in production. (See previous story here.)

"I'm very excited about the script," enthused Nichelle Nichols. "And I'm looking forward to re-creating Uhura in a time line that feels good to me. I think the fans will enjoy it immensely!"

"The original series was in danger of being cancelled after the second season, and the fans came through," said Walter Koenig. "Once again, after 40 years, with the support and enthusiasm of the fans Star Trek will have another life on the Internet — and I'm very pleased to be part of it."

"I'm looking forward to working with a lot of fine actors,” exclaimed Tim Russ. "It's a nostalgia-based Trek project — and I think the fans will really get a kick out of it. We've never seen this kind of Trek story before."

"After I read the script, I definitely wanted to participate,” said Garrett Wang. "The character I'm playing is completely opposite from my Voyager character — and it's always more challenging for an actor to play a bad guy. It will be fun to have an edge, to keep it truthful."

Director of photography is Trek veteran Doug Knapp. In addition, many artists in the field of makeup and lighting will join them for what is sure to be a history-making event.

As the producers point out, it's not at all about the money. "What makes 'Star Trek: Of Gods and Men' special is that all these creative talents have united because of a common vision. They all believe in a series that was created by a visionary named Gene Roddenberry and the philosophy that it promoted — that all individuals are created equal and that one day all the peoples of the Earth will unite to live, work and play in harmony," they stated in a press release.

"Star Trek: Of Gods and Men" is produced in association with James Cawley of "Star Trek: New Voyages" and will be shot in part on the "New Voyages" set in New York state as well as locations in Los Angeles. A Christmas 2006 release is anticipated.

For more information and updates, check out StarTrekOfGodsandMen.com.