Tom(P): ok were are in moderated mode please submit questions only
Bill(P): While we are waiting check out Walters site at www.walterkoenigsite.
com/walterstar.html
Admiral_Robin(Q): Walter, you played in 2 different fan productions now (New
Voyages and Of Gods and Men), would you be interested in a role on other fan
productions?
WalterKoenig(A): I don't think so, not at this point. I think I've explored Chekov
all I want to at this juncture. It's as far as I want to take the character.
TrekWriter(Q): Walt, what was it like working with Mary Linda Rapelye again?
Did you know she says you're her favorite leading man?
WalterKoenig(A): That's very sweet. It was very nice working with Mary Linda.
Certainally different kinds of scenes. She's a wonderful actress: very rewarding
and a good experience.
Lioness(Q): Good evening, Mr. Koenig, and thank you very much for being here. I
recently watched "New Voyages: To Serve All My Days" and I really enjoyed it.
Your performance was outstanding, and so was the whole production. ...So what
did it feel like to be on a set that so much resembled the original Star Trek one?
To be in Chekov's uniform again?
WalterKoenig(A): Again, it was a very reinforcing experience for me. The sets
were absolutely museum quality--indistinguishable from the original. It was an
opportunity to explore dimensions of the character that had not been explored
on the television series or movies. Chekov never really came to life in the series
or films: not the way I would have wanted. I left off playing Chekov in a way that
was not wholly satisfying. The opportunity was to write a period for this
character. It's really the only reason I did it. The costume still fit, which was
rewarding too.
Trek-Rider(Q): Hi Walter, looking forward to "InAlienable"! Have you cast the
leads yet? If so, who do we have to look fwd to?
WalterKoenig(A): We are in the process right now of making submissions for the
lead role. We have several actors in mind to play the male lead. Once we have
that cast we will begin casting the female lead. Many of the supporting roles have
been cast. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly announce for the first
time that "InAlienable" is a go and we have a hard start day of June 14th.
Trek-Rider(Q): Walter, have you ever done a scifi or other type of convention
(with fans) in Russia or Lithuania?
WalterKoenig(A): No. I've never been to that part of the world.
Kirok(Q): You have been involved with two fan films, the last episode of Star
Trek: New Voyages, "To Serve All My Days" and "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men"
and are on record as being in favour of CBS / Paramount giving fan films the
opportunity to get some sort of license. Do you feel that they are getting any
closer to getting one? ... or would you have to kill me if you told me?
WalterKoenig(A): I simply have no privledged information regarding that. I know
there have been talks but I don't know how far along they are.
Bobbywb(Q): Walter, how does playing a part in fan film differ from playing the
part at a major studio?
WalterKoenig(A) I was certainally more relaxed than at a major studio. The
other actors, crew and the people who ran the production were very supportive.
That meant that meant that I could truly relax an dtake control of what I was
doing as an actor.
Kirok(Q): Without giving anything away about the plot of ST: OGAM, you play two
different characterisations of the same person - Chekov - how did you approach
that? Did you visualise them as two different people? Did it give you a chance to
play Chekov with a different delivery
WalterKoenig(A): It was more than just a different delivery. It was a totally
different mind set. The second Chekov--the one who was a rebel had grown up in
totally different environmental circumstances and learned to be a different
person. Genetically he was the same man but with such a different history, his
behavior was at the other end of the spectrum.
Capt-Vertigo(Q): Walter, do you still have a wish deep down inside you that is
telling you to act in some next Star Trek movie?
WalterKoenig(A): I can only imagine that if I were offered a role it would be in a
cameo part that would probably be most significant insofar as that I was there
as a visual presence. I can't believe that they would think of me in some role that
was substantial to the story. And why should they?
Trek-Rider(Q): Hi again, Walter.. Do you plan on doing any more Star Trek
related acting or producing? Have you considered doing your own fan fictions or
professional productions?
WalterKoenig(A): James Cawley, who produced NV:TSAMD has asked me to
come back in the future to direct one of the fan episodes. I would have to find a
truly unique story to tell for that to happen.
TimBrazeal(P): Just a note.. but James and I are currently talking about various
ways that Trek United can get involved in helping New Voyages..
Bobbywb(Q): I came in to the chat late and I am not sure if this has been asked.
But what do you currently have going? Any acting parts, writing or anything to
share?
WalterKoenig(A): The only thing in addittion to shooting "Inalienable" as a feature
film. I am simultaneously finishing the novelization of the story. I think I'm
actually about 15 pages short of the end. In writing the novel I have broadened
the story and deepened the characters considerably.
Bobbywb(Q): When did you first hear about Trek United and staggering amount
of money that we raised in support of Enterprise and what was your thought
about the campaign and world wide rallies?
WalterKoenig(A): I think I heard about it 18 months ago. I don't know
specifically when. I think it was a very admirable endeavor. Knowing the studio
system, I don't think I believed it would ultimately change any mind at Paramount.
But I commend Tim and all those behind it. It took a lot of energy and time to
raise such significant funds.
BrentMc(Q): Walter, do you ever read any of the Star Trek books, and if so
would you please name any of them that you liked. Thanks for chatting with us!
WalterKoenig(A): You're welcome! I only read one Star Trek book and it's
because I was hired to read it on tape. I remember that Kirk and Chekov were
turned into crabs and most of the story centered around getting something to
eat. I'm not sure it was the best Star Trek novel ever written.
jjcj(Q): Having been on 'both sides of the camera,' so to speak, which job do you
prefer?
WalterKoenig(A): I directed a lot of theatre and forty two years ago I produced
a film. Two or three years ago I directed some short films and I can say if I have
an aptitude at all it is in front of the camera. I am one the producers of
"Inalienable". My title will probably be as an executive producer.
BrentMc(Q): Walter, have you ever thought of writing a Chekov novel like Bill
Shatner has done with Kirk?
WalterKoenig(A): First, we have to accept that Mr. Shatner actually wrote those
novels. I know at the very least that he had collaborators. I would not take on any
project as a writer that I wasn't the sole author.
boris(Q): Hi Walter. What do you think of the last series: Enterprise? And are
you involved somehow in the new movie?
WalterKoenig(A) I only saw one episode of Enterprise so I can't speak to it's
quality. As I've already said, I have not been approached for the new movie nor
do I think I will be.
solak(Q): I really enjoyed your portrayal of Bester on B5, especially since he was
so different from Chekov. What other rôles have you found most stretched your
acting skills?
WalterKoenig(A) I had a terrific experience playing Scrooge for five years in
Christmas Carol. Those of you familiar with this play know that Scrooge never
leaves the stage. They gave me a song to sing...and I use the word "Sing" loosely...
that went on for 8 or 9 minutes so even making that adequete was a triumph. In
addittion, another play that I did that was a two character work called "The Boys
In Autumn" in which I played opposite Mark Lenard. It was a story about Tom
Sawyer and Huck Finn meeting at a point much later in their lives. I played Tom.
Mark played Huck. We did it in LA and then took it on tour off and on for three
to four years.
Mtngracie(Q): Since 2007 is actually YOUR 40th Star Trek anniversary (Chekov
was added to the cast in 1967) it seems like it's the perfect year for you to get
your Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Isn't Paramount responsible for
buying the stars for the Star Trek cast and why haven't they done this for you
yet? (Are there any Chekov 40th anniversary events planned?! I'd be there! LOL)
WalterKoenig(A): No, Paramount is not responsible for buying the stars. That
comes privately from individuals who are interested in seeing the person involved
recieve one. Star Trek fandom has been extraordinary in raising the money that
is required to create the star. Ultimately, however, the Hollywood Chamber of
Commerce votes on who will be recieving the stars on the Walk of Fame. My name
has been put into the hopper and people have been actively working toward trying
to influence the Chamber to consider Walter Koenig for the next group of
individuals that they vote for. The voting takes place June 7th this year and I
have my fingers crossed, as I have in previous years, the vote will be unanimous
and I will be honored to be part of that group that have been voted in and it will
also be bestowed on me.
TimBrazeal(P) Just to make sure that all of you are aware.. Trek United has
agreed to join in on the campaign to help get Walter the Star he deserves on the
Walk of Fame. Check the site for more details.. We really need everyone to join
in. All it takes is 5 minutes of your time and a stamp
Mtngracie(Q): I know that they added Chekov to attract young girls but they
claimed at the time they were doing it in response to a Pravda article in Russia.
Chekov certainly was a competent and friendly Russian. Did you have any feeling
at the time that your character was crossing boundries during the cold war or did
that realization come later?
WalterKoenig(A): I was aware that a Russian was being introduced during the
time of the cold war but it certainally did not seem to play a part in the tone of
my mail. I never recieved mail that was negative or along political lines. I assume
it was because Chekov, despite his protestations of everything being invented in
Russia, was not a provocative character in terms of history or geography.
TimBrazeal(P): OK guys, Walter is almost ready to head out.. But he will answer a
few questions in the un-mod chat.. Then he will need to run.. Trek United would
like to thank Walter for taking the time to come and join us.. and perhaps we can
get him back soon...
TimBrazeal(P): We would also like to thank all of you for showing up.. We have
some of the most dedicated fans anywhere here on TU and I as all the staff are
honored to be a part of it all.
Trek-Rider(Q): Your early acting career had some interesting and challenging
roles. I've been watching the clips on your web site. Can you tell us about some of
your favorites and favorite memories?
WalterKoenig(A): I got to play in the early sixties some very interesting
characters on guest roles. I played three different characters on three
different episodes of Mr. Novak. I played opposite the very fine actor Lee
Marvin as my father in The Great American Adventure. Also, I played opposite
James Caan--who I went to acting school with in an episode of the Alfred
Hitchcock Hour. It was role for one reason or another that I think of as a
hallmark career experience. I also got to play a Swedish business man in Gidget
where I had pleasure of spanking just once a very pretty girl's bottom.
Tom(P): Ok getting ready to go back to un-moderated mode
Tom: ok guys we are back to regualar mod
Tom: you can talk freely
Trek-Rider: thanks for coming Walter!!
Kirok: I would like to pass on a greeting and message of support from your fans
in Starfleet International and the USS Southern Cross in Australia
BrentMc: woo hoo thanks for the chat Walter
Lioness: Thank you very much for this chat, Walter! It sure was worth staying up
late (almost 2.30 a.m. here in Germany). Take care, and good luck for your future
projects!
solak: The ease of distribution of media files over the internet has enabled a
revival of the "radio play" or audio drama. Have you done any of these, or would
you if the story were good?
jjcj: Thank you for coming, Walter.
Trek-Rider: you know... though Walter plays all these tough roles, he is also very
funny!
Admiral_Robin: Hi Walter. I’m Robin Hiert, the producer of the only fan
based series that is being produced in the Netherlands. Have you ever been to
the Netherlands? I would like to thank you for being here, answering the
questions and I wish you good luck with everything.
Trek-Rider: It was fun seeing him here!
martinvb: http://www.darkarmada.nl
Kirok @ Solak: He's done many Star Trek video games and animation like
Futurama and Real Ghost Busters.
Admiral_Robin: www.darkarmada.nl
Indigirl: Thank you very much for coming Walter^^
Admiral_Robin: ah martin you're fast
Captain_Hair: Walter, thank you very much for visiting us, it was great to chat
with you!
Trek-Rider: http://www.walterkoenigsite.com <-- gotta go see!
solak: I've seen the Futurama several times, but my video game preference is
somewhat limited.
Ben: I also would like to thank you for the chat, mr. koenig
WalterKoenig: Thanks everyone. It's been great chatting with you.
| webdesign by Andriech, original graphics by Vengaurd. copyright 2006-2007 by Star Traveler Publications |
| ~ TrekUnited Live Chat: Walter appeared in a live chatroom with the members of the TrekUnited universe on May 4, 2007. He treated fans to a warm, honest review of his career and upcoming projects. Thanks to all the fans who joined us in the chat room; and to Tim Brazeal and TrekUnited for hosting this amazing event! Read the transcript below. |
