David Foster gives Details on his New STAR TREK Series Pitch

These days I find myself getting my Star Trek fix by re-watching the old series. I'm currently in the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but I would love to see a new Star Trek series hit the small screen. J.J. Abrams did a great job rebooting the franchise for film, why can it get awesome new series as well? The Series dosen't have to be in line with what Abrams has done, it can be completely different. I don't care as long as it's an engaging show. As we've discussed before Bryan Singer tried to get a series off the ground, and there's still very early discussions going on about a new Star Trek animated series. But this series that David Foster is working on could be what fans have been waiting for.

Foster has been working on a new pitch since 2006 under the code name S.E.T.I. he was working on it with Kevin Severson, who unfortunately passed away last year due to a stroke. Foster continued to work on the idea that they developed and it looks like things are starting to come together. This concept actually has a solid chance of moving forward. 

Foster recently talked about his concept at the 2011 Star Trek convention, going into some details on the plot, the development process and how he wanted to go back to Gene Roddenberry's original vision for inspiration. Here's what he had to say,

The series concept is fully developed, subject to change of course, with a solid 5-7 year series plan, pilot script and a conceptualized finale that intends to define Star Trek for generations, extensive character bios, costume and ship/set designs, and more. This is a drastic departure from the typical 8-10 page treatment of the previously pitched Star Trek series ideas that have not included even a pilot script.

He goes on to explain that some of the other Star Trek series were not in line with Roddenberry's original vision, and he want to use this new series as a way to tap into those roots for inspiration. He added that, "Through the years, I have had the chance to get to know many of the original series cast, crew, and even some of the studio execs. I have developed an extremely deep passion for the original vision of Gene Roddenberry." He also said on his blog that Joss Whedon, Ron Moore, Manny Coto, and J. Michael Straczynski were his inspirations as well.

Foster explains that the series will be set in the post-Voyager era, and will remain faithful to pre-2009 canon as well as Star Trek: Enterprise canon. Here's what he had to say about the timeline and the what kind of show it will be.

The series is set in the post-Voyager era, and is designed to return Star Trek to its original series roots in big and mighty ways, without disregarding the other series and movies. As Star Trek (2009) was an alternate timeline, it will not conflict with any canon there either (Note: David does accept it as an "alternate canon", if you will). The co-creators are avid believers in Gene Roddenberry's 'positive view of the future' and intend to bring Star Trek back to its origins while moving forward with the timeline, integrating the best aspects of each of the previous series. 

The series is highly energized with a much younger cast, and uses cutting-edge future technologies with newly envisioned special effects and designs. It includes Klingons, Ferengi, Andorians, Vulcans, Trill, and many more. The Klingons are getting very restless since the Praxis incident forced them to come to the peace tables, and are tired of having to rely on the Federation for support. The Ferengi have discovered a vast new resource that has propelled them towards instant riches and power beyond anything they have previously experienced.

I love what I'm hearing so far, this could be an awesome series! It's been getting a lot of positive feedback, and he has a lot of support from many key players, but his production company 1947 Entertainment has yet to make an official pitch to CBS. It looks like he's getting close though! Foster says that,

Numerous individuals with Star Trek experience are supporting our endeavor with encouragement and advisory roles, including prior producers, visual effects, script writers, and more. We are currently working on obtaining the right executive producer for the series, and have passed on requests by a couple of interested parties. 

Foster then leaves us with an awesome teaser pitch that is sure to get Star Trek fans pumped up for this series he's developing...

If evil wore the face of a hero, would you recognize it? If freedom came in the likeness of your oppressors, would you accept it? If you were your own enemy, who would be victorious? 

I freakin' love it! What do you think?

Thanks to GT reader Danny T for the tip on the interview!