ZICREE CASTS LEAD IN STAR TREK EPISODE

Hi, guys --

Just wanted to let you all know that we just held auditions for the guest roles in the STAR TREK NEW VOYAGES episode Michael Reaves and I wrote that I'm directing, "World Enough and Time." The actresses we read were all fantastic, and it was great fun working with them and seeing how well they took direction, and how moved they were by the script.

Michael Reaves and my wife, writer-producer Elaine Zicree, and I were there for the auditions. Elaine -- who had been a director and actress for many years Off-Broadway -- was of great help in working with the actors, giving them insightful suggestions that aided them in accessing the deep emotions needed for the scenes. (I'm going to keep her right there with me through the entire process of directing this sucker!)

George Takei was kind enough to let us read one actress in his home, actually playing Sulu (and even Captain Kirk!) in scenes with her. And it payed off -- this actress was nothing short of AMAZING.

And small wonder. It was LESLIE SILVA, who was a lead on the recent Showtime series ODYSSEY 5, created by ENTERPRISE Executive Producer MANNY COTO. In the audition, Leslie lent the role of ALANA a depth and variety that was just spectacular, breathtaking.

So once all the deliberations were made, I called Leslie and told her she'd won the part! She was thrilled.

So on Friday, Leslie will be meeting with IAIN McCAIG and his daughter MEESHEE, who will both be designing her and George's costumes and overall look. Iain, you may recall, was a lead designer on the last three STAR WARS films, and created the looks of DARTH MAUL and QUEEN AMIDALA.

Wow, what a team!

The fun is just beginning...

Cheers,
Marc

P.S.
Check out today's HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. There's an article announcing four upcoming films based on the unmade projects of RAY HARRYHAUSEN that I'll be executive producing and also writing part of.