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Walter Koenig chat transcript available |
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Written by Derek Kessler on
Sunday, 06 May 2007
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 Good news, everyone! We've got the transcript from Walter's Friday night chat all prepped and available. I'm sorry it took a while, but that just happens sometimes. Walter answered a variety of member submitted questions, ranging from his experience and thoughts on the fanfilms he's been involved in to his new project 'InAlienable.' Click on through for the full transcript, it's a good read!
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Admiral_Robin: Walter, you've played in two different fan productions now (New Voyages and Of Gods and Men), would you be interested in a role on other fan productions?
WalterKoenig: 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: Walt, what was it like working with Mary Linda Rapelye again? Did you know she says you're her favorite leading man?
WalterKoenig: That's very sweet. It was very nice working with Mary Linda. Certainly different kinds of scenes. She's a wonderful actress: very rewarding and a good experience.
Lioness: 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: 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: Hi Walter, looking forward to 'InAlienable!' Have you cast the leads yet? If so, whom do we have to look forward to?
WalterKoenig: 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: Walter, have you ever done a sci-fi or other type of convention (with fans) in Russia or Lithuania?
WalterKoenig: No. I've never been to that part of the world.
Kirok: 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 favor 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: I simply have no privileged information regarding that. I know there have been talks but I don't know how far along they are.
Bobbywb: Walter, how does playing a part in fan film differ from playing the part at a major studio?
WalterKoenig: I was certainly 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 and take control of what I was doing as an actor.
Kirok: Without giving anything away about the plot of 'Star Trek: Of Gods and Men', you play two different characterizations of the same person - Chekov - how did you approach that? Did you visualize them as two different people? Did it give you a chance to play Chekov with a different delivery?
WalterKoenig: 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: Walter, do you still have a wish deep down inside you that is telling you to act in some next Star Trek movie?
WalterKoenig: 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: 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: James Cawley, who produced 'To Serve All My Days,' 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: Just a note, but James and I are currently talking about various ways that TrekUnited can get involved in helping New Voyages.
Bobbywb: 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: The only thing in addition 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: When did you first hear about TrekUnited and staggering amount of money that we raised in support of Enterprise and what was your thought about the campaign and worldwide rallies?
WalterKoenig: 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: 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: 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: Having been on 'both sides of the camera,' so to speak, which job do you prefer?
WalterKoenig: 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: Walter, have you ever thought of writing a Chekov novel like Bill Shatner has done with Kirk?
WalterKoenig: 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: Hi Walter. What do you think of the last series, Enterprise? And are you involved somehow in the new movie?
WalterKoenig: I only saw one episode of Enterprise so I can't speak to its quality. As I've already said, I have not been approached for the new movie nor do I think I will be.
solak: I really enjoyed your portrayal of Bester on Babylon 5, especially since he was so different from Chekov. What other roles have you found most stretched your acting skills?
WalterKoenig: 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 eight or nine minutes so even making that adequate was a triumph. In addition, 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.
jjcj: 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!)
WalterKoenig: No, Paramount is not responsible for buying the stars. That comes privately from individuals who are interested in seeing the person involved receive 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 receiving 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, that 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: 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 five minutes of your time and a postage stamp.
jjcj: 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 boundaries during the cold war or did that realization come later?
WalterKoenig: I was aware that a Russian was being introduced during the time of the cold war but it certainly did not seem to play a part in the tone of my mail. I never received 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: 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. TrekUnited would like to thank Walter for taking the time to come and join us... and perhaps we can get him back soon...
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: 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: 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 businessman in Gidget where I had pleasure of spanking just once a very pretty girl's bottom.
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