European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 13, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse X with Star trek convention draws trekkie to Nurnberg i of f above Juste few of the Many faces of Quot Star trek appear on a poster a displayed at the recent Star trek Quot convention in Nurnberg Germany. Below actress Marina sir tvs who plays Counselor Deanna Trolin a Star trek the next generation Quot was the featured guest at the event by Katie Buchta its a fascination that has lasted More than two decades Star trek mania began in 1966 with a television series and has continued through five feature movies As Well As a second to series Star trek the next generation. As the next prepares for its fifth season in the United states fans in Germany gathered at soldiers Field in Nurnberg last week to uncover new facets of the Ever expanding trek universe. A the five Day event dubbed Freedom trek �?T91, provided an Opportunity for american and German a trekkie Quot to learn More about the Sta ship . Enterprise and her Crew. Quot whether it is the Lively and humorous behind the scenes stories or the hard facts of production costs every bit of information is important to a trekkie Quot said one unidentified fan. Those die hard fans appeared to be surprised when English born actress Marina Spirtis the featured guest at the convention admitted she had seen Only one episode of the original Star trek series before being cast As Counselor Deanna Troi on the next generation. Quot and that one i saw at least"50 times Quot Spirtis said. Quot every time i turned on the television it was the same i Spirtis plays a 29-year-old half human Beta Zoid Quot empathy Quot she can Quot feel Quot what a wrong with someone. As the ship s Counselor Troi knows the secrets and fears of the Crew but never abuses the knowledge. Speaking with a British accent Spirtis answered questions and told stories about her four years on the show. Quot Quot its a fun Job. We really have a great time on the set Quot she said. Quot we be settled into our roles so the parts Aren t As much of a Challenge but we still work Long hard hours. Fifteen hour workdays Are an average. Quot of course there Are changes i d like to see. I think Deanna s character is a More together organized controlled person than i am. I d like to see her roles become stronger More assertive. After All she is a lieutenant commander rank As data. But does the Captain Ever say a Counselor Troi take the Bridge no i feel the character should evolve More to fit the concept of the show. Quot but i m not asked Quot Spirtis added laughing Quot in a not a designer. I be no plans for directing. I am an actress i learn my lines and try not to bump into the Spirtis admitted that the hardest part of. Her Job is keeping thin. Quot i m a Chocoholic i hate exercise and really enjoy food. So keeping my weight Down is my biggest Challenge right . Richard Arnold the Quot head trekkie of Paramount Quot was also available at the convention so fans could learn More about the inner Workings of this Media phenomenon. Arnold who has been with Paramount studios for 15 years is the official answer Man for Star trek trivia old and new. Quot did you realize no one has Ever said to me beam me up Scotty Quot Arnold told the audience Quot however that phrase is listed in the Book Bartlett s famous Arnold was asked How much it Cost to make each television show. Quot producing one episode of Star trek in the 1960s ran about $180,000, compared to the new season of around $1.7 a he also let the trekkie know that the sixth Star trek movie would be released dec. 13. If the fans were disappointed because Arnold r reveal the plot of the new movie they were a still pleased to learn that the next generation is expected to continue for a sixth season. Trekkie Are an Ever growing audience of All Ages and backgrounds. The youngsters Are As passionate about the stars and equipment As their older counterparts. Fans Are also Quick to Point out that Over the years the various television episodes and feature films have reflected a changing society. Quot the shows have messages and deliver moral lessons about problems in our society such As the hazards of pollution or dealing with the aged Quot said a amps photos by Lynda Davidson Richard Arnold research consultant for Paramount studios is the official answer Man for a Star trek trivia. Trekkie Jay Geratha left of Mannheim and Dennis White of Heidelberg showed up at the convention in full a Star trek regalia. Trekkie inspect the goods and souvenirs at the convention. Steven Riecke Osbaum Hilderand Bobbi Heppenstal of Frankfurt examine the displays. Dennis White a staff sergeant assigned to the 4th Allied tac air Force in Heidelberg Germany. White one of the few people in Star trek costume is Captain of a Star trek club . Rhine Neckar. If pressed to pick a favorite Star trek movie Many of the Young fans at the convention chose the fourth one the voyage Home. Quot i liked it the Best because of the whales and the message about taking care of our Earth so it will last longer Quot said 8-year-old Honey Mae Gilliland. She was at the convention with her parents army sgt. Roger and Marla Gilliland f co 123rd support in Monteith Barracks in Nurnberg. Honey Mae shyly added that her favorite actor in the next generation is Tavar Burton. Quot i also see him on Reading a Veteran of several Star trek conventions said she was disappointed that there weren t More vendors or people in costume. Quot this was just a stepping Stone for future conventions Quot explained the project officer for the event John Lavender chief of morale welfare and recreation for the Nurnberg military Community. Quot we re not looking to make a profit this year. If we break even that s great Quot Lavender said. A the idea behind this one was to work out the bugs to see if it is feasible to hold an annual Europe wide trek spec. Katie Buchta is a Public affairs specialist Tor the 30th medical group in Stuttgart Germany. Page 14 the stars and stripes saturday july 13, 1991 the stars and stripes j a Page 15
