LIVE CHAT - Tim Russ
 

Chat transcript from 04-14-06 (Content edited for readability)

Tim_Russ: (This user has entered Guest Chat) Hello.

Heather: Okay let’s start with questions.

Moonie: Hello how’s the weather where you are?

Tim_Russ: It is raining, cold and wet.

Ann: Did you have a favorite episode or story (From Voyager)?

Tim_Russ: Yes, Futures End Parts 1 and 2.

Louis: Do you think Seven and Tuvok could ever successfully have a relationship?

Tim_Russ: No. Tuvok's character is not really programmed for that type of thing, plus he has a wife and children. They could have an understanding or friendship.

Moonie: What does it take to be a Vulcan?

Tim_Russ: Lack of overt emotion. Very very subtle, holding in what every he may be feeling at the time, only display a tiny hint of what he is feeling. It is the opposite of the way human beings behalves.

M: What most would you have liked to have seen Tuvok do-say-act-react in Voyager?

Tim_Russ: If they did shows on relationships and children....I think any show where Tuvok had to borrow from humanity to overcome an obstacle. They did it once on the original with Spock; they back his logic into a corner, to where he would have to gamble or go on a hunch and explore the illogical.

LT. Commander Trenton: What kind of research did you have to do to familiarize yourself with the personality of a Vulcan?

Tim_Russ: Well there isn’t any hands on research, I remembered the original shows and features, and how they showed the Vulcan reactions and culture. And that’s what we did on Voyager, if an aspect of their culture wasn’t done before we had to make it up. How they behave and how they walked I had coming in

Natira: Do you have any favorite behind the scene stories on the set of Voyager, such as bloopers?

Tim_Russ: Well, there is a moment when my character was supposed to come out of the turbo life in a dream sequence. He was supposed to exit naked the turbo lift, and the shot was supposed to be the reaction from the crew when I exit the life. For filming I was wearing a robe as I exited, however I decided to flash them for a good reaction.

M: What would you say you have gained the most from working on a Star Trek series?

Tim_Russ: Opportunity for other areas of work. It opened many doors I wouldn't have had access to as easily. Such as directing, and voice over work has resulted from my work on Voyager. The traveling for the various conventions. Those are the greatest advantages to working on it. It changed the status of my career

Visionary-7: Here's one, Tim: With all the speculation on the future of Star Trek, what's the likelihood of having the casts of The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine return for a finale in a short television mini-series?

Tim_Russ: Most likely zero, there are a number of projects that are being considered or tossed around that have some members of the different casts, but nothing for television as of yet. It is possible that there could be one a year from now it is merely speculation on my behalf, and it means nothing in this business.

Visionary-7: Understood. But it seems (at least on Internet news sites) that Star Trek remains in limbo without anyone really pushing a direction. There was reporting that there "might" be another Star Trek production in a few years, but some actors would rather not wait. Why not bring an end to the Federation in an exciting way? Reveal a new and powerful enemy to do something that's never been done...beat Starfleet? Obviously, we're not talking about a total defeat. It would be like the US military losing a major engagement, then picking up the pieces. Your thoughts?

Tim_Russ: There is any number of stories that you can come up with for Star Trek. That story is as good as any other. I have a story that goes into the future and not the past. The key is that it has to have to be built in longevity. The problem with Star Trek is that unless it is a syndicated show it will not stay on TV, the fan base is not large enough to carry on. Star Trek has a finite audience it does not cross over like the Sopranos or 24, it is difficult for networks to produce them. The ratings tend to be rather low, and the networks need ratings.

Visionary-7: I appreciate your candor, Tim. Thank you.

Tim_Russ: You are welcome, and again that is just my take on it. In reference to new Trek series. It is possible that there could be one a year from now it is merely speculation on my behalf. It means nothing in this business. In the mean time there will be other trek projects, like "Of Gods and Men."

T'Mara: Hi Tim, any news on the story of "Of Gods and Men"?

Tim_Russ: “Of Gods and Men” is in development; currently the script is being polished. It is tentative to shoot later this year. It will contain a smattering of Star Trek actors, as well as a few surprised characters will be in it as well.

T'Mara: You will be doing another short with Robert Michael Conrad and James Nestor in July, titled "Story by Amy Niles". Do you have any news on that?

Tim_Russ: Yeah, we are just writing the script right now, it is a 10 min short, and we have two out already. “Déjà vu” that is currently out and being sold now, I believe, and “Eye Of The Beholder”. “Déjà vu” is with Chase Master and Garrett Wang, and “Eye Of The Beholder” with Chase Masterson and Menina Fortuno.

T'Mara: Angela mentioned something about a sitcom you may be doing soon?

Tim_Russ: I was just cast as a recurring character named Marty in a show called "20 Good Years" staring John Lithgow, and Jeffery Tambo. We will be shooting the pilot within the next week and a half. By June there should be more announcement
M: what future projects have you got in the pipeline?

Tim_Russ: Just "20 Good Years" "Of Gods and Men", "Story of Amy Niles"
Moonie: What’s the most challenging role you have ever had?

Tim_Russ: The most challenging part would probably have been the comedy role of the answering machine guy in a series called “The People Next Door”. Because it was comedy and it was improve, and coming up with things in business. Comedy is more difficult.

Moonie: What is your most memorable role you have ever played?

Tim_Russ: I think at this point in time it would have to be Tuvok because it lasted seven years, and had a great impact on my career. There is not a possibility that I will forget him

Natira: How did you like working on the set of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”?

Tim_Russ: It was great. Those guys were very friendly, easy going, and comfortable. Will Smith is a very nice guy. Wish I could have done a few more of them.

Natira: I was looking at your filmography, and it says you were in "The OH in Ohio," but it doesn't say the role you played. What role did you play in this 2006 comedy and did you enjoy it?

Tim_Russ: The boss of the lead character at the job they are at. It was kind of fun. My character wasn’t very funny, he was a straight man, and reacted to what ever was going on with her. It is apparently on the film circuit right now and I wish them all the best

Ann: Can you tell us something about your project Bugsters?

Tim_Russ: It is a children audio book CD, for ages 3-8, and has music and songs about insects that are interactive and have two short stories, produced by myself and Jedda Roskilly. Bugsters features the voices are myself, Jedda, Ethan Phillips, and Chase Masterson. Bugsters is available on Cdbaby and at bugsters.com

T'Mara: Are there any plans for doing another Music CD?

Tim_Russ: Right now, no plans,. I may do a “Best Of…” release down the line. The problem being the best way to promote is to perform them live. And as I am not doing that many conventions, it does not allow me to publicize them. But I may put together the ones I think are the strongest and do it that way. I also don’t have material for a new CD at this time

M: What upcoming conventions will you be attending?

Moonie: Will u be coming to Europe in the near future?

Tim_Russ: No European appearances scheduled at this time. I will be at Creations Las Vegas Convention in August. And then in Denver August 10-12 2007

LT. Commander Trenton: Do you know what you’ll be doing at the Vegas Convention?

Tim_Russ: I may place some music at Vegas; may play with Neil Norman's band, not too much out of the normal. I may have a panel for “Eye of The Beholder” and maybe “Story of Amy Neils”. They will most likely be sell them there as well, and possible debut them there as well

Gamer: How did you like working with the makers of the video game "Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force" and "Star Trek: Elite Force II"?

Tim_Russ: It was my character, and sometimes because of the pace and intensity of the game, their were times when my character had to speak more excited then he would which I had to adjust to. They were more interested in the game and the moment then the character. Doing voice-overs for video games you have to record a lot in during 2-4 hour sessions. I have done some video games where I played 4 or 5 characters and had to do more work, where as this was my character so it was fine

Visionary-7: My best to you, Tim. See you in Vegas! Douglas Ballinger sends.

T'Mara: Happy Easter, Tim, give Maddy a hug! Maria

M: thank you for the opportunity of chatting with yourself, I hope all goes well for you and hope to see you in your future projects

Mod_Kestra: thanks for taking the time to chat with us Mr. Russ.

LT. Commander Trenton: Thanks Tim.

Natira: Thanks for being here today.

M: Thank you.

Tim_Russ: Thank you very much, I appreciate the Easter wishes Its going to be a soggy one it seems

Live Long and Prosper.