Principal Photography Wraps on "Kitumba"

Principal Photography for Star Trek Phase II's eighth episode, "Kitumba", wrapped in the early morning hours of June 15, 2009 at Retro Film Studios in Port Henry, New York. Based on a story draft for two episodes of the aborted Paramount "Phase II" series written in 1977 by John Meredyth Lucas, "Kitumba" has long been on Star Trek fan's "most wished for to be produced" list. The episodes would have been the first in-depth look at the culture and civilization of the Klingon Empire.

Updated for Star Trek: Phase II to reconcile with Star Trek canon filmed since Lucas first wrote his drafts, the story was thought too monumental an undertaking for any fan film. The ambitious script called for two days of location shooting at the National Historic Site Fort Ticonderoga, in Ticonderoga, New York (www.fort-ticonderoga.org ); and an additional day of location shooting at a local restaurant in Ticonderoga, New York. Thanks to the magnificant teamwork of the entire Phase II production staff, the filming went off without so much as a hitch and the episode came in, complete, only 5 hours over the planned shooting schedule of 13 days.

Directed by Vic Mignogna, "Kitumba" follows the Enterprise on a secret mission to Qo'nos and includes a cast of 36 with 59 extras - sporting ridges as well as TOS Klingon makeup. Introducing Kario Periera Bailey as the Kitumba, special surprise guest stars for the episode include Gil Gerard and Andrew Probert.

Vic shares a love of Star Trek like all of us," said Executive Producer Cawley, "and has the expertise to direct the episode and bring it in on time."

Although best known to his fans for the sweeping scope of his voice acting work in such anime productions as "Dragon Ball Z", "Full Metal Alchemist", and "Bleach", Vic is also an accomplished composer, graphic artist, musician and producer and has taught several courses at the Art Institute of Houston and other venues. He has a degree in Film and Video Production and his extensive work as a director includes numerous independent films, commercials and music videos.

Vic first joined the production crew during "Enemy: Starfleet" in the role of the commander of the starship Eagle, and the multi-talented industry professional will also take on the role of the villain in "Kitumba" while he helms the episode.

Having studied the directorial style of TOS for years, Vic's passion is to bring the same vision back to the screen again for the upcoming Phase II episode . "Being a part of Star Trek has always been a childhood dream," said Mignogna, "The privilege of now bringing the years of expertise in production to my childhood love is an honor beyond words."

"Kitumba", written by Patty Wright from an original Phase II story concept by John Meredyth Lucas ("Patterns of Force", "Elaan of Troyius"), depicts the Enterprise on a suicide mission to the heart of the Klingon Empire. The episode will not only explore Klingon society and show us the home planet, but will bridge the gap between the TOS Klingon Empire and Klingon Empire we saw in the feature films and TNG.

In the meantime, Actor Kario Pereira Bailey will be taking on the role of the Klingon Emperor in "Kitumba", Cawley Entertainment Company announcedKario was featured in both "Vermont Stories" and "The Voices Project", and has a wealth of theatre experience.

In a classic story of the power struggle to gain control of a government, Kario will be portraying the young man at the heart of it all. Pulled in every direction by warlords and people that have their own agenda, the Kitumba suddenly finds himself confronting his very enemy: Captain James Kirk and the Enterprise. The choices he makes will resonate through the galaxy for years to come.

And while this is happening a well known Star Trek designer and illustrator Andrew Probert ( see banner above ) will be contributing his creative efforts to the Star Trek: Phase II and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century production teams. Probert will be contributing a design for a Klingon Fighter craft for the upcoming Star Trek: Phase II episode "Kitumba." Versions of the K-Fighter can be seen on his website here:
http://probertdesigns.com/Folder_STORE/Folder_CONCEPT-KITS/K-Fighter_KIT.html

A model kit of the K-Fighter will be available from Probert on his site in the future.

"I have been occasionally dropping in on the [Star Trek: Phase II] website to see what's been going on. When it turned out that James and I were at the same convention ["The New England Fan Experience" in Cambridge - November 2008], and probably being the only person in Star Trek not involved in his projects, I couldn't resist running over and introduce myself," remarked Probert during a recent phone interview. "He [James] mentioned that he might need some Klingon designs for an upcoming episode, and since I was currently involved in producing a model of my Klingon fighter concept, with Federation Models, I thought James might want to use it for his show," Probert continued.

"It will be great to have Andrew Probert designed elements in "Kitumba" - I'm really looking forward to seeing his work in this episode," said Executive Producer James Cawley. "Andrew will also be joining the team for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, although the extent of his involvement still needs to be worked out, his conceptual design experience will contribute significantly to the Buck Rogers production," said Cawley. "As far as 'joining the team'... I'm happy to do so and even happier to be a contributor to Buck Rogers," commented Probert.

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