Interview with George Kayaian, Creator of Star Trek: Antyllus

Recently George Kayaian was generous with his and sat down to do an interview with us. It was a BUNCH of fun talking to him and very interesting too. Since we had some technical issues with the podcast, it is edited BUT we also have a written version of the interview that covers it all. Links for George's Youtube Channel and website are at the bottom of the written interview and in the 'Description' section of the podcast

CZ): How and when did you first start making films?

GK: My film journey began in early 1978. Star Wars was still playing in theaters, and influencing everyone. It’s hard to imagine now, since movies and culture are so different from what was happening in the 1970’s, but it was an explosion-- literally-- of imagination and creativity that affected millions. In those days, you craved some kind of connection to that film-- whether it was artwork, or dressing up like one of the characters, or just seeing the movie over and over again. In my case, I decided to tell my own Star Wars story, using the toy figures they sold at the time, with frame-by-frame animation.

I borrowed my Dad’s old Super-8 Camera, and crudely told a story. Basically, it was Luke Skywalker returning to his home planet, and Storm troopers run into him at a cantina, and attack. Luke escapes, leaps into a landspeeder, and races to safety. Running time was like five minutes. The voices and music were recorded on a separate cassette tape. When I showed the film to my family, they had no idea I had done this-- plus seeing the animation -- the reaction from everyone was overwhelmingly positive! So although I was known as an artist (specializing in drawing and painting), now filmmaking, became my new outlet.

Shortly after that, and still not really knowing what I was doing, I attempted another Star Wars film, this time using family members and friends. It was my first live-action film. And it was so bad, it was good, if you know what I mean. I mean kids were playing all the adult roles, and the spfx weren’t that special. But it was so much fun to make!

Finally, it was time to try something new. I wrote a satire, about a super-wealthy, brilliant man who lives on the moon, and protects Earth from alien threats. It was called “Star Voyager”. Filmed in Super-8, with cassette sound. (If anyone is interested in seeing it, I’ve restored the badly damaged film, re-recorded the soundtrack from the original script, and posted it on my YouTube channel.) I think it’s important to preserve your past! It’s cool to see how far you’ve come... part of the whole journey.

I returned to animation for the next film-- “The Planet Saviors”-- and it turned out to be the one and only clay animated movie I ever did. (It’s also up on my channel). Then I did “The Avenger” and a short called “The Package”. By 1984, I did one final silent Super-8 film-- an Alien sequel entitled: ALIEN: THE ESSIDON MENACE. It was very ambitious, with lots of sets, and visual fx. I’m hoping to restore this one soon, and post it on my channel.

But later that same year-- video tape was available, and my whole life changed again. Now I could afford to make movies with sound! From this point on, all my “films” were done in video.

CZ: What inspired you to start making Indie Star Trek films and shows?

GK: The simple answer was “how could I challenge myself next?” Around 1991, I started thinking about making a Star Trek movie. Previously, I had done a short film called: Star Trek: The Real McCoy, (posted on my channel), but it was a comedy, and deliberately crude in style.

Could a serious Trek film be done? At this time, the internet was unknown to me, and nobody I was aware of, were even attempting something like this! But I loved Star Trek, and figured that it would be worth doing. I adapted a story from one of my favorite Trek novels, added some new plot points, and placed the adventure aboard the Starship U.S.S. Hannibal. A new crew for a new adventure!

Long story short-- it took many years, but eventually “Star Trek: The Infinite Chain” premiered at a Long Island Theater, with a full house in 1998. It was well received, and I thought “well, that was that.”

Jump to summer of 2001, and I had a sequel in mind, a totally original story about what happened to the Klingons! It was called “Star Trek: Incident at Beta 9”. After that premiere, the film was shown at some sci-fi conventions, such as I-CON, and it was accepted as a good explanation for the different Klingon species, and an enjoyable Trek adventure.

Three years later, I had a final film in mind to complete the trilogy, and thus Star Trek: The Final Darkness was born. It took a few years of filming here and there, until the principal photography was completed. I got around to editing the work, and posted the entire movie in 2012.

The three Trek films are all under the overall title “The Multiverse Crisis”. Although each film can be viewed on it’s own, I’m proud to say, if you watch all 3 in order, the viewing experience is even better!

Of course you should “never say never”... and I’m back doing Trek again, even though I thought after three films, I never would.... The Final Frontier never seems to be “final” for me! LOL!

CZ: From writing a script to the release of a film/show, how long does that process usually take?

GK: That’s a good question! Each project I do, has it’s own challenges, and this affects the turnaround time from writing to completion. I tend to do very ambitious ideas on no budget. And as long as I’m working on something consistently, I’m very patient, as to the time it takes to finish something. But here are some examples: HONOR BOUND: started in 1985, released in 1990. STAR TREK: THE INFINITE CHAIN: started in 1992, released 1998. MURDER WILL OUT: started in 1990, released in 1992.

There are many factors: Special Effects, Sound Design-- both dialogue and music, availability of the actors, locations, and complexity of story.

Today, I can make the turnaround time a lot shorter, because I now edit all my own work. In the past, I had to pay for editing, or work around an editor’s schedule and availability. Now, once the filming is done, I can get the work out in a matter of weeks or months, as opposed to years.

CZ: Your parents and family appear in a lot of your work as well as working behind the scenes.

Can you tell us a bit about how your films became a family effort?

GK: My parents and family were a logical and practical part of my filmmaking. I wanted them to be a part of it. In the beginning, it may seem self-serving, but as time goes by, the value of seeing my family and friends, adds to the worthiness of the project. I have captured them in a singular moment, and with the passage of time, preserved us for future generations. My daughter who is now five years old, will get to see her grandparents from decades ago. And myself as well. It’s a form of continuity-- and we’ll all live on, as long as the work survives.

Now my philosophy when filmmaking, also comes into play: I try very hard to make it fun when filming. Offering everyone an opportunity to play someone other than themselves, is very tempting! In some cases, I will write a character for a specific person, because I know them and who they can portray. I’m also fortunate in that I am so richly supported by my family and friends. They never let me down-- and I’ve never regretted casting them. There’s a comfort factor at work here, too. Plus-- I have a blast watching them play various characters! I am beyond lucky to have all these wonderful folks in my life. Movie-making is tough-- you can’t do it alone!

CZ: There is a cool story behind how your mom got the role of Capt. Navarro. Would you mind

telling us here?

GK: Not at all! When I first started working on the screenplay for STAR TREK: THE INFINITE CHAIN, I knew that I wanted a female Captain! (Remember this was before Star Trek Voyager) I thought it would be a great opportunity to have a woman play the Captain, and also to avoid any comparison to Kirk, since it was set at the same time. During the casting process, I was growing dismayed (by the day) of finding the right person to play this central character. Although I met with some wonderful actresses, there was always something preventing the magic from happening. Either they were too young, too old, or found Trek’s universe difficult to comprehend, and say the technical things that are part and parcel to it.

Finally, I gave up. I started changing the character to a male. While angrily revising the script-- sitting at the kitchen table-- my mom, who was cooking something, asked me what was wrong. I explained to her my dilemma. Over her shoulder she said: “Well, if you can’t get anybody else, I might be able to play the Captain....”

It was like a thunder bolt: Mom had introduced me to Star Trek when I was still a baby. She had watched it’s original broadcast run in the late sixties, and apparently, so did I, thanks to her. In fact, I can’t remember a time when Trek wasn’t a part of my life! Anyway, she not only loved Star Trek, but understood it! Then doubt crept in... the Captain was in virtually every scene, every moment of a full length movie. And mom worked full time! When would she be able to do it, providing that she would still want to play the part? I knew in my heart, this project was huge, and not something to be finished in a week or two...

Mom said if I could work around her schedule, she would give it her best shot. I thought about it, then said to her: “Let’s do a screen test. If it goes well, and you feel confident, you’ve got the part.” She agreed, and later that night, she put on a Captain’s uniform, and I gave her a page of dialogue to perform. After a couple of minutes, she told me she was ready, and I set up the camera, and something amazing happened....!

My mom had memorized the dialogue. And she used her knowledge of Trek, and became a Starship Captain. I was blown away. I told her, it was going to be challenging and a lot of hard work, but the role was hers if she wanted it. I don’t think she fully knew what she was getting into, but she said yes. People always assumed, I just automatically cast her-- but it was really fortunate circumstances. And the rest as they say, is history!

CZ: You met your wife becuase of your film making, right? Can you tell us that story?

GK: Absolutely. I was casting a comedy for my film “BUS!” (Also posted on my YouTube channel). It was only two weeks before filming, and we would have this enormous greyhound-size bus to film with, for just one day. Two cast members dropped out, and I managed to get a close friend to fill in one of the characters. I needed to find someone else for the other role! And quickly. My friend Michelle, who was in the film, said she had another friend, who had just returned from Chicago, and was a stage actress. Her name was Elizabeth Dollard. I arranged to meet with her, and it became apparent from her audition, she was more than qualified. The part was hers, if she wanted it. Elizabeth said yes to the character. (The story of “BUS!” was a movie unto itself, and anybody interested can see the “making of” on my channel.) Long story short-- Elizabeth and the whole cast were terrific. But the shoot was very intense, and I didn’t really get to know her that well. There simply was no time.

However, after the film was shot, I had another movie in mind... and I thought Elizabeth would be perfect for the lead. It was called FRAGMENTS, a twilight zone-like movie, quite the opposite of BUS! I sent her the script, and she liked it. We rehearsed the screenplay many times, got the rest of the cast in place, and began the long journey to create it. (And yes, it’s also posted on my channel).

It took many months, and Elizabeth and I spend a great deal of time together. By the time principal photography was finished, we became a couple.

Today, Elizabeth films with me whenever she can... she sometimes provides voices, helps out behind the scenes, and provides honest feedback on my scripts. She supports me, puts up with my intrusive sets, and will always be my “Executive Producer” for all I do.

I love the fact that “BUS!” and “FRAGMENTS” exist, as they literally and visually demonstrate the time I met this woman who soon after, became my wife. (Best casting decision I ever did!)

CZ: I like the surly Dr. Miles on Star Trek: Antyllus. Tell us a bit about Michael Russo, who

portrays him, please.

GK: Michael Russo is a family member, and a Professor of Philosophy at Molloy College

on Long Island. He is extremely intelligent, and knows history, fantasy and science fiction. I approached him to play Doctor Miles on my Trek series, because he’s a creative man, and a fan of Star Trek. Michael is very generous with his time, and is open to direction. Also I love his input. I had originally written the character as rather happy, but Michael added a grumpiness that felt more real. He believed the character viewed life as a challenge and with “the glass is half-empty” point of view. Outside of acting, Michael is a writer and artist in his own right, and we just click very well. I respect him, enormously. Any chance to act with him is always a joy, and I think the chemistry we share on screen, reflects our relationship off screen.

CZ: I saw on your Youtube Channel the other day that you are featuring an older film of yours

called Honorbound. How about some of the backstory of this film series?

GK: I could write a book on the story of how HonorBound came to be! It was the first “sound” movie I ever made-- and was a direct response to the arrival of video. Prior to that, my movies were filmed silently, with sound provided on a separate cassette. Video technology offered picture and sound simultaneously. I know today’s generation will be scratching their heads over this-- having grown up with all this modern technology-- but for me, it was a pivotal point in time, that allowed me to have a career, filmmaking.

The real drawback was the look of video, as opposed to film, in those days. Video looked strange-- flatter than film, with a clear image that looked “fake” when compared to the filtered look of film stock. For the public, soap operas were linked with video, to such an extent, that filmmakers stayed away from it. I, however, embraced it. I decided to write my own soap opera, but make it a big epic. I wanted to explore friendship and family under extraordinary circumstances. So I added spies, agents, and the hunt for computer technology into the mix. I wanted larger than life bad guys and heroes, as well. HonorBound was meant to be it’s own world, not brutally realistic, but stylized. And it was written to have all the characters, related, or interacting with each other, in the tradition of soap opera story lines.

It was written in 1985, revised several times, and finally completed in 1990. HonorBound was made into a two hour film, and a limited run series, which was comprised of six thirty five minute episodes. After our premiere of the movie version, it vanished into the past, as I worked on other projects. The series and VHS masters sat on a shelf for nearly 27 years! Not too long ago, I rediscovered them. I sorted through the damaged tapes, and I can proudly say that I’m currently working on releasing the series, with two already posted, and a third one on the way soon. Each episode features never-before-seen takes and scenes, and requires a lot of work to restore the footage enough to be released. I cannot say how thrilling it is to share this long-lost work, and to relive those challenging times once more!

The backstory is very complex, but here is the short version of events: HonorBound was attempted three times in total. The first two times fell apart, but the third time was the charm. Actor Jack Hodnett, and myself appeared in all three attempts, as the same characters. Since this was my first real film, many problems occurred and had to be solved through trial and error. My cast mates were fantastic, but the lengthy shoot strained everyone. It was exhaustive, thrilling, frustrating, and amazing creating this series. I can safely say, with it’s running time, and size of cast, it will always remain the largest creative project I’ve ever done, or ever will do.

CZ: You describe your film Fragments as being “Twilight Zone-ish”. How about a bit of a synopsis and your feelings about the film?

GK: FRAGMENTS is about a world famous artist, Paula, who at the height of her powers, vanishes from the public. The movie tells the story of what happened to her. As we journey with her, reality, as we understand it, begins changing. Is it really happening, or just her imagination?

FRAGMENTS is my favorite movie. It is unlike any other film I’ve ever done. It is one part Twilight Zone, and one part philosophy. It deliberately challenges each audience member to come up with an answer at the conclusion of the story. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. This is what makes it unique. There is an interaction with the audience to figure it out for themselves. That’s what I love so much about it. When we premiered the film at the theater, audience members were given a sheet of paper and a question of what they thought the ending meant. I gotta tell you I loved all the amazing answers and concepts people came up with! So diverse and interesting! And this process continues whenever someone watches the movie!

The style of the film was designed to be “frozen moments” and realistic. It’s a slow buildup, with events getting more and more distorted. It’s ambiguous enough to allow the viewer to fill in the blanks. I loved the challenge of doing it, and the performances from the cast. It took two attempts to make it, and the final filmed version was rewarding, and very close to it’s initial concept. My only regret is I wish more people would check it out! It’s probably the best movie I’ve ever made. (It is available on my YouTube channel.)

I would like to add, the short film I made called: ‘THE MAN IN THE HALLWAY” is probably the closest in spirit to FRAGMENTS. Outside of Star Trek, these sort of ambiguous reality mind benders, are what I really love to do!

CZ: What film makers and shows/films would you say have had the biggest influence on how

you approach film making and story telling?

GK: So many influences! But my top list would include directors, Kubrick, Speilberg, Lucas, Cameron, Eastwood, Coppola, Soderbergh, Jarmusch, Scorsese, Hitchcock, Welles, and Lynch. Shows like Star Trek, and Twilight Zone, comedies like The Odd Couple, and more recently, The Big Bang Theory all continue to inspire me. Since I work with little or no-budget, the influences are more subtle. I want my characters to be central to the story, to make some sort of commentary, but be entertaining at the same time. The above talent mentioned, remind me what’s important when I work on my own films. I usually don’t style my movies deliberately after someone in particular, but I did feel FRAGMENTS was very Kubrick-like, as an example of influence.

I’m hoping people will check out some of my other films: MAN IN THE HALLWAY, ONCE, FRAGMENTS, BUS!, MURDER WILL OUT-- some are full length, others are shorts, but it represents a diverse and very different set of film universes, from my Trek work. My films are like my children, and I love them all for different reasons.

CZ: There is a show you do with your young daughter called Anya and Daddy Show. That was her own idea, right?!

GK: It was! People assume that because I make movies, I created this. The reality is Anya approached me, and it’s usually her ideas that comprise what each episode is about. I added the “Flying Space House” concept, but only to provide a narrative construct for her ideas. When she has an idea, we set up the camera and whatever happens, becomes the episode. We never rehearse, so what you see is “off the cuff” and has the feel of something like a live performance. I love doing the show with my daughter, and people seem to respond positively toward it. I think many years from now, we’ll really enjoy watching it, as a family.

We have shot seven more episodes so far for “season 2”. More to come, I’m sure!

CZ: What are you currently working on and what do you have planned for future films?

GK: I am currently working on many things at the same time. What gets posted usually follows what gets done first... Currently, I just wrapped up filming a Star Trek film with Kenneth Thomson in a joint co-production called ‘EYE OF THE TEMPEST’. It’s a Starship Saladin / Antyllus Adventure. Kenneth is putting the finishing touches on it as we speak, and it should be posted soon. He is an amazingly talented and generous artist, and I can’t wait to see the final product. In addition, I’m hard at work on my Star Trek: Antyllus series, The Anya And Daddy Show, with HonorBound currently getting the most attention right now. Also: Murder Will Out (Director’s Cut) in the works, my comedy series from the 80’s called LIVE US! (a complete remastering), and a Director’s Cut of Star Trek: Incident at Beta 9, lined up, too. I’ve also begun work on some of my short films that have been shot and never edited... I basically plan to release everything on my YouTube channel as soon as I can.

CZ: Do you have a funny story about any of your films you feel like telling?

GK: I wish I could tell them all. Every project I’ve worked on has that moment of “can you believe

that happened?!” I actually like to perform them in person, because it’s so much fun, and still gets genuine laughs at the end of the telling.

A quick example: During filming Murder Will Out, my character gets kidnapped. Late one night, after filming another scene, we saw this perfect location for the kidnapping scene. It was foggy out -- very moody! We quickly set up, and filmed it. The car roars up, thugs grab me, throw me in the car, and races off into the night. When we came back to get our cameraman, we arrived just in time to witness chaos! ...You see, we filmed on the corner of this block at the end of a house, surrounded by high hedges, which just happened to belong to a police officer (off duty) -- whose wife was looking out the window-- didn’t see our cameraman-- and thought she witnessed a kidnapping! The policeman ran out of his house with gun drawn, and completely confused when we arrived back. (We didn’t have any permits, and he said in a kind of controlled hysteria: “you can’t just film something like that!” A few moments later, sensing we were going to survive this, I thanked him for caring. And we left, before he could change his mind about letting us go. Arriving in a nearby parking lot, we all just had to laugh-- what were the odds? The final cut features that take-- the only one we ever shot for the movie!

CZ: What do you think of where the Star Trek franchise stands now and what it’s been doing?

GK: A great question. I’m definitely a life-long fan. In my opinion, Star Trek is at a real crossroad. From the fan film point of view, it’s alive and well. So many wonderful series now in production! However, the official franchise is in trouble. The 50th anniversary approaches, and it seems like the powers-that-be are in limbo and unable to come up with suitable and appropriate projects to mark the occasion. The new movies have been disappointing and no plans are set for a series return to television.

Star Trek belongs on the small screen. Movies are great for spectacle, but it comes at the cost of the characters. With a series, you get 26 hours per season, with a movie, you get 2 hours every three years! The opportunity to tell various stories, reveal more character moments, and really play in the Trek universe, arises from episodic formats. So I feel it’s time for a TV return. With today’s technology, and all the interesting things to comment on, Star Trek can and would thrive. We know this as fans of the genre. It’s time the “suits” caught up, and make this happen!

CZ: If it were announced that a new Star Trek was coming to T.V. What would you want it to be

about?

GK: I still feel to to this day, the Original Series was the most exciting time of Star Trek. Things were established, like the Federation, but there was so much unknown for the characters to encounter! It felt like the wild west. It was exciting! I think the popularity of the fan films that deal with this period of time, demonstrate how cool it can be again. A retro feel, combined with some modern touches, would totally work as a unique series, much like the time when the TOS aired. There would be nothing like it on the current television landscape. It’s been long enough. It’s time for new Star Trek!

And now my final thoughts, Zant. I want to take this time to thank all the amazing people who were with me now and those that started the journey with me, then. I could name hundreds, that I’ve worked with since 1978... and I wish I could name them all here. Although I started with an idea, a script, a story, etc... it would go no further if I didn’t have anyone to help me. So many personalities, and stories and sacrifice-- all freely given. Members include family, and my dear friends-- in essence, a gigantic film family. You all know who you are. I would ask the reader to always pay attention to the credits featured in my films. Every name represents someone who gave me their talent and time-- all for no money. I’m so grateful for all the love and support!

Well that was fun! Live long and Prosper everyone!

Watch George's films on:

https://www.youtube.com/user/GeorgeKayaian

And check out his website at: http://georgekayaian.com/video/star-trek-productions/star-trek-the-multiverse-crisis/

And again, we'd like to thank George TONS for his time, some great stories, and a real interesting interview!! LLAP Capt. Allen!!