For the first time ever, Star Trek executive producer Rick Berman has talked about the premise of the upcoming Star Trek series, confirming it will be set in a different time period than any of the other series.

"It's closer in tone to 'TNG' or the original series than either 'DS9' or 'Voyager'," Berman described Series V to syndicated columnist Ian Spelling. "It takes place in a different time than any other 'Star Trek' series to date. We'll have seven regular characters, five of them human, two of them not. [...] We'll also have a kick-ass spaceship. I wish I could tell you more, but I can't."

Berman's comments fit in with the leaked casting sheet that was first published two weeks ago, and which also listed five human regular characters and two alien ones: Sub-Commander T'Pau and Doctor Phlox. According to the sheet, the series would be set aboard a 22nd Century Enterprise. While Paramount has steadfastly refused to comment on the validity of the casting sheet, that might change soon, as according to the article "casting is soon to be announced".

The series is already well into pre-production, and is still scheduled to debut on UPN in the Fall. Sets for the show have been constructed, and John Eaves is still working on designing the series' principal starshp (story). Berman expects to complete filming on the two-hour premiere and possibly one additional episode before the looming actors' strikes.

Berman is aiming to make Series V as fresh as possible. "What Brannon [Braga] and I will be doing on 'Series V' is trying to bring in as many new voices as we can, in terms of directors, new writers and new elements of design, whether it's costumes or makeup or sets or music," he said. "We are trying to put together a younger, less-experienced-in-'Star Trek' team of people to give this show a completely new feel and look. We want this to be not your father's `Star Trek,' so to speak."

More can be found in the full interview, in which Berman also talks about the future of the other parts of the Star Trek franchise. Thanks go out to Cinescape for the link!

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