Rod Roddenberry: The Next Generation

by Ned Cato Jr. & David Kamatoy
(Geek Round Table)

Rod Roddenberry

Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry is the CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment and the son of Gene Roddenberry, the legendary creator of “Star Trek.” The Gene Roddenberry vision and legacy of “Star Trek” would seem almost daunting to anyone but Rod, who took the reins of Roddenberry Entertainment in 2001. Roddenberry is flying in from Asia to be in San Diego the week of Comic-Con and will screen the movies “Trek Nation” and “White Room:02B3” at the Birch North Park Theater. In addition he will be interacting with Trekkies at the San Diego Comic-Con (Booth 2543) and at a party at Fluxx Nightclub. Roddenberry is the Executive Producer of “White Room:02B3,” a cutting-edge 360-degree film about six strangers who wake up in a white room to find out they are part of a bizarre experiment that could change the face of humanity forever. “Trek Nation” is about growing up in the Trek world. A Saturn Award-nominated film, the movie features interviews with devoted fans including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth McFarlane and many notable “Star Trek” Alumni.

“When my father died I was only 17,” Roddenberry explained, “and at his memorial service, with throngs of strangers there to honor him, I began to ask, ‘Who was my father and what was so special about this show he created?’ As I got older, I spent years trying to answer these questions. I spoke to fans, from politicians to religious leaders and doctors to teachers, astronauts, and athletes. My enchantment with their stories inspired the documentary, and eventually it evolved into a more personal story of a son searching to understand his father through the legacy he left behind.”

“By exploring my father through a variety of untapped touchstones, we are able to introduce the world to a Gene Roddenberry it’s never met before,” said Roddenberry. “Through this process of humanization, “Trek Nation” reminds us that none of us are perfect, but that within our imperfections lays the potential for greatness.”

You have the opportunity to Geek Out or “Trek out” with Roddenberry at one of the many Roddenberry Entertainment Comic-Con events, including: Roddenberry Dive Team’s Comic-Con Dive and Beach Cleanup, Thursday July 12, 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. at La Jolla Shores; “White Room:02B3” and “Trek Nation” screening at Birch North Park Theatre, Thursday July 12, 7 p.m.; Roddenberry’s Comic-Con Party 2012, Friday July 13, 7-10 p.m. at Fluxx in the Gaslamp; Roddenberry Presents Comic-Con panel, Saturday July 14 from 3 to 4 pm in room 7AB. For more information, visit www.Roddenberry.com.

Roddenberry is excited about being a part of Comic-Con and interacting with the thousands to attend. “Like every year, we’re excited about San Diego Comic-Con weekend because it gives us an opportunity to interact with our fans,” he said “SDCC is the perfect setting for Roddenberry Entertainment to bring our newest projects to sci-fi enthusiasts. This year, we’re eager to personally engage with our fans and introduce them to two films and two graphic novel series that approach science fiction and explore the human condition in such unique ways.”

Comic-Con Board Member Ned Cato Jr. and David Kamatoy are co-hosts of “Geek Round Table,” a Blog and podcast that’s morphing into a radio & TV show to be launched at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con at the Geek Round Table Panel on Friday at 8:00 p.m. Visit GeekRoundTable.com for more information.

Category: Local News