Meet: Eugene W. Roddenberry
Technical Advisor
Earth: Final Conflict
Who I am - words that describe me:
I would definitely have to say that I am a rational and relatively down-to-earth
person. I feel that many of my fundamental views on humanity and the world
in which it survives are shared by much of the world's populace. I believe
we can all co-exist regardless of race, creed or culture. I would one
day like to see all difference set aside for a united Earth.
I am also very passionate about the things I am involved in. Whether
it be family, business or play, I always want the best or want to do my
best so that people can enjoy the outcome, whatever it may be.
My personal challenges:
Gene Roddenberry, my father, created a television series that was not
just a science fiction show. It was a conduit for the transfer of information
and a playground for intellectual thought. He not only used the television
medium to tell stories of space exploration, but also to convey his views
of humanity. While giving us the opportunity to see a potentially "better"
humanity of the future, he also allowed us to look in upon our present
selves through alien eyes.
This thought-provoking television series has compelled millions of people
around the world to re-assess their daily lives as well as the world in
which they live. In many ways, humanity has moved forward in a positive
direction because of my father's vision.
In its own way, I believe the Challenge Project will do the same for
humanity.
My career challenges:
In general, the Challenge project, as I understand it thus far, will advance
our understanding of the effects of distinctive environments on the human
body as well as modern technology. Like my "career", I believe this project
will bring us another step closer to better understanding humanity as
a whole. It will allow us to gain not just a better understanding of human
biology, or the technological circuitry, but also of the human potential
to aspire to new levels and surpass the barriers furnished by nature.
These small steps for humankind are what I wish to reflect in my career.
My career:
I am currently working on a science fiction television series called "Earth:
Final Conflict". My title is technical advisor, which technically means,
I advise. My job is to provide useful commentary and suggestions on each
and every outline, script, and revision that is spawned. My goal is to
ensure that the "Gene Roddenberry Philosophy" stays alive and well within
these stories.
In the future I hope to aid in the struggle for a better humanity through
the medium of "film".
Likes/Dislikes about career:
Right now what I best like is the fact that I am so new to the entertainment
industry. I feel that I am not yet, and hopefully never will be, corrupted
by the nonsense politics that surround this industry. I am very passionate
about what I work on, and I always want it to be genuine and the best
it can be.
As far as changing things, I'd have to say that it is the industry itself
that I would change. So much of the nonsense is perpetuated by money and
ego. I feel the entertainment industry should be directed primarily towards
the audience and what they want. When all is said and done, the audience
members are the ones that make a show what it is.
Influences:
Aside from my father, who I have only recently learned about and begun
to admire, I'd have to say that Steven Copping, my Jujitsu Sensei (instructor)
and very good friend is a man that I admire immensely. He is not the type
of sensei who would make you do 100 push-ups if you forgot to bow when
entering the dojo (training room). He'd just remind you and then crack
a silly joke. Steve Copping is a remarkable man whose creed in life is
"Unconditional Love". I have never met anyone who has followed his creed
as devotedly as Steve has. Not only did he teach us martial arts, but
he also taught us how not to use them. He told a story once about a potentially
dangerous situation that he had in Norway. He was held up at knife point
by a man in a train station. Steve, without harming the man, disarmed
and restrained him. While restrained, Steve asked the man why he had done
what he had done. The man told him that he needed money for his family
and children. Eventually, after more discussion, Steve let the man go
and gave him some money. The man was so impressed with Steve's physical
and intellectual competence that he took up the art of Jujitsu. Today
the man is instructing Jujitsu, and I believe that Steve and he are still
in touch.
Future goals:
Perhaps it is apparent from the above, but I'd like to do something significant
for humanity. Even though I am only 24 years old, I'd like to know that
when I pass on, humanity is progressing in a positive direction and that
my future children are in the clear.
In a perfect world, I think education is the key to almost all of our
problems. Imagine if everyone in the world received a complete education,
not just in math and science, but also in human behavior and perception.
I'm hoping that my contributions in education through entertainment will
continue expanding the minds as well as perspectives of humanity.
My thoughts about space exploration:
Like many, I have always been fascinated with the concept of distant stars
and bizarre planetary systems, however, I've also been interested it its
effect on humanity.
It's amazing to visualize the grandeur of our universe and then comprehend
how insignificant we humans seem to be in it. It has often made me wonder
if we are just mistakes in space. I don't think I believe that. There
is something about humanity that has made me contemplate the possibility
that we are part of something much larger. I am not a very spiritual man,
but I believe we have something, something good.
I want to live on. I want to one day give life and have children. I
want them to live in a world, a universe, where everyone gets along. Many
say that we must first take care of our problems here on Earth if we want
to succeed in the future and in space. I believe that we are doing just
that by setting goals that no one nation can fulfill. Whether it is an
unfortunate tragedy or international success, humanity is at its best
when it works together for a single goal.
Personal information:
I am currently living in Toronto, Canada, working on the television series
called "Earth: Final Conflict". I live in Toronto with my girlfriend,
Kerry Demers, and my dog, Orion. Most of my time is taken up by the show,
but I spend whatever free time I have with Kerry and Orion.
I am an avid SCUBA diver, and I enjoy exploring the world beneath the
oceans. I sometimes drive a bit too fast on the highways and, in general,
make plenty of mistakes.
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