Merrick here...
TrekMovie has a report from "trusted sources" regarding the status of J.J. Abrams' soon-to-shoot sequel to his 2009 STAR TREK movie.
Seems the script from Orci, Kurtzman, and Lindelof is more or less finished (third draft), and Team Abrams is now scouting locations in preparation for a January 15th 2012 start-of-shooting. One of these locations is said to reprise a "famous Star Trek location." The article also indicates that effects work is already underway for the film (presumably representing a number of effects that don't require significant live-action components).
More details can be found HERE.
STAR TREK is profoundly meaning to me, for reasons partially outlined HERE. I was extremely apprehensive about Abrams' 2009 film but ended up loving the hell out of it. As such, I'm extremely keen to see what Team Abrams comes up with this time around, but stand strong on my assertion that it has taken them far too long to get this project up and running (from a franchising perspective, regardless of my own impatience).
By the way, William Shatner's THE CAPTAINS documentary is now streaming on Netflix.
It's a very interesting piece that TREK fans should consider checking out. Some profound honesty from Patrick Stewart (in particular) regrading how acting/TREK negatively impacted his relationship with his family - rather touching, actually. As is Mulgrew's insight, and Bakula's insight. The film is, of course, highly Shatnerized...and Avery Brooks comes off a bit strangely here compared to other interviews I've seen with him...but each actor reveals touching truths about their time with their shows and its personal impact on them. And that personal impact is something most folks don't (or wouldn't necessarily) contemplate when considering these performers and their iconic characters.
Fascinating...
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