Occurrences At Oswegan 4

Primary Crew
Written, Directed and Produced By	Michael W. Mowery
Filmed By	Michael W. Mowery, Phil Imbessi
Edited By	Michael W. Mowery
Set Designer	Michael W. Mowery
Primary Cast
Captain Reginald P. Uwhyu	Pete Mosiondz
Commander Zulu T. Deuzieme	Michael W. Mowery
Dr. Riley Bowman	Ross Nilan
Lt. Comdr. Kyle Lawson	Brian Lipko
Lieutenant Rodl	Bryan Dietzman
Ensign Wassberg	Jen Hay

Star Trek: The 3rd Phase takes place 100 years after the final mission of Picard and Riker's Enterprise. The pilot episode of this new series places the crew at the brink of disaster during a routine mission. The Enterprise is to examine a remote world in the demilitarized zone which has been newly discovered. The significance of the planet is important to the Federation as it lies dangerously close to three federation outposts. The ship has been sent to explore the planet to see if colonization is possible and whether or not a new starbase could be developed based on the natural resources of the planet. Captain Uwhyu (Pete Mosiondz) must make that judgment and report back to Starfleet Command where the negotiations are being held among the galaxies greatest civilizations.

Once the away team beams down to the planet, a powerful being traps them there without their knowledge. At the same time, the being (known only as Oswego) cuts off any attempt that the ship makes to communicate with the landing party. Oswego is assessing the nature of humans. When confronted by Oswego, Commander Deuzieme (Michael W. Mowery) talks his crew back to safety. Once back on the ship, Oswego warns the crew that he will be watching them.

The creators hoped that this show would be an affectionate tribute to its predecessors. As it turns out, this show was slightly criticized for resembling two of Star Treks most honored shows. Arena of the Kirk era series and Encounter At Farpoint of the Next Generation were the shows in question. Both shows put the Enterprise at risk and put the away team in a position to defend humanity. In defense that is what writer Michael Mowery said he was trying to grasp. "Many of Star Trek shows question humanity, ours is no different." Mowery said.

Some scenes that were added to the script were the prelude to the opening credits and the admiral conference call. The opening scene was rewritten so that GRP's newest actor, Ross Nilan, could develop the Doctor's role a little more. It is here that we first learn they doctor and "Doozie" are ladies men and enjoy their "relaxation techniques. It appears the perfect place in the galaxy for this is on planet Zandar at complex 8. There is also an inside cast joke written into the scene for Brian Lipko (Chief Engineer Lawson.)

The other scene in question was Admiral Hansen's (Bill Shute) discussion. Originally only a subspace message was to be sent. That was changed when Bill Shute who was supposed to play the role of Kyle Lawson couldn't make the shooting schedule. The scene was written so that Bill could be in the scene. As a result of Bill's absence, Brian Lipko was promoted from an extra crewman to the Lawson part. The end result allowed for good chemistry between the bridge crew.

A final cast note should be mentioned. Bryan Dietzman (who debuted as an extra in Buddy Boys: The Movie) finally received a character role. He was casted as Security Chief, Lieutenant Rodl.

The concept for this production actually occurred late one evening as Pete Mosiondz and Michael Mowery wanted to work on another project together. They had been in many plays together and even wrote together before. This is their first joint film production together. They are responsible for the crazy names as well. Although they wanted to make a serious tribute, some comedy was deliberately added. Captain Reginald P. Uwhyu for example has many stories. Reg is a reference to the character Dwight Shultz character of Reg Barclay in the Next Generation. He he also know from the role of Murdock in the A-Team. The P. Uwhyu is just as it sounds. It was one of the few parodies deliberately added. "Deuzieme" is the French word for second or two. The Commander is the second in command and that's where the name came from. "Rodl" a German name was given to create another culture on board. It is also the name of a college basketball player who exemplifies the definition of teamwork. Finally Ensign "Wassberg" was named after one of Michael W. Mowery's Swimming teammates (Connie Mercedes Wassberg) at William Paterson College as a way of remembering her. To be completely honest, this is the second time her name has been used as a character in a GRP film. Her middle name of "Mercedes" was used in Buddy Boys: The Movie. The character was one of the Bandit women who appeared at the diner. The role was played by Susan Basile.

 

Screen Captures from the show

Comdr. Deuzieme with Doctor Bowman discussing patient Lt. Cmdr. Lawson	Captain Uwhyu and Comdr. Deuzieme in teh ready room	Lt. Cmdr. Lawson and Security Chief Rodl
The away team Rodl, Dwuzieme, Bowman, Lawson	Admiral Hansen	the away team engages Oswego

 

This film is rated PG-13 (adult language)
Running Time: 22 minutes
Video Release: 5-30-92