Slice of SciFi News Briefs

IESB.net has some interesting spy pics on one of the sets for the new Star Trek motion picture, which began shooting this week. From the closely guarded appearance of the costumes, nicely covered with dark rain gear and trenchcoats, it is difficult to assess what time period is being covered.

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger is stepping into the WGA fray and vows to do all within his legal power to bring an end to the writer’s strike, hopefully with all parties walking away with a feeling of victory.

“The Bourne Ultimatum” and “Transformers” are getting most of the nods from the annual People’s Choice Awards.

If today’s early box office returns are any indication, “Fred Claus” will sleigh the competition this weekend. The new Paul Giamatti/Vince Vaughn flick about Santa and his slacker brother Fred is already a hit, despite average reviews from critics.

Just as China, Japan and India are revving up their new space programs, and NASA is gearing to skuttle the shuttle for a newer, smaller and sleeker craft design, Russia has launched a project to create a new generation of spacecraft and boosters, but don’t expect to see them in service until sometime after 2020.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said yesterday that 12 films would be eligible to compete for the best animated feature Oscar next year. The top three contenders are “Ratatouille,” “Shrek the Third” and “Bee Movie.”

David Goyer, the filmmaker behind the “Blade” franchise, is in final negotiations to direct an untitled supernatural thriller. The script, written by Goyer, follows an 18-year-old who realizes she is slowly being possessed and then begins to fight back.

Good news for XM-Satellite Radio. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission closed its inquiry into XM’s marketing and customer service practices without any action against the company. The FTC began their investigation back in April 2006.

William Shatner told Howard Stern, while making an appearance on the popular talk show, that he isn’t upset about being left out of the new Star Trek film, even though his old buddy Leonard Nimoy does have a significant part to play in it. Goaded by Stern, Bill reminded the acidic host that he also had shot a Trek film without Leonard having a part. Of course, he was referring to “Star Trek VII: Generations,” in which Captain Kirk is killed by Malcom McDowell’s character.

Shat also revealed that after a couple of telephone conversations, J.J. Abrams visited the set of “Boston Legal” on one occasion to talk with him about the Trek film over lunch.

Star Trek’s Captain Sulu, George Takei, is Howard’s official announcer for the highly popular radio and television show.