Mainframe Entertainment has begun pre-production efforts for a 3-D computer-animated series based upon Gene Roddenberry's Starship. The story is the last property by the creator of Star Trek that hasn't been produced for TV or film. Following three years of negotiations, the

Vancouver-based animated television series producer acquired the rights to produce the Starship series in all media.

"This is one of the last unproduced Roddenberry properties or ideas," said Chris Brough, Mainframe's CEO and vice chairman. Brough said the Roddenberry Group selected Mainframe because the company's ideas were in accord with Roddenberry's philosophy and content. The 3-D CGI-animated television series is molded after Roddenberry's vision of a vast starship built and launched to scientifically explore the galaxy. Mainframe is initially gearing the series for prime-time television.

Mainframe has begun pre-production activities including animation tests, character modeling, and production design.

The series will begin production in mid-1999.