Seriously? OMG! WTF?

William Shatner knows how hard it is to become a bona-fide science fiction star. That’s why he’s making it a little bit easier for the next generation of would-be Captain Kirks. William Shatner announced today that he is holding an on-line contest to find the most talented sci-fi personality in the United States. To enter, contestants just have to create a short video clip that shows why they are the heir apparent to William Shatner, and upload it at Shatner.blip.tv by September 30th.Like many reality TV shows, this contest will rely on the voting public to help choose the winner. Anyone who wants to can view the contestants’ video clips and vote for their favorites online at Shatner.blip.tv. The top ten highest ranked entrants will be named finalists, and given a chance to win William Shatner’s Sci-Fi Challenge.Unlike hit TV shows “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” which focus on contestants that have one particular kind of talent, William Shatner encourages a much broader range of applicants. Aspiring actors can submit a tape of themselves re-enacting a memorable sci-fi role or performing something new. Young directors and film makers can create a sci-fi short or a brief homage to Bill’s career that demonstrates why they should win. Budding film critics can showcase their insight in a taped movie review. This diverse group of contestants makes for a richer talent pool, and a more interesting competition. In addition to those finalists voted in by the audience, Shatner has selected seven celebrity judges who will each be allowed to select an additional finalist (for 17 finalists in total). The celebrity judges are a diverse group of science fiction luminaries, and include representatives from StarTrek.com, the Sci-Fi Channel, and Chase Masterson from the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space 9. Also represented on the celebrity judge panel are Ain’t It Cool News, Planet Magazine, the Slice of Sci-Fi Podcast, and VideoDetective.com. William Shatner will select the winner from the 17 finalists.The grand prize winner will receive a large cash award and will be named the Official spokesperson for the William Shatner Science Fiction DVD Club. William Shatner started his Science Fiction DVD-of-the-Month Club earlier this year, and the club now boasts nearly 5,000 subscribers. The club identifies great but unheralded science fiction films, and offers them to customers for just $4 each. To submit a video, learn more about the contest, or view submissions, visit Shatner.blip.tv.

 Slice of SciFi

‘Star Trek’ icon William Shatner has agreed to host the first ever Canadian Awards for the Electronic and Animated Arts (CAEAA 2006). The awards take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on September 14.

This year’s awards event will honour Canadian achievements in three sectors of the Electronic and Animated Arts industry: talent development (New Media and Animation Art Schools), animation, and video game development.

“We wanted Mr. Shatner as our host from the beginning and I cannot tell you how excited we are to learn today that he has accepted the role,” said Holly Carinci, CAEAA Producer.

Jam! Showbiz 

Will MATT DAMON get beamed up? Could happen. I’m told J.J. ABRAMS is very interested in casting the Oscar-winning Damon as a young Captain Kirk in the upcoming ‘Star Trek’ movie that he’s directing and producing. He’s so interested that he’s apparently already sought support from the original Kirk, WILLIAM SHATNER. "Shatner gave his blessing," my source says. "J.J. got his approval." Damon first popped up in Trekkie circles as soon as the Abrams-’Star Trek’ deal was announced. Rumor had it that the new movie would center on Kirk and Spock’s early days at a space academy. "J.J. wants Damon as Capt. Kirk," my source reports. "He really loves the idea."

The Insider 

William Shatner, Tom Brokaw and Regis Philbin are joining the Academy of Television Art & Sciences Hall of Fame.

Director James Burrows ("Will & Grace," "Cheers") and former network executive and producer Leonard Goldberg ("Brian’s Song," "Hart to Hart") also are among those who will be honored, academy Chairman Dick Askin announced.

This year’s inductees have helped shape the television industry and serve as an inspiration for others, Askin said in a statement Monday.

Shatner starred in "Star Trek" and is an Emmy-winner for his role in ABC’s "Boston Legal." Brokaw, who retired as NBC anchor in 2004, continues to work on documentaries. Philbin co-hosts "Live With Regis and Kelly" and will host the new NBC series "America’s Got Talent."

The induction ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

More than 100 people are in the Hall of Fame, founded in 1984, including Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson and Walter Cronkite. The TV academy administers the annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

AP 

All jobs Ryan Seacrest will someday have! 

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