Following the publication of this year’s Nebula Awards final ballot, there has been much discussion and debate within the ranks of SFWA (the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) over one of the script nominees. “World Enough and Time” by Marc Scott Zicree and Michael Reaves was produced by the “fan” organization Star Trek: New Voyages, but the guidelines for this category explicit call for “professional productions.” The issue was debated, referred to the Nebula Awards committee, and ultimately ruled on by SFWA’s Board of Directors. President Michael Capobianco announced the decision with the following statement:
“World Enough and Time,” a script written by Marc Zicree and Michael Reaves for Star Trek: New Voyages, appeared on the Final Nebula Ballot. The eligibility of the work was immediately challenged by more than one member, on the basis of two assertions: that WEaT was a fan production and so could not be a “professional production” as required by the SFWA Award Rules; and that it was an unauthorized production that violated the trademarks and/or copyrights of the Paramount Corporation.
SFWA took these challenges seriously, even though they were made at the very last minute, and the Nebula ballot had already been delayed. The procedures described in the Nebula Rules were followed to the letter. The decision of the SFWA Awards Rules Committee (SARC) was appealed to the SFWA Board of Directors. Under a very tight deadline, the Board examined these questions and voted unanimously to keep the work on the Nebula ballot.
The decision was based on evidence that was provided from a number of sources, and we thank the parties who made statements and provided additional information to the Board. Since the term “professionally produced” is nowhere defined in the Award Rules, there is some latitude for interpretation. However, certain precedents had been set by the SARC, and they were followed by the Board insofar as they were applicable. It was noted that the spirit of the Nebulas is one of inclusiveness, and that none of the other Nebula categories include the “professionally produced” criterion.
One factor that was considered important was that Marc Zicree and Michael Reaves were paid for their script of “Worlds Enough and Time.” Other factors were looked at, and, in at least one instance, it was concluded that the production only qualified under a technicality, but the technicality was in keeping with past interpretations of the Award Rules.
The status of WEaT vis-a-vis Paramount is complex, and there are a lot of misconceptions about it. It is clear from our investigation that Paramount has permitted WEaT to exist and encouraged its production and that of subsequent productions by the same company. This is not simply a fan production that was tolerated by Paramount; while it may or may not have been specifically authorized, it has had tacit authorization. Under these circumstances, the Board felt that WEaT should be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed on the ballot.