The name William Shanter will always be synonymous with Star Trek, but there is more to the actor than just phasers and transporters, and a new documentary about the former Enterprise captain aims to show exactly that.

And, interestingly, the documentary will be directed by Shatner himself.

Shatner has a reputation for possessing something of an ego, and this will mark his first outing at the helm of a documentary. However, he does have a wealth of directing experience, including episodes of "T.J. Hooker" as well as the big screen dud, "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." And for what he lacks in documentary directorship he will be able to make up for in firsthand knowledge -- after all, who knows William Shatner better than William Shatner?

Entitled "The Captains," the documentary aims to chart the early life and career of the actor, including the events that led up to his casting as the famous Capt. James T. Kirk.

The documentary will be developed by Canadas Movie Central premium cable channel, and Shatner also will serve as a producer on the project along with David Zappone and Craig Thompson.

Production is slated for July, and will eventually be broadcast in Canada at some point in 2011. There was nothing revealed about an American release, but it's likely it will eventually cross the border, and into Europe as well.

Also included in the Movie Central deal is "Gonzo Ballet," a documentary about a ballet that was based on "Has Been," Shatner's 2004 album (which includes a cover of Pulp's "Common People"). The one-off special is scheduled for broadcast in the fall.