FanMade: Phase II Nebula Controversey + OGAM Pt 2 Date + Hidden Frontier/Intrepid Team-up March 4, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Fan Productions , trackback
NEW FEATURE: ‘FanMade,’ the latest of TrekMovie’s regular columns, will focus entirely on fan productions. This week we have news and a controversy around a nomination for Star Trek Phase II (formerly New Voyages), plus Of Gods and Men part 2 has a release date and two popular fan films are joining forces for a special project. And there are some new releases and previews to see.
Phase II gets Nebula Nomination and stirs up controversy
Recently the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association announced the nominees for the 2007 Nebula Awards and the script for the Star Trek New Voyages (now Phase II) episode “World Enough and Time” (written by Marc Scott Zicree and Michael Reaves) was nominated for Best Script. However, not all members of SFWA were happy about what is technically a ‘fan film’ working its way into the Nebulas. Possibly the most vocal critic was Star Trek novelist Keith R.A. DeCandido who wrote on his blog that that he objected due to the fact that the script did not qualify under the rules as a ‘professional’ production. Zicree tells TrekMovie.com that he agrees that New Voyages is a fan production, but that it is “artistically professional.” He also issued a detailed statement noting that although not an official Paramount project, it was still made by professionals. In the end the SFWA sided with Zicree and it remains on the ballot.
In other Phase II news, they have unveiled new images from the upcoming ‘redo’ of the Walter Koenig episode “To Serve All My Days” (see below). The ‘Night in 1969′ edition of that episode premieres on March 29th at the at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA (and TrekMovie will be there) more info at the Phase II site.
Enterprise gets in trouble (click to enlarge)
Of Gods and Men Part 2 coming next weekend
Act 2 of the three part mini-series Star Trek: Of Gods and Men will be released on
Saturday, March 15th at 1701 EST (5:01 pm EST). Producer Sky Conway tells TrekMovie.com that work is complete and that it is headed to Dragonfly to be encoded. It is expected that using Dragonfly will solve the technical problems of the first release from December. TrekMovie.com should have a review available for Act 2 by the end of next week (see our review of part 1). The third and final act should be available by May. For more check out the official site. We are awaiting preview images from the OGAM team, so until then this one will do.
Hoping to see more of the green Chase Masterson in OGaM Pt. 2
Two Fan films get together
The people behind the European production Starship Intrepid and those behind the American production Hidden Frontier have announced their second collaboration, “Operation Beta Shield.” The post-Nemesis era film, a sequel to the previous collaboration “Orphans of War” will bring together the two casts in “a feature-length epic adventure” Producer Robert Caves tells TrekMovie.com that shooting begins in Los Angeles next month for a planned release this Summer. He also expects it will launch a new four part mini-series to come out of the Hidden Frontier team, which will become their third ongoing production. The new mini series should be out by the end of the year. More information on “Beta Shield” at the official site.
But before all that, the Hidden Frontier team have two other shows in production right now. Recently they have released episode 3 for Star Trek Odyssey [CLICK TO WATCH]. Plus have a preview for the 2nd episode for The Helena Chronicles [CLICK TO WATCH].
Hidden Frontier and Intrepid team up for “Beta Shield”
TrekMovie FanMade needs help
TrekMovie.com wants to make our fan productions column as up to date and informative as all our other columns on Science, Sci-Fi, Trek Celebs, Comics, Books and Collectibles. To do this we are looking for help of two sorts. Firstly, if you are involved in a fan production and we have not yet made first contact, then please drop us a line and tell us all about your production. Send an email to tonyp [at] trekmovie [dot] com.
Secondly, TrekMovie is looking for a full-time writer for FanMade column. Ideally it would be someone with writing experience who is very familiar with the various fan productions, but can still look at them with a critical eye. Hopefully in the end FanMade will be able to provide the kind of news, previews, analysis and reviews for Fan productions that we do for all other aspects of Trek. To get in touch please email tonyp [at] trekmovie [dot] com.
VOTE: Are you a fan of fan productions?
Can’t wait for that next episode of your favorite production? Or couldn’t tell an Exeter from an Odyssey? Vote on how many (if any) fan productions you keep up with in our latest poll (right column)
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Comments»
Part of me feels the need to be juvenile and say FIRST! But I’m sure that by the time I hit “say it” I wouldn’t be first any more.
Anyhow, mostly I want to say that someday, I would like to be painted green for a fan production. It just seems like it would be a cool thing to have done in my life.
Looks promising
Mmmm, Chase Masterson. A nice, green Texas girl. Nice.
Chase Masterson…………hmmmm…..can’t talk……..drooling!
Star Trek: Trinity!!
http://www.st-t.co.uk
I’m mostly ignorant of the current state of Trek fan-productions (the Cawley stuff is singlehandedly responsible for sucking me into it, thanks to Walter Koenig speaking highly of it at a convention) … so I’m grateful for this new feature so I can start learning what’s out there. Is anyone doing radio-drama style stuff (audio only)? I’d be very interested in having some fan-Trek audio plays to pack onto the portable music thingamajig …
John
we will be dedicating a future ‘FanMade’ to the current state of audio productions…there are a few. look for that later this month
I’m kind of disappointed that DeCandido would be so vocally against this. As one of Star Trek’s leading fiction writers, does he not understand the idea of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations?
Hey Anthony,
Does the tips link still work? Noticed you didn’t tell people to send to the tips e-mail address this time (like you did with the general “want to help out?” post a while ago.
New Voyages/Phase II = Awesome
I really do admire anyone who has the time, resources, and will power to make a fan production. It’s somthing I’m not going to have time to do in the near future!
Way to go! All of you!
Green has never looked so GOOD!!!
Chase is hot! Green, red, blue, yellow or otherwise. And she has the acting chops.
cough why ST New Voyages looks better then remastered TOS, (true at first the ship moved a bit crazy , but now it just looks brilliant )
.
This is interesting…
But a “fan film”, at least to me, no matter for what intentions it is made, is A FILM anyway… And a film is a film…!
If it fills the requirements for being nominated to whatever it is, then so be it…!
To me it only says that all things can be seen relatively. If a film is projected and produced by fans - even with professional help - and reaches the quality level (in whatever aspects) that enable it to stand side by side with any other professional productions, it can only be a a good thing. Something to be proud of.
Some almost 15 years back, here in Brazil, I tried to put on a crew to make something like this… But things are different here and I abandoned the project. Today, it wouldn’t be so impossible a dream…
That’s why I always think of fan films (the good ones, of course) as real hard made productions, where people give their best to accomplish…!
hmm it should be even more eliagable because its not a profit organisation
I’m pretty offended by KRAD. I really am. Such bitterness from a professional man is astounding. All films take time and effort to make. So what if it’s not in the cinemas or on DVD? Arrogant person.
“Starship Exeter,” anyone?
“The Tressaurian Intersection” is downright fantastic. The effects look great, the sets are perfect, the story is straightforward …
“New Voyages” suffered from ‘fanboy’ syndrome in its first few episodes: throwing too many concepts into the film with none of them really sticking. (”In Harm’s Way” was this to a tee. An utter mess, with Commodore Decker, Fleet Captain Pike, the Farragut, the Guardian of Forever, alternate universe Kirk and crew, future Kirk and crew, ad nauseam.)
But “Exeter,” … “Exeter” I enjoy a great deal.
http://www.starshipexeter.com/
Hard to argue with the “professional tag” when looking at the CGI. I don’t see much a difference between what CBS-Digital is doing now and Phase II fan stuff (maybe that is partially because CBS-D seems to be backsliding: The Doomsday Machine was amazing–nothing close to that lately). As for, the Phase II acting–eh, from what I’ve seen it is a bit marginal sometimes, but then, TOS and (another of my favorites Babylon 5) had some marginal acting in them too.
And I agree about “In Harm’s Way” too gee whiz fan boy (wouldn’t be neat if. . and if. . . and if. . . , etc.), but the Koenig and Takei episodes were much better.
#17
In my opinion, the guys of Starship Exeter are really good actors. Congrats!
I would watch the fan movies but my P’TaQ computer is so old and slow the audio runs at normal speed , but the v………..i………….d……………e…………o is super slow , so after a while the audio get so far ahead of where the video is , it’s not worth watching, one of these days I’ll have enough Quatloos to purchase a better faster system , until then , i’ll have to enjoy what i can thats available on you tube .
#6. John, check out http://pendantaudio.com/defiant.php#episodes
There are currently 21 productions out on episodes based on adventures of the U.S.S. Defiant. The era is post Captain Sisko becoming a prophet, with mentions of Colonel Kira in charge of DS9.
The fan films are a great (ahem) enterprise, and I’m pleased to see them recognized. I made a fan film back in 1989, just for grins and with zero budget, and believe me it’s a complete embarrassment compared to what can be done today!
i thought the worl enough and time was an amazing episode very emotional well deserved respect to the guys who make these episodes loved it its one of my all time fav star trek episodes including the real ones !!
http://sfwa.org/awards/faqsmaam.htm
That website is the FAQs of the Nebula awards. Here’s a quote, “Sometimes the rules are ambiguous—such as, for example, the requirement that a dramatic script be “professionally” produced. What does “professionally produced” mean? The rules don’t say. We may be called upon to decide, but we can’t give you any advice on it until we see the final product.”
Sounds like the people who make the rules, make the call, and they did, so people need to think about something else.
It is nice to see the fan productions get better with time. They started about 40 percent as good as what the studios made, but are about up to 80 percent and only getting better. One could see tangable improvements with each release, and one expects that these productions will eventually surpass the profesional ones.
Major props to the folks at Starship Exeter, who, with an incomplete story, managed to pull me in more than New Voyages ever did..with full blown episodes.
Looking forward to the report on the audio plays as well.
- Hey..i see green babes….!!!
26 what !!!!
17….I doubt you will see much info on exeter on this site. For some reason they seem to fall through the cracks on this site.
26–interesting, since I find that incomplete stories are a complete turnoff. I’ve read enough incomplete fan fics that I refuse to even bother with Exeter. When they finish their episode, I’ll watch it. I remembered the first one was decent–not even close to WEAT quality, but not bad. But until they actually finish something else, it’s not worth my time. I’m not even watching OGAM for the same reason, and obviously that is a much higher level than anything Exeter could do.
I enjoy these guys, like ‘em or lump ‘em. Plus, I’ve emailed a few, and they’re friendly folks.
Anthony- Great pics, especially Chase in her hot-tamale green girl getup. Enterprise effects look state-of-the-art - so cool to know the fans are masterfully pursuing depiction of our beloved universe.
oh yeah.. well… the Phase II folks are friendly too, so there! Have the Exeter folks ever been at DragonCon and shaken my hand? No. SO…NYAH!
j/k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll check out the Exeter work. I’m not one for saying that there is too much fan support for Trek in the universe–ever!
actually, wouldn’t she be a hot tomatillo green girl? :-D
OGAM..so far, was a contrived mess. New Voyages is really hard to sit through, because of the lost potential. So much is so right and yet so much is so very wrong. Exeter rocks, the whole story and setting and style drips TOS. Havent watched any of the new era stuff, doesn’t really interest me.
Not so much a “production” but every bit as enjoyable, are the fan created TAS comics online. Those are always a fun read.
34
Yes. That would be more correct. And I’m married to one. I should know.
arrrr…
I was confused and frightened by the first part of Of Gods And men…
but I support tha effort and I’ll be back to see the second…
With such a proliferation of tha wee fans making these wee films, I would think there’d be enough Trek around ta drown a dreadnaught full o’ rats… so why be concerned about tha new Paramount film at all? harrr
Like ice cream and beef dishes, thar be enough flavors of Trek for anyone’s tastes… maybe one brilliant company could create an anti-canon version?
Ya know, really change everything…
As far TOS re-mastered- Abandon ship!
They be going all knackered with ships on strings and firecrackers fur next week’s “updated’ deffects…
arrrr….
Once again Exeter gets the Gingerkid treatment. I believe it is the best and most orignal fan production and when the last episode came out there was not even a mention of it here. Excuses were thrown around about the riduculous wait between episodes but what about the riduculous wait between Gods and Men’s parts?? Of all the fan productions Exeter would best translate to an actual tv show. I could see it on Sci-Fi once a month with some more polish. Hell even cheerful, Mr. Happyface Dennis Bailey is part of the production and he is our most beloved button pusher !!!!
Tressurian Intersection still has one of the coolest Trek moments period when they beam down and find the shattered remains of the Kongo over the landscape. F-ing cool!!
After reading about these fan movies, I gave Phase II a shot. I watched To Serve All My Days, and I must say, it upset me. If this is supposed to bridge the gap between the series and the first movie, why kill off Chekov? I’m not a “It must be cannon” freak, but the ending of that episode really bothered me. The effects looked okay, but the massive forehead on the guy who played Spock looks a little silly. And seeing the preview that George Takei almost made me wonder just how much they’re paying him to act silly in a barbarian costume. I’ll admit I haven’t watched it yet, but it was a definite turn off. As for Chase Masterson–she can be my Orion slave girl any day!
honestly, these are nothing but fan boy circle jerks. HORRIBLE acting & pacing. I gotta give em credit for awesome set re-creation but thats as far as it goes. I cant bare to watch any of these (and I love Trek but..)
From what ive seen of Exeter, its not bad. I think that Paramount is missing a golden opportunity with some of these fan produced series. They could make themselves additional revenue, I presume that the cost for these fan produced series is far less then say a tradition trek episode, What Paramount out to do is allow these fan fan produced episodes to be released on to dvds and sold, the studio would get some of the proceeds and the to the people producing the episodes would get some as well. it would enable these fan produced series to become, Well, self financing. then they could sell the broadcasting rights to a channel like the Scif channel, which would provide additional revenue to both parties The added revenue would also allow for better productions as well, The overall cost of production would also be less i presume. Giving these productions studio sanctioning could also remove some of the writers guilds objections. it just a thought, thats all.
#39 -
To serve all my days ended how Walter wanted it to end…it was an artistic piece.
World Enough and Time is a masterpiece. Watch it. The preview doesn’t do it any justice.
I have nothing against the fan films. My objections were specific to the Nebulas and the rules laid down for what qualified for Best Script. Just because professionals worked on it doesn’t make it a professional production. If Kobe Bryant plays a pickup game on the streets of Los Angeles and brings his teammates, that doesn’t make it an NBA game. (For that matter, if I write a piece of fanfiction, it’s still fanfiction.)
I haven’t seen but a few minutes of “World Enough and Time” — I got fed up with it pausing to rebuffer every few minutes — but Marc Scott Zicree has generously sent me a DVD (which should be in my PO box by now), and I intend to watch it and judge it on its own merits.
World Enough and Time is a great story with a powerful meaning message. It is not how long you live, but how you live.
#43 Keith Hello your objections are valid, would studio sanctioning of these production satisfy those objections? Im not saying that this ever happen.
re: Exeter. Just watched the teaser of The Tressaurian Intersection.
uh… WOW, that looks good. Must watch more.
The folks doing Exeter are far and away the best at this from what I have seen. They make take a bit longer than Cawley and his folks and that is too bad but the Exeter to my perceptions captures TOS perfectly. So ipso facto its the best.
That should read may not make.
And since I wouldn’t want to make a post just to correct a typo and soothe my feeble ego…
Exeter is the best as I said above. But I do want to give Cawley and the folks behind all the others a shout out for having the energy, drive, and wherewithal to make these things.
And I would like to add my support for the TAS online comic as well.
And I also look forward to the audio plays info.
I may even be able to get involved with projects more on the scale of the comics and audios. :)
JMN
is it just me or does their cgi 1701 look better than the one used at cbs?
Got stick up for Exeter as well. In reference to this comment #30;
“obviously that is a much higher level than anything Exeter could do”
You might want to actually go and watch The Tressaurian Intersection before making such a definitive statement. Personally, I think TTI surpasses what we’ve seen of OGAM.
In my opinion, Exeter is the less fanboysh production in the Trek fan scene. Other works throw too much past TOS references in the plot (old Trek veteran actors are good, but having them in TOS era is always kind of innatural and forced), while Exeter tends to look more fresh and original.
Can’t we all just get along? :-)
Time for a joint mission of Exeter and Enterprise. It is only logical.
It does not surprise me that DeCandido objected to the nomination. Every time I have dealth with Keith I walk away witht the distinct impression that his ego knows no bounds.
I would, of course, only watch fanfilms that are TOS-related, and since there are only two of those out there, those are the only ones I watch.
I’m surprised I never hear more about “Starship Exeter,” though!! I enjoy it a lot more than New Voyages, which I feel is REALLY overrated and NOT as good as it’s made out to be. The latest episode of “Starship Exeter” blew me away in terms of film quality, editing quality, special effects, pacing, etc. “New Voyages” tends to have long, awkward pauses between lines (showing evidence of poor editing), and the stories tend to be long, drawn-out, and sleep inducing. Oh, but they’re “dramatic” because people DIE!! “New Voyages” creates false “drama” by going the cheap route; it takes skill to create real drama that doesn’t involve someone dying. Which is obviously skill that they don’t have. Have any of the characters really developed in any sense? Have their relationships with each other deepened or changed at all? No, the episodes focus on minor characters and give them up to 70 minutes to bawl at the camera. “New Voyages” is TOS, TNG-ified.
With the release of the second episode of “Starship Exeter,” that fanfilm’s production crew have shown they are highly capaple of producing quality entertainment in the true spirit of TOS. The episode is fast-paced, enjoyable, well-edited, and importantly, well-acted. With the minor exception of Captain Garrovick from “Starship Exeter,” the rest of the Exeter crew are much better actors than ANYONE on “New Voyages” (besides the real actors they are able to hire for some reason). Their episodes have a slightly “updated” and “modern TV” feel to them, while still keeping every ounce of soul that TOS had. This takes a hell of a lot of skill, and the quality of their most recent episode far surpasses even Tim Russ’ pet project.
Of the ones I’ve seen, Exeter is the best. Wish I could see more.
Zicree tells TrekMovie.com that he agrees that New Voyages is a fan production, but that it is “artistically professional.”
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!
In other words, you got yer bootie beat at the awards.
WEAT is just plain good. Can’t say as much for TSAMD. Beyond the sluggish pacing and painful acting in places (although the dude who is young Chekov nicely shares scenes with Walter) the main problem is that it’s a story built to support an ending — an ending that doesn’t fit. It’s not like you’re doing a series and kill off a character because the actor asked for a raise or got a DUI or something. This character lived past this point. If you don’t explain later Chekov, how can you kill TOS Chekov? I hope the new version offers some change we can grasp onto. Plus, I’m sorry, but the whole plot grab from The Deadly Years was weak.
Once again, though, I’ll say that no matter the detractions, these fan projects are awesome. If anyone needs a 45 year old cadet, let me know.
#53 As far awards to Professional writer working a fan series and receiving awards he does have a valid argument. He’s not objecting to the concept of fan produced series, though.
All looks GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
If any one here has Star trek legacy the game, you may be tired of shooting Romulans and Klingons. look up the ultimate universe mod for Legacy and you won’t regret it!!!!! it includes the Cardassians, Remans, Dominion, Breen, Vulcans and adds the TERRAN EMPIRE to the Federation with some juicy ships. existing races get more ships as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there may be some glitches in it which would be explained on any website which has the mod. but its well worth a look in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RE: other productions not mentioned in the article above
The article above focused on what was ‘news’ related to current fan films in the past few weeks. There are more productions out there of course, and when they release new trailers, images, announcements or episodes they will feature on future columns. We will probably also do some ‘overview’ columns. As the article mentions we are also asking for help from these productions. Those who are more pro active in reaching out and giving us access will help themselves get publicity here…that is just how it works.
the man who created the mod was a Guy called Chris Jones, he is now a comlete LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ah, that green is promoting OGAM moreso than any other element of tha film… and just in time for St. Patty’s Day…
Oh, me and Miles O’Brien
Went out a’beer a’buyin’
And what site thus had crossed our path?
A greeny girl in rags a’swathed!
“You be the married one” I reminded good ol’ Miles
“I be the one here to guiltless make some smiles.”
So me and Miles O’Brien
Parted for seperate flyin’
Me ta get all shot down by that there sultry lass she-hulk
And Miles ta drink til he be slammin’ into tha heads o’ bulk
(Just like Scottie did- Just like Scottie did)
arrrr… that could be a good fan film premise thar… St Patty’s in space… Quark can be tha leprechaun…
I streamed WEAT on my PC a couple of weeks ago. Personally, I thought it was a well written and acted piece of drama with some good production values. Whereas earlier efforts like In Harm’s Way were more “fannish” in nature (but still entertaining in their own way), the production values on WEAT really rivaled what I see on the Sci-Fi channel and other networks - at least thru my 17″ monitor; I haven’t gotten around to DL’ing a full screen version to stream to my PC.
Also, just what constitutes a “professional” production? The fact that it can’t make any profit shouldn’t be an issue - public television is non-profit and user supported but that doesn’t prevent it from being nominated for accolades. The fact that it doesn’t have a major studio behind it is irrelevant; how many indie films made on a shoestring have gone on to win fame, fortune and accolades. The fact that it has Paramount’s blessing makes it even more legitimate. And as Zicree mentioned, the filmmakers contracted and employed plenty of “professionals” - actors, writers, directors, craftsmen, etc. Just because it only airs in cyberspace instead of a network or movie theater shouldn’t lessen its legitimacy.
As others have said, I think people like DeCandido are just worried that these unconventional mediums are showing up the large studios and networks and demonstrating that there are alternative ways for people to get good entertainment.
I for one am glad WEAT was nominated for a Nebula; it would be a real coup for Trek AND independent productions if it could score a win.
It’s an Exeter Coup de tat !!!!!
Bailey where are you???? Say something undiplomatic
Ballzio you’re on my squad. Team Exeter is a go!!!!!
“I have nothing against the fan films. My objections were specific to the Nebulas and the rules laid down for what qualified for Best Script. Just because professionals worked on it doesn’t make it a professional production. If Kobe Bryant plays a pickup game on the streets of Los Angeles and brings his teammates, that doesn’t make it an NBA game.”
That’s a pretty good analogy, but OTOH it’s apparent that the line between what constitutes a fan vs. professional production is only going to become increasingly blurred as time goes on. While I’m not sure Zicree should have qualified for the Nebula either, it’s quite an coup in any case, and he (as well as the rest of the New Voyages team) has my sincere congratulations.
I was very impressed with the teaser and Act One of “The Tressaurian Intersection,” but not so much for Acts Two and Three–I’m still hoping for a great conclusion that will justify all of the care and effort that obviously went into it.
The nebula awards are not for a production of a script… they are for the script themselves. Or am I mistaken?
I just read Zicree’s entire statement. Never knew how much actually went into those episodes; I’m impressed.
And yo, KiKi DeCandido™ ….brohampsterdancer, you has got to release some dat tension, dig? Look at me main geezah, Edward Van Halen over there. GOTs a tour, checkit, back with his mate David Lee. Cuts down on dem touring costs by eighty-sixin’ Sauce Sobolewski and bringing his child to do the labor, aiiight? Bloke’s on top of the world like Sammy Hagar, innit?
Nope. He’s cancelling dem tours and is under medical supervision in rehab again, I say no no no. DAT is what da stressors be doin’ to da body. So you better listen up, KiKi. Big up yo self and learn from what flyin’ Eddie be tellin you with dem stressors an all dat. aiiight?
It’s ok to be right, in your own mind, when you see others as wrong. Yet they do not understand what they do not know. Which is what is in your mind. What I am saying is that in the continuum of right and wrong, please understand that we can all be right, and the others are all wrong all at the same time. Fate and destiny, Gump.
It’s simple broken clock theory, my friend. Twice a day, they always say. I think you understand. Of course you do.
BEST!!
=h=
It really saddens me to read here of all places, how some fans feel the need to have to attack fellow fans, for their passions and how they choose to celebrate their love of Trek.
James Cawley
JC™,
How ya doin’ babe. Long time no see.
You’re doing a fantabulous job. Don’t lets da hataz bring you down. Much love in the hood for your posse.
BEST!!
=h=
Everyone looks for the dark lining to the silver cloud. I say give me more Phase II, Exeter, OGAM, and all the rest. In this case, more is better. I am of the opinion that if the fan films are taking money out of your pocket, then you can bitch. Otherwise, you are snarking. And it is most un-becoming.
Has any comment ever been made about the lenses being used to shoot these fan films? I’m sure all the different fan productions at least peruse these boards, so maybe they’ll read this:
The acting, writing and CGI aside, building the costumes, props and sets *exactly* isn’t enough to take us back to a classic trek. Fan films *are* attempting to replicate some of the lighting that was used back in the day (as in “throwing” colored gels on the Enterprise set walls (though, they don’t seem to understand the importance of using shadows). But one thing I’ve noticed they seem to lack - and thus leaves them looking “fannish” - is a certain depth or breadth or whatever you would call it, that comes from using the same size and type lenses Jerry Finnerman used back in the 60s. The right lenses will make a small set look larger; the wrong lens will make even the most accurate-to-the-inch set look like, well, a fan-made production.
It really saddens me to read here of all places, how some fans feel the need to have to attack fellow fans, for their passions and how they choose to celebrate their love of Trek.
James Cawley
James, I’ll sit down over a Saurian Brandy and discuss any nits. I have said before and will say again — I could not do what you and others are doing. I would love to. I appreciate what you’re doing. I wish truly that SciFi or other outlets would wise up and build a showcase for these projects.
We nit pick because we’re geeky Trekkies. We want everything perfect and whine when it falls short of our imagination.
So, I’ll stop for the moment and just say: Thanks.
… Analysis… Probe call… Captain Spock… Opinion… extinct species, Humpback Whale… proper response… Do you read me…? Starfleet, if you read, we are going to attempt time travel. We are computing our trajectory at this time… late 20th century… circa 1967 …. proper camera lense techMology. aiight????
=h=
I’ve heard of a fish-eye lens, Hitch. Not sure about a Whale-eye lens.
I think it’s kind of sad that Starship Exeter gets overlooked in the fan film arena. Much as I like New Voyages, its first couple of installments were not very good (In Harm’s Way particularly comes to mind). I think that Exeter does just as good a job, if not better in some cases, than NV does. And it doesn’t have classic Trek writers and stunt casting to fall back on either.
Slow news week thus far.
One thing that I would really, really, really like to see… and I am serious as anything about this - I think it would be kewl to have an 8 x 10 of JC™ - in his Elvis costume, all Elvis’d out with the cape and the rhinestones and the TCB necklace - sitting in the captain’s chair of the Enterprise. That would be 100 times even cooler than the real picture of the real Elvis with Nixon getting his FBI badge on the war against drugs. Please don’t make fun of me. I just think that would be the coolest juxta™ on the front bumper of popular culture.
Can you even imagine how cool it must be to be JC™? You take a chick on a date, and have a candlelit dinner on the bridge of the Enterprise? You know that dude is gonna score. Swish! Every time.
=h=
Brit Dude#61- Great Patty’s Day ditty, dude.
What the heck is with the Fan Wanks who have to go out of their ways to diss one production or another, or even worse, diss one and say another is great? I guess nobody ever heard of the phrase “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”.
Here, watch this, and see if it reminds you of anyone:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-behave-on-an-internet-forum
I agree with Granite Trek. Stop slaggin perfection.
Q. What class of ship is the exeter????
Jorg#34- Hot tomatillo, with just the right combination of spices.
Ms. Pixie, looking at those pictures makes me want to go green myself - good for the environment and all…
# 78 Granite Trek maybe jealousy, the critic would love to be able to produce his or her own series and can’t, then gets jealous of those that can. The fact that fans doing these productions is a good thing, it means the trek franchise has vitality, means people still care about it enough to do these homages .
James, Congratulations on the Nebula nomination.
77
Thanke
now I’ll be re-mastering it for when tha day is upon us…
Either “Starship Class”, or “Constitution Class”, depending on what time frame you’re referencing. I don’t mean their time frame, I mean ” the people who make this stuff up’s” time frame.
I still call for a vote of Enterprise and Exeter teaming up. Until Kirk walks the bridge of the Exeter, there can be no peace!! ;-)
Speaking of Kirk… Congrats to you and your staff on the nomination, Jim!
One thing I can say in general about the fan films is that New Voyages™ DBA Phase II® definitely acted as a “gateway drug of choice” in terms of opening my eyes to the other fan based films that are out there.
Whats the one with all the Pennsylvanian accented actors where they meet George Washington? God I loved that one. Very well put together, nice story, running time like 1:35, very epic. You can totally tell that its Pennsyvania based, but much like the Pittsburgh Steelers love em or hate ‘em you have to respect what’s coming out of the Iron City™. And we’re living here in Allentoooooooooown….
About the only one that I didnt care for was the Scottish one. The accents were just too thick, I couldna understandem, aye. I am sure to them though, Americans are hard to understand with our accents and whatnot. Such is the global diversity and stuff. Heck, people tell me that I talk like a cowboy. Like cowboys and Indians kind of cowboy. Of course to me I sound normal. But all my east coast west coast friends and also that Canadian chick I dated said that about my speech.
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Hitch1969, I think you’ll find the problem was the quality of the audio, not the accents, which are anything but thick. Perhaps you should check out Orphans of War for a more accurate picture.
That Enterprise image is tres cool. Is this Daren Dochterman’s F/X work?
Ballzio on fire Kirk style !!!!! Take her to the observation lounge Brotha!!!!
My mom was actually a Playboy Bunny in the mid-Late 70’s at the Lake Geneva Playboy Resort. A very married Bill Cosby tried to get frisky. Better not hear you were a Gold Club member. You could be Pappy Ballzio?????
Intrepid FTW
Harry Ballz,
thread derailment deleted…one week ban for repeated ignoring of warnings
#38: “Once again Exeter gets the Gingerkid treatment. I believe it is the best and most orignal fan production and when the last episode came out there was not even a mention of it here.”
First, thanks to all for the kind words about “Exeter.”
Anthony and I have discussed this a couple of times - Trekmovie may have more to say, one way or the other, about “Starship Exeter” when the current episode has been released in its entirety.
Something for our grandkids to look forward to. Uh, seriously, we hope to be done sometime this Summer.
I’m not convinced that reviewing “Of Gods And Men” piece-by-piece is doing them or anyone else any favors, and am not disappointed that the same isn’t being done for “Exeter” (and I speak only for myself. I have no real idea how the other folks working on it feel). It’s really hard to evaluate half a story fairly.
Oh, and Lord Garth - I’m glad you liked the “saucer crash” scene so much. That may be my favorite moment of TTI as well, from a production and dramatic and effects and I’m-a-fanboy-who-always-wanted-to-see-that POV.
We called it our “Statue of Liberty” reveal. :)
First!
Well, first comment for me, anyway…
I have to say, “Exeter” seems to me to be the more earnest of the productions, although the production value of “Phase II” is really impressive. The acting on “Exeter” is a bit better, I think, but since these are “amateur” productions, I don’t expect the acting to be on the same level as official “Trek”.
amateur - using the original definition, being one who does something for the love of doing it (don’t read that as “unprofessional”…)
I’ve never bought Cawley as Kirk. If he were playing a different captain, fine, it would work better. But saying that, I give him his props for the productions. I’m impressed at the way the stories have improved, the casting coups are fun surprises, and the effects are beyond impressive.
“Exeter” impressed me at the outset, with such exacting attention to detail in everything. I think these two productions are setting the standard for all of the others. There’s a lot to be said for real sets over virtual ones…
Haven’t seen “Of Gods and Men” yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
Here’s my thing with JC™’s Kirk - the effing guy spends all this time and money and energy putting together the New Voyages - he deserves to play any part that he wants. Acting, schmacting - to all the critics, I would say THIS: When you watch James Cawley as JTK© - and knowing a bit about his backstory, and roughly therebouts hereto, and you see the genuine childlike excitement and appreciation of the situation he’s in… that to me shines more than any sort of acting, emoting, or otherwise performing. And I am not saying that he’s a bad actor by any stretch - he sells me just fine on his version of Kirk. I guess what I am saying is that he has something that even Shatner did not have back in the days of the original series - that desire and joy - that ultimately make him the superior Kirk in my book.
When I read the Star Trek novels, no longer do I envision Shatner as Kirk. Chris Pine may indeed make a decent Kirk, only time will tell if he stands the test of time. But to me… the definitive Kirok Unit™ as any V’GR/ Miramaneee hybrid will tell you - is JC™. THAT is what I am saying.
Give JC™ and Phase II ALL the awards, I say. Heck, name the awards after them, I do declare!
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Thanks Denny when I saw that “Statue of Liberty” (re: Planet of der Apes) reveal I literaly got goosebumbs and watched it maybe a dozen times. Maybe someone can post a Hi-res pic of it to show our little family how amazing it is!!!
And Dennis is being his usual humble self. Folks I Sh*t you not when I say the Starship CG effects in Tressurian Intersection are easily as good and more consistant than CBS digital on their best efforts (Space Seed, Doomsday) Go see Dennis’s homage to the Exeter flyby close up interior Bridge reveal (like the one from The Cage and Menagere) His is dead on perfect!!! I am also a huge fan of Thomas Sasser’s integrated model effects (yes boys and girls real life hand built model work !!!) seamlessly integrated with the CG effects. Thomas Sasser is an amazing model builder and his Star Trek work over at culttvman.com is as close to shooting model pro stuff as I have ever seen.
There is a lot of love going on over there with the Exeter crew and it really shows in the thus completed work. I personally donated to the cause and I am proud to have done so. I do hope we see the finished product but what they have been able to accomplish with far less money, time and fanfare and no Hollywood help just blows me away. That being said I really do appreciate all the fan films and their hard work to make their own personal dreams come true and to entertain us. I would hope the Exeter guys get to shine here with a little round table discussion of some kind. I believe they are entitled and I think judging by the enormous outpouring of support for Exeter we would love to see them come out of their shells!!
You wouldn’t like us if we came out of our shells - we’re very wrinkly and kind of green and squishy like naked turtles.
Exeter is awesome. I wish I had a ton of cash I could give you guys so that we could “speed up the process”. But no worries. I will be there when it arrives online.
And Garth, I agree. That wrecked Kongo was very cool.
To hitch: I’m not saying Cawley’s a bad actor. Far from it. He does a pretty passable Kirk. But there’s just some times when it feels like he’s trying too hard to mimic Shatner. He should own Kirk as his own character. That’s all I’m saying.
I just sat and watched “Tressaurian” again. Can’t stand that the last piece isn’t there yet, but I can wait… the effects work is good. Editing could be a little tighter. And I agree, the Kongo shot (along with the other exteriors on the planet) - masterful.
Holy Heck!
That picture of Chase Masterson! Oy!
Brings the Klingon out in me.
#94 ” guess what I am saying is that he has something that even Shatner did not have back in the days of the original series - that desire and joy - that ultimately make him the superior Kirk in my book. ”
… note to self: Never borrow anything from Hitch’s library!
Probably a good idea, only because if you’re overdue instead of a few pennies a day he sends someone round to beat you with a pool cue.
#100 … Me either! Yikes!
Oh, and I think “Exeter” is a lot of fun… and I love the FX too. :) so there.
Alright, alright… admittedly- My non-belligerent enthusiasm for Phase II® and continued endorsement probably for JC™ feels something akin to Lennon / McCartney back in the day when Chuck Manson and The Fam© tried using the Helter Skelter legal defense theory. Or atleast to some here, I am sure it might seem like that. So point taken, and there’s some validity in the perception of myself that I create.
So I express it a little differently than most, but overall my point is that I find these fan movies inspiring. To hear even the most minor or valid criticisms of them just makes me cringe and absolutely ruins my day. Someone asked previously if we are just to blindly accept these fan movies and not watch with a critical eye. The answer is absolutely YES.
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Except for the accents obviously, Hitch. ;)
Touche’, Nick C is for Cookie™. Quick with the wit - me likey.
Well dude, when the things in an entirely foreign language like that… Maybe some subtitles. Then I could have followed the story. Or maybe I can take some classes to learn the Irish language. There’s some give and take potential there though. In any event, I consider the foreign language fan films to be undiscovered gems that I can decipher in the future somehow… some… way. When the techMology exists - of course I am talking about the Universal Translator®.
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Well as I said up thread, we really don’t have especially thick accents. I suspect the poor quality of the dialogue track is mostly what’s getting you. If you check out Orphans of War, you may be surprised to find you understand *most *of the dialogue delivered by the Scots.
Failing that, there are subtitles available. ;)
I would love to see a fan made movie about the ill fated Starship Valient , the first ship to find the energy barrier at the edge of space. Here’s better one, since the studios are not doing it how about a fan made movie dealing with the Earth Romulan war in the 22nd century, It would be nice if some of these trek history events could be dealt with.
Ok. Nick C is for Cookie™. Cross me pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, green clovers, blue diamonds and may I kiss the Blarney Stone of Killarney Court - In the spirit of St. Patrick’s day coming up, tonight I promise, I shall sit down with me mac book and some green Budweisers and watch Orphans of War.
You know I torrented DS9 episode “The Visitor” the other night. Not really here nor there in terms of fan films, but I think that was the feel that World Enough and Time was going for. Because JC™ understands. Therefore, I maintain that Phase Dos® is the fulcrum.
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You’re a gentleman and a scholar, Hitch.
Where are my posts??
Oh, stupid browser…there they are…sorry about that…
Why do these fan-flick discussions always drop to the level of squabbling playground kids?
“Yeah, well *show-A* is better because of….”
“Naw…*show-B* is better, so THPT!!!”
C’mon gang. Each fan-film has it’s flaws and weaknesses. In the end, they are all Trek, and are all done out of love for the show(s).
…and loving one show doesn’t automatically mean you can’t enjoy the other ones as well.
Sheesh.
Well said, Canadianknight. :)
#113 - Canadianknight -
If you think that these intellectual discussions regarding the artistic and creative merit of these fan-produced film productions is nothing more than “playground squabble,” then I suppose you consider any other intellectual debate held in the history of humankind, from the Greeks onward, to be equally juvenille. Which is, in itself, a juvenille viewpoint to have.
We are allowed to discuss the quality (or lack thereof) of a certain film production and measure its merits against those of another. To repeat: this is perfectly acceptable and mature behavior.
How about getting off your high horse and learn that there’s nothing wrong with a little discussion every once and a while?
#115: “If you think that these intellectual discussions regarding the artistic and creative merit of these fan-produced film productions is nothing more than “playground squabble,” then I suppose you consider any other intellectual debate held in the history of humankind, from the Greeks onward, to be equally juvenille.”
I really think that the history of human thought has plumbed depths and ascended to heights somewhat greater than the online squabbles regarding fan films. The back-and-forth about who is better than who, and who “sucks,” and who’s a good actor and who’s a bad actor really aren’t much more than playground-level stuff.
I understand that and it makes good sense. But when I start reading and see all these folks taking shots at JC™, I get a little defensive for him. I don’t want KiKi® hurting his feelings like that. And I don’t want to be mean or disrespect KiKi Dee®. I mean you saw what JC™ posted. The guy is an artist and he feels things deeply, especially regarding his project. And some of the posts just going on and on about his acting, his hair, that he doesnt deserve an award… valid criticism is one thing but some of the comments just looked like cheap shots to me. And make no mistake, JC™ is THE TALENT. I like to do whatever it is that hitch1969 can do to keep the talent happy. JC™ needs to feel the warmth of the BLANKET OF APPRECIATION®, not stumble into the LCD happening in what should be a celebration of his work. Call me a cheerleader, or a glass half-full kind of guy that I am. It’s not about opportunities lost, it’s about realizing potential and going for the brass ring around the rosie, pocket full of posie. To an fro, all the live long day. Ashes to ashes, funk to funky, we know Major Tom’s a junkie.
And I can bust the rhymes all day long like thats just the way I roll, but can you dig what I am saying??? Of course you can.
BEST!!
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You’ll be hearing from Major Tom’s attorney. His client is currently in celebrity rehab and is pretty sensitive about his illness.
Cook and Bailey… first of all please let me be forthcoming in my apologies to the inadvertent insult which I made to you both in these comments here. I was at a disadvantage of not knowing to whom I spoke. Here I am going on about Cawley this, Cawley that. And of course I meant all of it, yet given this new perspectus from my rectus this evening - having, as promised, sat down at the laptop with The King Of Beers for an evening of Trek fan filmdom.
My first stop was Orphans of War. I downloaded, and let the Quicktime experience begin. Like, about the first opening credit was NICK COOK. God, I felt so stupid - a great moment of humility for old h69. What a dickhead I had been about the accents, and he was so courteous to me in return. So anyway I went to your wiki page afterward to school myself a little. Great episode, marvelous and thank you sir. AND just as you said, the sound was much much better and I understood everything just fine.
Bailey, you scoundrel, but no cue stick to the head for you. I went to your site hyperlinked from your name here, and see that you are involved with Exeter. SO I re-watched The Savage Empire and am getting ready to watch The Tressaurian Intersection. Of course I didnt know that you were a part of the Exeter team. These are also very good episodes, wonderful, and thank you sir.
TO some degree, I appreciate the fact that you both sort of called me on my behavior. And while I dont want to take too much more time here going on about it, if either of you want to drop me a line outside of this site I can eleborate further and would enjoy the back n forth. YES, I am going to give you my private personal email that only JC and AP and Sir Randall and The Vulcanista have, my supermodeldoug AOL account.
supermodeldoug@aol.com
Let’s be very discreet with that, fellas. And in the meantime, I shall continue to be a vocal advocate of the Trek fan films here at Trek movie dot com. I didn’t mean to slight any other fan productions with my praise of Phase II, but perhaps I had New Voyages tunnelvision - and it was not intentional.
Cherry Cordials,
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AND a final comment to Bailey… as in DRuss B-Flav©: Again, apologies for my whittled away by alcohol swiss cheese kind of brain for not realizing that you were the master wordsmith who I praised so long ago in a trek movie dot com review of the remastered “Menagerie”. I think we used to call it MAC IN THE PANTS back then. Of course the term still applies today.
In this thread, I walk among the legends. For that, I am appreciative. I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!!!
PARTY ON WAYNE, PARTY ON GARTH!!
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#53: Sorry I gave you that impression, Jim, but I can assure you that my ego and how bounded it might be has precisely nothing to do with any of this. Hell, my being a Star Trek novelist has nothing to do with this. This was an objection as an active member of SFWA to what I viewed as a rules violation. SFWA investigated the matter, and let it stand. So as far as I’m concerned, it’s over, which folks would know if they actually clicked on the provided link.
#62: Tony, I’m not “worried” about anything, and I have no problem with the fan films and wish them well. I just didn’t think they qualified for this particular award.
re 121. Keith R.A. DeCandido
KiKi Dee®, don’t go breakin’ my heart. I like how you have just honestly and plainly stated your intent. Much respek, aiiiiight? You make a much better justification for your argument with that tone. I am proud of you.
DRuss B-Flav©: When’s that “tag/credits” .mov for The Tressaurian Intersection going to be available??? “This portion of The Tressaurian Intersection is in the final stages of post production. for details, please visit EXETERSTUDIO.COM” is driving me nutz. Let’s please make that happen sooner than later. MMkay? thanks, big guy.
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Hitch, glad you enjoyed it, and no apology necessary. I know how bad that dialogue track is. Ah, if only we’d known at the start what we know now, I’d have invested the money in a decent mic. :)
Hitch, it wasn’t my intention to criticize you anywhere in my remarks - I generally get a kick out of your posts here.
Man Hitch is here, Mr. Bailey is in the stands, and Exeter is about! All is right in this part of the universe! ;) Hey fan flicks never hurt anyone, we all have our faves and wow I am truly amazed at the work that goes into the ones I have seen. So a round of applause for all of you hard working creators out there. I know how much time and effort it can take. Cheers!
Oh yes seeing a green Chase Masterson really brightens my day. Oh yes a few weekends back I walked by her table and she seemed to be looking over a script, I just could not interrupt her moment. But gosh she looked lovely as ever.