TrekIn09: Best Star Trek Fan Productions Of 2009

Star Trek fans don’t just sit around and wait for the next thing to come from CBS and Paramount, many of them like to ‘roll their own’. Today TrekMovie picks our favorite audio and video Star Trek fan productions of 2009.

 

 

BEST STAR TREK FAN PRODUCTIONS OF 2009
 

Fan Production of the Year – Star Trek Phase II "Blood and Fire Part 2"
After a year-long wait, the Phase II team finally delivered a very satisfying conclusion to David Gerrold’s "Blood and Fire". Updated from a TNG script to fit with the Original Series crew, Gerrold told an emotional yet exciting story, complete with the excellent production values and effects that we have come to expect from the Phase II team. [see TrekMovie review].

Best Audio series – Star Trek Defiant
Fans of Star Trek audio books have not had much to be happy about since the output from Pocket Books slowed to a trickle, but there are a number of interesting audio productions from fans to chose from. This year we have been impressed with the folks from Pendant Audio, who have been producting "Star Trek Defiant", a full cast audio set in the DS9 universe for the last three years. With interesting stories and strong voice acting, it is worth checking out at pendantaudio.com/defiant

Best Fan Animation – Klingon Propaganda
In October TrekMovie first reported a mysterious new video on YouTube called "Klingon Propaganda", which ended up being shown all over the web. It was so well-made that many thought it was the beginning of an official viral campaign. After a week or so the creator, Mark Farinas came forward and revealed the animation was a labor of love, and proof of concept that animated Star Trek could live again.

Best Podcast – TrekCast
There are a lot of Star Trek related podcasts, but the favorite for 2009 for TrekMovie is TrekCast. Broadcasting out of Las Vegas, the TrekCast is headed up by David Ivy and Darren Benjamin (who used to be a bartender at Quark’s at the Star Trek The Experience). The show debates the Trek issues of the day, includes guests, and mostly has a lot of fun. Check it out at trekcast.com.

Best Mashup  – Star Trek Torch (by Spockboy) 
Our old friend Paul ‘Spockboy’ Sibbald put this amazing video together to commemorate the passing of the torch in 2009 and to remind everyone where Star Trek began.

Best Mashup  (humor) – Happy in Paraguay (by Day Job Orchestra) 
This totally not safe for work video takes clips from the Next Generation and adds new audio that matches the lip movements, but doesn’t make a whole lot of sense…but it is still pretty funny! [Warning: contains adult language]

Best Viral Video: Kirk vs. Spock Dance Off (by WickedAwesomeFilms)
The folks at Wicked Awesome Films were insprired by the new Star Trek movie and Spock and Kirk going head to head, but they really wanted to know…who is the better dancer?

More TrekIn09
TrekMovie is looking back at the year that was. In the series so far:

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I thought the Klingon Propaganda was brilliant, but I still think it pales to labor of love that is the Farragut stuff (http://www.farragut-animated.com/) … while the voice acting on Farragut was winceworthy, the animation approached 100% perfect evocation of both the look and motion of The Animated Series.

But either way, I applaud all these productions and all those not mentioned … the people who do this stuff are all awesome.

Passing the torch was cool and I look forward to more Prime stories with Phase II

Sorry, but Klingon Propaganda gets more points for originality than that Farragut series.

#3: Entirely understandable. I just wish that this list, like (for example) the books and comics list, had offered up a few words for the also-rans.

The Star Trek Phase II crew needs to work a bit more on achieving consistent audio levels. Closer miking to the actors would help. The audio in the scenes on the bridge makes me cringe at times.

Surprised Kirk kissing the woman before punching her in the face didnt get a mention. That made the YouTube rounds this year lol

Loved the “passing the torch” video. I’ve watched that so many times, and I never love it any less with each viewing. It’s so awesome, and simultaneously so touching (in a nerdy Star Trek kind of way, LOL).

What a fab year!

Iam sorry but as much as i try i just cant get into star trek phase II.
While the special effects are top notch, the acting just is not doing it for me.
I know the people who work on that production frequent this site, so please dont take my critiques personally.

I just dont understand how a production that has so many things right going for it. (i.e. having actual trek actors guest star, and having excellent special effects) can not produce something better.
granted your main actors are fans, so to expect great acting is a bit much.

But how can you get such a bad acting performance out of a talented actress like Denise Crosby.

and iam sorry but your spock you have now seems like a bad impersanation of Quinto.

Again please understand iam not bashing your production just to bash it, I really want to like it and keep giving it a chance when new episodes are released and i totally respect the energy and effort put into by the crew and cast(for what iam guess to be little to no pay) but its just not doing it for me.

I respect the work you put into please respect my right to have an opinon on its quality and not take it personally.

oh and one more thing, There is one person who does stand out acting wise though, and thats your actor you have playing Scotty.
that guy stands out among your cast, you should find a way to feature him more in your production.

@8. Autumn of 76 “But how can you get such a bad acting performance out of a talented actress like Denise Crosby.”

Non sequiter. Your facts are uncoordinated.

Spockboy, sometimes you’re a pain in the comments but I must admit that you put together an amazing video. I hadn’t seen it before. It’s beautiful.

Happy in Paraguay is good for a laugh, but I don’t think it can compare to the _dozens_ of TNG edits by gazorra that can be found on YouTube.

Star Trek Phase II is great, but I wish they had done new characters. I just don’t see most of the characters. On the other hand, some of them do better than the well compensated Star Trek 11 actors.

5. Jeffrey S. Nelson: The audio in BaF Part 2 Acts 3 onwards are temporary and will be replaced with the final audio in the near future.

Best,
Robert

8. Autumn of 76: Just a couple of comments…

“But how can you get such a bad acting performance out of a talented actress like Denise Crosby.”

To each their own. I thought Denise did wonderful. She was always on her mark, always knew her lines, and (IMHO) delivered them in a way that was very fitting to the character…

“and iam sorry but your spock you have now seems like a bad impersanation of Quinto.”

LoL! Since we filmed this long before ST:11 started filming, then *IF* you are correct as to the acting similarities, then Quinto would be the bad impersonation of Tolpin – not the other way around as you are indicating. Just something to think about.

Best,
Robert

Phase II looks wonderful! Sure you have to understand that it’s a fan production, but the love really shows and it carries the day. I am very impressed. Well done!

“Power Source” (Starship Farragut) gets my vote as the best animated Trek of 2009. Dead on “Filmation” by Neo FX. The voiceover work was fine.

To be honest, there should really be an ‘official’ contest sponsored by TrekMovie, or even Paramount / CBS. While maybe a pipedream, it might inspire more of these fan production.

For those that ARE interested in Starship Farragut-The Animated Episodes, we just released the first act of our second episode entitled “The Needs of the Many”. This stars the Farragut crew, and has performances by Tim Russ and Chris Doohan.

There is a special guest introduced in Act 1 that could be considered ‘fan-boyish’ ; however, this is a fan-produced episode, so some of the is to be expected :). Act 2, to be released by February, will include a great performance by Chase Masterson.

http://farragut-animated.com/needs.html

As long as we are giving opinions about Phase II, I’d have to say I’d rather watch it than many ENT episodes. Phase II gets the feeling, pacing, and vibe of early trek down pat, understands the philosophy, takes the same kind of risks, and honestly rivals some of the (lesser) TOS episodes when it comes to acting. I’m very happy it exists.

I prefer Hidden Frontier. More episodes, more alien species (kudos to makeup), better looking environments (more detailed) and 24. century (looks more convincing to me – but I was always more of a TNG/DS9/VOY fan). Independently, Phase 2 is really great.

Congrats to all of the aforementioned ‘bests!’

I especially enjoy ST: PII and Farragut… uh, what happened to Exeter this year?

Happy New Year everyone!

I really liked part !! of Blood and Fire. But have they actually released the finished product. I saw the version with temporary music in some parts. Is it finally finished and released?

Why is it people cant take criticsim or accept that not everyone is going to find enjoyment or merits in these productions.
seriously.

#10 please explain to me how my facts uncordinated, and what does that statement even have to do with what i wrote? really tell me?
Your going to honestly sit there and tell me that the performance the director got from her in this is a great one! that its just as good as the performances the directors of STTNG, of Deep Impact, Of Pet Semetary and any of the other countless movies and tv series she has played a part on? Denise Crosby is such a talented actress yet the performance as edited and featured in this production doesnt do her any justice? she is a far better actress than what this episode showcases.

#15 again see above my respsonse to #8 can you honestly tell me the performance you got from her as you have it edited is just as compelling and good as what shes done proffesionally.
A good director can get a good perfomance out of a ok to moderate actor and a great director can get an amazing performance out of a great actress.
but bad direction can make even the most talented actress on the planet come across really really bad.

Iam sorry if my criticism rubs you the wrong way, but as i said i have tried on several occasions to give this show a chance, and like i said i am not just bashing to bash it. I respect all the time and energy and effort that goes into these productions. in many ways these fan productions(not just star trek but any fan production) are in the same vein as community theatre(main exception being you do manage to get quite a bit of proffesional talent to join in on what iam sure must be a fun experience for you all) But even people going to community theatre critique the acting performances and production values inspite of the fact the cast crew volunteer there time and energy. so you have to expect that people who invest the time to give your production a chance will be willing to come right out and tell you when something works and when it doesnt.

you didnt even make mention of my compliments on your production values,special effects etc. or the praise i gave your actor who portarys scotty. You chose to hone in on the criticism of the acting performance of your proffesional actress and of the person you have playing spock.
which in that case wow thats actually intresting that his voice comes across more in line with Quinto and than nimoy inspite of as you said being filmed long before star trek 09 was filmed.

my main critique of that actor is his manerisms, you know like how hes holding himself, his stage presence (or actually lack of one) he kind of just hunches and slouches in several of the scenes.(especially was noticed the slouching of the shoulders in the teaser righ before he is beamed out) again thats just not good acting, you use your entire body to convey your character and it just looks sloppy when an actor is not in character when he thinks hes not the focus of the scene playing out at the time.

Again i have nothing but respect for the time and energy put into this production, and as i said your special effects and make up and production values are excellent, its just the acting that really is not all that great.

when you put a product out there, even one that people arent getting paid for or your not getting a profit off of you still have to expect and respect when someone gives you feedback you might not like. if you want everyone to invest their time to watch your productions than you can take to heart both compliments and criticism(which i gave both )

And when people give you criticism you should take that and use it to help you push harder so there is less criticism for the next one.

I wouldnt keep going back to watch if i didnt think there was potential to the production, Ive given it seveal chances to win me over and iam sure i will again in the future but it just hasnt yet.

next time though if you respond me, be sure to remember i gave your production several compliments as well, and it was not just all negative.

#10 I do have a question for you, actually any of you who are on here who prodcue these fan shows.

in terms of your guest casting, how do you guys work it out to get proffesional sag actors and actresses such as
Densie Crosby, Tim Russ, George Takei, chase Masterson?

do you compensate them for their time, Do they Volunteer their time and skills? and what about the unions, do you get waivers or special agrements with SAG or AFTRA giving you permison to use uninon actors on these productions?

again just a curiousity i had.

Congrats to Dave and Darren of Trekcast for their great podcast! They are great friends and talented guys who love all things Trek. They also do a great job keeping the memory of Star Trek:the Experience alive and well. Check them out!

I think Defiant is from a few years ago. That think with the apple juice is crap.

That clip by Spockboy was way cool. Excellent work.

#24 For the Farragut Animated productions (the only one I can speak about), NEO f/x was required by their union to become ‘signatory’ to allow us to ‘hire’ these professionals. I don’t know how much paperwork I personally signed, but most of it had to do with following the bylaws of the union; that we pay them at least a minimum wage for the state they were performing in, and that a certain percentage of that pay would then be contributed to their retirement accounts. Since ours is a ‘not for profit’ production, I didn’t need to worry about residuals or any of that aspect.

I was lead to believe SAG frowns on actor volunteering their time; however, the actors can name any price as long as it is above the minimum hourly wage of the state. Since ours was animation, I didn’t have to worry about insurance for stunts or anything like that; however, I know that is a consideration in some productions.

Hope that helps…that was our production. I cannot speak for other productions.

@26- Rob- Defiant is still around and still in production, coming out bimonthly. The story started out as a text RP group around fifteen years ago, if that is what you remember. The show made the jump to audio around four years ago.

Oh, and by bimonthly I mean “monthly.” I had a different show in mind.

One thing that made no sense. How can Peter Kirk be gay when in the last roundup novel he was straight and his girl friend/wife was Kilngon.
Or is like the JJfilm this set in a seperate continuity?

22. Mark Anton:

Not yet. A front page announcement and forum announcement will be made when it’s complete.

23. Autumn of 76 (re #15):

David Gerrold was happy with her performances, so I can only imagine that he got out of her what he wanted in terms of the performance. Sorry you disagree, but then again you didnt direct it, he did.

Your criticism didnt rub me the wrong way… I thought it was humorous, which I think I indicated in my post (the LoL). Especially the part about Tolpin doing a bad imitation of Quinto even though Tolpin did BaF before Quinto was even a part of ST:11.

“next time though if you respond me, be sure to remember i gave your production several compliments as well, and it was not just all negative.”

No, next time I will respond as I see fit, just like last time. I am not sure why you expected someone to pick a fight with you based on your opinion (you indicated this in your earlier post), but that was not my intent. Perhaps, if you dropped such preconceived notions, you would not have such a misunderstanding. We all appreciate the comments that you have made, truly. But next time, please dont read into my posts for an attitude that was not there, and was not intended; based on your preconceived notion of how you think I would respond.

Or more simply… relax! There was nothing of ill intent in my response to you, even though you expected it and looked for such. And thanks again for the compliments.

30. skyjedi:

Novels are not canon (per Paramount), and I dont think anyone ever claimed he was gay anyway.

24. Autumn of 76:

Not something I can comment on, other than mentioning we are SAG Signatory and comply with all requirements for SAG actors. This is something (due to the nature of such) that you would need to discuss with the particular talent and/or their agent as each situation varies (webisode, direct to DVD, TV, movie, etc – in addition to their own requirements per their SAG membership).

30., 31. It is the James Cawley production of Star Trek: Phase II which portrtayed Peter Kirk as a gay man. The story, entitled “Blood And Fire,” was written by David Gerrold of “Tribbles” fame. Watch the episode for more info!

#32 :: Oh, omigosh, someone else has actually read that novel. 8D I thought I was, like, the only one, ha. Personally, I thought it was fabulous, in my opinion but, yah, whatever.

Just wanted to make a comment on all the “Phase II” talk. I think it’s absolutely fantastic for a fan production. I have honestly not seen anything else (in that category) that has impressed me more. No, I admit, it’s not perfect, but it’s also not under the benefit of a multi-million dollar company like CBS, or UPN, or Paramount, or whatever. In that sense, it’s pretty darn amazing what all the actors and actresses and crew (everyone really) has been able to accomplish. You’re all to be commended!

(Gr, I meant, to “#30” there. Sorry, guys!)

The Dance-Off one was Stink-On-Ice. Phase II, I look forward to.

I hope that someone somewhere puts on an “Enterprise” fan production with live actors. I watched the video of the action figures and thought that was awesome. But I guess the complexity and expenses of building NX-01 sets might preclude that from happening. I am not alone in wanting an “Enterprise” equivalent of “Star Trek: Phase II:.

I, for one, do not think it is fair to look at fan-made productions with a “professional” eye. First, and foremost, the sort of finances available to the pro is far beyond what fan-made productions have available. The fact that a production like Phase II looks as good as it does owes more to the imaginations and ingenuity of those involved than it certainly does to $$$. Secondly, the overall look, feel, etc. of a professionally produced program is the result of having “the right tools for the right job,” while the fan-made shows are made with whatever tools are available, and, in some cases, without any tools at all. It is all well and good to give these folks credit on the one hand, yet cut them no slack on the other.
As for the acting, I’m sure many of these people (I’m not referring to the pro actors) are either actors waiting for a break, amature actors, or simply fans. To expect them to deliver “feature film” performances is, IMO, being rather unfair, and, perhaps, unrealistic. I give them all a great deal of credit for putting themselves in front of a camera.
Finally, the people making these productions are fans… hence “fan-made.” The fans are not allowed to profit off anything they do, it is all done as a labor of love, people having fun playing around in the Star Trek Universe. Many fans (myself included) would love the opportunity to do something within the world of Trek, and an unpaid fan-made gig is probably the only opportunity to ever do that. And then, I’m sure, there are many fans who only imagine doing it but never do. People like James Cawley are actually doing it. They should only be congratulated for that, not criticized. It is one thing for a pro to tell Mr. Cawley something like, “Y’know, I didn’t think this particular scene or that particular effect worked; what if you did it this way or that….” — just as a suggestion, with the knowledge that might make it work. But for another fan to come along and rattle off a list of criticisms — without any real ability to contribute something constructive — amounts to nothing.
Fan-made productions (of whatever kind) might please you, or not. For the people making them, it is a noble endeavor. I’ve said many times: no artist sets out to create something people are not going to like.

33. P Technobabble:

It showed Peter being in love with another guy… that does not necessarily make him anything.

As #38 quite rightly points out, Peter Kirk being involved in a same sex relationship does not necessarily mean he is gay.

39, 40. Robert & Nick

I guess you are right, forgive my choice of words. I would point out, however, that in purely conventional terms, same sex relationships are typically referred to as “gay,” or “lesbian,” or “transsexual,” or maybe some other terms. The terms each have specific connotations, none of which I had anything to do with.
I play in a band with four other guys, whom I love dearly, yet none of us has ever had sex with each other. If we did, most people would probably tag us as “gay.” Am I wrong about this? Are we splitting atoms, at this point?
I wasn’t trying to be offensive. It seems to me that, in previous posts regarding this particular episode, Peter Kirk was referred to as being gay. I’m willing to be corrected if I am wrong, of course.

Technobabble, I can’t comment on what the producers intention is, I’m not in that loop, but while some people in same sex relationships are indeed gay, some are bisexual. So it’s entirely possible Peter could be bisexual (though I make no claim one way or the other). :)

#41: “[…]in purely conventional terms, same sex relationships are typically referred to as “gay,” or “lesbian,” or “transsexual,” […]”

How can a _relationship_ be transsexual? :/

I’d like a Klingon starship based series. Animated or otherwise. On a new class of ship too. Something original.

#41 – transsexual??? Absolutely not! I am a transsexual and I can tell hou that same sex relationships have no association with the term “transsexual”…

Transsexual is about gender.
Gay and Straight and Lesbian are about orientation/innate attractions.

Wow. I never thought I’d see something like that in print.

IDIC LOL

43, 45. S. John & Helen

Apparently, we are splitting atoms, and subatomic particles, etc.
Look, I was just speaking in very general terms, I don’t care what anyone IS, what sexual preference they practice, what they call themselves, nor do I really focus that much of my attention on sexual relationships, other than my own… I really wasn’t expecting the Spanish Inquisition, folks. Someone, in an earlier post, said they had never seen any mention of Peter Kirk — a completely ficticious character, I might add — as being gay, and I distinctly recall there being some mention of it, regarding the episode which David Gerrold had originally written as a kind of allegory about AIDS and, I’ll quote from Wikipedia:
“With Gerrold’s permission, Carlos Pedraza rewrote Blood and Fire for the fan series Star Trek: New Voyages. Gerrold did a final draft polish (possibly to expand the gay relationship to something more than a hint) and also directed the episode. The episode has come under fire for showing the two crewmembers “dry humping” and sharing an extended, open-mouthed kiss while in their quarters…”
I was simply trying to answer that person’s question, based upon seeing the episode and whatever else I had read/heard about the episode, and was merely commenting on it from a purely conventional point of view, not as any kind of judge, nor as the author.

I’m hoping that no one is trying to imply that I meant something more than what I said, and, AGAIN, I will apologize if I offended anyone, but there’s really no need AT ALL for anyone to be taking anything I say personally, since I don’t know anyone who frequents here personally, and no one knows me personally. I am not anti- ANYONE, so I hope ANYONE will not attempt to turn this into some sort of problem. I did not create the world as it is, nor do I fully understand all of it, in all of its complexities. If anyone bothers to read the majority of my posts, they should, by now, realize that I am a harmless, peaceful guy who is not out to start a lot of crap with anyone else. Be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and whatever else there is to be, I’m not a judge nor a jury nor even a critic of any of that. I was just throwing in my two cents regarding the episode. If I missed the cup, I’ll try harder next time. Please don’t shoot me, I’m dying just like you and everyone else… whew…….

#38 here is the thing, Fan productions are very much like Community theatre, and like community theatre, viewers are asked to invest are time in watching them. true the actors and talent are not being paid monetarily, but that doesnt mean we have to accept a bad performance.

and if what you mention is true that people in these productions are wanna be actors, then yes it is to be expected by us the viewers that they do put in a good performance. Just as they should be expected to be able to graciously take both criticism and praise, and respect your viewers opinon and not just rudely tell them that they are wrong or have no idea what they are talking about.

iam not specificly talking about New voyages, as i stated my criticism and compliments about the production in an earlier post, with the compliments being ignored while the negatives being trumpted and being shot down.

in any artistic medium the artist needs to understand your audience can and will (rightfully so) tell you point blank when something disagrees with them. If the artists involved in producing something can not take critics negative remarks, then you shouldnt be putting your art on display for the world to see. Artists should take any negative criticism and use it to push them harder to win over their critics.

I know iam sure that my comment will result in people who are going to try and tear my comment apart, But if you want me to watch your production or recomend it potentially to friends then you can read and respect MY opinon.

One thing i left off, earlier in this thread poster number 5 made a critique about the audio quality of a production and even went on to give advice as to away this can be solved for future productions.

rather than thanking him for his observation or help
The response given was that all of the acts starting with part 3 featured temporary audio and that a final audio track would be added latter.
Iam sorry but why would you release a episode if the audio was not yet finalized and completed.

oh well like i said some of these shows have some good things going for them and negatives as well but rather than be gratefull and appreciative of the complimenting there instead seems to be a defensive tone in responses that are anything other than lavishing praise.

P Technobabble. For the record, no offense taken here, I was just trying to add something to your own comments. :)

Autmon of 76, perhaps if you actually gave some constructive criticism of the acting, rather than just dismissing it as bad, someone might actually give some credence to your comments. As it is, they mostly amount to “your actors suck” which is hardly constructive.