Watch: New Episode From Fan Series Starship Farragut – ‘Price of Anything’

It has been two years since their last outing, but now the Star Trek TOS-era based fan series Starship Farragut has just release a new episode, "Price of Anything." This third episode finds the crew of the USS Farragut facing off against Romulans. You can learn more about it below an watch the entire episode. 

 

Starship Farragut Episode 3: "Price of Anything"

Starship Farragut takes place in the same time period as the classic Star Trek series, but with a different ship and crew. The show is set on board the USS Farragut, which is a Constitution Class starship (like the USS Enterprise).

Here is the official plot summary for "Price of Anything."

Captain Carter is reunited with his estranged father for an important mission to secretly transport a plant that holds the vaccine for a disease hit hard by the Federation. While en route to Cerronos IV, their shuttlecraft collides with a Romulan scout vessel and crash lands on a deserted planet — while Captain Carter and his father are working to survive on the planet, the Farragut gets attacked by another Romulan vessel. Can the Captain make it off the planet with the valuable Nektoss plant? Will Commander Tacket defeat his Romulan adversary?

Watch the episode

About Starship Farragut

The series was created by John Broughton who also stars as Captain John Carter. "Price of Anything" was written by Paul Sieber who has worked with both Starship Farragut, Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II and other film projects. It was directed by Vic Mignogna who also appears as Capt. Kirk, which is sort of a crossover from his upcoming fan series Star Trek: Continues. Starship Farragut and Star Trek: Continues are both produced by Farragut films. Star Trek New Voyages co-founder Jack Marshall is a Supervising Producer. NEO f/x co-produces the series and creates the visual effects. 

The series is shot in Georgia. According to Farragut Films, they have their 10,000 SQ FT stage is the largest free-standing Star Trek set. They have faithfully recreated the sets in the same original configuration as depicted on the Paramount Lot from the 1960s.

Farragut Films is currently in production on the first episode of Star Trek Continues, a new TOS-era series set on board the USS Enterprise and starring Vic Mignogna as Kirk (and Chris Doohan as Scotty). They will then shoot the next Starship Farragut episode ("Conspiracy of Innocence") in April.

More on Starship Farragut at www.starshipfarragut.com.

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I have been enjoying these shows. Keep up the good work!

These are my favourites of the fan episodes – best production values and acting going ;)

Well, this was pretty good. The only problem is the out-of-shape cast members. Takes away some of the believablity of this production.

3. Red Dead Ryan
“Well, this was pretty good. The only problem is the out-of-shape cast members. Takes away some of the believablity of this production.”

That’s why I won’t wear a TOS uniform costume. They’re designed to be worn by people in good shape, and as such, are rather unflattering to most people who wear them. If you’re not that fit, having to size the uniform tunic upward just makes look like you’re wearing a brightly-colored, ill-fitting sweater.

This is good stuff. My only problem with it was the midi-tastic score. I know music is likely to be tough to do on a small budget but this kind of took away the ‘Trek’ feel…

Always loved the name “Captain John Carter”; a nice nod to the original ‘space hero’ of 1912. The one that inspired Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, and even Star Wars and Avatar.

Too bad the 2012 movie (which I loved, BTW) didn’t fare as well as it’s progeny….

Nice job, enjoyed it. It was well executed on all levels, from direction, editing and sound to FX and acting. Some was just a bit better executed than others. My only quibbles, and they are minor, are few. I think they needed an older man to play Carter’s father, they never really connected as father and son. The female romulan needed pointed eyebrows and the gentleman playing Kirk seemed too old to be TOS Kirk. Having said that, I understand the limitations of a fan made project and, especially within those constraints, this was very entertaining!

Highlights, for me, would be the planet sequences, the space action and the direction and editing, which were quite good throughout. Nice pacing and writing as well. I look forward to the next entry!

Thanks Anthony for the kind article. Farragut Films looks forward to continuing to bring both “original” TREK and “iconic” TREK to the world.

I know I may be dense as it’s very obvious that these fan Treks are done for the love of the show and to stuff the cast and crew’s resumes BUT can anyone enlighten me on the economics? I’ve been racking my brain for years to try and figure out where the money comes from since there is no direct financial income permitted by the studio. Who puts in money in a total loss situation unless you can get a tax receipt for it? I’m not trying to be flip, I really am curious!

Huh?

“a disease hit hard by the Federation”…?

> 7. Jonboc – December 27, 2012
… the gentleman playing Kirk seemed too old to be TOS Kirk.

That is Vic Mignogna. He’s playing Kirk in the new Star Trek Continues web series. It also happens to have Chris Doohan as Scotty.

#9 The Last Vulcan:

All I can tell you from my own experience is that I decided to produce one of this sort of thing in 2008 and it delayed my purchase of a new car until 2012. LOL

IOW, it’s sort of a very expensive hobby.

The red shirt is hella sexy. Died in spectacular red shirt fashion, but still. I’m a little upset. Stupid Star Trek. Ugh.

Great production value, but wow, that’s some bad acting, right across the board.

Farragut production value gains each and every episode, How can anyone complain when all they have to do is enjoy what hard work is put into these productions. I dont see alot of individuals being able to produce these or even attempting so the haters should just stay silent and dont watch if they dont want. Nobody cares what your unconstructive critisisum is. Those who can do those who cant just “Think” they know how. Great work to John and the team.

“Dad, I don’t know! Shut up!” – Capt. Carter

I enjoyed this overall but I laughed out loud at that line, something a child might say to his father but not a Starfleet captain. But keep up the good work. I look forward to more!

Far better acting, camera work, lighting, production design, and editing on this and Star Trek Continues than…(ahem) certain other Trek fan film productions.

Agreed #4…did you see the farra GUT on that Romulan standing behind the commander??!! LOL…anyway I also agree that the production value on this is awesome! You can see all of the hard work that has gone into making this..GREAT WORK!!!..and the acting isn’t nearly as bad as some I v’e seen. And hats off to the Van Dyke beard worn by most of the male actors aboard!.. Of course a VanDyke, unlike the goatee is goatee with a mustache!…..Bazinga

Have to finish watching later, but one thing that bugs me is that the light-blue borders on the screens surrounding the bridge are TOO WIDE. Fix ’em, guys! Minor quibble, I know… enjoying the overall production very much though!

Another great one from the John and Co. at Farragut. I know how passionate John B. is about Star Trek, and it really shows.

@9

Agreed. An article or a detailed response about how these are funded, who gets paid, etc., would be very appreciated.

IDIC – something to remember before making comments about people’s weight. ;)

It’s great to see fans keeping trek alive in this way. During the 70’s it was short stories in FanZines like Enterprise and then the Bantam Books and Fotonovels.

Yay for Star Trek!

Another good story. I wish the acting were up to par, but being an fan production I understand. Too bad the hot red-shirt got killed. :(

I am confused, according to the description the Federation attacks the disease. Call the grammar police!

Cool stuff. I love these fan films.

Looks like a new Into Darkness Poster was released today. hmm….

Nice work. I think it holds up better than some of the episodes from Enterprise, which was a professionally produced and acted series. I would have liked to see the father sacrifice himself to save his son and the plant..maybe even the romulan, but that’s a small story issue and only a personal preference.
It’s clear that the people involved have put a great deal of time, energy, passion and money into this, so I have nothing negative to say about any of the contributions.
I might suggest, though, that you get some younger folks integrated into the cast if possible.
Thanks for all the work, and a chance to watch some “old school Star Trek”. I hope you keep it old school and don’t feel the need to move into any of the “phase 2” stuff.
I

Isn’t always nice that obsessed fans can keep themselves away from the general population and busy themselves with play Star Trek?

While slightly better the stiff unrealistic James Cawley Star Trek interpretations (man, does that guy have Star Trek all wrong!!!), it’s still only fan boy bunk that a complete waste of time and money.

Hey, you guys do know there’s a real world out there that can use the monies you spend on these horrid productions to benefit the needy?

Just saying…

Fantastic cinematography, the light in the planet scenes was feature-film quality at times, and really contributed to some emotional moments. I love the use of NASA imagery for planets and space; it adds that layer of realism. Good FX work too. Vic Mignogna’s cameo, brief as it was, was pure old-school Kirk energy. Eager to see more.

If I have one complaint, which pertains to many fan productions, is that the acting is flat and low-energy which breaks the ability to suspend disbelief. I would rather see a fan production that focused on character and acting first and the FX second. Get these guys to a Meisner class! (So many TOS episodes reused stock footage anyway; do we need to spend time doing a full CGI space battle when ‘synchronized leaning to the left’ worked fine?)

@ 26

Is that what you spend all your money on? You don’t have ANY hobbies you spend some cash on?

And it’s not even about just the money, what gives you the right to judge if a person’s hobbies are worthwhile or not? Sure, if you don’t like the production, that’s your opinion, but you have no right to tell others that they are using their time any more foolishly than anyone else, yourself included.

They’re having fun, and sharing their work with others that also enjoy it. Your ranting isn’t going to change that, and just makes you look foolish.

Keep flying, USS Farragut.

@ 21. Matias 47: Well, when you have an actor who is in the SAG as the Trek vets have to be they can’t work for free (according to union rules… but many do so anyway), so I think that there is some form of compensation somewhere. Furthermore, cameras, lights, sets, etc.: Those cost BIG bucks. I’m an infomercial producer so I can tell you that shooting a half hour in one day in a fixed studio setting costs no less than $20K and that’s just the bare minimum.

Wow. Some people are just haters. I thought it was pretty darn good!

Great production values, but some of the acting is painfully bad. The guy who took over the conn seemed to have laryngitis and he was mumbling his lines so badly he almost seemed like he was falling asleep. I know the acting isn’t going to be perfect, but I have a hard time believing that whoever was directing didn’t see fit to coach their delivery more.

“I’m an infomercial producer so I can tell you that shooting a half hour in one day in a fixed studio setting costs no less than $20K and that’s just the bare minimum.”

You can produce a number of fan films for that amount. LOL

Series looks great! Very nice production values, visual effects and I particularly like the original musical score. The score is very much in the style of the original series, but new — I like that!

Acting could be better, but hey…it’s a fan film.

Love it!!

“Well, this was pretty good. The only problem is the out-of-shape cast members. Takes away some of the believablity of this production.”

Agreed. It just took away the credibility for me. Very distracting.

Special effects and music were good. The Farragut captain should lose the silly fu man chu beard thouugh.

Nice work!

I thought the random stop to have a father to son chat while being chased by a cloaked Romulan super-soldier was somewhat out of place, but otherwise a great looking and entertaining piece.

Well done.

@29

Yeah, I know what stuff costs. I’m a make up effects guy and a SAG puppeteer, so I’m familiar with SAG rules, too.

That’s why I’m curious about how these are funded – who gets paid, who donates time and or money — I know Tim Russ went to Kickstarter for his latest. But if Paramount allows these to exist as long as they they don’t make profits, do they allow these productions to earn enough revenue to break even? I still think it would make for a good article. Obviously, these guys have tapped into some sort of revenue stream to be able to afford such a large soundstage, build sets, have effects and decent cameras and lights.

PS: If you need any creatures for your infomercials, let me know;)

PPS: Think these productions could use a multi-emmy awaed winning make up effects guy? I’d be willing to do a bad ass creature/alien.

I appreciate the efforts of the makers of these fan productions, but I don’t think the amateur nature of these films protects them from criticism. If you’re putting it out for public viewing, you’re opening yourself up for scrutiny whether you like it or not. That doesn’t mean having to use hurtful or abusive language in one’s criticism when a clear, honest assessment is enough.

That said, having watched some of these films, I agree with the general criticism that the acting could be stronger.

Awesome.

As one of the Executive Producers, let me start by commenting on a few items.

First and foremost. It’s our money. Not yours. Don’t tell us or preach to us how to spend it. It’s none of your business.

If our cast offends you, don’t watch it.

These are all volunteers. Can you assemble the talents to pull something like this off? Give it a try. I promise I’ll keep my mouth shut.

@40. I hope your petty and overly defensive attitude is not indicative of the entire production team aand cast? As Thomas is @38 said:

“I appreciate the efforts of the makers of these fan productions, but I don’t think the amateur nature of these films protects them from criticism. If you’re putting it out for public viewing, you’re opening yourself up for scrutiny whether you like it or not. That doesn’t mean having to use hurtful or abusive language in one’s criticism when a clear, honest assessment is enough.”

Constructive criticism means that we cared enough to watch it dude and that we actually want to give you some pointers to help you improve the effort. I am saddenned that your very negative response to some legitimate criticism is embarassing to your entire effort.

I like Farragut and their adventures- sure, they aren’t “canon”, but these days, with all the time travel, what is? And as to the hottie redshirt co-pilot- yeah, she died, but the beauty of Star Trek is that she could come back as another character (please?!!) More adventures, we want more!

Regarding the “better spent money”… every penny used on these shows employs SOMEBODY, whether it is at a power plant, water company, fabric producer, hardware store, coffee vendor, or internet provider… Not like it’s just gone in a puff of smoke. So get off your higher than thou horse, and quit being a Hater-Tot. Farragut, and other fan-films, make people happy. They inspire other people to be creative. There is your bang for the buck.

I found this quite enjoyable. love the OG Battlestar Galactica Cylon sound effects being used for the Romulan disruptor fire!

@42 “So get off your higher than thou horse, and quit being a Hater-Tot.”

Come on, the guy just had a question and was curious??? Are you all a fan production team or a cult? The level of defensiveness and nasty responses is completely uncalled for. Sheesh!!!

@ 40, Valued criticism is one thing as @38 said. But there are some here that take it to an extreme. Perhaps you are reading more into my response than is there or you simply want to stand on your soap box now.

We are not actors, we have never professed to being actors. Also, how many would actually say those things directly to someone. Instead our society hides behind a keyboard and makes assessments that do have hurtful connotations. Why, because the keyboard hides them. Cowards.

So what if someone has facial hair. So what if someone has gained a few pounds. They have more guts than most of you. Come in for a screen test. We’ll see how you do.

@45. Wow!!! Disappointing.

“I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to. ”

— A Few Good Men

The special effects and score were outstanding. And for my two cents, much of the acting was rather decent indeed for not being professional. For what it’s worth I’m a local actor in the Ybor, FL circuit so I’ve seen extraordinary efforts in both the positive and negative definitions of the term.

The directing was generally strong as well. The writing felt hit-or-miss for me; unlike some, I actually rather enjoyed the “shut up, dad!” from the captain because it felt like after so much time has transpired between father and son, the son is subconsciously reverting to a spur-of-the-moment petty-response kind of state when faced with a major crisis. That kind of thing happens often.

An instance of the writing not really working quite as nicely as it could have for me, though, would sadly be in the final moment. The denouement is touchingly directed and the spirit of the dialogue is definitely in the right direction, but I found the scene’s line delivery pacing took away from the impact of the words themselves, and some of the words came across as a bit hamfisted for such an emotional concept. That said, admittedly if William Shatner were delivering those lines I think he could have made them work, so maybe my issue is simply with what I thought was a bit too awkward a performance from a couple of the actors there.

Good job with the Romulans by the way.

Overall it was a tremendous success for the fandom. I wish I could magically make fan productions run on the same schedule as professional productions; I’d love to see this show grow into a long library of episodes.

40/45 Michael – It is amazing that something like this gets made at all, and indeed to such a high level of visual polish.

Have you ever read Scott McCloud’s book Understanding Comics? Towards the end is an interesting meditation called the Six Steps. Most people are attracted to an art or craft because they see the shiny, finished product and say ‘I want to do that.’. But that’s the final, 6th step; the polish on the commercial apple, vs. say, the duller shine on the organic apple that might taste better.

One has to work their way back to the first steps; putting in the 10,000 hours of apprenticeship and work to get to the level of craft needed to master their chosen medium.

At the workaday level you might have art, pacing and storytelling down; then you need to go deeper. At the first and second steps, you are faced with the deeper question: do you want to say *something* using the chosen medium, or do you want to say something about *art itself?* (Which leads all creative people to ask: Do I have anything to say at all?)

When I look at fan productions I see people who have mastered certain aspects of TV production – but it’s very close to that shiny surface. The look is there, the VFX are there, the costumes, sets and lighting are good; the cinematography is getting better all the time, and certainly, the range of tools available to the semi-professional is more affordable every year. Surface, form and structure are all within reach.

But at the core is storytelling. Part of that is the script, but to a great degree it’s about bringing that story to life using the body, the voice, stagecraft, the interplay between actors, and the sure hand of a director and editor. Saying you’re not professional actors… it doesn’t matter if you’re not ‘professional’ – TS Eliot worked in a bank all his life and turned out epic poetry. It’s about the time you devote to the craft.

Do more takes. Work out bits of business that make things come alive. Break out of your own physicality and become someone else. That’s what acting *is*.

Why go to all the lengths that you and your team do, if at the core you’re going to back down at the last minute, and tell us you’re just kidding around and doing Trek karaoke, for lack of a better word, and that we shouldn’t tell you what we really think?

What respect does that show for your audience?

It’s OK to not be professional. It’s another thing to be defensive, and make excuses for something that noticeably needs work – the thing that everyone comments on, time and time again. One must take one’s lumps graciously. It’s the nature of the biz. If it was all good reviews, how would we improve?

With respect, sir, I want to see more of your work *and* I want it to get better.

That was a lot of fun. Well done to the Farragut crew!

The 1080p version! Amazing. The chaps from Farragut are doing a great job. In reality all ST fan-films are: ST:Continues, ST:Phase 2, Exeter, Potemkin, Phoenix… Sorry if I forgot someone. You people rock.

Imagine if one day they got all the same resources that the J.J Abrams movie do. Maybe this could turn into reality since these Kickstarter sites are rising.

Star Trek will go on forever.