KenJennings Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 (edited) CBS and Paramount might have the Star Trek name tied up with JJ Abram's 'Bad Robot' for the indefinite future, and licensing battles might clog the pipeline of content for years to come... but the question is: do we need their clout to advance Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future? There are several independent Star Trek productions of varying quality, and they just seem to be getting more and more impressive. This concept has completely changed my vision of the future of media. We're not going to need top-down production companies to make entertainment in the future, as fans of a concept can simply use crowd funding to commission the works they want. I generally dismissed and scoffed at such endeavors as amateur and lacking until I watched "Star Trek Continues". With that experience, I realized that the talent to produce top-notch stories is abundant, and that the future is bright for anyone to be the storyteller they wish to be. Here are just a few of the stories ongoing in the 'unofficial' Star Trek universe: Star Trek Continues is an attempt to pick up the Original Series where it left off. Yes, it is an entirely new cast, but they represent all of the original characters especially well. Their set design, musical score, and special effects are SPOT ON to the original. Nobody has captured the feel and tone of the original Star Trek better than these fellas. They currently only have two episodes released, with a third coming this weekend. http://www.startrekcontinues.com/Their second episode, Lolani: Another production in the works is Star Trek Renegades. This show, set in the prime universe after the end of Star Trek: Voyager, features Walter Koenig and Tim Russ reprising their roles as Chekov and Tuvok, as they lead a renegade crew into the darker side of the Trek universe. This ambitious project has attracted the attention of a lot of former Trek talent, and will advance the prime universe into uncharted territory. http://startrekrenegades.com/The latest Renegades trailer: And the last production I want to highlight is Star Trek: Axanar. Axanar might be the most exciting of the group, as the special effects look amazing, and the talent shows a lot of potential. This feature will begin as a History Channel style documentary, featuring Starfleet and Klingon leaders being interveiwed about a historic watershed battle. Taking place shortly before the Original Series, this looks to bridge the gap between Enterprise and The Original Series, and seems to have the look and feel very well in hand. http://startrekaxanar.com/The latest Axanar trailer: Now, with each of these, I only ask that you approach them with an open mind. I was won over after expecting shortcomings. Of course, this concept can't go from zero to sixty overnight; but the steps they have taken have left me with a sense of wondrous awe. I am very, very inspired by these people's accomplishments as independent producers. Give them an honest chance, and if you like what they're all about- look up their kickstarter pages, and pitch them a little coin for their work! Edited June 12, 2014 by KenJennings 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narps Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 I watched Lolani in its entirety. Very political/social commentary laden as was the original series. Nice to see and hear the sights and sounds again I must admit. I have appreciated the original series much more as an adult than I ever could have watching them as a child. It was and is a beautiful series of stories..... BTW Lou still looks good green... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted June 16, 2014 Author Share Posted June 16, 2014 The latest episode of Star Trek Continues... a direct continuation of the original episode "Mirror, Mirror". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del_Duio Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 I want to see somebody make something where they bust Sisko out of the wormhole. What a shitty way to go out.And another, much better TNG movie for that cast to go out on aside from ..Nemesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted June 17, 2014 Author Share Posted June 17, 2014 I want to see somebody make something where they bust Sisko out of the wormhole. What a shitty way to go out.And another, much better TNG movie for that cast to go out on aside from ..Nemesis. I don't mind the DS9 finale, but it did lack closure. As for Nemesis, I couldn't agree more. That was hands down, the worst Star Trek movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narps Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 The latest episode of Star Trek Continues... a direct continuation of the original episode "Mirror, Mirror". I will be watching this one. One of my favorite episodes ever. Thanks KJ. I will give my review soonest.... :dweez: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narps Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 (edited) I always wondered what "that" Mr Spock would do. I really do enjoy these episodes. Thanks for posting them... Edited June 18, 2014 by Narpski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted August 5, 2014 Author Share Posted August 5, 2014 Star Trek: Axanar has released their 21 minute "Prelude to Axanar", which will preceed the full 90 minute feature coming later this year. Their work so far has been amazing. While it's a bit darker than I'm used to from Trek, they still did an amazing job. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guluduK1oqw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 I want to see somebody make something where they bust Sisko out of the wormhole. What a shitty way to go out.And another, much better TNG movie for that cast to go out on aside from ..Nemesis. So that's where Sisko ended up in. I'd wondered... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share Posted September 2, 2015 As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released. I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleMoon Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released. I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values! That's great. I've never seen this before. How are they able to use the Star Trek name? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released. I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE2Wgop9VLM That's great. I've never seen this before. How are they able to use the Star Trek name? It's been a debated thing... but CBS and Paramount have actually been pretty fair to original content producers. There have been some controversies, but I think it's realized that for the most part, fan productions do more to keep energy in the franchise, than they do to detract from its profitability. The way 'Renegades', 'Axanar', 'ST:Continues' (my personal favorite), and even 'Phase II', have exploded into full feature productions might change things in the very near future... but I think that fan productions offer some of the most amazing concepts and futures for this storied franchise. We'll see what the future brings, but for now, CBS and Paramount seem to be letting it happen. I think they're very wise to do so. Edited September 2, 2015 by KenJennings 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyBlaze Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Not sure which production I saw but the episode involved the character Apollo (from the original series) returning. He was played by the same actor from that original series episode. At first, I felt it was a parody. But after several minutes I thought it was pretty well done especially when it came to the tone. I'm assuming the one with Chekov and Tuvoc is even better. I should check that out because the synopsis sounds entertaining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share Posted September 2, 2015 The one with Apollo was Star Trek Continues. They now have four episodes, and out highly suggest checking them all out of you're a fan of TOS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyBlaze Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 The one with Apollo was Star Trek Continues. They now have four episodes, and out highly suggest checking them all out of you're a fan of TOS.Yeah I just haven't gotten around to it. I like TOS way more than any other Trek series so I was surprised how good that Apollo episode was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRogers Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I watched the full Renegades film last night and it was a challenge to finish it. The story not particularly engaging, the fanboy script, the horrid ill fitting costumes, the cinematography. An amazing cast wasted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furie Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 it looks like axanar wont be out until 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted September 26, 2015 Author Share Posted September 26, 2015 A new episode of Star Trek Continues will be released tomorrow at 8:00 am PST! Can't Wait! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted September 26, 2015 Author Share Posted September 26, 2015 Terriffic episode! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleMoon Posted September 26, 2015 Share Posted September 26, 2015 Thanks for posting this. I'll watch it later tonight. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grep Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 Star Trek New Voyages - Formerly Star Trek Phase 2. This guy has all the original set plans, and a bunch of stuff from TOS from a time when he worked at Paramount I believe. Good quality episodes visially, and acting. He even has some unused TOS scripts lined up. As I understand it, his bridge set was loaned to Paramount when they did that Mirror Mirror eposide that tied back to the Tholians and the NCC Defiant. Enough fan advertising - go watch. :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narps Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 Love this stuff. I need to catch up and watch some of these I have missed and the one just posted. Thanks everyone involved. I am a huge TOS fan... :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRogers Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 It's late so I only took a taste of the new ST: Continues episode, up to the opening credits...already better than Renegades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRogers Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Terriffic episode!That was good stuff watched via Chromecast on my TV. Unlike Renagades I'll watch more of Continues gladly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenJennings Posted January 14, 2016 Author Share Posted January 14, 2016 (edited) https://www.change.org/p/cbs-support-axanar?recruiter=137107975&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink The Axanar project is facing a troubling lawsuit from cbs and paramount, which could set a very stifling precedent if it proceeds. This is corperate thuggery at it's worst, and is fundamentally disrespectful to the star trek philosophy. Edited January 14, 2016 by KenJennings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now