Credits

Rick and Brannon Return to Creative Fold

By Christopher Moshier
April 1, 2007 - 08:49

In recent years, the rise of the fan-made "webisode" has been the talk of Trek fandom. Desperate for new content, fans have embraced these online films as a new genre of entertainment. And, it has to be noted, the quality is on the rise. No longer are these strictly amateur enterprises, as seasoned, professional cast and crew now regularly take part. And the bar is set to be raised once again as another couple of high-profile Star Trek names have thrown their hats into the ring with a homemade production due out next fall. Rumors have been out there regarding the story for "Star Trek: Warp 11," but former Trek honchos Rick Berman and Brannon Braga — true to form — are staying mum after the story leaked to KCOP Channel 13 in Los Angeles.

"I don't want to say too much about it," Berman says, "but Brannon and I decided to pool our efforts for old time's sake and see what we could come up with. It's a very, very cool story with a thoughtful premise and 47% more action than you've ever seen in any fan film to date. I think everyone will be quite pleased."

As to why the pair were inspired to produce an internet "webisode," Berman was candid: "While making Star Trek at Paramount, we never really had creative control — now we do. That in itself is reason enough to do the film. To attain one's vision, you need to employ any means at your disposal. The internet is sure to be a big medium one day and we want to be pioneers."

The producers wouldn't give too much away, but Braga added this morsel for fans: "I think we have the coolest fan film villain since those cone-shaped robot ships in that New Voyages episode."

However, both took pains to knock down at least one rumor already flying on the message boards: that the plot would revolve around an all-Talaxian colony run by Neelix. Still, fans can remain hopeful as the other rumor remains strong — for the pair's second fan film, Braga wants to tie up one of his favorite TNG episodes, "Aquiel," with a sequel. "That was a personal favorite for Ron Moore and myself," says Braga proudly. "And the single hour format simply wasn't a big enough canvas for this story. Now we can finally finish it as we intended."

Both producers said they would be taking time from their schedules for the sheer fun of such a hands-on, time-consuming project. They also see no trouble in holding to the same legal "gentleman's agreements" with CBS/Paramount as fellow fan filmmakers: investing their own money, corralling friends for donated time, and most importantly, not making the project for commercial gain.

"Like 'Nemesis,' we have no intention to make money here. This is strictly a love letter to the fans," says Berman.

For now, neither he nor Braga would name any friends or colleagues willing to join the production, but Braga noted the recent "It's a Wrap!" auctions have proved fruitful in providing props and costumes.

Neither mentioned any of the casting surprises that have marked other fan films, although Berman left open the opportunity for anyone involved with the original series — later clarified to "the ones since 1987."

Filming is set to take place in a now-empty warehouse in Sylmar, California, just north of Hollywood, while location scenes will be shot in and around Bozeman, Montana, over summer vacation.

If you would like to take part by donating your time, cash, props or old scripts, please check back tomorrow for details on how to contact the producers of this exciting addition to the Star Trek legacy!

If you have any suggestions for articles or want your fan film spotlighted on these here pages or just want to say hello please email me at christopher@comicbookbin.com.

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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