BREAKING: Official Fan Film Guidelines Issued

[ThankYouGeneR]

But however you structure it, you don't want a whole new cast and setting every third episode.

You know, I've been trying to do some out of the box thinking about this cast thing myself. It's a puzzle, but something that I've been thinking is that there is often a bit of time between each, as it is now, episode. I put that together with what repertory theater companies do. A repertory theater group uses the same actors in multiple different plays. And it works, this format of seeing the same actors again and again as new characters in each new production.

So, with the time distance between our current episodic fan film releases established as a given by us, I was thinking it might not be all that much of a stretch for us to comfortably settle into and adapt to seeing a fan Star Trek 'companies' preform. Where the same cast would play new roles, characters, with each new story they move into.

 

[Noname Given]

The guidelines don't prohibit a single thing. All they say is that if you do X, Y, and Z CBS/P promise not to sue you. That's it. You are free to ignore the guidelines, forego the safe harbor, and roll the dice on getting sued or not.

Now to be fair, I would expect that the chance of being sued is higher than it was in the pre-guidelines era.

Actually, the Guidelines DON'T explicitly say they won't raise an objection or pursue legal action - they say they PROBABLY won't; and further state no official authorization is conferred nor are the guidelines an official license for anything.
^^^
And that's significant in that what they are really saying is:

"We'd REALLY rather you NOT make anything Star Trek related; but if you REALLY want to - here are some Guidelines our legal dept. drew up; which, if you follow, we probably won't do anything - BUT - we still reserve the right to; and NONE of these Guidelines are legally binding and we can change/revoke them at ANY time."

And again, for everyone saying (and this is a general reply to those folks, not the person I'm quoting as he hasn't said this) "Axanar/Alec Peters really isn't to blame..." - please point out any of the 'modern' fan production groups starting back around 2000 with "Hidden Frontier" that got so in your face with doing something that got more than a 'please don't do this script' or 'please modify a logo' - or got sued. Again for 15 years or so CBS and Paramount was VERY tolerant of Star trek Fan Films; and didn't bring down the hammer until:

- Axanar claimed they were NOT a 'Fan Film'; but the "first independent/professional Star Trek film..."

- Axanar started going beyond 'Pledge Perks' (the majority of which haven't been delivered - and I'm talking stuff they COULD have done - like patches) - yet IF someone buys an Ares model or Patch from their 'Donor Store' <--- THAT gets sent to the purchaser.

- Axanar actually DID first make a licensing deal for 'Axanar Coffee' with a coffee manufacturer; EVEN THOUGH they didn't acquire any Licensing Rights to do so from CBS/Paramount.

- Alec Peters and RMB openly stated MANY TIMES that a majority of KS funds would be going to 'build a studio to make Axanar' (and then they could rent it out it create their own for profit productions.) <-- Basically Alec peters USED the Star Trek IP (without a License to do so) to obtain start up funds for his for profit business.

- Alec Peters paid himself a salary for 'Producing' Axanar.

- Alec Peters, RMB and David Gerrold REPEATEDLY made statements to the effect: "Disney has Guidelines that allow Star Wars fans to produce fan films. CBS and/or Paramount should/could do the same..."
^^^
And it's EXACTLY what CBS/Paramount did. And their Guidelines are LESS RESTRICTIVE. I again fail to see how the above three Axanar supporters could make those statements then be shocked when CBS/Paramount do EXACTLY what those three said - or further, then claim: "Hey, it's NOT our fault..."

IMO - the fan reaction doesn't make CBS look bad; it makes the fervent fans of Star Trek fan films look bad because honestly, they somehow feel they are openly entitled to do whatever they like and CBS/Paramount are 'evil' because they want to both control the quality of; and make money (not an evil thing for a business) by continuing to produce and market Star Trek themselves because they DO OWN the IP.

 

[RCAM]

IMO - the fan reaction doesn't make CBS look bad; it makes the fervent fans of Star Trek fan films look bad because honestly, they somehow feel they are openly entitled to do whatever they like and CBS/Paramount are 'evil' because they want to both control the quality of; and make money (not an evil thing for a business) by continuing to produce and market Star Trek themselves because they DO OWN the IP.

Well said. I love fan films and am really sad that the "golden age" may be over. But it's, frankly, embarrassing to read people's outrage at the studios.

I especially like that the JJ-verse haters feel they're entitled to make "real Trek" while pronouncing their boycott of the new movies. Think about that. They're arguing that they should get to make Star Trek movies because they (as fans) are the reason the franchise has been successful..... while openly saying they won't pay money to see the new movie. Hence, they are not currently Star Trek consumers.

I say this as someone who doesn't like the JJ movies but is capable of rational thought.

 

[Sgt_G]

- Axanar actually DID t first make a licensing deal for 'Axanar Coffee' with a coffee manufacturer; EVEN THOUGH they didn't acquire any Licensing Rights to do so for CBS/Paramount.

Alec Peters direct quote: "We didn't sell coffee; someone else made 'Axanar Coffee' without any 'Star Trek' marks on it. It was just 'Axanar', which is totally legal."

Nobody can split hairs like a lawyer. Next he's demand to know what the definition of "is" is.

 

[JD]

Like I said before, I do think think it sucks that the guidelines are probably going to be putting an end to fan series like NV, and Continues, but I am not angry with CBS for doing this. They were well within their rights to do this, and I think there is an understandable reason for each of the rules. Honestly the fans were damn lucky they let these series actually go on. I don't think there is any way they could have not been aware of the series, and yet they were willing to let them go on. Hell, they invited James Crawley to the set of the first Abrams movie, and they even gave him a cameo in the damn movie. You can't tell me that they didn't know he was one of the main people behind NV when they did that. I think him and Vic Mignona (sp), have even said outright that they've spoken to CBS in the past.
The only reason any of this happened is because Alec Peters and Axanar clearly crossed lines that NV and C didn't, so he really is the one to blame here. He pretty much forced CBS into creating guidelines through his behavior.
I seriously, do not understand how people can say that just because they are fans they have some kind of right to make fan films, or have a say in what happens in the franchise. It is entirely CBS's property, and whether we like or not they can do whatever the hell they want with it. We can be mad about what they do, we can try to convince them to change their minds, but we they don't owe us a thing.

 

[Sgt_G]

CBS could very well wait until some of the dust settles down, and then call ST:C and ST:NV in and say, "Look, guys, you've played pretty much by the unwritten rules for years. We don't mind what you're doing. Just run all your plans by us and let us see the finish film before you post it, and we'll give you a waiver on all those guidelines legal wrote up."

 

[Noname Given]

Like I said before, I do think think it sucks that the guidelines are probably going to be putting an end to fan series like NV, and Continues, but I am not angry with CBS for doing this. They were well within their rights to do this, and I think there is an understandable reason for each of the rules. Honestly the fans were damn lucky they let these series actually go on. I don't think there is any way they could have not been aware of the series, and yet they were willing to let them go on. Hell, they invited James Crawley to the set of the first Abrams movie, and they even gave him a cameo in the damn movie. You can't tell me that they didn't know he was one of the main people behind NV when they did that. I think him and Vic Mignona (sp), have even said outright that they've spoken to CBS in the past.
The only reason any of this happened is because Alec Peters and Axanar clearly crossed lines that NV and C didn't, so he really is the one to blame here. He pretty much forced CBS into creating guidelines through his behavior.
I seriously, do not understand how people can say that just because they are fans they have some kind of right to make fan films, or have a say in what happens in the franchise. It is entirely CBS's property, and whether we like or not they can do whatever the hell they want with it. We can be mad about what they do, we can try to convince them to change their minds, but we they don't owe us a thing.

There is even more direct evidence that CBS was aware of Star Trek fan series:

When they were producing "In A Mirror Darkly" (an ENT episode where they recreated a TOS Connie Bridge set); they didn't have the money to make Sulu's pop up Targeting Scanner that appeared in many episodes of TOS - so they contacted ST:NV and asked if they could barrow ST:NV's prop; and as I understand it ST:NV mailed it - the CBS Production team used it; then mailed it back.

 

[Sgt_G]

I'm sure they had the money, but it just wasn't worth spending for a one-time item. I'm surprised they bothered to build a bridge set at all. They could have rented either ST:C or ST:NV set, no?

 

[Ithekro]

It bother me that they put in a stipulation that basically prevents anyone who has worked on Star Trek or for CBS/Paramount from working on a fan film in any capacity. I am fairly certain that there are a whole mess in that group that are Star Trek fans and love doing stuff for fun. Several probably even made fan fiction or art themselves prior or even after working on Star Trek. What makes them less a fan than anyone else?

 

[Amaris]

It bother me that they put in a stipulation that basically prevents anyone who has worked on Star Trek or for CBS/Paramount from working on a fan film in any capacity. I am fairly certain that there are a whole mess in that group that are Star Trek fans and love doing stuff for fun. Several probably even made fan fiction or art themselves prior or even after working on Star Trek. What makes them less a fan than anyone else?

A fan film with a notable character or personality involved can fundraise into the millions, which has been demonstrated to be true. CBS/P has every right to push back against that.

 

[Maurice]

There is even more direct evidence that CBS was aware of Star Trek fan series:

When they were producing "In A Mirror Darkly" (an ENT episode where they recreated a TOS Connie Bridge set); they didn't have the money to make Sulu's pop up Targeting Scanner that appeared in many episodes of TOS - so they contacted ST:NV and asked if they could barrow ST:NV's prop; and as I understand it ST:NV mailed it - the CBS Production team used it; then mailed it back.

I suspect it wasn't THEY/CBS who thought to contact NV, more likely it was someone like Max Rem/Doug Drexler, who'd worked with them before.

 

[Ithekro]

A fan film with a notable character or personality involved can fundraise into the millions, which has been demonstrated to be true. CBS/P has every right to push back against that.

Unless under contract, I don't think CBS can prevent them from lending their talents to a fan film. We are talking not just of actors, but writers, arts, and the like. Even gaffers or interns, who would not cause a big draw by any means. This would likely include consulting for effect from the likes of the mentioned Doug Drexler or Andrew Probert.

Or even ones that want to make a fan film themselves like Tim Russ.

 

[Rincewiend]

I meant passive regarding the "Guidelines". Especially when NV/P2 have 2 or 3 in post-production, STC has one in post-production and Farragut has 1 in post-production.

The guidelines where posted a couple of days ago, before the weekend...
They also want to see what the reactions will be before responding, or at-least that's what i would do...

 

[TheSubCommander]

Sad thing is? Many with blame CBS and Paramount for this.

As well they should.

There was a way to win against Axanar without dropping the hammer like this.

Not only does this ruin it for fan films like Star Trek Continues/Newvoyages, but any youtuber who wants to discuss star trek, can't even so much as post video clips, or even schematics of Star Trek ships! And what if they want to interview former Star Trek cast members, directors, producers, or FX and designer people?

Way to go swatting a fly with a sledgehammer, CBS/Paramount!

 

[Tom Servo]

How is deciding to not watch a company's new show, especially one you would have to pay for if you did, childish? It seems more childish to expect that the fans will and should buy the company's newest material regardless of anything else the company does.

No, I think it's childish to be like I'm not going and watching your thing because you took my toys away, even though technically those toys are yours and I'm playing with them without permission. If one isn't seeing the film, or the show, because they have no interest, then thats their right. if they aren't seeing cause they are mad about this, then they are mad at the wrong people.

 

[steam235]

I'm sure they had the money, but it just wasn't worth spending for a one-time item. I'm surprised they bothered to build a bridge set at all. They could have rented either ST:C or ST:NV set, no?

I think the union would have noticed that.

 

[TheSubCommander]

CBS and Paramount must be pissed that most Fan Productions are infinitely better than the last two Trek films

This is the crux of it all. While there's no denying that the JJverse has made a TON of cash, there also is no denying the fact there are a lot of disaffected Star Trek fans out there, that CBS/Paramount seems tone deaf to. Whether or not one likes the JJverse, you have to admit that there are a lot of fans who don't and feel CBS/Paramount don't respect them, and feel that they have to turn to fan films to get a version of Star Trek they want to see.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Another link found on this topic.

http://arstechnica.com/the-multiver...ules-for-fan-film-makers-amid-axanar-dispute/


Has Star Trek again become a big money maker with JJ Trek that they feel they have to protect classic Trek?

 

[Jam3s1701]

Unless under contract, I don't think CBS can prevent them from lending their talents to a fan film. We are talking not just of actors, but writers, arts, and the like. Even gaffers or interns, who would not cause a big draw by any means. This would likely include consulting for effect from the likes of the mentioned Doug Drexler or Andrew Probert.

Or even ones that want to make a fan film themselves like Tim Russ.

They cant physically stop them/you but doing it will 99% for sure get you closed down.

 

[Jam3s1701]

As well they should.

There was a way to win against Axanar without dropping the hammer like this.

Not only does this ruin it for fan films like Star Trek Continues/Newvoyages, but any youtuber who wants to discuss star trek, can't even so much as post video clips, or even schematics of Star Trek ships! And what if they want to interview former Star Trek cast members, directors, producers, or FX and designer people?

Way to go swatting a fly with a sledgehammer, CBS/Paramount!

In this case using images, videos etc and doing interviews would be covered under fair use so these rule would not stop you doing it.