STC Ep. 7: "Embrace The Winds" speculation and discussion....

[Warped9]

Without straying too far off topic I think Alec Peters missed a huge opportunity with Axanar. The preview promo Prelude To Axanar was a quite creative approach to telling a historical story set in the Trek universe by using a documentary like style. If they had stuck to that idea and fleshed it out it could have been quite noteworthy as well as creatively different from what everyone else was doing. In broad strokes it could have resembled the excellent The Great Martian War aired some years ago on History Television (Canada). It also would have been a helluva lot more affordable to make.

But AP's ego and delusions of grandeur blinded him to the opportunity sitting right in front of him. Total dumbass.

 

[Phoenix219]

Yup. OR actually just make Axanar on a fanfilm budget like everyone else, and had it released on time, and all the kudos and props that come with releasing a decent fanfilm.... he flat out *admitted* that he could have made his original pitch with the money they got. We could be enjoying it for what it is, a fun cheap fan film made by a guy that can't act for shit, instead of nuking the entire fan film world...

Completely agree on the documentary style, too. It could have told epic stories without needing the budget/dialogue/time to film episode after episode, and still had amazing CGI and pew pew. He could have gotten any Trek alumni ever to record documentary style lines with some green screen. It could have been something we all talked about forever.

 

[Warped9]

There is something to be learned here besides not doing what AP did. The approach used in Prelude To Axanar could be used similarly elsewhere.

Excuse me, but ignoring ENT, imagine indulging in some fanon speculation and telling the story of the Earth/Romulan war in such a documentary style. It would take some good writing and plotting out the war in broad strokes: what lead to it, how it started, some significant victories and loses, referencing technological advances and their influence, how it ended and its lasting effects.

You could tell it from the perspective of veterans of the conflict and/or from the perspective of 23rd century historians and Starfleet personnel. How about Admiral Komack also being an expert of Federation and Starfleet history? What of T'Pau's reflections of the war? The rest could be completely original characters.

You could do something similar with the Eugenics Wars.

 

[Warped9]

New Geekish Cast podcast interview with James Kerwin: http://geekishcast.com/2016/07/13/kerwin-james-kerwin-star-trek-continues/

Apparently we see the return of Commodore Gray (Erin Gray) and it's supposedly another topical story. And Commodore Gray is supposedly a significant part of Ep. 7.

The other noteworthy item is there isn't a whiff of STC making changes for the future. Ep. 7 is on schedule to be released as planned Sept. 3rd.

 

[Jeremy from Geekish Cast]

New Geekish Cast podcast interview with James Kerwin: http://geekishcast.com/2016/07/13/kerwin-james-kerwin-star-trek-continues/

Apparently we see the return of Commodore Gray (Erin Gray) and it's supposedly another topical story. And Commodore Gray is supposedly a significant part of Ep. 7.

The other noteworthy item is there isn't a whiff of STC making changes for the future. Ep. 7 is on scheduled to be released as planned Sept. 3rd.

As Vic andJames explained it to me they changed nothing about episode 7. From release date to story including runtime it all stayed the same.

 

[Warped9]

As Vic andJames explained it to me they changed nothing about episode 7. From release date to story including runtime it all stayed the same.

Which supports what JVC in the Engage podcast said, that any productions that were essentially works-in-progress when the guidelines were released were safe to proceed as planned.

The question now moves to what will or can STC do going forward after Ep. 7? Can they adapt in a manner CBS is okay with?

 

[Jeremy from Geekish Cast]

Which supports what JVC in the Engage podcast said, that any productions that were essentially works-in-progress when the guidelines were released were safe to proceed as planned.

The question now moves to what will or can STC do going forward after Ep. 7? Can they adapt in a manner CBS is okay with?

I think the first question is how many episodes did they plan to make in the first place.
I suspect it is a smaller finite number than we think....

 

[Warped9]

I think the first question is how many episodes did they plan to make in the first place.
I suspect it is a smaller finite number than we think....

Vic has said they planned for 13 episodes yet that was before the way things are now. Now the way forward isn't clear.

 

[Jeremy from Geekish Cast]

Vic has said they planned for 13 episodes yet that was before the way things are now. Now the way forward isn't clear.

A bit off topic, but I am interviewing Chuck Huber tomorrow...seems like I had better get everyone I want to interview in line sooner rather than later. Who do you think i should try to get an interview with?

 

[Warped9]

A bit off topic, but I am interviewing Chuck Huber tomorrow...seems like I had better get everyone I want to interview in line sooner rather than later. Who do you think i should try to get an interview with?

Well, even if (heaven forbid) STC comes to an end after Ep. 7 you could still interview those involved.

Michelle Specht is so exhuberant. She is always fun to listen to.

I haven't heard much from Kim Stinger. And, of course, there is Chris Doohan.

How about the fellow who composes their music?

If Doug Drexler really is done with fan films then his perspective on STC, fan films in general, Axanar and the new guidelines could be interesting.

How about Erin Gray who is returning for Ep. 7 as Commodore Gray?

 

[Jeremy from Geekish Cast]

Well, even if (heaven forbid) STC comes to an end after Ep. 7 you could still interview those involved.

Michelle Specht is so exhuberant. She us always fun to listen to.

I haven't heard much from Kim Stinger. And, of course, there is Chris Doohan.

How about the fellow who composes their music?

If Doug Drexler really is done with fan films then his perspective on STC, fan films in general, Axanar and the new guidelines could be interesting.

How about Erin Gray who is returning for Ep. 7 as Commodore Gray?

Okay I will see what I can do about all of those EXCEPT Erin Gray... I had a bit of an issue with her years ago.

 

[Phoenix219]

They already had planned for 13 episodes and CBS didn't care, and the last kickstarter was hoping to be the one to "finish the run" so it is possible that CBS will allow them to finish their stated mission.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if after Episode 7, STC proceeds business as usual, without a fuss, without saying a word.

 

[DavidAntman]

They already had planned for 13 episodes and CBS didn't care, and the last kickstarter was hoping to be the one to "finish the run" so it is possible that CBS will allow them to finish their stated mission. It wouldn't surprise me at all if after Episode 7, STC proceeds business as usual, without a fuss, without saying a word.

^^ Bingo.

With the qualifier that what they said they raised in their final fundraiser wouldn't quite equal 13 total. Either way tho, pretty sure you hit the nail on the head here.

 

[Warped9]

They already had planned for 13 episodes and CBS didn't care, and the last kickstarter was hoping to be the one to "finish the run" so it is possible that CBS will allow them to finish their stated mission.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if after Episode 7, STC proceeds business as usual, without a fuss, without saying a word.

I hope thats the case, but seeing how they're able to release two episodes a year it might look odd to everyone else that STC is putting out 45-50 minute episodes (over the next three years) while everyone is limited to 15-30.

 

[Firebird]

^^ Bingo.

With the qualifier that what they said they raised in their final fundraiser wouldn't quite equal 13 total. Either way tho, pretty sure you hit the nail on the head here.

I have to wonder if they'll use the budget originally purposed for a planet set into an episode or two? Much as I'd like to have seen a classic 60's planet, it's likely not necessary if they can afford another location shoot or two.

 

[Phoenix219]

I hope thats the case, but seeing how they're able to release two episodes a year it might look odd to everyone else that STC is putting out 45-50 minute episodes (over the next three years) while everyone is limited to 15-30.

It might look odd, but isn't that the point, that CBS can do whatever it wants with its own toys? Guidelines, not rules....etc. If STC hasn't pissed anyone off and is in good standing, and just does the same thing it has already been doing, do you really see CBS going full "Axanar" on them? Axanar split the fanbase. Attacking STC could unite it.

 

[Warped9]

It might look odd, but isn't that the point, that CBS can do whatever it wants with its own toys? Guidelines, not rules....etc. If STC hasn't pissed anyone off and is in good standing, and just does the same thing it has already been doing, do you really see CBS going full "Axanar" on them? Axanar split the fanbase. Attacking STC could unite it.

I don't think CBS/P would "attack" STC, but they might ask them to make some changes.

 

[Phoenix219]

I don't think CBS/P would "attack" STC, but they might ask them to make some changes.

Devil's advocate.... if the changes weren't acknowledged? Do you think CBS/P would sue STC? Its a "series" with "regular characters" regardless if the story is 30 or 40 minutes. If all it really meant was no "arcs" and STC is in the clear (as Potemkin seems to be with its recurring characters) and the only major "guideline" not adhered to is 10 minutes of run time, do you really see CBS/P getting that involved?

If I was a betting man, I would gamble that STC is in the clear.

It seems to me that CBS/P just wants to establish they have the total power if and when they choose to use it when needed, on Peters and his ilk.

 

[9gs]

Devil's advocate.... if the changes weren't acknowledged? Do you think CBS/P would sue STC? Its a "series" with "regular characters" regardless if the story is 30 or 40 minutes. If all it really meant was no "arcs" and STC is in the clear (as Potemkin seems to be with its recurring characters) and the only major "guideline" not adhered to is 10 minutes of run time, do you really see CBS/P getting that involved?

If I was a betting man, I would gamble that STC is in the clear.

It seems to me that CBS/P just wants to establish they have the total power if and when they choose to use it when needed, on Peters and his ilk.

Looks like NV/P2 is out of the fan film business so who else is doing TOS episodes besides STC?

 

[Warped9]

Vic has already stated that if CBS tells him to stop he would do so without a fuss, so any possibility of a lawsuit is highly unlikely.

Lets consider. STC came up short on their last crowdfunding drive with a target to cover production of the remaining episodes they had planned, Eps. 8-13. However, it was said that a private donation had made up the difference they didn't secure with their Indiegogo drive. If true then they have the funds to complete their planned production of Eps. 8-13.

Now consider what might STC have to do to stay active without going afoul of CBS' guidelines?

The first obvious hurdle is run time. STC's episodes have averaged around 42-50 minutes. It's possible CBS could ask them to trim that to something shorter like 30-40 minutes. Or they could waive that if they chose.

STC has never made claim to be anything officially endorsed by CBS or advertised themselves as such so they're clear there. They have never offered any merchandise for sale although there have been donor perks. That would have to stop if they had any future crowdfunding drives, but if they are already funded then this isn't an issue.

There is the question of having the name Star Trek in the series title. CBS could waive it in this case or they could insist that be changed.

CBS doesn't want to see anyone connected to official Trek in fan productions. That could get get tricky because Chris Doohan had a bit part in a JJtrek film and Vic Mignogna and Michelle Specht have been involved in Star Trek Online I believe. Again CBS would have to waive that or insist on cast changes. Doug Drexler, who was doing STC's visual f/x, has already pulled out from doing anymore fan productions. I think a lot depends on how strictly CBS wants to enforce this guideline.