'Star Trek' Fans, Deprived of a Show, Recreate It on Digital Video

[Human Torch]

'Star Trek' Fans, Deprived of a Show, Recreate the Franchise on Digital Video

By DANNY HAKIM
Published: June 18, 2006

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/18/arts/television/18trek.html

MASON NECK STATE PARK, Va. — Paul Sieber was wearing a "Star Trek" uniform in the deep Virginia woods when he found himself surrounded by a leathery-looking gang.

Fortunately, the ruffians were dressed up as Klingons, and Mr. Sieber, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, was preparing to film them with a $6,000 digital video camera. At times like this, Mr. Sieber, the writer and director of "Starship Farragut," must come to grips with the obvious — not all Klingons are trained actors — and bellow, "Quiet on the set!"

From these Virginia woods to the Scottish Highlands, "Star Trek" fans are filling the void left by a galaxy that has lost "Star Trek." For the first time in nearly two decades, television spinoffs from the original 1960's "Star Trek" series have ended, so fans are banding together to make their own episodes.

Fan films have been around for years, particularly those related to the "Star Wars" movies. But now they can be downloaded from the Web, and modern computer graphics technology has lent them surprising special effects. And as long as no one is profiting from the work, Paramount, which owns the rights to "Star Trek," has been tolerant. (Its executives declined to comment.)



In a Virginia park, fans film new chapters in the “Star Trek” saga.

:silly:

[Deja Q]

1. Fans have been doing this stuff for decades.

Fans aren't out to make money. Why Paramount gets so uptight over the smallest little thing, I have no idea.

[ContraBass Black]

2. That's incredibly beautiful

And somewhat sad.