Axanar: The Official Podcast

The Making of the FASA Role Playing Game. The story of Axanar was born of the role-playing game published by the FASA Corporation between 1982 and 1989. Many elements of the game have influenced later Star Trek, particularly John M. Ford’s supplement, The Klingons, published in 1983. But it was 1986’s Four Years War sourcebook and its companion campaign module “Return to Axanar” that would plant the seeds for the story of Prelude to Axanar and the film yet to come. Is that material canon? To some it is, to others it is not. But it was licensed, and the amount of research that went into crafting it is incredible. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by two of the creators: John Theisen and Stephen Fender. John is the original author of the FASA Four Years War supplement, and Stephen penned the four-part novel series. Get set for a fascinating story of the history behind content made for fans, by fans, fueled by passion. But first, Rob and Alec re

Star Trek Horizon with Tommy Kraft + The Lawsuit. Tommy Kraft has labored for four long years as the main creative force behind the film Star Trek Horizon. Now that the movie is out, Tommy has a lot to say about the rigors of being a one-man-band filmmaker. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, he joins Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters to talk about the experience, what he learned from making his fan film, and what he might like to do next. But first, Rob and Alec are joined by Mike Bawden to update you on the CBS/Paramount lawsuit. News Responding to the Allegations (00:03:45) Feature: Star Trek Horizon with Tommy Kraft How We Met Tommy (00:14:47) Background to Horizon and Tommy (00:17:27) The Filmmaking Process (00:21:10) The Story of Horizon (00:24:39) Crafting the Script and Characters (00:26:41) Why Discovery? (00:32:10) Modeling the Discovery (00:35:01) Shooting Techniques (00:37:19) Costs (00:43:19) Unforeseen Obstacles (00:49:16) Lessons Learned (00:52:19) Closing + More Thoughts on Fan

Curtis Short and Diana Kingsbury Interviews. It ain’t easy being green … unless you happen to be the green screen at Ares Studios. Thanks to Studio Manager Curtis Short, Ares Studios is home to one of the biggest green screens in Los Angeles. It’s all part of the vision for a space that will not only bring us the best that independent Star Trek has to offer, but even more projects to stir the imagination. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited, maybe Diana Kingsbury’s new milestone accomplishment will! Listen on as hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Curtis and Diana in this episode of the official Axanar podcast for two interviews that will get you caught up on what’s happening on Axanar’s construction and fulfillment fronts. Plus, Rob and Alec fill you in on the latest work by Tobias Richter, the production status of Axanar Heroes, costumes, secret perks, and the updated 2015 Axanar financial report. News Communications from Düsseldorf (00:02:13) Axanar Heroes Production Update (00

John Atkin Talks Yorktown: A Time to Heal. In 1985, Stan Woo began production on a Star Trek fan film that starred none other than George Takei. Yes, even as the Original Series cast were in the midst of making feature films, Sulu took to the screen in a fan production. That project was Yorktown: A Time to Heal. The only problem was that the film was never finished. But as Spock said, there are always possibilities; and that’s where John Atkin comes in. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by John to talk about his project to see Yorktown through to completion. John shares how he first learned about the fan film, why he decided to make sure it got completed, the progress being made, and much more. In news, Rob and Alec bring you an update on the set production as they gather around the new Klingon war table, and also fill you in on the progress being made on visual effects. News Set Production Update (00:01:19) VFX Update (00:05:24) Prelude Perk

Shooting the Axanar Heroes Vignettes. As a bridge to Axanar, Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters paid a visit to the Star Trek New Voyages sets to shoot the “Heroes” vignettes together with James Cawley. It was an exciting production involving people from five different Star Trek fan films. And in this episode of the official Axanar podcast, Rob and Alec recount the experience, talk about how the vignettes tie into Axanar, and what it was like to work on that amazing reproduction of the Enterprise 1701. In addition, we bring you an update on the Axanar set construction, costume design and development, Garth’s wraparound tunic, and debate the difference between Trekkie and Trekker. Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager) News Set Construction Update (00:00:00) Costumes Update (00:03:26) TrekkIE or TrekkER? (00:08:05) Shooting the Heroes Vignettes (00

Axanar creates connections to the Star Trek that we know and love, and does so in two directions. It bridges the gap between Enterprise and The Original Series, and does so through story, technology, and people. One familiar face is Ambassador Soval … and not just the character, but the man who brought him to life on Enterprise. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by that man, Gary Graham, to discuss how he became involved in Axanar, how he got the role of Soval on Enterprise, and how crowdfunding is changing Hollywood. Gary also tells stories of how he first got into acting, what it was like to be a young actor in the 1980s, and even tells you the “correct” way to pronounce his last name. In news, Rob and Alec are joined by the Goddess of Fulfillment, Diana Kingsbury, for an update on those Axanar perks and recent developments in the production process, and a recap of their visit to Salt Lake City Comic Con. Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec

Writing Axanar with Bill Hunt. Axanar takes place during war time. Does that mean it isn’t a Star Trek story? Some fans believe that war is incompatible with the Star Trek vision; but a story set against conflict doesn’t have to be all about the fight. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Axanar co-writer Bill Hunt to discuss what makes a great tale, why characters are at the heart of any good script, and how they are opening up the  story. They also dig into the writing process, and do something else fans love to do: debate canon.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest Bill Hunt   Editor and Executive Producer C Bryan Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   News Intro + Dragon Con Recap (00:00:00) Indiegogo Still Going Strong! (00:04:31) Axanar Production Update (00:07:09) Axanar FASA Miniatures (00:11:27)   Feature: The State of Axanar Meeting Bill (00:13:42

An Axanar Deep Dive with “The Jew and the Gentile.” It’s been a busy month for the Axanar crew. With the success of the Indiegogo campaign, work is well underway on production of the full Axanar film. Ares Digital has launched. Blu-rays are shipping. And, apparently, some media outlets aren’t happy about it. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Adam Feuerberg and Andy Maiorano, the team behind “The Jew and the Gentile” podcast, to delve into a wide range of topics related to Axanar. From the Wrap article to budget realities, animosity in fandom to how the industry is changing, if there’s something that’s been on your mind about Axanar chances are it’s covered in this double-length episode.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest Adam Feuerberg and Andy Maiorano   Editor and Executive Producer C Bryan Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   News Indiegogo Update

Inside Axanar Perks and Fulfillment with Diana Kingsbury (and Boomer). The enormous support for Axanar has brought with it an equally enormous tasks: perk fulfillment. We value each and every donor, and making sure that everyone is taken care of is a monumental job. But never fear, Diana Kingsbury—along with her first officer Boomer—are working night and day to make sure that all of the goodies stay organized and get transported to your coordinates. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Diana for an update on the Prelude to Axanar Kickstarter fulfillment, as well as the first Axanar Kickstarter and special perks for the current Indiegogo campaign. She even shares a bit of Boomer’s origin story. In our news segment, Alec and Rob bring you an update on the Indiegogo campaign, the story and script, explain why the ships of Axanar look the way they do (and how they fit into canon), and preview some of the next steps in production.   Hosts Robert M

Richard Hatch. To win a conflict like the Four Years War requires strong leadership, and on the Klingon side, that comes in the form of Supreme Commander Kharn. The old-school, TOS flavor that Kharn brings to Axanar, brilliantly delivered by Battlestar Galactica legend Richard Hatch, has Star Trek fans everywhere talking about how true-to-Trek Axanar is. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Richard to talk about the role, why Richard was attracted to the project, and what he hopes to bring to the story. The discussion goes beyond Axanar itself into the realm of why people fight, the toll that conflict takes on leaders, and even why he loves the most recent incarnation of Star Trek. In our news segment, Alec and Rob also bring you an update on the Indiegogo campaign, the Blu-ray, and a recap of San Diego Comic-Con. NOTE: There is an audio glitch around the 46-minute mark. It has been left in the show so as not to lose what Richard is explainin

Getting Set for Filming and Indiegogo. With the first scene from Axanar in final post, the crew is gearing up for the next round of crowdfunding and the start of the full shoot. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters update you on the status of the project, the purpose of the upcoming crowdfunding campaign (and why we’re switching from Kickstarter to Indiegogo), and all the exciting plans and perks surrounding it. We also look back at the progress Axanar has made so far, evolving from mere idea to professional-level independent production.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Editor and Executive Producer C Bryan Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   Chapters Intro and First Scene (00:00:00) What Past Crowdfunding Has Built (00:03:41) Purpose of the Next Crowdfunding (00:07:31) Preparing for the Film (00:11:54) Special Plans for the Indiegogo Campaign (00:17:12) Plans for Shoot

Forwarding the Axanar Movement.   The excitement surrounding Axanar is incredible. The passion that fans are pouring into the project has given the story of Garth and The Four Years War a life of its own. In fact, this energy has created a movement; and in a time devoid of new Star Trek on television, the Ares is leading the way into a bold new future. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Trek.fm Publisher Christopher Jones and Trek.fm Executive Producer Norman C. Lao to discuss how and why this movement has taken shape—and where it is headed.   In our news segment, Rob and Alec recount their weekend on location for the shooting of the first scene from Axanar, and reveal some of the exciting new perks coming to the next Kickstarter.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Editor and Executive Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   News Shooting

Axanar Production Update. Questions about where we are with production come in all the time. So in this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters bring you a massive update on the state of Axanar. From the building of the bridge and the crowdsourced construction of the art department to the impending arrival—in your hands—of the soundtrack and the Blu-ray, things are zipping along at Ares Studios. The summer convention circuit is also exciting, including the first ever Axanar panel at San Diego Comic-Con! Also kicking off soon is the third and final Kickstarter, which promises to deliver you the most rewards ever. Plus, the first filming for the main Axanar film begins, on location, June 13… and it all started with Rob and a Dana Scully action figure. Listen on to find out why!   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Manager Will Nguyen   Chapt

David Gerrold talks Star Trek, the Hugo Awards, and more. Rob calls him “legendary” … and he doesn’t like it. But let’s be honest; David Gerrold *is* legendary! Without him, Star Trek wouldn’t be the same. So it’s only fitting that the man who penned “The Trouble with Tribbles” all those years ago is part of Axanar today. If there’s great Star Trek being produced, you can bet David is nearby. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by David to discuss a wide range of subjects including the controversy surrounding this year’s Hugo Awards, the state of America, the ins and outs of the publishing industry in 2015, and whether or not Star Trek has a future.  In our news segment, Alec and Rob talk Parsec Awards and film festival nominations, the hip-hop story behind Prelude to Axanar’s sound mix, deliver updates on the soundtrack and Blu-ray, and fill fans in on the departure of director Christian Gossett.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters  

James Cawley talks Star Trek, Phase II, and Axanar. He’s the one who showed us all the way. Star Trek fan films and independent productions are flourishing today, but more than a decade ago James Cawley set forth as a true pioneer. Star Trek: New Voyages, now known as Phase II, was the first to chart the territory that makes Axanar possible. Cawley truly is the father of Star Trek fan films.  In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by James to discuss why he decided to create his own stories, the experience of shooting new Star Trek, what makes a great fan film, what he has planned for the 50th anniversary and beyond, and his advice to Axanar.  In our news segment, Alec and Rob recount Axanar’s awards haul from Treklanta, the now-available digital download of Prelude to Axanar, more perks, an update on bridge construction, and more!   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest James Cawley   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate

PR, Kickstarter, and Building Community & Brand. Axanar exists because of all of you, those who have supported the project through Kickstarter and other avenues. What began as a top-notch fan film has grown into a full-fledged independent production. It’s more than we ever originally imagined. In fact, as Arlo Guthrie said, you may think it’s a movement—and that’s what it is. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Mike Bawden, the marketing and PR pro who will be heading up the next Axanar Kickstarter, to talk about building community through supporters, being accountable to those who fund projects, and how continuity and collaboration are key to success.  In our news segment, Alec and Rob recount their experiences presenting Axanar at WonderCon in Anaheim.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest Mike Bawden   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content

Axanar Directors Roundtable: Part 2. From script to screen, making an independent film is an intricate process involving many hats—both creative and administrative. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, we conclude our two-part roundtable with Robert Meyer Burnett, Alec Peters, Christian Gossett, and Charles de Lauzirika. This time they discuss their work beyond Star Trek, their journey from childhood fan to pro, how they retain that sense of wonder, and more. In our news segment we get an update on construction in Ares Studios, the status of the Axanar script (it’s locked!), the next Kickstarter, and plans for WonderCon.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett, Alec Peters, and Christopher Jones   Guests Christian Gossett and Charles de Lauzirika   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Studio Construction Update (00:02:53) Daily Captain’s Logs (00:06:40) Script Locked! (00:08:17) The Next Axanar Ki

Axanar Directors Roundtable: Part 1.  From script to screen, making an independent film is an intricate process involving many hats—both creative and administrative. In this first part of a special directors roundtable, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Christian Gossett and Charles de Lauzirika to discuss scripts, shooting, creative challenges, music, and more.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guests Christian Gossett and Charles de Lauzirika   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Studio Construction Update (00:00:52) Blu-ray Update (00:02:38)   Feature: Directors Roundtable Intro (00:08:45) The Script Process (00:11:03) Shooting Philosophy (00:14:18) Production Challenges (00:18:56) Creative from Page to Film (00:25:09) The Power of Music (00:37:45) Closing (00:37:20)   Send us your feedback! Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm Voicemail: ht

Building Ares Studios with Curtis Laseter and Dean Newberry. Making a studio-quality feature film requires proper facilities. Ares Studios, the new home of Axanar, is set to take independent Star Trek productions where they’ve never gone before. But before this can happen, there’s a lot of work to be done. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by two members of the construction team to bring you the inside story. Curtis Leseter, who brings his Babylon 5 experience to Axanar, explains how the sound stage is being built, while Dean Newberry of Propworx talks about transforming the warehouse into a full-fledged studio. Plus, Alec and Rob share their thoughts on the passing of Leonard Nimoy.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guests Curtis Laseter and Dean Newberry   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Remembering Leonard Nim

Making Independent Films with Charles de Lauzirika. Creating any film is an enormous undertaking, but when you go the independent route there are unique challenges the big productions don’t necessarily face. Yet some of the most talented and creative minds in storytelling have chosen to work with small teams and small budgets—and the results are incredible. But how is it done without the resources of a large Hollywood studio? In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Charles de Lauzirika, creator and director of Crave and producer of DVD/Blu-ray extras for Alien, Blade Runner, and Twin Peaks, to learn about his process for independent filmmaking. Charles, Rob, and Alec share their experiences working on projects including Crave, Prelude to Axanar, and Free Enterprise.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest Charles de Lauzirika   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marq