Axanar: The Official Podcast

The Year In Review. 2014 ended in a way we never imagined when the first Axanar Kickstarter was launched. What began in the spring as a project to create a unique fan film that was a notch above what had been done before turned into a juggernaut. Support for Prelude to Axanar was incredible, but what came afterwards was unbelievable. Thanks to you, our amazing supporters, Axanar has transformed into a professional studio production that shows the power of Star Trek fans as well as their thirst for great storytelling. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters look back at the year that was, how the initial steps were planned and executed, the appeal of Axanar, and how a devoted community has turned this dream into a movement. We also delve into the future of Star Trek, where the franchise might go on television, and what we’d like to see in the years to come. In our news segment we bring you an update on Ares Studios, learn about the upcoming Propworx Star Trek

Modeling the Ares.   Seeing your favorite ships on screen is wonderful, but being able to build them yourself, bringing them to life in 3D, is even better. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters are joined by Dennis St. Pierre of Starcraft Models to learn about the manufacturing process of the Ares garage kit, how Dennis first encountered Axanar, and plans for the Klingon D6 and future ships. Alec and Rob also bring you an update on the new studio space and plans for renovation.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Guest Dennis St. Pierre   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Ares Studios Renovation Plans (00:00:56)   Feature: Modeling the Ares How the Kit Came to Be (00:07:32) More About Dennis and Starcraft Models (00:09:14) Greenlighting the Kit (00:12:57) Manufacturing the Ares (00:15:09) The D6 and Lighting Models (00:20:20) Future Axana

The New Studio and More. A lot has happened for Axanar to close out 2014, and as we transition to a new and exciting year we bring you up to date. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast Christopher Jones passes the hosting baton over to Robert Meyer Burnett who then digs deep into the key developments that have set Axanar up to find the essence of Star Trek. In fact, we discover that independent productions may just be a way of life! Find out about the new Ares Studios in Valencia—soon to be home to Axanar sets and the sci-fi film school—plans for production, the thirty-mile rule, and catch up on the status of the Axanar Blu-ray and DVD development with the producer himself.   Hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Alec Peters   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   Production Manager Richard Marquez   Content Coordinator Will Nguyen   News Introducing Ares Studios and Production Framework (00:02:47) Production Transmission: Acting Class (00:14:28) These Are The Voyages an

Visual Effects with Adam Howard. Prelude to Axanar has been praised for its visuals, but it is only the beginning of what Axanar has in store for Star Trek fans. As we move toward the full film, the VFX team is stepping up its game with the addition of EMMY Award winner Adam Howard, who worked on all four post-TOS Star Trek series as well as First Contact and Insurrection.  In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by Adam to discuss his work in Star Trek, what drew him to Axanar, creating VFX on a limited budget, and his visions for The Four Years War. In our news segment we find out about more exciting potential additions to the Axanar creative team, including costume designer Robert Blackman and Voyager assistant director Mike DeMeritt, get updates on the Ares Studios sound stage, and learn what Alec and Christian were up to in their recent script meeting.   Hosts Christopher Jones and Alec Peters   Guest Adam Howard   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones

Set Design with John Iacovelli. Axanar may look more like a large studio production than an independent one, but the incredible work we’ve seen has been done on an extremely limited budget. Bringing aboard talent that knows how to work within those constraints is part of the magic; and few know how to do this better than Emmy Award-winner John Iacovelli, series production designer on Babylon 5. In this episode of the official Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by John to find out how he came to sign on to the production, the challenges of and approaches to working with small budgets, what has influenced his approach to design, and his visions for Axanar. In our news segment we get the latest on the search for the home of Ares Studios, Aaron Dembski-Bowden joining the team to write the novelization of Axanar, plans for a behind-the-scenes videocast by Alec and Robert Meyer Burnett, and Alec explains why the Star Trek branding is being removed from Axanar.   Hosts Christopher Jones and

Composing the Music of Axanar with Alexander Bornstein. The visual and sound design of Axanar is incredible, but without a full musical score the experience of The Four Years War would be quite different. Many great composers have guided the sound of Star Trek over the decades, each bringing their own unique flavor while at the same time maintaining a common, special feel that tells viewers as once that what they are hearing is Trek. With Axanar, that proud history continues with the talents of Alexander Bornstein. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by Alex to learn about his musical training, his time working under Bear McCreary, his approach to composing for Prelude to Axanar, the classical and film influences on his music, and his plans for the full Axanar film. In our news segment we learn about the new warehouse space that may become Axanar Studios, the first design meeting with John Iacovelli, and more discussions on fleshing out the c

J.G. Hertzler talks Samuel Travis. In Star Trek: Axanar, the story of The Four Years War is told from both the Federation and Klingon sides of the conflict. And while the USS Ares plays a central role in the war efforts—guided by the reluctant yet inspiring commander Kevlar Garth—other Starfleet figures are key to victory. One of these is Samuel Travis, one of the most senior captains in the fleet. Garth's actions during the war capturing the respect of Travis, a man of few words but an inspiring presence himself. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by the man behind Travis, none other than J.G. Hertzler, to learn more about his approach to the character, what drew him to the project, the inspiration for Travis, and J.G.'s own life experiences that play into the role. In our news segment we get an update from Alec on more "crewing up" as Babylon 5 legend John Iacovelli beings his Emmy Award-winning design talent to Axanar.   Hosts Christopher

Perks Fulfillment with Diana Kingsbury. We all donate to Axanar first and foremost to help create an amazing film. But let's be honest… those perks are pretty cool, too. From patches to programs, CDs to Blu-rays, Axanar isn't just a movie—it's a full-on Star Trek experience. Getting those goodies out to donors, however, is an even bigger task than you might think. And leading the charge is none other than Diana Kingsbury, Fulfillment Director. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by Diana to talk about the process from donation to actual shipment of perks. Find out how Kickstarter collects the required information, how BackerKit plays into the process, and, of course, when your stuff will be heading your way! In our news segment we get an update on the rewriting of the Axanar film script, an autograph party that featured a blossoming bromance between Richard and Gary, and some potentially exciting news for fans of Babylon 5.   Hosts Christophe

Patch Design with Thomas Marrone. Some of the most popular perks from the Axanar Kickstarters have been the beautiful patches created for the Ares Class Development Project, the various fleets, and more. The final embroidered patches are great, but have you ever wondered how these designs go from original concept to your mailbox? In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by Thomas Marrone, designer of the patches, to talk about the inspiration, the process of design, and special considerations when creating an intricate patch that must translate from screen to fabric. Plus, in our news segment, we learn more about the live cast makeup video, the ongoing evolution of the Axanar script, and the Donors' Store than it now open to those who have already backed the project.   Hosts Christopher Jones and Alec Peters   Guest Thomas Marrone   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producer Norman C. Lao   News Script development update (1:14) Liv

Pre-Production Begins! Prelude to Axanar has raised the level of expectations for independent Star Trek productions and generated excitement not only amongst fans but in the media as well. After the amazing short, fans are eagerly anticipating the full-length film. What does the full Axanar have in store for us? A few tidbits are now at hand as pre-production has begun! In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by director Christian Gossett to find out what's happened so far in pre-production, from some new casting to the evolution of the script. Diana Kingsbury even makes an off-mic guest appearance! (Listen and see if you can spot her.) Plus, in our news, segment we get an update from Alec about initial makeup tests for the full Axanar film and preparations for Comikaze.   Hosts Christopher Jones and Alec Peters   Editor and Producer Christopher Jones   Associate Producers Norman C. Lao   News Visiting Makeup Effects Lab (0:56) Preparing for Comi

An Author's View of Axanar with James Swallow. One of the most exciting parts of writing a story like Axanar is the opportunity to add richness to the Star Trek universe. This is something than few people know better than James Swallow, author of many novels including The Poisoned Chalice, part of the New York Times bestselling Star Trek series "The Fall." So how does a novelist view the story of The Four Years War and how Axanar is expanding upon events and characters that we've learned very little about in past Trek? In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by James to get an author's view of the Axanar story, the way the Klingons are being portrayed, the backstory of Garth, and where the story might go next. Plus, James gives us a few teasers about his next two Star Trek books, included the Titan novel Sight Unseen. In our news segment we recap the events of Salt Lake City Comic Con, discuss the first steps in pre-production of the full Axanar

Video Capture and Processing with Bing Bailey. The tools used to capture and process video have changed drastically in recent years. Star Trek: Axanar would not have been feasible as a fan-supported independent production just a few years ago. But thanks to advances in camera technology, computer workstations and software, and drastic drops in prices, individuals with the skills can create Hollywood-quality films using the tools they have in their own homes and studios. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones are joined by video guru Bing Bailey, Digital Image Technician and Colorist for Axanar, to talk about the process of capturing, processing, and mastering video. We discuss the cameras used on Axanar, the hardware and software that Bing uses, and the steps required to master and create the final digital print that you see at a screening of the film. In our news segment we recap the events of Dragon Con and Alec takes us through the final days of the Axa

Supporter Questions and Fundraising Ins-and-Outs. The level of support being received by Star Trek: Axanar is unprecedented, not only financially but also in pure excitement and dedication. The premiere of Prelude to Axanar has kicked the warp factor up a few notches, and has also generated some great questions from fans and supporters. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast, Alec Peters and Christopher Jones sit down to answer some of those questions and provide some background details about how the fundraising process works. Amongst the questions about creative that we dive into are the possibility of seeing Andorians and Tellarites in the full Axanar film, what format that film will take compared to Prelude, and whether or not we'll see the USS Kelvin. Plus, we learn the surprising design process behind the Vulcan patch that will be heading your way as supporters. In our news segment we get an update on all the happenings from Axanar's trip to Houston Con, plans for the upcoming Dragon C

Editing Prelude to Axanar with Robert Meyer Burnett. Even before Prelude to Axanar premiered at San Diego Comic Con, the trailer let fans know that this wasn't just another fan film. The writing, acting, sound design, visual effects, and directing all turned the collective head of fandom. But someone had to pull all those pieces together and assemble them into a two-and-half-minute package. That man is Robert Meyer Burnett, the same man who has dazzled fans with the documentaries and extras found on the TNG and Enterprise Blu-ray sets. In this episode of official Star Trek: Axanar podcast we're joined by Rob who tells us the story of how he got involved in the project, how he condensed Prelude to Axanar into that final trailer (which was originally five minutes long!) and how working on Axanar differs from other projects he's been part of. As a bonus, we close out the discussion with the story behind the TNG single-disc Blu-ray releases like "The Best of Both Worlds" and why those exist. In our news segment w

The Sound Design of Prelude to Axanar. Spectacular visuals and captivating acting are two of the most noticeable elements of a film, but take away the sound and what are you left with? In the absence of sound effects, even the greatest story doesn't feel quite right. Weapons fire, starships zipping by, footsteps, and the gentle ambient hum of the engines are all critical to making the visuals believable. But how are they created? The sources of many sounds Star Trek fans find familiar may surprise you. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast we're joined by Mark Edward Lewis, Jesse Akins, and Academy Award-winner Frank Serafine to learn more about how they bring Axanar to life through sound. In our news segment we get a first-hand account of the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of Prelude to Axanar, some of the behind-the-scenes excitement that led up to the screening, the launch of the Kickstarter for the full Axanar film, and Axanar activities on slate for Star Trek Las Vegas.   Send us your f

The Axanar Story and Script with David Gerrold and Christian Gossett. Set during the Four Years War between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, Axanar has its share of battles. But there's far more to the story than ship-to-ship combat, action, and explosions. At the heart of any good war story is the effect it has on those involved. War stories are character tales, and as famed Star Trek writer David Gerrold points out, this is what attracted him to Alec Peter's script. In this episode of the official Star Trek: Axanar podcast we're joined by David as well as director Christian Gossett to talk about conflict in Star Trek, Klingons, and why Axanar goes far beyond the average battle story.   News Production Updates (1:48) Getting Set for the Premiere (5:11) The Next Axanar Kickstarter (7:04)   Feature: The Axanar Story and Script with David Gerrold First Impressions (8:47) A Star Trek War Story (11:40) A Klingon Perspective (16:42) Script Evolution (23:58) Final Thoughts (29:35) Closing (30:33)

Background to Axanar with Alec Peters and Christian Gossett. Star Trek: Axanar is the story of Garth of Izar, the legendary Starfleet captain who is Captain Kirk’s hero. Set twenty one years before the events of “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” this is the story of the victory that solidified the United Federation of Planets at a time when conflict with the Klingons threatened to tear the union apart. Garth's victory at the Battle of Axanar was the pivotal moment in the Four Years War. In this, the premiere episode of the official podcast of Star Trek: Axanar, hosts Christopher Jones and Alec Peters are joined by Axanar director and renowned artist Christian Gossett, who also collaborated with Alec on the story. As an introduction, we discuss Alec's early interest in the character of Garth, the reason for choosing this particular setting and time period, and how Alec and Christian collaborated on researching and fleshing out this historic-yet-untold conflict. We also bring you some updates on Axanar production