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Thursday, October 5, 2017

From The Captain's Chair



STAR TREK CONTINUES started as an idea years ago, the realization of a dream “playing STAR TREK” as a child.  It’s been five years since we laid out the recreation of the TOS soundstage at our Georgia studio, and since then our first nine episodes have drawn more than 7,000,000 online views.

While our on-set shooting finished months ago, we’ve been working hard on post production and putting the finishing touches on the last two episodes of our series – an exciting two-part conclusion to STAR TREK CONTINUES entitled “To Boldly Go.”

We just wrapped up a weekend of recording a full orchestra made up of more than 40 student musicians from New York’s Empire Film Music Ensemble in Rochester as well as several professional instrumentalists. Their amazing work interpreting Andy Farber’s compositions will soon be heard.  Sound design and visual effects, along with the original music, really are the “icing on the cake” that give STC the look and feel of vintage STAR TREK.

Recently, our cast and crew accepted another half dozen awards for our work from both the Burbank International Film Festival and the International Independent Film Awards.  Such recognition from our industry peers is truly gratifying, and it’s good to have so many people enjoy the good work that we’ve created together.

Here’s the plan for the release of our final episodes this fall.



We’re excited to offer a special “sneak peek” of Episode 10 “To Boldly Go: Part I” on Sunday, October 8 at the New York Comic Con.  I will be on hand for that event and will be available for a question-and-answer session after the teaser screening.  The full episode will be released publicly on Wednesday, October 18, on our official STC website as well as YouTube and Vimeo.



Then finally, we look ahead to the end of October where attendees at Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con will get “sneak peek” of Episode 11, “To Boldly Go: Part II” on Sunday, October 29.  There will be a red carpet arrival and also a question-and-answer with cast and crew.  I’ll also be attending that event, along with many of the faces of STAR TREK CONTINUES including Todd Haberkorn, Chuck Huber, Chris Doohan, Grant Imahara, Kim Stinger, Michele Specht, Kipleigh Brown, Cat Roberts, Tim Vittetoe, James Kerwin, Lisa Hansell and more!

Our final episode will be online for all to enjoy on November 13, as we wrap our “love letter to STAR TREK” for the enjoyment of fans worldwide. It’s been quite a ride… thanks for taking it with us!

Vic Mignogna
Captain of STAR TREK CONTINUES

46 comments:

Unknown said...

This production is Star Trek. You are the characters I and all Star Trek fans have loved for 50 years. The actors have changed, the sets have fallen and been picked up, but the spirit of Star Trek resides with you and other fan productions. The emotions and excitement I feel when watching Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, and the rest of the crew today are the same as I felt in years past. You all have picked up where we were left so many years ago and have stayed true to the course set by Gene Roddenberry. You all have taken the universe I love and made it better than it has ever been. A very heartfelt thanks goes out to you all, The crew of the Enterprise.

Hal Fischer said...

Hello, Vic - helle everyone else !
First of all, i´d absolutely like to tip my hat to you folks: i´ve seen my fair share of ST Fanprojects, but STC ennobles practiacally the whole Fanscene and shows where our hearts are. What you managed to deliver is simply astonishing ... the feel, the lighting, the mood ... for me, personally speaking, STC is Canon.

It pains me to see, when CBS does (my opionen, once again) not appreciate the work, love and surely blood, sweat and tears poured into projects like STC, but rather crippels everyhting this stands for.

If you ask me, your should go to Kickstarter and try to collect money again. But this time to develope your own SciFi Franchise ... since CBS isn´t interested in this, a true spiritual successor to Star Trek should come from the people apparently really loving it. ST was never just the name, for me it was more the idea and the ideals behind it.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

STC - Cast & Crew, what accolades could be given that have not already been? Thank you for creating the most stellar and professional work. Your work has entered into Star Trek "Canon" and will be cherished for eons. Live Long & Prosper!

Unknown said...

I was only 1 when TOS started. I didn’t become cognizant of it until I was 9 or 10 and I’ve been a Trekker ever since. One of my favorite memories was going to an aunt’s house when I was about that age. The light switches in each room of her house were push button. I spend most of that day running from room to room, pushing the ‘intercom’ button and getting and sending messages to the ‘bridge’. I became a computer programmer because of the influence of Star Trek in my life. I wanted to push buttons like everyone on the show did that made things happen. I ended up pushing buttons on a keyboard, writing programs. It’s not as dramatic as firing photon torpedoes, but I did manage to shoot a few torpedoes…if only in my head.
Thank you for doing these precious episodes. It was good to see the original, and still the best, series back on even if for only a little while. I think you all did great impersonations of the original crew and I appreciated and enjoyed every episode. You will be missed.
Good luck in all that you do.
Do’ qu’
Bert Hooks

Unknown said...

Just saw episode 10 omg! I thought you couldn't be anymore incredible. What a story and bringing back the Romulus commander genius.

Tom said...

This. This has always been more Trek to me than any of the Abrams movies or the latest moneygrab Discovery series. As far as I and thousands of Trekkers like me are concerned, you are the keeper of the Trek flame, and it is not until this series reaches its anazing conclusion that Trek will have truly died. Vic, you and the entire crew have done us proud, and concluded the story Roddenberry started all those years ago. Live long and prosper, my friends.

Dave Leigh said...

I just saw Episode 10, and I must say it's the best episode of Star Trek ever filmed. Kudos, and thank you.

Chris Christopoulos said...

By episode 3 I was hooked! Congratulations on a fine effort at seamlessly continuing the spirit of the original series which I first watched on TV in black and white in the 1960's. Star Trek Continues is a real joy to watch. Thank you.

SuperMike91 said...

I'm certain that Gene Roddenberry would be pleased with what you've all done in continuing his vision. May the legacies of you and Gene continue to "live long and prosper."

louis R. said...

Just watched part1 & it was as usual, GREAT! Am looking forward to part2 of the final episode but will be saddened when STC comes to an end.I sincerely hope Vic will put together more Star Trek projects in the future & do thank him & his cast & crew for the amazing,fantastic work they did with Star Trek Continues..

Unknown said...

I wish they could continue but just recently read the rules Paramount just released about fan base Star Trek creations and with the rules, they are no longer allowed to continue. Very sad.

Cmos said...

I love your work. You must find a legal way to continue doing it. Croudfunding and changing names or whatever. You are the true Star trek crue. Don't let us down! Thanx for Everything. We love you all.

Unknown said...

Just learned about your series coming to an end. Had seen the first three episodes years ago. Loved them, but never knew when next episodes were due. Totally forgot about checking back. Talk about ecstatic, when I find 7 new episodes !!! Then heartbreak, when I learn there's one episode left before curtain comes down. Thank you all for giving us this gift. I appreciate the hard work and passion you all put into these episodes. I wish it could CONTINUE, but apparently, CBS feels all good things must end.

THERE CAN NEVER BE ENOUGH STAR TREK !!!

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER !!

THANK YOU.

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed the nostalgia of Star Trek Continues. Very sad to see it come to an end. This will be a treasure that will live on for many decades.

Thank you so much!

GeoGherkins said...

I was hooked within the first few minutes of the first STC vignettes and absolutely love every full length episode since. What you have done IS absolutely better than the real thing. This is STAR TREK but done one better.

Why "one better"? Because of the obvious love that is poured into the work. The re-creation of the style and look is more than nostalgic, it is museum-quality reproduction, but also ALIVE.

You have propelled the show a step further than the original by severe attention to continuity and being completely true to the future history timeline. The self-referential backstory woven into new plots is incredible. I cannot emphasize my sheer amazement at how well you pull everything together into a cohesive whole.

TOS was 1960 space opera filled with corny moments. You've captured those moments. (I say this lovingly).

TOS often used allegory to make commentary on political and social issues of its day. You've taken the same path, updating to contemporary issues but magically connecting the plots of TOS to today's concerns about economics, racism, child abuse, sexism, human trafficking, medical ethics, political divisions, ... the list goes on.

I have watched STC episodes that brought tears to my eyes. Real acting and production values do that. Wow.

I also love the nods to TNG and TAS, pulling together these other manifestations of STAR TREK from the perspective of TOS (the later series had only hindsight; STC has both foresight and hindsight). And it is pulled off wonderfully.

STC episode 10 blew me away. Coming full-circle to TOS's Where No Man Has Gone Before was brilliant! Of course the enormous story possibility opened by that 2nd TOS pilot episode left dangling absolutely required a return visit to take care of the loose ends. How could I not see it coming these past 50 years!? I eagerly await part 2 in just a few days...

But I am sad knowing STC is coming to an end. So don't let it end. Please, keep making more vignette mini-episodes. If that is all that CBS/Paramount will allow under the new terms, then take them at their word. Two 15 minute vignettes equal one full TAS episode. We can work with that, can't we? Let the Kirkstarter 3.0 begin! Please?

To everyone involved in STC: MAGNIFICENT! Like so many before me who have also commented, I cannot give enough thanks to the many talented fans who have produced STC!

Peace, live long and prosper!

George Perkins
October 26 2017

P.S. Old enough to remember watching TOS broadcast in 1966. My parents told me to go back to bed. I snuck back out of bed and peeked into the living room anyway!

Unknown said...

Just watched "To Boldly Go pt.1" Fantastic s usual. Amy Rydell was perfect as the Romulan commander and the use of the TOS plot points was very well done. Can't wait for pt.2. Could you not continue making 2 part 30 minute episodes of 15 minutes each? Will miss this peek back ar Star Trek.

Unknown said...

This is the BEST episode of any Star Trek ever made! I never cared for John de Lancie as the "Q", but he knocked it out of the ball park this time! Elizabeth became the real Sekara, and for some reason, this whole story parallels the wall the USA wants to build on the Mexican border!

I hope funding is found to continue another year of this series. It concludes previous Star Trek episodes such as "mirror, mirror" and the one with the Greek god.

Zidders Roofurry said...

My hearts breaking. I love this series so much. Thank you for bringing the joy of Trek back into my life. I wish you all the best.

Buddy Derry said...

It's going to be a sad time when watching pt 2 knowing this is the end of this fantastic series. Thanks to all concerned for their great work.

Unknown said...

Just saw part 2. I'm awe struck. This is absolutely canon, and finally completed the series. Fans everywhere owe a huge debt of gratitude to Vic and crew. An amazing final performance, bitter sweet to see it end, but it couldn't have been more graceful or perfect in every way! Thank You.

Unknown said...

It's tragic to see this excellent series end. The writing, the sets, and the acting have brought back the real feel of TOS. Any chance of another season?

Todd Martin said...

BRAVO! an outstanding end to fun ride... You kept true to the original vision and should all be proud! A beautiful ending and salute to a wonderful show.

Syntaxus said...

What you have done with this series is beyond price, and here you've given it to us freely. I can't begin to tell you what this means to your fans, and to me personally. As wistful as I am to see your creation come to an end, I cannot deny that you bookended it with the utmost grace, leading us boldly into the events we see in the Motion Picture. I marvel at what you've created here, and cannot express my gratitude enough. Live long and prosper, one and all!

Pink Apocalypse said...

Your work was a bright light of hope and wonder that made me feel again. Thank you.

SamuraiArtGuy said...

I have JUST finished viewing the conclusions of “To Boldly Go” and I am left searching for my socks. I expect they’ll turn up sometime... next week, shedding chronometic radiation. A brilliant conclusion to a fabulous trip. I very much appreciate that the story worked in and examined the significant consequences of Captain Kirk and Spock’s decisions, and dovetailed very neatly with the events of ST:TMP. It felt more faithful that that ... other show CBS is pushing.

I saw the original brodcast run of The Original Series as a child. I will turn 59 on Saturday, and I can hardly imagine a more delightful birthday present for an old Trekkie. Star Trek Continues has been a gem. It rings true to the Spirit of Star Trek and clearly a labor of love. All of you have every reason to be very proud. Ya did real good, and made me smile. A Lot.

Live long and prosper. And thank you, so very much.

Unknown said...

Vic and crew. Saying you all did an amazing job is an understatement. You’ve somehow managed to capture the essence and true spirit of Trek in every way. For me, STC has managed to fill the gaps in the 5 year mission and bring closure to the series in an entertaining intelligent and true to cannon fashion. Thank you Vic and company.

brent635 said...

Vic, thanks to you and the rest for this excellent body of work. Star Trek has inspired me and so many others to reach for the stars.

May the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back.

Brent

Unknown said...

Wonderful finale !

Minor continuity glitch: AFAIK, your final scene with McCoy was a slight disconnect with accepted canon. Remember the Fabrini from "The World is Hollow and I have Touched the Sky" ? I'm fairly certain it was considered canon that McCoy was granted extended leave to return to Yonada (for their arrival and disembarkment on their new destination world). When he eventually returned to Starfleet years later (at the start of First The Motion Picture), he brought a lot of Fabrini medical technology back with him, which subsequently aided many advances in Federation medical sciences.

JGG1701 said...

You should be proud of what you have accomplished.
Thank you for all you have done ��.

Unknown said...

Greatful work, Mr. Mignogna. We saw your 11 chapters from Spain, and we're very impressed about your job (and how do you and your team explain the creation's process at each little video of the website.)

It's a really hard work, and a lot of people involved, to recreate all of these chapters, but you don't mean only a "fan webseries", not only, because you've got a very professional and famous team to make real the full universe of TOS. But, the auditorium of the final scene lacks a lot of quality, doesn't look and feel so real as it has to be... This is the only fail I see at the complete series.

But don't worry, because final scene in "ST: Enterprise" is quite similar. But you are better than Berman & Braga, and I hope that "Rod" Roddenberry helps you to be introduced as one of the official series.

You, your work and the feelings of people who loves the original Star Trek, will be loved you forever.

It was a shame that you killed your wife and Kipleigh to fit the pieces of the puzzle in the end... You, sadic!!! ;-)

God bless you.

Unknown said...

Vic, Cast, and Crew of "Star Trek Continues": Just a few months ago, my wife and I discovered your wonderful fan-produced series, "Star Trek Continues." As long-time fans of all things "Star Trek," were were astonished and delighted by how well your production captured both the look and feel of the original "Star Trek" series. If any professional or fan incarnation of "Star Trek" after the original series deserves to be considered canon, it is yours. Vic's sensitive portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk not only honors William Shatner's performances of the character, but adds even more depth. My wife and I quickly saw your cast as viable alternative versions of the beloved crew. Your inclusion of more women in general, and in leadership positions in particular, is much appreciated by us. Your use of the original series' designs for hardware, uniforms, and ships was spot on. What a joy it has been to see all eleven episodes of "Star Trek Continues" as you finished off the original five year mission in the way that both maintained the sense of wonder of the show as well as made a quite plausible explanation for how things would have changed in the lives of the crew by the beginning of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Again, thanks so much for bringing classic "Star Trek" back to life again.

Sincerely, David C. Mueller

Unknown said...

I have enjoyed the shows from the start. Wish I could own a DVD of it all.

Unknown said...

Like all the others who have commented, it is difficult to adequately express to you Vic, and equally to all of your cast and to all of your crew, the gratitude and admiration I feel for what you have given to us. Everyone who contributes to making an episode, from people supplying food, transport and other background, but essential activities, to the more obvious makeup, lighting, sound, costumes, props - the list is endless, and to all I say, Thank You.

Without this support, the quality we see on screen, in every aspect and in every episode, would not have been possible.

And thinking of the quality in the final product:

I have gone back to the beginning of STC, watching each episode in sequence. Not every episode is equally outstanding, and of course this applies to episodes in any series, both professional and fan-made. But from the very first episode, I am impressed by consistently excellent writing, acting, direction, editing, lighting (an area of personal interest), music (another area of personal activity) and sound design, colour grading etc etc. All totally professional. Really, an amazing achievement!

Vic, having completed the aim to conclude TOS five-year mission, such a team must not, cannot be disbanded. It is my great hope that some new, parallel vehicle, may be found to keep this talented band together continuing to delight fans with unmatched excellence.

My very best wishes and thanks to all, and I look forward to what the future may hold.

GeneM said...

All great things must come to an end. Heckuva hobby! 11 more canon Star Trek TOS is more than I ever thought would happen. Thank you all for the sacrifices you made to bring STC to our screens. I'm proud to have joined so many others in your Kirk Starters. And finally, Bravo.

william k. fitzwater said...

I enjoyed Boldly gone Part 1 and 2. yes yours is most best authentic Star Trek out there. However the idea of characters being uplifted by energy barrier was never mentioned any further in TOS. The Preservers were mentioned in one episode in book with American indians. As far as filling in the blanks yes this is best probably likely situation to played out. I also feel Romulan vessel wandering around federation space a bit of a stretch. I felt this episode melded idea saucer separation (STTNG )best of both worlds not mention few other star trek episodes such as wrath of khan.
My take well its like adding more where original cannon leaves off filling in the blanks.
Now that was nit picker. As entertainment acting special effects a total absolute delight! Well Done !

Unknown said...

OMG, Thanks so much to everyone on the crew of Star Trek Continues! This has been amazing from start to finish,and I'm so happy I picked up my phone back in 2013 to do some youtubing to come across this series by accident. Star Trek Continues is my official Star Trek :)

Unknown said...

Smiles is the ultimate gift this production has given me, thank you!!!

Eric M said...

I have to say STC, you took it to the next level with To Boldly Go pt 1 & 2. What a send off! Congratulations to you all for a wonderful accomplishment and thanks for sharing with us all!

T.A. Dahl said...

I can't begin to express how much I loved you all. STC so much captured the OS. Watching it was a time warp that transported me back in time to my favorite tv show and characters. The last two episodes (10+11) where masterful and I'm sad to see it all come to and end. I will miss the magic. Warp speed to your next adventure.

MickiKaufman said...

Love so much about ST:Continues, but had to share: the Orion episode that dealt with slavery and equality (and which featured Lou Ferrigno) was as emotionally powerful as any of my favorite Star Trek moments from the Original Series. Really, really well done, from the writing to the acting, to the production value and human values. Keep up the impressive work and thanks Vic for displaying the fortitude and flexibility it takes to be a great captain!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for Star Trek Continues. Everyone did such a great job on this series that it was easy to see every one as these iconic roles. What a great way to provide closure on the original series.

Live long and prosper.

Cat said...

September 8, 1966. I was 13 years old. I had been anticipating the first episode of Star Trek ever since I first read about it - a tiny blurb in TV Guide. I said down, almost breathless with anticipation, and watched as The Man Trap unfolded on my little black and white TV screen and I was in heaven. Thus began what literally became a lifelong obsession. I have seen every episode of every Trek iteration (except, as yet, Discovery), seen every movie and read nearly every book. But nothing since the end of TOS has delighted me more than this. I've watched four episodes of Star Trek Continues tonight and can't wait until I can make time for more. All I can say is YOU NAILED IT. The sets, the sounds, the costumes, the speech patterns of the characters - its' all there. The production values are off the charts and the scripts beautifully preserve the Star Trek legacy. I am in awe, and so grateful for this gift. In my humble opinion you have carried on Gene Roddenberry's legacy more authentically than all the rest of those who have tried combined. Beautifully done. Bravo! And, from this old Trekkie, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

FrMatt Mirabile said...

When I first watched Star Trek I was probably about 8. It was perhaps 1970. I was hooked. I loved the series and am a true fan of the original. You guys have done an outstanding job at recreating it in every way. From the music (Kudos to you Vic) to thhe stories, and even some of the subtle character interactons that are spot on, you've done an incredible job. I am transported back in time with each episode. All I can say is Wow! I wish I had discovered the show earlier. I hope that somehow you can continue. Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

What can I say but thank you all for creating these incredible adventures!

In years to come they will transport millions of viewers into one of the best corners of the Star Trek universe.

Unknown said...

Here is an idea for the Paramount/CBS folks to ponder. I am not watching Discovery and am a lifelong ST fan, but if new episodes of STC were to be posted on All Access I would pay to see them. I'm guessing there are many others that feel the same way...

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