Kaotica Studios has partnered with John Broughton of Farragut Films for an all new fan-film project set in the Star Trek universe. With pre-production moving at warp speed and cameras scheduled to roll in October, we sat down with John for a quick chat about his 16 years of experience working on Star Trek fan productions and what longtime supporters can expect.
WHAT CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT THE NEW PROJECT?
Without revealing too much, it’s the next chapter of the Starship Farragut crew. 😉
WHEN DID YOUR LOVE OF STAR TREK BEGIN?
My love for Star Trek began in the summer of 1982 when my family and I watched STAR TREK II: The Wrath of Khan at a drive-in theater. In high school, I tabled my love for Trek and it wasn’t until I was getting out of the Navy and met Michael Bednar at a Transition Assistance Program class where I reconnected with Star Trek.
We became fast friends, bonding over Star Trek props and models. He later taught me the artistry of making hand props and from there I began selling prop replica kits under the handle, Captain JTK until 2004.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO FAN PRODUCTIONS?
At that time, I saw Starship Exeter and was inspired to do my own fan-film project. We filmed our series trailer in 2005, our pilot “The Captaincy” in 2006, and “For Want of a Nail” in 2007. We did some crew logs (vignettes), the animated episodes, and the pinnacle episode, “The Price of Anything” in 2011.
Farragut Films has supported numerous Star Trek fan productions by allowing other groups to use our sets, costumes, and props to include Exeter Trek, Dreadnought Dominion, and the more popular, Star Trek Continues web-series.
Additionally, we were the first to have open house events with free tours of the Trek sets (Farragut Fest). The purpose of Farragut Fest was to foster goodwill with our fanbase and to provide a good opportunity to network with film professionals and recruit other volunteers. With our 16-year run, we have accomplished quite a bit, won numerous awards, and are considered one of the longest running Star Trek web-series still in existence.
WHAT LED TO THE COLLABORATION WITH JOHNNY K. AND KAOTICA STUDIOS?
Coincidentally on this film project, I reached out to Johnny K five years ago, when he was helping me with some set designs. This time around, it’s much more involved. Given the work of his first two indie film efforts, THE KILLER OF GRASSY RIDGE and RED EAGLE-1, I knew that I wanted to work with him and the timing of revisiting this Farragut project aligned with Johnny K’s involvement.
It’s my belief that the convergence of us working together will fully realize the vision of the project’s potential, which will break new ground in the Star Trek fan film community.
WHAT CAN LONGTIME FANS EXPECT?
They can expect a more ‘sophisticated’ version of Farragut… a darker, more serious side. After a recent camera/lighting test, Johnny said, “This isn’t your Daddy’s Farragut!” He’s right, and my expectation is that our fanbase will be highly impressed, wanting to see more with new fans following.
WHAT’S NEXT?
After this initial short project, we’re planning a longer project together related to Farragut, and perhaps others connected with the Farragut universe. Conversely, I’ve offered to help and be involved in any capacity with Johnny’s upcoming films whether production management, wardrobe, or otherwise. I’ve always supported and respected him as a fellow filmmaker and believe he’ll be going far in the industry.
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Be sure to follow Kaotica Studios and Starship Farragut for more updates!
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Star Trek and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial fan-made film intended for recreational use. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.
