A pair of projects, both being run independently by Star Trek cast alum, are seeking fan funding.
First, Through the Fire is a non-Trek project with Trek people in it. Michael Dorn, who wrote the script and plans to direct, will star in the film along-side a few other Trek alum, like Marina Sirtis.
Dorn was inspired to create the film after being offered a part in the upcoming Star Trek into the Darkness, as Colonel Worf, a character he played in Star Trek VI, and also an ancestor of the character he played in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The part was removed from the script before shooting began, but Dorn had the bug, and decided he wants to do a film with his Trek Friends.
We have this synopsis:
“Through The Fire” is a romantic comedy about a couple of dazzling New York urbanites who are set-up on the worst blind date ever, only to find out they have more in common than they realize. Despite their professional differences (she is an acclaimed Broadway actress and he is the theater critic who gave her a horrible review) they cannot get each other out of their minds. “Through The Fire” shows what happens in the ultimate battle between the head and the heart.
Dorn has also discussed getting together a group for a Trek project, but nothing has been heard of that beyond a simple concept.
Simultaneously, and not connected other than through Star Trek, another alum-made film is in the works under the direction of Tim Russ and Walter Koening, who play Tuvok and Chekov, respectively in the Star Trek universe. Star Trek: Renegades will follow the previous film by Koening, Star Trek: Of Gods And Men, and is intended to be a darker, edgier version of the Trek universe, where the well-known characters will have to make some very un-Starfleet-like decisions to save the Federation.
I find it odd that the current Star Trek boss, J.J. Abrams, would want indie-budget side projects cluttering up his brand image, but it seems that permission has been granted, on the condition that the pair find their own funding for the film. To that end, the project will be put up on KickStarter for fans to donate.
Production has already kicked off and we have this clip as a teaser:
Neither project has a set release schedule, and neither will see a theatrical release.
