Star Trek New Voyages - New Voyages Of The Original Five Year Mission

A Five Year Mission

"What rock have I been living under?"  was the exact question I asked myself when I discovered the extraordinary independent, fan-made web series Star Trek New Voyages (formerly Star Trek: Phase II).

Created by James Cawley in 2003 (the first episode went online in 2004!), the web series continues the five year mission of the original Star Trek series as if the show was never canceled after its third season in 1969.

In accomplishing that mandate, the production crew achieves astonishing results in recreating both the look and feel of the original series, including:

• An exact 360° reproduction of the Enterprise bridge

• Replication of audio cues, sound effects, and musical interludes used throughout the original series run

• Visual effects that mimic the originals, yet still look dynamic on modern screens

• Detailed facsimiles of costumes, and popular alien designs

• Stories featuring original crew members Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Chief Engineer Scott ("Scotty"), Lt. Uhura, Lt. Commander Sulu, and Lt. Chekov

However, STNV's most notable achievement is the recapturing of the tone and focus of the original show.

These Are The New Voyages

The late Gene Roddenberry conceived Star Trek to be morality plays disguised as futuristic adventure.

In fact, its most prominent signature is its thinly veiled social commentary.  

While J.J. Abrams' new movies are entertaining, they lack the soul-gazing narrative of the original series.

To their credit, STNV producers have continued Roddenberry's legacy of presenting compelling appraisals of the human condition. 

Yet another distinguishing characteristic of the web series is its episode length.  

Each installment is approximately  60 minutes* - complete with retro NBC network identification screens, and act breaks where commercials would have been inserted.

STNV has many distinguished supporters, including Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry as a consulting producer - as well as a parade of illustrious guest stars including: George Takei, Grace Lee Whitney, Denise Crosby, and Walter Koenig.

The project also features scripts from many accomplished writers, most who formerly wrote for the various televised incarnations of Star Trek.

For example, the third episode World Enough And Time, was written by Marc Scott Zicree (who also directed) and Michael Reaves. Both men have written episodes for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

The episode features guest star George Takei reprising his role as Sulu, with Majel Barrett Roddenberry as the voice of the Enterprise computer.

The story centers on Sulu, who is teleported into an alternate reality due to a transporter accident (it's always that damn transporter!). 

After living a lifetime in the alternate universe, he is returned to normal reality - and must make heart-wrenching decisions in order to save the Enterprise.

World Enough And Time was nominated in 2008 for a Hugo Award in the category of "Best Dramatic Presentation Short Form."

The nomination was well deserved, as this episode packs an emotional punch on par with the classic original episode The City On The Edge Of Forever.

Watch World Enough And Time in its entirety here ...

To Boldly Go

Since its inception in 2004, there have been 12 episodes of STNV released online at the rate of about one per year, with more in various stages of production.  

It was recently announced that creator James Cawley, who portrayed Jim Kirk, would be abdicating the role to actor Brian Gross beginning with the 10th episode. 

Since the web series is fan-made and non-profit,  production is financed by the producers, along with the support of viewers.

Many talented crew members make this expensive endeavor possible by volunteering their considerable time, expertise, and talents.

Episodes are free and are available on the official series website:

Star Trek New Voyages Phase II International

I give Star Trek New Voyages my earnest recommendation - especially if you're a fan of the original series. 

This superb fan-made production is a shining testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic science fiction franchise.

May it live long and prosper.

*Update On June 23, 2016, CBS released fan film guidelines which included limitations on project run times. Because of these limitations, the producers have decided to cease future production of new STNV episodes. However, all current episodes remain available for public viewing. 

Read the official statement from the STNV production team regarding the future of the project here.

Read James Cawley’s official statement on the CBS Star Trek Fan-Film Guidelines - dated April 4, 2017 - here.

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Dynamo The Web Series - A Dazzling Sci-Fi Phantasmagoria

Outside The Lines

Dynamo is a sci-fi web series that defies description or categorization.

Part space opera, part cyberpunk romp, and part dystopian ode, this ambitious independent project takes stylistic cues from those sub-genres to create an aesthetic all its own.

The result is one of the most original, visually stunning, and challenging science fiction web series I've ever seen.

A Sci-Fi Phantasmagoria

Created by Ian Hubert and Scott Hampson for Karma Pirates productions, Dynamo tells the story of the mysterious Axle Rubix - a man (?) who arrives on Earth near the walled exterior of a massive dystopian metropolis called Shade.

The mystery of Axle deepens after he is picked up by an unsuspecting young couple who transport him to the city.

From there, the story gets far more strangely complicated.

Let me be frank,  Dynamo can be a challenging watch.  The narrative often deviates from most standard storytelling conventions.

Instead, the series has an almost lyrical quality - with frequent  flights of fancy along the way.

Think of its sensibility as a cross between Blade Runner and Brazil.

The good news?  Its unique narrative and visual style work extremely well together in producing a work that is intriguingly cool.

In fact,  while the cast performances are impeccable, it's the cinematography and visual effects that are main attractions.

With epic deep space battles, richly textured sets (watch for an odd cardboard fort!), and a fully 3D-rendered futuristic metropolis, you will doubt that millions of dollars weren't spent on this production.

Down The Wormhole

Watch the complete first episode below to experience a look inside the bizarre world of Dynamo ...

I can't recommend Dynamo highly enough.  

With its original premise, dynamic cast performances, cool soundtrack, and award-worthy visuals, this series pushes the envelope as to what a sci-fi web series can be.

To watch more, visit its channel on YouTube: Karma Pirates.

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WebCamelot - A Medieval Comedy Series

The premise behind the independent comedy web series WebCamelot is weird - archaeologists discover a hard drive filled with video blogs from citizens of King Arthur's kingdom.

These video shorts expose a side of life in Camelot quite different from legend.

Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

Well, it is, but the series is also funny, and a great satire of our reality show, tabloid-obsessed media culture.

Created by David Rice, Josh Crute and Matthew Barnette, every WebCamelot installment is episodic in nature.

Each episode focuses on a singular event - such as a quest or festival - and depicts it through the comical point-of-view of the most notorious denizens of Camelot, including:

• Geoffrey The Troll (Ford Seeuws) A frustrated literary critic with a deep-rooted hatred of all things Yates

• Frances The Priest (Harrison Chambers) A gossipy clergyman who loves the limelight

• Rob The Outlaw (Tim Childers) A ne'er do well whose Jackass - style antics are the bane of the kingdom

• Collette The Damsel (Kayla May) - A frustrated, disaffected maiden whose sole goal is to free herself from her father's tower to P-A-R-T-Y

What the official trailer in HD here ...

To watch the series, visit its channel on YouTube: WebCamelot - The Series.

I found the project's satire to be charming, eccentric, and thoroughly amusing. This light-hearted and zany take on Camelot is highly recommended for both the young and young-at-heart.

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Wizard Hunters The Web Series - A Young Girl Discovers Her Mystical Destiny

There's Something About Crystal

Wizard Hunters is a 2012 urban fantasy web series produced by Uphill Pictures.

It tells the story of Crystal (Scarlett Lynn), a seemingly ordinary 12-year old girl who is coping with the loss of her parents and life with her foster mother Jessica (Karita Fleming).

After having a vivid nightmare about being confronted by a terrifying evil, Crystal soon discovers she has an incredible destiny .  

She is the key to ending a centuries old conflict between vampire and wizards.

However, forces both light and dark are seeking her.

Who can Crystal trust?

An Urban Fantasy Come To Life

What immediately struck me about Wizard Hunters is, it is one of far too few urban fantasy web series.

A main reason for the popularity of urban fantasies is their modern environments are far more relatable and accessible versus the often medieval settings of traditional fantasies.

Wizard Hunters uses this advantage to full effect. For example, the central conflict of the series takes place in a parking garage, a location familiar to many viewers. This serves to gives the fantasy a gritty, real-world grounding.

Other series hallmarks include its visual style and solid cast performances - especially Ms. Lynn as Crystal.

She has real acting chops and presence. I expect we will be seeing great things from this charismatic young actress.

The series mythology is also highly realized and compelling.

We eventually learn the origin of the conflict between wizards and vampires, as well as why Crystal is so important to both sides.

Get a sense of the series atmosphere by watching the pilot episode ...

The complete first season of Wizard Hunters  is comprised of five episodes, all available for viewing on its YouTube channel WizardHuntersOnline.

Unfortunately, a Kickstarter campaign to finance a second season was unsuccessful. Apparently, plans have been abandoned to proceed with future episodes.

This is regrettable, because I really wanted to see more of Crystal's journey. Instead, we will just have to enjoy the only season of a very well-produced urban fantasy.

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Or So The Story Goes Web Series - Fairy Tales Reimagined

Fairy Tales 2.0

Or So The Story Goes (love that title!) is a web series from Outtake Productions that puts a dark, post-modern spin on classic fairy tales.

Each season will tell one complete story.

Welcome To Canisville

The first arc is entitled Little Rosemary, an updating of Little Red Riding Hood.

The debut episode introduces us to the  small town of Canisville.  

Among the residents we meet Hazel, an intelligent, precocious 12-year old who is determined to solve the mysterious disappearance of her classmate Rosemary.

As Hazel delves further into the circumstances surrounding Rosemary's disappearance, she uncovers dark secrets about her sleepy little town. 

Secrets that may place her in very real danger.

A Good Mix

Or So The Story Goes has a lot going for it, including:

• a genuinely creepy tone

• some surprisingly tense and suspenseful moments

• charismatic young cast

I also loved the haunting, folksy opening and closing theme songs by Judith Avers.

Check out the series teaser trailer ...

This project has a lot of potential, and I am curious to see the kind of treatment other classic fairy tales will receive.

To watch full episodes, visit the series channel on YouTube.

To learn more about the production, check out the official web site OrSoTheStoryGoes.com.

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The Court Supreme - A Cosmic Courtroom Comedy Web Series

The Highest Court In All Reality

Where do deities, superheroes, myths, legends and personified universal forces turn to seek justice?

Answer: The Court Supreme - the highest court in all reality!

Created by writer/producer/director Arik Sternberg, The Court Supreme is a sci-fi comedy web series in which the most powerful weapons wielded are rhetoric and debate.

Hear Ye Hear Ye!

Originating from his love of speculative fiction, history, philosophy, and language, Mr. Sternberg has created a brilliantly inventive series.

A series that uses legal discourse to satirize both classic and modern cultural myths.

For example, in one especially amusing episode, a barbarian appeals to the Court Supreme to grant him a divorce - from his enchanted sword! 

In another courtroom battle, Zeus the All-Father faces off against a superteam of skeptics he blames for the loss of his power and status.

By focusing on the legal proceedings within the courtroom, the series entertains by relying solely on theme and dialogue, instead of hyperactive visual effects.

The result is a more intimate, cerebral - yet entertaining - viewing experience that will appeal to those who occasionally enjoy something more than typical genre fare.

Order In The Court

Check out the series pilot episode Blood Knight Vs. The Blade Of Doom ...

Currently there are five episodes of The Court Supreme available for viewing on Vimeo: The Court Supreme.

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We Are Angels The Sci-Fi Web Series - A Beacon Of Hope

A Dark Pit

Let's face it, while sci-fi is a genre uniquely suited for telling compelling stories, a lot of it is pretty dark and depressing.

From zombie apocalypses to bleak, dystopian futures, watching most sci-fi won't leave you feeling much hope for us as a species.

That's a problem.

We need to see more scenarios in which we not only survive, but thrive, overcoming our collective faults.

Today, sci-fi is long overdue for an infusion of hope and optimism.

Beacons Of Hope

In the new web series We Are Angels, angels have landed on earth to find specific charges who are in the grip of excruciating suffering.

They come as beacons of hope, and the series follows their journeys as they contend with human sorrow as well as dark forces opposing their mission.

Not Touched By An Angel

Written and directed by Aaron Garcia, this series is not a rehash of Touched By An Angel.

These ethereal beings don't suddenly appear preaching platitudes coated in self-righteousness.

Instead, it is their very presence that brings strength and comfort.

Shot in high definition, the show is a feast for your eyes. Colors pop off the screen.  The cinematography has the crispness of an early Spring morning.

The musical score by John Koutselinis is lush, and appropriately dramatic.

The opening narration of the premiere episode is beautifully written, accomplishing its task of introducing this world of light and shadows.

Watch the trailer below for a glimpse inside this extraordinary series:

Watch the series as it unfolds on its home on YouTube: We Are Angels

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The Peculiar Case Of Formula 12 - A Dark Sci-Fi Thriller Web Series

A Book And Its Cover

The Peculiar Case Of Formula 12 (Formula 12) is a new sci-fi thriller about Henry, a young, brilliant MIT scientist with a dark secret.

As the series opens, Henry (Andre Keuck) is being interviewed by a court-appointed psychologist after his brutal clash with three muggers.

At the end of the interview,  a shocking plot point is revealed that casts the proceedings in a drastically different light.

What Is Formula 12?

Unfortunately, I can't provide a more detailed synopsis without spoiling a major plot twist, but Formula 12 has the potential to be quite exceptional.

Each episode builds on the dramatic tension of the one before.

Much of this credit should be attributed to series creator and star Andre Keuck.

Mr. Keuck's chilling portrayal of a tortured genius powers the central thread of the narrative.

Combined with a solid supporting cast and intriguing mystery, The Peculiar Case Of Formula 12 is off to a most promising start.

Watch the official trailer for a taste of the series' dark tone:

To watch the complete first season, visit the series YouTube channel What Is Formula 12.

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Quantum Shock - A Sci-Fi Kung Fu Action Web Series

A Damaged Hero

In the kung fu sci-fi web series Quantum Shock, you follow the exploits of Colt Stahl (Anselm Meyer), a hero cut from the same taciturn cloth as Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer.

Unlike Mr. Bourne and Bauer, Colt is also a man possessed of a unique ability - he can see certain murders before they occur. He witnesses the deaths of individuals vital to the integrity of our timeline.

In a Minority Report like twist, a haunted Colt embarks on a vigilante mission to stop the perpetrators of these homicides before they happen.

But how did Colt gain such an ability, what terrible price is he paying because of it, and who is behind the sinister forces opposing him?

Quantum Shock is the compelling story of a once idealistic young man's transformation into a superhuman agent of vengeance and death.

An Epic Vision

Created and written by martial artist Anselm Meyer, Quantum Shock is very ambitious in scope and appearance.  

It's a unique blend of  sci-fi, kung fu action, and espionage drama that works remarkably well for many reasons including:

• A well-developed screenplay featuring an intriguingly dark, introspective story

• Dynamic direction by Dave Campbell

• Gorgeous cinematography featuring scenic locales

• A pulse-pounding score

• Solid performances by the supporting cast

Last, but certainly not least, the project showcases some very impressive martial arts fight choreography.

This comes as no surprise since Mr. Meyer himself is a martial artist.  His on-and-off screen mentor Ralph Haenel (General Conrad Matheus), is also a well-respected master of the martial art of Wing Tsun Kung Fu.

The result of having real martial artists involved in the production are fight scenes that are very fluid and fun to watch.

My only main criticism of the series is the sound editing. On more than one occasion the ambient sounds of a locale drown out the actors' dialogue.

Hopefully this fault will be addressed if the project is released in other media.

Take A Quantum Trip

The series is told in five parts, each averaging between 18-22 minutes in length. A single, extended cut of the series is also planned for future release in early 2014.

Here is the project's trailer:

Here is also a cool behind the scenes video featuring Kung Fu Master Ralph Haenel performing drills with the cast:

Overall, I found Quantum Shock an engrossing tale with a highly thought-out plot, exciting action scenes, and a dark, gritty tone appropriate to its theme.

The series ending is left open, making it possible for more adventures with Colt Stahl to be explored.

To watch the series in episodic or movie format, visit its official channel on YouTube: KungFuCoach.

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Geek And Sundry's Caper The Web Series - Even Superheroes Have To Pay The Rent

A Tale Of Four Super-Friends

Caper the web series is the latest project from Geek and Sundry, the popular online channel founded by Felicia Day.

Written by Amy Berg and Mike Sizemore, Caper has a premise that had me instantly hooked: four young housemates with superpowers valiantly protect the fictional city of Los Angles from  super-villains.  

However these super-friends have one huge problem - they are flat broke!

Bills, Bills, Bills

Sure it's fun to follow the exploits of billionaire playboys whose alter-egos heroically save the day.

It's pure escapism at its best.

But being a comic book geek, I love the fact despite their fantastic powers, these characters must grapple with real world problems - like finding employment and paying the rent.  

It is these struggles that make them far more relatable.

"Super" Stars In The Making

In the premiere episode, we meet the four protagonists who are sly subversions of the most iconic superhero archetypes:

• Dagr (Hartley Sawyer) - an immortal royal Viking scion who is 12th in line for the throne

• Alexia (Beth Riesgraf) - a hotheaded amazon princess recently returned from a walk on the dark side

• Luke (Harry Shum, Jr.) - the idealistic superman of the group

• Penny (Abby Miller) - a penniless (pun intended) genius who had to steal back her high-tech armor from her sleazy billionaire ex

The main cast has great chemistry together, which is one of the hallmarks of the series.   

Caper also features a great script filled with wry, self-referential jabs. 

A prime example is one scene in which Penny damages the group's only television set, frustrated over her ex receiving credit for her heroic deeds.

Looking at the cracked screen,  another character quips "Nobody watches television anymore anyway. All the good stuff is online."

Thrilling Heroics

The show also features  excellent cinematography, including an ingenious device for including action sequences.

Superhero battles scenes would be cost prohibitive to produce on a web series budget.

To overcome this challenge, whenever an episode calls for depictions of thrilling super-heroics, the visuals transition to vibrant graphic illustrations.

The gorgeous graphic art gives Caper a unique visual style that also pays homage to its comic book roots.

Also very exciting is the slew of  cameos by many fan favorite actors.  Sorry I can't say more due to spoilers, but definitely  have an eagle's eye when watching!

Take a look inside the world of Caper by watching the official trailer:

You can watch all the episodes of the series on its official page on YouTube: Geek And Sundry Caper

Caper is Geek and Sundry's first scripted series.  It shows much promise, and I'm definitely onboard for the ride.

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The Coffee Table - A Sci-Fi Comedy Web Series Review

A Cosmic Misadventure 

The Coffee Table is the brainchild of Seattle playwright Scotto Moore. The sci-fi comedy centers on a coffee table which is actually a powerful alien artifact.

After it mysteriously comes into the possession of a close-knit family, the artifact transports them - along with their entire house! - to a strange dimension known only as "The Void."

Desperate to return home, the family must decipher how to operate the coffee table, all while encountering strange aliens and numerous peculiar phenomena on their journey.

The Who Connection

The Coffee Table is a sci-fi comedy that almost defies description - and that's a very good thing!

I must agree with the series producers, who bill the project as a cross between Doctor Who and The Greatest American Hero.

Like the TARDIS of Doctor Who, the titular coffee table is actually a means for transporting its possessors through time and space - although operating it is problematic at best.

Another similarity is the show's tone.  It would not be accurate to describe it as sci-fi parody, straight-forward comedy, or drama.

Instead, Scotto Moore has spliced together from those genres a wonderfully weird animal in a class all its own.

From encountering a chivalrous alien named "Discrete Moment," to visiting a realm that resembles a technicolor Van Gogh painting, this series' singular brand of zaniness also takes a cue from the revered work of Douglas Adams.

Watch the season one trailer for a glimpse into the void:

Step Into The Void

The engaging first season of The Coffee Table is comprised of 15 episodes averaging between 4 to 8 minutes in length.

A total of three seasons are planned, with the story coming to a definite end at the conclusion of season three.  

Fortunately, capital for the second and third season were raised via a successful Kickstarter campaign. Filming for both seasons two and three began concurrently at the beginning of 2014.

Armed with its unique premise, charismatic cast, and solid production value, I found the first season to be refreshingly original - and a delight to watch. 

I'll definitely be back for seasons two and three.

To view the series, visit its channel on YouTube: The Coffee Table.

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The Invaders Web Series - Earth's Fate Rests With One Eight-Year Old Hero

Filling A Void

If you love science fiction and have children, you are well aware of the gross lack of quality, live-action programming suitable for children - especially children of color.

Yes, there are many animated projects to be found.

Still all children, like adults, deserve to see flesh-and-blood reflections of themselves onscreen.

The most recent child-focused project I can recall was the 2007 Doctor Who spinoff The Sarah Jane Adventures starring the late, great Elizabeth Sladen.

Yet even that series had situations that would have been considered too intense for most children under 10.

Thank goodness for The Invaders,  a whimsical sci-fi web series chronicling the adventures of young Angie Martinez (Catori Crawford).

Close Encounters Of The Eight-Year Old Kind

Angie Martinez is a bright, inquisitive eight-year old girl who posts video blogs about her daily adventures to her YouTube channel, The Angie Show.

One night during a severe thunderstorm, Angie, and her faithful sidekick Mr. Snuggles the teddy bear, witness the arrival of a very real UFO.

When Angie goes to investigate, she unwittingly embarks on the adventure of a lifetime!

A Passing Grade

Created by Mark Cabaroy, The Invaders is a terrific web series for both the young and young-at-heart.

Young Catori Crawford as Angie is charming and precocious. The aliens will definitely get more than they bargained for in their encounters with our young hero!

Another highlight of the series is its storytelling device. We experience what Angie does through her video diary.  

This form of narration is effective because it doesn't condescend to children, it engages them. Angie is someone they can readily identify with. 

Brilliant storytelling choice.

On the technical side, the production features crisp cinematography with very impressive visual effects.

Another wise choice is the producers have kept each episode under three minutes in length - perfect for engaging the notorious short attention spans of its target demographic.

The Invaders gets a grade of A+ from this viewer.

Take  a look at the official series trailer for a peek inside Angie's world:

As of this writing, 14 out of 25 planned episodes are now available for viewing on the YouTube channel for The Invaders.

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