I’ve gotten a few emails from folks asking why I’ve been quiet on the blog front. Well, Farragut Films in association with United Worlds Entertainment have been busy on a new film project called, “STARSHIP POLARIS.” Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not another STAR TREK fan film, but an original science fiction film project conceived by Executive Producer/Creator Dennis Bailey.
You may recall that I mentioned this film project sometime ago. Early on, I was signed onboard as a Co-Producer and Costume Supervisor by Dennis; however, as time went on the level of involvement grew! I brought in fellow Farragut Producer Mike Bednar and Dennis Stines to help with props; and Cheryl Thomas-Smith to help with a few costume items. I was also helping with some other production items, most notably getting this film project SAG signatory. Because of the amount of involvement and resources of Farragut Films on this project, this became more of a joint-production, which is great for us.
Us folks at Farragut Films have wanted to do something ‘Non-Trek’ for some time; however, the time commitments for STARSHIP FARRAGUT – as we’ve learned though time – have prevented us from being able to do so in any successful capacity. Working jointly in this fashion, so far, seems to have worked well and I know that when it is all completed and the film is debuted – it will be something that we can proudly say we worked on outside of ‘Trek’.
Working with everyone on this project has been a pleasurable experience. Dennis is a most appreciative, genuine, and humble person. His personality and disposition makes you want to help out – it’s been an honor to help a friend see his dream take flight. Hanging out and catching up on things with Paul (aka Security Chief Prescott) has been great. Seeing Nick & Lucy Cook from STAR TREK: INTREPID, as well as Gina Hernandez, Alex Ibraham, and his team – Paula and Cynthia, has also been nice. I’ve met a few new people from this project:
- Maurice Molyneaux – Assistant Director and great organizer
- Doug Caprette – the guy who spearheaded set construction
- Romel Punsal – A talented young man on several filmmaking aspects (lighting, camera)
- Carol Crouse – Make-up person extraordinaire
- Chris – Audio/Sound Engineer who has worked on STAR TREK PHASE II
Observing this production, I’ve got to say that I’ve learned a lot and having the opportunity of observing other film projects, as well as watching an episode of the TV show CLUELESS being made at Paramount — this is probably the most professional film shoot I’ve been involved with. Most impressive is the combination of Dennis as Director and Maurice as Assistant Director. They work well together like a well-oiled machine. All the other parts to this production, including the acting being top-notch to set lighting and camera operations being in lock-step. If I had to guess, I’d say that Dennis’ professional involvement in Hollywood working with Star Trek: The Next Generation and observing other film projects being made, he incorporated “lessons learned” and industry best practices to make this production the best it could be.
Tags: Alex Ibraham, Dennis Bailey, Farragut Films, Gina Hernandez, Maurice Molyneaux, Mike Bednar, Nick Cook, Paul Sieber, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Starship Polaris

12/11/2009 at 1:18 pm
Thanks, John. Your help and encouragement, as well as Mike Bednar’s, have been absolutely critical to getting this show done right and done on time. I can’t express my appreciation strongly enough.
One thing is, I don’t know who this supposedly humble guy is. Perhaps, as in a 60s sci-fi TV show plot, it’s my Virtuous Twin (me being the Evil one).
We’ll be shooting on our main spaceship set for the last time today. It’ll break my heart to tear it down, after all of the amazing work that so many people have done on it – the construction crew, the set decorators, the lighting folks and the camera crew as well as the actors – but not half so much as it’s going to hurt to see this sudden family disperse and fly away back to their distant, separate worlds.
12/11/2009 at 2:46 pm
You’re too funny Dennis!
BTW, I forgot to mention another Farraguteer being involved on this project: Case Aiken – oops, sorry bro! I’m hoping that I didn’t ommit anyone else – if so, it would have only been an accidental oversight.
12/14/2009 at 3:48 pm
Great project! I’m impressed! To quo uhura judging from that bridge pic it reseembled a pro sci fi tv showM well pros made it! The uniforms look a bit familiar. Polaris sounds great. Can you give an online date? Want to see!
12/19/2009 at 1:08 am
John,
It was great seeing you again, and getting a bit more a chance to chat than when we met at Phase II. Promise to catch up with you soon.
12/22/2009 at 5:38 am
John, Dennis, if you guys need an extra editor, I’m available and I work cheap….