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Ralph Miller, Star Trek’s “Audio God”

03/15/2010

Ralph M. Miller

I’d like to refer to Ralph M. Miller as the “Audio God” of Star Trek fan films. In addition to working on Starship Farragut, he has also worked on Starship Exeter, Star Trek: New Voyages/Phase II and Star Trek – Of Gods and Men. In addition, Ralph’s professional credentials also include other movies – Just Desserts, Bonnie and Clyde: End of the Line, and InAlienable, which featured an assortment of Star Trek alumni in a sci-fi trial movie. Ralph is known for his talents in Sound production. When working on a film, Ralph wears many hats: Sound Designer, Foley artist, sound effects editor, ADR recordest, boom operator, production sound mixer and music editor.

Well, Ralph – you’ve got quite an impressive resume as it relates to providing sound work. How did you get involved doing sound work for Star Trek fan films?

Like most of us involved, way back in 2004 I saw Star Trek New Voyages “Come What May” and “Starship Exeter” on the Internet. My first reaction was “WOW!” I was so impressed with the sets and special effects, but the sound quality of both productions was not the greatest. So I contacted the producers and offered to help with sound design for their next episodes. At first I did not hear back from them, so I sent them each a demo CD. With in 24hrs I received a phone call from both.

Mixing in Star Trek New Voyages' IN HARMS WAY

I have been working hard to build a reputation for my sound design work, and as a result, I have been fortunate to have been approached by other quality productions such as “Starship Farragut” and “Of Gods and Men.”

You’ve also provided voice work as well. For Starship Farragut in particular, you’ve been the Farragut’s computer in the live action series and a Gorn in the animated adventures. What other voices have you lent for film projects?

I haven’t had as many opportunities as I have hoped for. It is a tough business to get into. I do a lot of background voices in the episode and in some cases, the actors are not available for looping (ADR) sessions, so I have to mimic their voices. I usually get away with it undetected. “The Gorn” and “The Guardian of Forever” for Of Gods and Men” are the two that I am most proud of.

A Favorite Element of Trek Fan Films - The Guardian of Forever

Mentioning Starship Farragut: The Animated Adventures, please describe what it was like working on this project. I would think that it would have been a change of pace, considering that most projects you’ve worked on have been live-action and this being animation. 

Revitalizing the 'Gorn"

It has been a real joy to work on the Animated Adventures. First let me say, NEO f/x has been wonderful to work with. I have put a lot of effort into making it sound exactly like the original cartoon, from using the same sound effect, and to using the original music.

With the Internet being so viral and computer technology enabling folks to make their own videos -what are your thoughts on this? Do you think that there is a ‘film revolution’ taking place? Do you think that Hollywood and the film industry are changing business practices to compete or to raise their quality of their films?

Yes! Times are changing Big Time! I believe that one day all media will be on the Internet.

Working on Star Trek New Voyages' WORLD ENOUGH & TIME

You’ve provided some great comedic video clips on YouTube, including being a Klingon Commander battling words with Kirk and playing President Nixon in contemporary times. Any other comedic video projects you’d like to mention?

Well, I have a new one, “Star Wars/Geico” –a commercial spoof that is pretty funny. I have more projects in the pipeline. Please stay tuned.

Thanks for your time. It was great talking with you and learning more about your sound work. For those interested, you can see Ralph’s YouTube work at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rmsinc#p/f

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Set Construction Interview with Mike Bednar

03/09/2010
Ron Simkanich is one of our dedicated volunteers from the Jacksonville area and is a committed worker to getting Farragut’s sets completed in St. Marys.  Ron recently interviewed Mike Bednar regarding set construction efforts: 

Tell us a little about the different projects going on at the St. Marys’ studio.

Well, we have one main project and that is to build replicas of the sets from the original series of Star Trek.  To break that down, we are currently working on the transporter room, corridors and the Captain’s quarters.   We should have the transporter room completed within the next couple of months.  There really isn’t that much to do for this set beyond the final detailing.  Also, the Captain’s quarters simply need some sanding and painting and then the furniture can be fitted.

Additionally, we are working on the Bridge, which has levels of completion geared toward our filming schedule for the year 2010.  Our first goal with the bridge is to complete the science station through the engineering station and the command deck.  Only these areas are needed to complete our next feature length film.  As we move forward, additions will be added to the bridge until we complete the full 360 setup.  Just as the original bridge had removable sections, we too plan to implement that practice to provide our Director of Photography (DP) the ability to obtain those memorable shots that we have seen in the original series.

Coming Together - The Bridge

Tell us about some of the measures you are taking to build the sets as authentic as possible to the original series of Star Trek.

It’s in the details.  There are a number of individuals that have contributed their knowledge and research of the original sets to help us with our attempt at recreating them.  The information we have been provided as well as the library of screen captures we have at our disposal guarantee that the final product will bring back many memories for everyone.  The only issue that I have with the sets is the changes that were made throughout its three seasons.  Which ones do we use?  Which looks better?  Which ones will the fans recognize over the others version?  All of these questions have merit and the fans will certainly tell us if they believe something is wrong. Trust Me!

I have also moved my entire TOS DVD library to the Farragut Films Studio with a computer to provide instant reference when we are working on the sets.  It curtails many lengthy discussions on how things are remembered.  :)  

What have you found to be your biggest challenge during your involvement with the project?

The biggest challenge is working on a large scale project such as this with limited time and money, and the fact that our sets are located a great distance from where we live. Each of those challenges is made easier by the fact that so many people have been willing to help us with everything we do.

While time is short, we have volunteers who not only work with us when we are working on building sets, making costumes, manning booths at conventions, etc. but they also do those things and many other tasks, such as running the website, writing scripts, burning DVDs, doing special effects and editing, public relations; as well as a lot of other activities on their own time. This keeps our project moving along at a constant pace and prevents stagnation.

Even though we have limited funds, we have many people who donate materials, money, Lowes and Home Depot gift cards, not to mention their skills, talents and energy, all of which means we can create high quality productions on a shoestring or as John would say, “a thread-string” budget”.

Despite the problem of distance, we are lucky to have a wonderful host family in Georgia, Kim and Brian Watson, who provide meals and lodging for the producers when we travel to St. Marys to work on sets and do filming. This makes it possible to have a home base to work from, and the 12 hours we spend driving to and from the studio is worth the time and cost of fuel when we have such great hospitality to look forward to.

Have you encountered any challenges with completing the Transporter console?

Well, the biggest challenges to completing the transporter console is the same challenge I face in everything I do.  Time, there simply isn’t enough time in a day to get what I want done.  I brought it back from GA to my home in MD thinking that I would work on there in some of my “excess professional time,” but that took a back seat to renovations I’m doing at my house and my favorite toy in my parking space.  I work better under pressure.  It will get done and be on time.  I guarantee it!

We Build Strong

Transporter Hood/Ceiling

Can you tell us about the work crew talent?  We see a lot of pictures of them standing around.  Is there enough Indians or too many chiefs?  Who’s doing the work?

Wow, I don’t know where to start.  I’ve been working with some individuals to get the sets built, but there are four that really stand out and have contributed greatly to the set construction.  Greg Greene, Ron Simkanich, Royal Weaver, and John Broughton Sr.

John Broughton Sr. has been instrumental in laying the foundation for all of our sets.  We have provided him with technical drawings and he has provided us with works of art.  He’s just amazing.

Hard at Work: John Broughton, Sr.

Greg, Ron, and Royal have won the Farragut Family over with their dedication and strong commitment to seeing this project through to its completion. Even in our absence they continue to work on the set building process when we can’t be there. This of course helps speed up the process and allows us to focus more on the details. 

3 Musketeers - I mean, Farraguteers: Ron, Royal and Greg

The open house we had last year was so successful that the need to do it again was apparent.  We don’t have a date set yet due to continual efforts to build.  But, when they are complete we will make an announcement so that any Star Trek fan will be able to walk onto the completed sets.  It will be an experience better than the last.

How does Captain Robert Tacket sound?   Any desires to be a starship captain?

I don’t know of anyone that doesn’t want to be a starship captain, including myself.  However, there is no need for that when we have our very capable and deserving Captain Jack Carter.  John and I have been friends for quite some time and I have no plans of knocking him off.  :)   I’m quite content being the first officer. 

Captain Tacket

Thanks to both Ron and Mike for this interview.  We continually get inquiries about the status of our sets and appreciate the update.  Click on here to see more pictures of set construction.

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Farpoint 2010 Recap

02/20/2010

FARPOINT 2010

Another year of Farpoint is over.  This year, marked Starship Farragut’s 5th year exhibiting and despite following a heavy blizzard, it was a good convention.  We were there to primarily promote the recent work of  Starship Farragut: The Animated Episodes.

STARSHIP FARRAGUT: The Animated Episodes
We premiered the animated project, both POWER SOURCE and Acts 1 and 2 of the second animated adventure, THE NEEDS OF THE MANY to an enthusiastic crowd early Sunday morning.  Folks were really taken back by THE NEEDS OF THE MANY - fan Blair Learn said, “I loved it, but wanted to knock you guys out for leaving me in suspense!”  To motivate folks to show up at 9 AM on Sunday to the main ballroom, we gave out 20 bound hardcopy sets of our first-ever comic book, based on the same style as the animated project called, DEARLY DEPARTED (comic project spearheaded by Kail Tescar, who is a co-producer of Starship Farragut: The Animated Episodes).   Congrats to Kail and Michael Struck of NEO f/x on the success of the animated project.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS
We participated in several panel discussions with topics ranging from costuming, lighting on a budget, writing for small budget films, and set construction.  From participating with other independent filmmakers and talking to convention attendees, I learned a few things too.

CELEBS

Star Trek Linguist, Mark Okrand and me

Mark Okrand, the linguist who wrote the Klingon language used in Star Trek III to all Star Trek iterations since, is a regular participant at Farpoint.  Another note of interest, he first worked to dub subtitles for the Vulcan dialogue in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Marc was also consulted for the 2009 Star Trek film in their use of the Romulan and Vulcan languages.  I introduced myself this time to him, familiarized him with our project and conveyed thanks to his contribution to Star Trek.  Klingons have him to thank for saying, “Qapla!”  Thanks “Success” for you Earthers out there…

Mira Furlan, Michael Day and me

Mira Furlan, actress of Babylon Five and LOST fame (Danielle Rousseau) attended the show.  My initial reaction was she is much taller in the show LOST.  She was most friendly and I found her often sitting with other fans talking casually throughout the CON’s three days.

BROWNCOATS REDEMPTION
Our friends Mike and Steve from Browncoats Redemption were also exhibiting – showing a new trailer of their work.  Good to see involvement from Farragut Producer and Partner, Michael Struck of NEO f/x on their ship flyby.  They’re great guys – both smart and funny and it’s always good to collaborate with other filmmakers.  From their project, I talked briefly to Logan (camera guy and jack-of-all-trades) and Heather the heroine who plays the captain of their ship.

Steve Fisher, me and Mike Dougherty

POLARIS
Speaking of other filmmakers, Dennis Bailey of United Worlds Entertainment along with other cast and crew members were on hand to promote his original, SCI-FI film project, POLARIS.  As previously mentioned, Farragut Films is also working in association with United Worlds Entertainment on this exciting project.  Dennis is no stranger to Star Trek and his professional affiliation includes writing the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, “Tin Man” and co-writing the episode “First Contact.”  POLARIS also has cast and crew members from other Star Trek fan film projects, including Starship Farragut, Star Trek: Phase II, Starship Exeter, and Starship Intrepid.  In addition, NEO f/x is also working on some of the CGI elements.  Gina Hernandez (pictured below) plays one of the main characters and was on hand to talk to folks.

Gina Hernandez

X-Ile – TRENCHES
Dawn Cowings from X-Ile Pictures exhibited with their table next to ours.  Dawn has been loosely involved with Starship Farragut and showed “Trenches” at the convention. 

THE COLLECTIVE
The Collective is a group of Star Trek model makers who attend conventions to bring awareness to this declining trade due to Hollywood using CGI more in films and TV productions.  Jim Pugliese and his wife, Mary Ann are down-to-Earth folks.  I’m a big fan of models and now the proud owner of the model below. 

"Big E"

In addition, I commissioned Jim to repair a model that Mike Bednar made in 1996 of the Enterprise that was accidently broken by a nameless Hollywood stunt-coordinator.  :)  

They, along with Starship Farragut will be attending the Wonderfest convention May 15-16 in Louisville, KY.

TROUBLESOME MINDS – New Pocket Book Novel
Dave Galanter, writer of numerous Star Trek works of fiction attended and his recent work, TROUBLESOME MINDS, has been published.  Based on the high praise of an old friend, Paul Sieber who has read it twice, I picked it up on the way home from the CON.  I’ve read chapter one and plan to do a review once completed reading it. 

FANS AND NEW FRIENDS
Kristin Sirota (Dressed as a Cylon) and her two friends attended the CON.  These three folks are big into costumes and it was good to swap notes – learned a few tips from these folks!  

New Farragut Fans

In addition, dedicated Farragut fan, Artie Sherman stopped by. 

Artie with Mike Bednar and me

BILL HENSEL
Voice talent extraordinaire, Bill Hensel was providing CD-ROMs of, “Have Pipes, Will Travel” – an audio resume of his work.  Bill is available for those needing distinctive voiceover work and has done professional work both commercially (Lockheed Martin for example) and with the Federal Government (various public service announcements and government campaigns).  He is SAG and AEA certified.

MARK HILDEBRAND – JUST PASSING THROUGH
Mark Hildebrand, Director of the newly filmed, “JUST PASSING THROUGH”, showed edited footage from our film shoot in October.  We have the remaining shoot to take place on March 27 & 28 in St. Marys, GA (more details to follow soon).  The edited footage looks great, but don’t take my word for it – fellow producer, Mike Bednar said the following after viewing it, “It’s like night and day.  Vast improvement over the initial release”.  This short is scheduled for release later this year. 

Mark has established his own company (Make Your Mark Media, Inc. or aka MYM Media) to focus on other non-TREK projects.  Two significant projects include a historical documentary on our beloved national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key, which ties in the War of 1812 and our local Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor.  The other film project is a conceptual pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and takes place in St. Marys, GA. 

SCI-FI Diner
Pennsylvania natives, Scott Herzog and Miles McLoughlin from SCI-FI Diner interviewed Mike Bednar and me regarding Faragut happenings for another radio blog.  Be sure to check their website for their Farpoint CON report! 

APPRECIATION
Thanks to Mike Bednar, Michael Day, Mark Hildebrand, and our Farragut friends for stopping by and helping out with our table.  It’s always great hanging out and talking to our friends and fans!  Overall, being able to talk to our loyal fans is the best part of the convention. 

Thanks to Farragut Film’s official photographer, Steve Guminski for his pictures.

Special thanks to Tom Donnelly, Sharon Van Blarcom, Blair Learn, and the rest of the FARPOINT Committee for a wonderful time.  We look forward to returning in 2011 – hopefully, the weather then will be slightly better!

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