"BREAKING NEWS: “STAR TREK - HORIZON" SEQUEL, "FEDERATION RISING", SHUT DOWN.
Earlier today, executives from CBS reached out to me and advised me that their legal team strongly suggested that we do not move forward with plans to create a sequel to Horizon. While this is a sign of the current climate that we find ourselves in with Star Trek fan films, I want to personally thank CBS for reaching out to me, rather than including us in their ongoing lawsuit against Axanar.
It was conveyed that the reason CBS was reaching out to me was due to the legal troubles stemming from the Axanar case. Again, CBS did not have to reach out personally. The message I received felt more like they were giving me a heads up before we got too involved in another project, rather than a group of angry executives swinging a hammer.
On behalf of myself and Ryan Webber, my co-writer and co-producer on
Federation Rising, we appreciate your initial support and are saddened
that we cannot bring you what we believe was a fantastic feature film.
However, rest assured that Ryan and I are committed to continuing our
storytelling partnership with an original project. We also welcome other
fan productions and fan film lovers to join us on this new venture.
While we initially planned to debut our Kickstarter for Federation Rising this Saturday, we hope that you will instead stand with us as we announce an original sci-fi project that Ryan and I have been co-developing in addition to Federation Rising. We’re incredibly excited to tell you about this completely original story that follows the ideals set forth by Star Trek that Ryan and I have been such huge fans and admirers of our entire lives.
Please stay tuned for this Saturday’s announcement.
- Tommy Kraft, "Star Trek - Horizon" creator"
This gracious statement from Kraft stands in stark contrast to the defiant tone taken by Axanar. The now-on-hold Axanar production was clearly warned by CBS in this statement last August which appeared in TheWrap:
“CBS has not authorized, sanctioned or licensed this project in any way, and this has been communicated to those involved,” a representative from the network told TheWrap. “We continue to object to professional commercial ventures trading off our property rights and are considering further options to protect these rights.” (Paramount did not return TheWrap’s request for comment.)"
This statement was clear and specific. But instead of taking it as a warning, the Axanar production chose to ignore it, resulting in the lawsuit that was filed against them in December. They could have taken the same path as Horizon has chosen – one of understanding and appreciation. But that would have made too much sense, apparently.
To Mr. Kraft and his production team I'd like to state that you're a class act and your decision is totally understandable – and sensible. Perhaps other productions will take heed of your example.
How this will affect other productions like "Star trek Continues" and "Star Trek New Voyages" remains to be seen. But I think it is highly unlikely that these larger profile productions will continue as they have if a relatively small one like Horizon was specifically warned. We'll see.
LLAP.
Don
While we initially planned to debut our Kickstarter for Federation Rising this Saturday, we hope that you will instead stand with us as we announce an original sci-fi project that Ryan and I have been co-developing in addition to Federation Rising. We’re incredibly excited to tell you about this completely original story that follows the ideals set forth by Star Trek that Ryan and I have been such huge fans and admirers of our entire lives.
Please stay tuned for this Saturday’s announcement.
- Tommy Kraft, "Star Trek - Horizon" creator"
This gracious statement from Kraft stands in stark contrast to the defiant tone taken by Axanar. The now-on-hold Axanar production was clearly warned by CBS in this statement last August which appeared in TheWrap:
“CBS has not authorized, sanctioned or licensed this project in any way, and this has been communicated to those involved,” a representative from the network told TheWrap. “We continue to object to professional commercial ventures trading off our property rights and are considering further options to protect these rights.” (Paramount did not return TheWrap’s request for comment.)"
This statement was clear and specific. But instead of taking it as a warning, the Axanar production chose to ignore it, resulting in the lawsuit that was filed against them in December. They could have taken the same path as Horizon has chosen – one of understanding and appreciation. But that would have made too much sense, apparently.
To Mr. Kraft and his production team I'd like to state that you're a class act and your decision is totally understandable – and sensible. Perhaps other productions will take heed of your example.
How this will affect other productions like "Star trek Continues" and "Star Trek New Voyages" remains to be seen. But I think it is highly unlikely that these larger profile productions will continue as they have if a relatively small one like Horizon was specifically warned. We'll see.
LLAP.
Don
