I love bloopers. And it’s not just because they’re (usually) funny. No, what a blooper reel often shows is the side of filmmaking that fans don’t often see: how much fun the people making the project actually have on set!
In the case of FARRAGUT FILMS and their recent FARRAGUT FORWARD hit fan film (currently topping 150K views on YouTube), their just-released blooper reels shows what a wonderful group of people they are, including director JOHNNY K. who assembled and posted the reel a couple of weeks ago…
The blooper reel release comes during a two-month Iniegogo campaign attempting to raise the remaining $15K needed to finance their next project, FARRAGUT 2024. The previous campaign feel short of its goal, in part because of the Christmas season (launching crowd-funders during the last two months of the calendar year often runs into holiday headwinds as people put their money into gifts and travel). But this current campaign is nearly a quarter of the way to its goal with just under three weeks left.
Back during the TOS movie-era (which is when the new Farragut releases take place), there was a generally-accepted paradigm that the even-numbered Star Trek feature films were the best ones. As such, Farragut Forward felt much like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, offering a villain from Captain Jack Carter’s past obsessed with having his revenge. In a similar vein, their next project, FARRAGUT 2024, features a time-travel story back to modern-day Earth with a noticeable comedic undertone—although this time it’s the 21st century and the city is Washington, DC (where John Broughton lives) and not San Francisco of the 20th century.
Their crowd-funding video features a good amount of completed footage to give fans a flavor of the feel and production quality of this project, and it is definitely worth taking a look at…
And of course, donations are always welcome at this URL:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/farragut-2024-take-2
I had a chance to chat with both John and his director for Farragut 2024, JOSHUA IRWIN, whose AVALON UNIVERSE Star Trek fan films are among the best out there….
JONATHAN – Most fan films and series don’t release blooper reels, but you Farragut folks have made quite a production out of it!
JOHN – Farragut Forward was a lot of hard work, but also great fun with great folks. Blooper reels are a perfect way to document some of those behind-the-scenes moments and to share them with others.
JOSH – What a blooper reel like this one shows is the side of filmmaking that fans don’t often see—how fun the atmosphere really is on set! This is a wonderful group of people, and this reel shows that.
JONATHAN – For Josh, what is it like coming in as director following Johnny K.’s amazing work on Farragut Forward? Do you feel any pressure having to fill his shoes?
JOSH – Not pressure so much as excitement. Farragut Forward raised the bar for Star Trek fan films as a whole. Johnny is a gifted director who makes amazing films. If you haven’t seen his other projects, do yourself a favor and check them out. Batman: The Oath [with more than a million views on YouTube –Jonathan] is one of my all-time favorite fan films! To say it was an honor to be passed the preverbal baton is an understatement.
JONATHAN – What’s the best part about working on this project for you?
JOSH – The best part to me is working with the committed and talented group of people that are the superpower behind Starship Farragut. The project is known most of all for its attention to detail, and that’s because each department—from wardrobe to costumes, props, makeup, and set construction—has its own passionate team. Everyone on set is there to look out for everyone else. Shoot days are not just fun but always productive because each member of the team is dedicated and keyed in.
JOHN – I’ll echo that. The most rewarding aspect of working on Farragut 2024 is the opportunity to reunite with THE VERY BEST cast and crew who are an exceptionally talented group in their respective contribution areas and who share their love of Star Trek. Star Trek fan films are the ultimate expression of fandom, and these individuals represent the very best in creative collaboration. I am continually inspired by the many dedicated volunteers who selflessly contribute their time, expertise, and resources to support the project. Their commitment to the vision of the Farragut trilogy means the world to me and is deeply appreciated. For our team, it simply comes down to two core values: fellowship and filmmaking—that truly embody the spirit of “FARRAGUT.”
JONATHAN – Um, wait a moment. Did you just say Farragut TRILOGY? There’s going to be a third movie-era Farragut fan film?
JOHN – Yes…Farragut Forward, Farragut 2024, and Farragut Finale. Farragut Forward is the name of the entire trilogy, but we had to come up with different names instead of just having FF1, FF2 and FF3.
JONATHAN – Are you at liberty to share any details about Farragut Finale?
JOHN – Absolutely, Jonathan. Each chapter in the Farragut Forward trilogy has been carefully designed to flow seamlessly into the next. It’s a serialized story that ultimately tells one cohesive story. While the individual titles are Farragut Forward, Farragut 2024, and Farragut Finale, at its core, the entire trilogy is a unified collection of the Farragut Forward vision. We simply chose not to label them as FF1, FF2, and FF3—although I sometimes refer to them as such!
If the first film served as our “revenge/Moby Dick” story inspired by Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, then the second installment is a more light-hearted “fish out of water” narrative reminiscent of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. As for the Farragut Finale, think of it as Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country but ON STEROIDS—or more fittingly, our Avengers: Endgame. It’s a grand conclusion that brings together all characters and starships from the Farragut universe, honoring our 20-year legacy of fan storytelling. It will feature both familiar and new faces, serving as a heartfelt tribute to everything Farragut has stood for.
JONATHAN – Wow. Now I’m really excited! And will that be a wrap for you when it comes to Star Trek fan films, John?
JOHN – Hardly! Looking ahead, once the trilogy concludes, I plan to continue directing new stories featuring the captains and crews of the various starships within the Farragut universe—expanding this world we’ve built and giving it new life beyond the trilogy. Think of it as “The Next Generation” of Farragut.
JONATHAN – Awesome. But getting back to the current project and crowd-funding campaign, how much of Farragut 2024 do you have “in the can” right now?
JOSH – At this point, we are halfway through production…which is mind blowing! We have two shoots left and are hopeful that we will wrap early this summer.
JONATHAN – That’s exciting news! So why are you still needing to raise so much money? Weren’t all of the sets and costumes already made for Farragut Forward?
JOSH – Well, actually, we still have a number of new costumes for this project, all made from scratch, so materials for those add up fast. And we do have new sets, as well, including a very nice movie-era transporter room. And remember that Farragut 2024 is a 100% all-volunteer project, and expenses for cast and crew do add up quickly, as well. For each shoot, I must travel halfway across the country from northwestern Arkansas to Washington, DC…and I’m not the only person doing so. So there’s travel and lodging for anyone not local. We also rent vehicles for production moves to shoot on location, and then there’s the cost to feel the cast and crew.
The result will be an entertaining fan film that’s very obviously made with love and is a gift from us to the Star Trek fan community. This group of people with their passion for producing authentic, movie-era fan films is definitely worth supporting! And anyone who helps us out has a hand and a personal investment in creating it!
JONATHAN – So what would you say are the most compelling reasons for fans to donate to this project?
JOHN – This is an important and timely question—especially in today’s climate, where the sheer number of Star Trek fan productions and broader global uncertainties can make it challenging for fans to decide where to invest their support. However, we believe that Farragut 2024 stands apart. It is more than just a fan film; it is a meaningful continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the enduring ideals of the Star Trek universe—specifically paying tribute to the beloved movie-era aesthetic and storytelling.
Also, this project is a true labor of love, brought to life by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, all united in their pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to deliver a cinematic experience that honors Star Trek’s core vision of a “space navy”—a unified, courageous crew boldly exploring the unknown, portrayed through compelling and original characters.
And finally, each contribution directly supports vital production elements including set construction, costume design, craft services, and post-production—ensuring that Farragut 2024 lives up to the high standards established by our previous film, Farragut Forward. By donating, fans are not only helping to realize this vision, they are becoming part of a passionate and collaborative community that has sustained the Farragut legacy for nearly two decades. Supporters play an essential role in preserving and advancing a distinctive piece of Star Trek fan history, ensuring its continued impact for years to come.
JONATHAN – Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
JOHN – Yes, thank you. I wanted to mention that Farragut Forward has been officially submitted for consideration in all eligible categories at the 2025 SHOWRUNNER AWARDS—including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Wardrobe, Best Set Design, Best FX Makeup, Best CGI, and more. It’s a true privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and talent of individuals like JOHNNY K., GINA HERNANDEZ, HOLLY and MICHAEL BEDNAR, PAUL SIEBER, WILLIAM JAY, WES JOHNSON, FRANK SKONY, DAVE MORETTI, SCOTT EINHOFF, RODNEY GARRETT, BELLE BREDENHOFT, and MICHELE CLAUSER…among many others whose contributions helped bring this project to life. It’s an honor to have worked—and to continue working—with such talented and dedicated individuals who make the filmmaking process not only rewarding but genuinely fun!
JONATHAN – And on that note, let’s give readers a convenient end-of-the-blog link to that Indiegogo campaign. Donate today…or tomorrow…or anytime in the next 19 and a half days. But don’t wait any longer than that!