When I was first asked to write an article for this issue that has a main theme of fan films, I was pretty reluctant because... well, let's just say I am not really a "fan" of fan films. I was given the assignment to interview J.T. Tepnapa, one of the actors and directors of the Star Trek fan series Hidden Frontier. As an actor, writer, and director myself, I thought that it would be very interesting to learn about the world of fan films from someone with similar interests. I'm glad that I took the time to meet with J.T., because he helped me to have a whole new respect for the fan film genre.

J.T. started acting in high school musicals, fell in love with the art and continued pursuing the career in college. When asked how he got involved with Hidden Frontier he says that it kind of just happened. He had met the creator of the series, Rob Caves, a few years prior when Rob had a private fan series for a Los Angeles Trek fan group. Rob was looking for someone to play a new character, Corey Aster, a cousin to The Next Generation's Jeremy Aster. When Rob started Hidden Frontier, he asked J.T. to reprise his role.

J.T.'s character of Corey represents a "first" in Star Trek lore and especially in Star Trek fan films as the first gay character to have an onscreen kiss. J.T. is very proud of this accomplishment and loves the fact that HF is recognized for not only the first openly gay kiss in Star Trek history, but for tackling many controversial subjects such as clinical depression, terrorism, grief and loss of family and friends, and even PTSD. J.T. says, "I don't think we should run away or hide from controversial episodes. If people come to us out of curiosity about homosexual characters, so be it. Many stay because Hidden Frontier is so much more than that."

How have the fans responded to such a series and what do the studios and original creators think of their work? J.T. said the acceptance by the fans is amazing. He meets people from all over that have watched the series and even contact him through e-mail and fan sites. As far as Paramount is concerned, J.T. says they have been mostly quiet. "I'm considering that a good thing. We don't make any money from making these films. The way that I see it is that we're keeping the Star Trek franchise alive." From what he told me, he knows that George Lucas takes an active part in and encourages the creation of Star Wars fan films.

I had to know a little about the psyche behind the people that make these films. Are they mostly want-to-be professionals trying to break into Hollywood, or are they fans who love something so much that they just want to make something to express their joy? J.T. isn't sure exactly how much it can help someone break into mainstream Hollywood, but he says these films are a great avenue for independent filmmakers. There is always hope that the work will be recognized by someone and they will be impressed enough to call upon you for their project. I asked J.T. what advice he has for anyone interested in being involved with fan films and he said, "Do it. It's a great way to practice your craft in a safe environment. I have learned so much directing a few Hidden Frontier episodes. It's been utterly fantastic."

J.T. says that he originally got involved with science fiction because his mother was a huge Spock fan. Even though J.T. started as an actor for HF and still has a desire to act, his true love is directing. He enjoys the filmmaking process from behind the camera, working directly with the actors to express his visions. He also finds that the position gets much more respect from the community.

J.T. has made five short films and is working on his first feature film. In a review on IMDB of one of J.T.'s short films, Begging For Change, the reviewer was happily surprised that J.T.'s usual mastering of comedy wasn't lost in his attempt at drama. J.T.'s favorite genre to watch is drama, but he has a different agenda for his work. "I love movies that showcase the simplicity of people's lives. My preferred genre to work in is GLBT stories. I'm not sure if you would consider me an advocate, but I want my own work to be a voice for the GLBT community."

Hidden Frontier is officially coming to an end, having made 50 episodes in seven years. The final episode will tie up all loose ands and finish the series on a high note. Both J.T. and Rob Caves want it known that their involvement in fan films will continue. Rob Caves and Company will be starting up Star Trek: Odyssey as soon as HF comes to a complete close.

Having met with J.T., I have learned a lot about who is making fan films and who is watching them. I will admit that I have a new respect for the genre and would even be interested in getting involved with them myself. In watching some of the films and series on the web, I am truly amazed by the quality, special effects, and even the acting that is part of this ever-growing filmmaking community. Many studios, because of the popularity of YouTube, are now getting involved with letting the public display their creative ideas in their own outlets. J.T. says, "We're very lucky to live in a time where we can make a movie on the smallest of budgets."

I believe J.T. will soon be working with bigger budgets and more complex projects. As an actor, I will certainly be watching for the casting calls. He is currently working with another Star Trek fan film series, New Voyages. Although J.T. believes that writing is the hardest endeavor for him and really doesn't enjoy doing it, he recently penned with a friend a feature film that he will direct called "Judas Kiss." You can check out the website at judaskissmovie.com.

Whether in front of or behind the camera, there's no doubt we will be seeing more of J.T. Tepnapa. Thank you for sharing with us J.T. and giving us a little insight into your professional career and the world of fan films.