How Do You Properly Observe Pioneer Day...Watch "Trek: The Movie," Of Course!

Last month I attended a screenwriting class and one of the presenters co-wrote and co-directed, Trek: the Movie. The presenter, David Howard, talked about his most recent film and he hoped people would support it. I knew he was going to attend the writing conference for some time and I wanted to see Trek while it was in theaters.

I didn't make it.

But that's not unusual. I haven't seen a film in a theater since back in December. We just don't see movies on the big screen. So when I saw the DVD of Trek at the local bookstore, I thought back to David and Blake's class, because in that class I wished I had seen the movie so I could say I supported it.

Trek is a film about the Mormon tradition of coercing teenage church members into leaving their families, their homes, their electronics, their video games, and as many modern technologies as possible, and push a handcart over long distances. When I was around fourteen-years old, I participated in a trek. Those who wrote and made this film got so many things right about the experience. Even though it's been a long time, I still remember dreaming about, talking about, fantasizing about one thing...

Food!

We were so hungry--all the time--we were hungry.

The film has it's highs and lows, like every film. The beginning was a little slow as not only the characters are introduced but this unique experience that is "trek" is explained and showcased. The best part of the show for me was the main character's (Tom) journey from rebellion to redemption. We learn why Tom is turning from his childhood religion and has to be bribed to even go on the trek. I also found the situation the kids find themselves at the end of the second act believable and relatable.

In short, there were things in Trek I thought I'd see--and I did--but there were surprises, too. I'm glad I picked up the film. I'm glad it was made. And I'm glad that decades ago I decided to go on a trek myself. I've thought about that experience a lot since then. And watching this movie reminded me of it all over again. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Well done, Dave! You and everyone involved made a film that not only lets us know what going on a trek is like, but also allowing us to re-live what we did, with other kids, while pulling/pushing a handcart.

David Howard...Writer Of "Galaxy Quest" And "Trek" Is Coming To Fyrecon!

The news hit today--a local author who made it big by writing one of the most beloved geek films of all time, Galaxy Quest, is coming to Fyrecon 2 in June.

This is big news!

When I began my writing career several years ago, my first success came as a screenwriter. My story, Wrinkles was turned into a short film. The more I learned about screenwriting, the more I heard just how difficult it was to make it as a screenwriter, much more difficult than to make it as a novelist or short story writer. So, for one to have created such a well known world with amazing characters and a great storyline, they have my respect.

Galaxy Quest is nerd scripture. It speaks to those who attend conventions, cosplay as their favorite aliens and/or captains, and who wish what they saw on the screen or read in the books was real. It's a perfect movie for its intended audience. And his latest project, Trek, the Movie, released earlier this year.

We reached out to Mr. Howard several weeks ago and asked if he would be interested in attending. He responded that he's coming. The convention is June 21 - 23 in Layton, Utah. You can find out more concerning pricing and other questions you may have by clicking the link: HERE. As far as David Howard's specific schedule at the convention, additional details will be forthcoming. But if you want to hear from a man who has made all our lives for the better, join us at Fyrecon in June! It's going to be great!