Episodes
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Few people had as much influence on shaping Star Trek: Voyager and the role of Captain Janeway than the late Jeri Taylor. Known in the business as much for her professional output as for her humility and kindness, Jeri had re-emerged in the last few years to connect with the Trek fans who were influenced by her work. The Trek Files welcomes longtime friend and colleague Lolita Fatjo to discuss Jeri's legacy and comment on our document the connect's directly to your host!
Document and additional references: Nemecek Pitch - December 14, 1994
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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The story of the once missing, now discovered, three-foot filming model of the USS Enterprise has been all over the news lately, leading Star Trek fans to investigate and speculate. From Gene's desk to an abandoned storage unit, there's more than a 40 year gap. This week, prompted by Gene's memo to get his model back, The Trek Files is happy to shed a little more light on the story. Learn how a few more items found at auction led one Trekspert, David Tilotta, to piece together the Enterprise's journey in front of the holographic lens. Don't miss this revealing bit of Trek history!
Document and additional references: "Three-Foot Enterprise Model" - November 5, 1979
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Missing episodes?
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Director Paul Lynch returns to The Trek Files to discuss his other first regular episode for the franchise, Deep Space Nine's "A Man Alone." An industry veteran, Lynch dives into the director-actor relationship about bringing the best performances out of the cast. Which DS9 actors were ready on day one? And which ones needed time to settle into their roles? Lynch shares his insights from day one of DS9.
Document and additional references: "A Man Alone" call sheet - September 29, 1992
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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After a TV pilot is carefully produced, the task of creating a regular weekly series can get underway. "The Naked Now" was Star Trek: The Next Generation's first series episode, and The Trek Files is pleased to welcome the episodes' director, Paul Lynch, to discuss his work. Find out what actors required the least direction and who studio executives thought the real "star" of the series was at the time!
Document and additional references: "The Naked Now" daily production report - July 6,1987
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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The Trek Files goes back into the world of audio for an in-depth discussion about Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Specifically, the many complexities of character dialogue recording and re-recording are the focus for special guest Mike Matessino who was a post-production supervisor on both of TMP's Director's Editions. A memo from Robert Wise about actor ADR kicks off a discussion about the noisy Enterprise bridge, the changes given to Vulcan subtitles over the years, and much more.
Document and additional references: "Star Trek" Looping - August 15, 1979
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of TAS' second season with guest Aaron Harvey, author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series." In many ways, TAS broke new ground by expanding on what had come from TOS and making the Trek universe a richer place. For the first time, Orion pirates were seen, and they, along with many other TAS creations, have left an indelible mark on the franchise ever since. Dive into the roots of felinoid species, what makes "canon" and more on this week's episode of The Trek Files.
Document and additional references: "The Pirates of Orion" storyboards - 1974
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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A series of memos from the earliest days of The Next Generation contemplate the scientific advances of the new Enterprise. Specifically, the bridge would undergo a radical redesign to emphasize a more comfortable, thoughtful interaction of the crew. In addition, the special effects advances since the 1960s meant that the views of space could be much more realistic. We welcome back Dr. Barrett Caldwell to help explore the intersection of technology and humanity, where Star Trek gets it right, and where it stretches our imaginations.
Document and additional references: The Front Window of the Enterprise - 1986
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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This week on The Trek Files, we focus our ears on the sounds that make Star Trek. From TOS to the movies, we are pleased to bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes audio clips like you've never heard them before. Those, along with our document from Gene's archive, are illuminated by our special guest Steve Lee, veteran audio expert and "sound wrangler" for film and television. Steve currently archives the industry's work at the Hollywood Sound Museum.
Document and additional references: Dubbing and Scoring Schedule - July 10 - 14, 1967
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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In October 1988, the Star Trek production team started rolling in Yosemite National Park. We catch up with Dan Madsen, the head of the official fan club, who was in regular contact with director William Shatner and well aware of the anticipation - and anxiety - among fans about the next Trek feature film. We cover everything from Levi's to marshmallows to purple horses on this week's episode of The Trek Files.
Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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It was the first day of shooting on Star Trek III. Fans knew that Spock was likely coming back, but they didn't know about the loss of the Enterprise or other major plot points of the film. One fan who was on the inside had the scoop, though! Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to share stories about the "wine and roses" days of Trek and getting the lowdown from Leonard Nimoy himself.
Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - Day 1 - August 15, 1983
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Secrecy around movies is paramount. In early 1978, the announcement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture had not yet been officially made, but one person close to the production had leaked insider information about the production. Studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg stepped in with a politely worded, but unambiguous, memo to stop the leaks at their source.
Document and additional references: Star Trek II memo - January 19, 1978
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Each season on The Trek Files, we take a break from the interdepartmental memos and deeply technical discussions behind the scenes of Star Trek in order to check in with the fans. Specifically, we peruse Gene Roddenberry's mail bag from the mid 1970s to see what had fans excited a generation ago. This time: graduation wishes, praise for Trek's humanity, and, of course, more requests for any props that may just be laying around...
Document and additional references: Fan Correspondence - ca. 1975
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Science fiction requires a certain amount of science fact to make the stories believable. In the lead up to "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry sent a memo to the production team expressing frustration over the balancing act between the two. Jeff Stepp returns to The Trek Files to talk about the similarities in writing for drama and scientific documentary and the possible coolness of "deathstrings."
Document and additional references: Warp Speed Cellular Plasma "Deathstrings" Gizmos - April 28, 1987
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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In the last years of his life, Gene Roddenberry continued to address audiences with thoughts about science fiction and the intersection of humanity and science. In this speech from 1989-1990 given to an audience of Jungian psychologists, he explored the ways technology and storytelling illuminate the human experience. The Trek Files again welcomes Dr. Barrett Caldwell to share his thoughts on Gene's speech.
Document and additional references: The Shape of Tomorrow - ca. 1989
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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In a speech to the Fourteenth Space Congress in 1977, Gene Roddenberry laid out the three arguments for human space exploration. Now, we revisit his words with Barrett S. Caldwell, PhD, Professor of Industrial Engineering (and Aeronautics and Astronautics) at Purdue. He reflects on Gene's visionary take on the space program and the inspiration that keeps us returning to the stars.
Document and additional references: Beyond the Near Term - April 27, 1977
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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David Gerrold joins The Trek Files again for a fun look behind the scenes of Deep Space Nine's 30th anniversary Star Trek episode, "Trials and Tribble-ations." Hear about the painstaking details to recreate 1960s television in the '90s and how returning to tribbles 30 years later was a career highlight.
Document and additional references: Trials and Tribble-ations call sheet - August 22, 1996
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Phil Weyland returns to The Trek Files with more stories from the set of Star Trek III. As stand-in for DeForest Kelly and, later, William Shatner, Phil had a front-row seat for the extremes from excitement to boredom of making Trek's epic big-screen stories.
Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - August 31, 1983
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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The title says it all. David Gerrold shared his parting words with Gene Roddenberry upon leaving production of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was a bittersweet moment preceded by conflict. David joins The Trek Files to talk about the state of TNG's production at the time, his frustrations with backstage politics, and the desire to leave on a high note. Don't miss our deep look into the tumult of Star Trek's return to TV with one of the insiders who was there from the start.
Document and additional references: Gerrold's Last Memo - May 22, 1987
Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Between Star Trek the Motion Picture and The Next Generation, Gene Roddenberry was still at work crafting new TV show concepts. In 1981, he turned his attention to a melding of real world science and speculative futurism with "Breakthrough." We welcome producer/documentarian Jeff Stepp (The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe with William Shatner) to the Trek Files to help determine where Gene was on the right path and if his idea could breakthrough the TV landscape today.
Document and additional references: Breakthrough TV Format - October 7, 1981
Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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Laurence Luckinbill continues his conversation with The Trek Files, reminiscing about Star Trek V and sharing a passage from his new book, "Affective Memories." Hear about his friendship with William Shatner and DeForest Kelley, the trouble with alien horses, and why "The Final Frontier" is one of the great Star Trek movies.
Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 part 2
Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill
The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha
All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha
Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.
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