http://www.startrek.com/article/sonequa-martin-green-beams-aboard-discovery
Weird how this is just now official. But we have a name. No mention of her being the lead. I wonder if this has shifted post-Fuller.
Star Wars Revisited Wordpress
Star Wars Visual Comparisons WordPress
A girl named Michael. I wonder if they’ll have a boy named Sue, too.
A girl named Michael. I wonder if they’ll have a boy named Sue, too.
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
Discovery’s development cycle makes Phase II’s sound like a walk in the park by comparison.
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
A girl named Michael. I wonder if they’ll have a boy named Sue, too.
First name “Michael”, second name “Learned”. Someone out there has a perplexing sense of humour.
Good night, John-Boy! 😉
Where were you in '77?
Oh boy, it will be fun to read all the Michael-related comments
I was reading through Mr. Scott’s Guide to the Enterprise earlier since why not, and found this pic of the shuttlebay to be quite odd:
http://i.imgur.com/5v2zbNn.png
The caption is quite on point, there’s a shuttle in the lower hangar. I don’t recall ever seeing that there before, and yep, it’s not in the final matte painting in the movie:
http://i.imgur.com/CWInYSs.png
Now I was curious to see if there was another picture out there that included the shuttle, and found this:
http://68.media.tumblr.com/3de2126efe5b5ff6c574000941b460b1/tumblr_n3n2y7N3Zf1rzu2xzo1_1280.jpg
Two things:
http://i.imgur.com/QpwLDxf.png
How the hell? The final looks like the entire shot is as flat as a painting, I guess they DNR’d the scenes with matte paintings to hell and back to get a more consistent look, but christ does it look bad in comparison.
The rabbit hole doesn’t end there, I also stumbled upon a few other pictures of the set during production.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/c8ef8c575ffa217ec04a0d782a8dc053/tumblr_mvbeceV7DJ1rzu2xzo1_1280.jpg
This one shows that they originally built an entire wall of container pods, which looks similar to how (dubiously canon) sources depict the opposite side of the bay. Also take note of the second floor on the far wall. No pods, just beams and railings.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/2b6f88ff6aa6181ca736d18b401d7995/tumblr_mvbecwZ7qs1rzu2xzo1_1280.jpg
And then there’s this pic which shows off the entire set from the bottom floor.
Good god. I had no idea they actually built that much of the set. The ceiling and most of the walls were completely covered up by the matte paintings! It even looks like they painted out the turbolift shaft pillars.
It’s easier to understand why the wall of pods in the back were painted out, so they can insert the shuttlebay in it’s entirety, but why go messing with 70% of the rest of the set?
I swear, I love the Motion Picture to death and find it’s production history to be an absolutely fascinating train wreck, but it’s pointless little decisions like these that baffle the fuck out of me. It’s also a tad depressing that such beautiful sets such as this, the Rec deck, airlocks, and Officer’s Lounge were torn down, never to be seen again in any of the films. Heck, in III, you only get to see around four of the Enterprise sets total (technically five, if you count the Excelsior’s captain’s quarters seen for 10 seconds).
Edit: Replaced the wiki links to imgur since they seemed to screw up. Also, found the color version of the picture in Mr. Scott’s Guide: https://68.media.tumblr.com/b241a3a28027846e37367d085961c236/tumblr_msn0c2ZSaw1rzu2xzo1_500.jpg
I have no life
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
SwissArmyTin said:
I have no life
Great observations! I’ve always loved this area of the production and also spend hours pouring over books like Mr. Scott’s Guide. If you are really interested in knowing the extent they went to during the production of that movie, pick up the following books.
This has been the most in depth look at TMP’s production that I have ever found. It’s essential to anyone who enjoys film making.
In depth production information and another must have.
Not as essential but still an enjoyable (yet filtered) look at what on-set life was like.
Contains information about the aborted second T.V. series that became TMP.
Another book about the aborted second T.V. series that became TMP. This one has great un-used on-set photos and story treatments.
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
SwissArmyTin said:
I have no lifeGreat observations! I’ve always loved this area of the production and also spend hours pouring over books like Mr. Scott’s Guide. If you are really interested in knowing the extent they went to during the production of that movie, pick up the following books.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQ4WDUwNA==/z/GsgAAOSwstxVEdZ8/$_35.JPG
This has been the most in depth look at TMP’s production that I have ever found. It’s essential to anyone who enjoys film making.
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/2/24/Making_of_ST_TMP.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/270?cb=20060305075857&path-prefix=en
In depth production information and another must have.https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.oZAuTmbeXV7SCIiC8agbXACwEs&pid=15.1
Not as essential but still an enjoyable (yet filtered) look at what on-set life was like.http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6VPzVlB8N28/SupHGY0spSI/AAAAAAAABUY/vAXY6cjKQHk/w1200-h630-p-k-nu/TREKLOSTYEARS.JPG
Contains information about the aborted second T.V. series that became TMP.http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100119195932/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/1/1c/PhaseIIbook_cover.jpg/500px-PhaseIIbook_cover.jpg
Another book about the aborted second T.V. series that became TMP. This one has great un-used on-set photos and story treatments.
Huh, some of those are fairly hard to find and kinda on the pricey side. I’m curious, how in-depth do some of them go (mainly the first one) on the model making of the film? There’s one particular point of contention that’s piqued my interest lately, and that’s of the main Enterprise model itself.
In this pic, you can see the unfinished and unpainted model being test fit for the spacedock model:
It still has the TOS-styled sensor dome, an earlier and later scraped torpedo launcher design (as seen in this concept art: http://i.imgur.com/DuFFE8Z.png), but everything else is identical with the final model, even the nacelles and cut-out panels on the underside of the saucer.
That leads straight into this next picture, which to most is just looks like a normal promotional image of the final model:
However, this is where it gets interesting. Look at the bridge dome and the B/C deck assembly. It still uses the TOS-style dome and deck, with an added docking port on the rear and windows for the crew lounge (as seen in the upper-left concept art: http://i.imgur.com/kFzYMhB.png). If you look really hard, you can even see the copious amount of pin striping (the rings around the inner saucer, in-line with the phaser banks, around the warp grills on the nacelles, along the outer edge of the saucer, in-line with the thrusters, and along various places on the secondary hull).
The part that’s up for debate is what caused the pin striping to be removed and the bridge dome to be replaced. One popular theory is the Air conditioner leak, where water dripped on the model, and the bridge assembly, being made of wood, warped and cracked, and was replaced with the new design by Probert. The model was then repainted.
Another theory is that when Douglas Trumbull signed onto the SFX team, he wanted to convert the model to use a self-illumination style of lighting, so the bridge dome (and the TOS-style sensor dome) were redesigned and replaced with ones containing floodlights to help illuminate the saucer. After that was finished, then the A/C leak occurred, forcing the model to be repainted (and the pin stripes removed).
However, there’s this picture:
The model clearly has the new bridge dome and B/C deck assembly, but still has the pin striping (look at the inner saucer) and the registry is missing. The arrowhead insignia is also missing from the secondary hull, so it’s obvious the model is in the middle of a re-paint, but was this before or after the a/c accident? If it’s before the a/c accident, why is the registry missing? It was clearly applied in the earlier promo test picture. If it’s after the a/c accident, then why are the pin stripes still there, and when was the dome replaced? It’s an odd beast that neither confirms or denies either theory.
It’s all a confusing mess with multiple conflicting accounts from crew members, articles, and books, and it seems nobody’s ever been able to get it straight.
Edit:
He said a set of the decals were tested and looked great, then peeled off when the painters went to work doing the pearlescent paintjob.
now I’m even more conflicted.
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
now I’m even more conflicted.
Michal Minor:
“When Trumbull took over, I did not think anything that Abel shot would be in the picture. I hoped that Trumbull would be able to take the grab bag of shots which were done under that aegis and make something of it. Indeed, in the area of matte shots, I was told there was a masterful re-working of the scenes in the cargo hold of the Enterprise and that they’d come up with a design for the San Francisco dock.” - RETURN TO TOMORROW: The Filming of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (P. 389)
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
According to James Dow, the Enterprise model that was constructed for the Phase II T.V. show by Don Loos was the only model that was retained from those made for Phase II. The original Orbital Dockyard, Klingon Cruiser, and Orbital Space Office Complex all were abandoned when the show became a movie. It was at this point that Bob Abel came onto the picture. It was Able who looked at the Phase II models and decided to scrap everything except for the Enterprise.
So the T.V. Enterprise model was taken into Bob Abel’s shop and tests were done for a complete re-build of the Enterprise that was up-sized to 1 inch equals 10 feet in scale and made for the motion control requirements at Magicam. Bob Abel’s team worked on that new model for about a year before there was a complete change in the effects department and Abel was let go. All of the effects shots done in that year with that Enterprise had been thrown out.
Backtracking a bit, when Abel came onto the project he hired Richard Taylor to do all the redesigns of models not originating with the original series.
Phil Rawlins:
“I would say 90% of the changes from the old original Enterprise model to the one we used in the movie were Richard Taylor’s. Later during post-production, I believe a couple of other changes were done to it, but most of the design was Taylor’s”
At this point Andrew Probert comes aboard and helps Taylor realize and construct the new film version of the Enterprise for the original first year of effects tests and shooting.
The original Taylor concept for the Enterprise paint job was to keep the surface completely smooth and pristine.
to be continued…
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
However, there’s this picture:
The model clearly has the new bridge dome and B/C deck assembly, but still has the pin striping (look at the inner saucer) and the registry is missing. The arrowhead insignia is also missing from the secondary hull, so it’s obvious the model is in the middle of a re-paint, but was this before or after the a/c accident? If it’s before the a/c accident, why is the registry missing? It was clearly applied in the earlier promo test picture. If it’s after the a/c accident, then why are the pin stripes still there, and when was the dome replaced? It’s an odd beast that neither confirms or denies either theory.
Going by an interview given by James Dow in “Return to Tomorrow…” The above photo was taken after the model was delivered to Bob Abel’s shop.
"During their involvement with The Motion Picture, Robert Abel & Associates operated its own art department and physical VFX production company, at the time located on Seward St, Los Angeles, under the name Astra Image Corporation, especially created for the Star Trek production and also headed by Abel, it closely cooperating with Paramount’s studio model shop, Magicam – legally sub-contracted by ASTRA for the build of the studio models – "
Dow says that after the Enterprise model was finished and taken to Abel’s facility that a great number of people insisted on having input on the models finished look. Modelers were adding plating to the hull and making many changes that made the model much more “nurneyed”. Star Trek was a big deal with lots of publicity and a number of people (who should not have) wanted a say in design so as to have their figurative “initials” carved into the finished product. Things got way out of hand because of a lack of control at Abel’s.
It was at this time that the changes had been made to the bridge, the navigation dome, and forward sensor array. Mark Stetson says that because of these changes the model had to be re-painted and that Paul Olsen was hired back to supervise that. More lighting was also added.
The model soon after went into limbo for a few months when it looked like Bob Able was being removed from the project. The changes to the model were finally stopped as soon as Doug Trumbull took control and had the model moved to his workshop.
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
It was at this time that the changes had been made to the bridge, the navigation dome, and forward sensor array. Mark Stetson says that because of these changes the model had to be re-painted and that Paul Olsen was hired back to supervise that. More lighting was also added.
Interestingly, I found another promo shot of the model taken around the time of this picture (as it’s missing the deflector dish array), this time used on the cover of some trivia book I keep in a basket for bathroom reading:
Few points of interest:
Someone should interview as many of the original model makers as they can and write a book. Maybe with a week-by-week breakdown of the history and construction of this model as I swear no two pictures before filming have the model in the same state.
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
Someone should interview as many of the original model makers as they can and write a book. Maybe with a week-by-week breakdown of the history and construction of this model as I swear no two pictures before filming have the model in the same state.
There a project for this…
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Interestingly, I found another promo shot of the model taken around the time of this picture (as it’s missing the deflector dish array), this time used on the cover of some trivia book I keep in a basket for bathroom reading:
Few points of interest:
- Old bridge dome
- TOS-style sensor dome
- no deflector dish
- old-style torpedo launcher
- seemingly complete lighting and paint job
Someone should interview as many of the original model makers as they can and write a book. Maybe with a week-by-week breakdown of the history and construction of this model as I swear no two pictures before filming have the model in the same state.
Great find!
“First feel fear, then get angry. Then go with your life into the fight.” - Bill Mollison
Well, seems those first two are of the same shot, just with a few slight edits. Guess the paint job wasn’t finished either, as the maneuvering thrusters aren’t even painted on yet!
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
Someone should interview as many of the original model makers as they can and write a book. Maybe with a week-by-week breakdown of the history and construction of this model as I swear no two pictures before filming have the model in the same state.
There a project for this…
What a strange site.
You probably don’t recognize me because of the red arm.
Episode 9 Rewrite, The Starlight Project (Released!) and ANH Technicolor Project (Released!)
Someone should interview as many of the original model makers as they can and write a book. Maybe with a week-by-week breakdown of the history and construction of this model as I swear no two pictures before filming have the model in the same state.
There a project for this…
What a strange site.
chyron just put a big Ric pic in your sig and be done with it.
I know the Phase II Enterprise ended up hanging at a Planet Hollywood restaurant, but what became of the other tv miniatures?
Where were you in '77?
I know the Phase II Enterprise ended up hanging at a Planet Hollywood restaurant, but what became of the other tv miniatures?
I think they only used the molds for the nacelles on the Planet Hollywood models.
Edit:
Hmm…
Nacelles are definitely from the original molds, though slightly modified. Also uses the Phase II shuttlebay doors, but I can’t tell if that’s a sloppy paint job or they plugged the original docking port under the Starfleet insignia on the secondary hull. Everything else seems to be about right for a (albeit hokey) TMP replica.
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
I know the Phase II Enterprise ended up hanging at a Planet Hollywood restaurant, but what became of the other tv miniatures?
I think they only used the molds for the nacelles on the Planet Hollywood models.
Ok. The now long dead IDIC website stated it was the actual model made for the series. That was once the go to place for info on screen used Trek models.
Where were you in '77?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it uses the early TMP bridge for some ungodly reason. This model is truly an amalgamation of monstrous proportions.
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
Wouldn’t early TMP bridge also be Phase II bridge?
Where were you in '77?
Wouldn’t early TMP bridge also be Phase II bridge?
Nah, it was a different design all together. You can see examples of the early TMP bridge earlier up in my ramblings in this thread, while the Phase II bridge was this weird thing:
What, a man builds a giant mound of dirt in his house and you aren’t entertained?
