The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

It was the very first day of filming for Christopher Lloyd as Commander Kruge, on set on the bright of a Klingon Bird of Prey, in September of 1983. Lloyd's performance was iconic in a career already full of iconic characters. In this special episode of The Trek Files, Lloyd joins host Larry Nemecek on stage at Trek to San Francisco to discuss his career an bringing Kruge to life. Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - September 19, 1983 The Trek Files Season 13 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. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

There was a time when Saurians were only known for their brandy, but by the time of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the alien species was starting to flesh out a bit more. A few decades later, Saurians came into their own when Star Trek: Discovery introduced us to beloved crew member "Linus." Special guest David Benjamin Tomlinson joins The Trek Files to talk about bringing Linus to life and his own longtime love of Star Trek. Document and additional references: The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture [excerpt] - 1980 The Trek Files Season 13 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. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

As Star Trek often finds itself in transitional periods, the question always arises: what IS "Star Trek?" In 1986, Gene Roddenberry responded to Paramount Executive John Pike with a letter outlining his concepts for The Next Generation. Now, decades later, we welcome Rod Roddenberry to discuss the parallels of defining Star Trek then and now and striking a balance between the original concept and reinventing for a new audience. Document and additional references: Letter from Gene Roddenberry to John Pike - September 19, 1986 The Trek Files Season 13 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. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

In a letter to Gene Roddenberry, Dorothy Fontana makes the case for accepting a story from Larry Niven into the production of Star Trek: The Animated Series. In a separate letter to Larry, Dorothy suggests a collaborative approach to bring his story to the small screen. In this episode of The Trek Files, we are thrilled to welcome the award-winning science-fiction novelist Larry Niven himself to share his recollection of working with Dorothy and adapting his story for Star Trek! Document and additional references: Letters to Gene Roddenberry and Larry Niven - 1973 The Trek Files Season 13 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. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Just over 30 years ago, filming began on a Star Trek series that would launch a new TV network. The exit of a star player brought production to a halt while executives figured out how to recast the series lead. The Trek Files welcomes back Dave Rossi, who was there on day one, with stories of Voyager finding its way and introducing the newest Captain to her ship. Don't miss our season finale! Document and additional references: Star Trek: Voyager call sheets - September, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.