In the past few years, there have been many Star Trek To talk about – new shows begin, older shows are coming, franchises future on screens of similar size (though not always completely successful). But for some trek Stubborn, a string of numbers is all on their lips: 765874.
This number – original Yeoman JM Colt's alleged interstellar serial number Star Trek Pilot plot “Cage” – A series of shorts titles released by Otoy and Roddenberry Archives since 2022. Star Trek The latter’s resources create some small episodes to explore crucial, invisible moments Star TrekIn the past, every time a new version drops, the short but sweet series becomes a viral feeling trek Fans since then enterprise-d was restored after nearly destruction, and said emotional farewell to Kirk and Spock celebrated last year Star Trek: Generation'30th anniversary.
To learn more about the process of creating and shooting shorts, and everything from creating decisions to revisiting Kirk and Spock, and the technical challenges of creative CG replicas from William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy to continue these stories, here are IIO9 Recently, I spoke with Carlos Baena, a director behind the shorts of the project. Check out our extensive interview below, along with some of Baena’s behind-the-scenes look in the fourth entry in the series, unified (Including wild glimpses from actor Sam Witwer as a body stand-in for Captain Kirk!).
James Whitbrook, IO9: Tell me some information about how you are involved in creating 765874 project.
Carlos Baena: In early 2022, I started working as freelance director with Otoy, Jules Urbach and Roddenberry Archive, focusing on short-term content. My journey started with guiding the first 765874 Trailer short and co-direct Memory wall With Jules, then guide regeneration and unified In 2023 and 2024. The director sometimes differs from my usual work in animation, especially when working on the spot and filming on the spot. Have some guidance on previous experiences with live shorts that help.
My familiarity Star Trek It was limited before joining OTOY, so diving into the world was a great learning process. To deepen my understanding, I explored the original series and iconic films Movie and Khan's anger. Although I'm not that proficient in recent iterations Star TrekI rely on the crew’s insights to help me bridge this gap.
IO9: You have laughed at it before unified After a brief release PicardSeason 3 – Do you always tell stories like this in your mind about this project?
Baena: Everything comes together organically. By the time we complete the briefly mentioned Spock and Veridian III setup regenerationwe still haven't discussed anything unified To be. It was not until a few months later that Jules' seeds of subsequent thoughts approached me regeneration He's been thinking – Jules, a grown man Star Trek I really like it. Later, I learned about what William Shatner discussed in an interview they had with him, and what it further inspired unified It may become.
As a director, you take these materials and find ways to inject them into your experience to stay honest and sincere. In my case, it means drawing inspiration from my love for my parents and the emotional journey before my death. For me, the last reunion between Kirk and Spock had to be personal – after decades of meaningful experiences and adventures, their last chance to be together. My conversation with Jules became the foundation of the film. The story development started with the bullet point files I created based on these discussions and the mood boards I created. From there, I was able to launch among some of our team, such as our story artist Ahmed Nasri, our Previs artist Jonathan Roybal and our JJ Palomo, one of the VFX artists.
IO9: unified In the viewer's opinion of the purpose of our witness, the audience has many explanations. What makes you deal with narrative this way?
Baena: The material itself shapes my tone, vision and method of execution of the film. Some questions in life have no answers at all, and I have always resonated with the famous saying of Denis Villeneuve: “The mystery of life is not the problem to be solved, but the reality of experience.” The unknown person-in- I always fascinated by the world around us and within us. I also tend to challenge me to make me think and wander for a long time after they are over. So, I hope this movie has subjective experience. The film explores the connection between humans and the real meaning of being human, including the theme of death and farewell. That's why I want to leave room for the audience to bring my own explanation, which is the impact of their personal journey and perspectives.
Therefore, we also made intentional choices to exclude conversations, besides dubbing Khan's anger. I always felt that too much dialogue could get rid of the power of visual storytelling. Instead, I rely on body language, facial expressions and internal emotions to turn the short film into a visual poem – a poem that can talk to anyone, regardless of language or background.
IO9: 765874 Already used a facial scan in the shorts in front, but you are dealing with two giants Star Trek In Spock and Kirk. With previous 765874 shorts?
Baena: create unified It is an ambitious challenge. We are bringing together a heartfelt story, complex performance, new technology and emotional depth Star TrekThe most meaningful party – without any certainty of receipt. Sometimes, we even question the right decision to make a movie. One of our biggest technical challenges is the lack of a film pipeline. Compared to earlier shorts, we are dealing with a lot of very complex shots that force us to rethink the workflow.
Another big shift is how we deal with daily reports and feedback. On the previous one 765874 Shorts, I did this via Zoom due to the smaller size, but unifiedthis method is no longer feasible. I contacted producer Kristina Wallace and VFX producer Mark Spatny for the integration of Syncsketch, which was made by my former Pixar colleague Bernhard Tool created by Bernhard Haux. It was successfully used in several projects in other studios and I knew it would be the best way to track comments and paintings.
Our work on facial VFX has also expanded greatly – from only three facial replacements regeneration Up to thirty years old unified. Given my background as an animator, I have been particularly focused on avoiding strange valleys and ensuring that the digital faces are convincing. But I also rely on Jules Urbach's knowledge of the faces of both characters to make sure Kirk and Spock feel like the characters he grew up with for decades . Additionally, thanks to Jules’ expertise, Mike Ashton and John Lee’s facial skills exceeded expectations and I’m very grateful for their dedication.
IO9: You work directly with William Shatner to bring Kirk's similarities back here. What was that process like? How important is it to get you involved in your level of engagement?
Baena: William Shatner is actively involved in consultants during critical production times. He is also interested in early technical testing, seeing their potential and trust that when handled with caution and integrity, they can be used in a way that respects the legacy Star Trek. For our team, it is necessary to get support, engagement and feedback from William Shatner, Susan Bay Nimoy and Rod Roddenberry to ensure that We handle the project with the utmost respect.
IO9: De-Aging technology and digital doubles have become a controversial topic of discussion in recent years, but the response to its use in these shorts has been almost universally positive. What do you think is the purpose of using them here? trek fan?
Baena: The way you approach the project makes everything different – it resonates when it comes from a place of honesty, integrity and sincerity. As mentioned, with key producers William Shatner, Susan Bay Nimoy and Rod Rodenbury Star Treksuch as Robin Curtis, Jules Urbach, Mike and Denise Okuda, Dave Blass, [and] Michael Giacchino and others ensure that we should treat the material with respect and care. Audiences have the natural ability to detect when something is done for a wrong reason and they will see it directly. But when a project is built from passion and inward, they recognize it and respect it.
IO9: Shatner and Leonard Nimoy aren't the only ones Star Trek The legend you've played here – Gary Lockwood hasn't performed for decades. How did that happen? Do you have plans if he doesn't return as Gary Mitchell?
Baena: From the beginning, the character Gary Mitchell was a brief part, Star Trek The comic “perfect system”. Initially, our editorial tests hint at his presence cleverly, without explicitly showing his face. As development progresses, we want to explore the possibilities of full visualization Toss– Gary Mitchell from “The Place No One Has Been”. This brought our team closer to Gary Lockwood, and once he joined the boat, Otoy’s VFX team followed up with some promising facial tests. Always appreciated Rockwood's performance 2001: Space OdysseyI'm really glad he agreed to participate in our short film.
IO9: Unification not only draws on the original series and its films trek Influence – You use the commander of the lieutenant in season 3 Discover The same is true. What made you want to include links to the series?
Baena: One of the most resonant things in my conversation with Jules unified He longs to tell a story, not just this truly special friendship gathering, but also to unify a world that has been split for too long. This idea feels very relevant. Yor's ability to play in the times and the universe plays a key role in the film. He handed the badge to Kirk not only as an object. It makes sense behind it. Spock retains it, a silence testament to his enduring desire to reunite with Kirk, which makes the final moments even more profound.
IO9:765874 has received a huge viral appreciation. How do you think of it from Star Trek Community? Whether it affects any future plans you wish to continue the project, or explore other avenues Star Trek storytelling?
Baena: I don't think any of us expects such a strong reaction in a brief moment and say I'm surprised to be downplaying it. I am very grateful for the journey over the past three years and the opportunities that come with it. I want to be right, too Star Trek Welcome my community. Entering the world as an outsider, I now build a new friendship that I truly cherish. Essentially, my goal is always to tell a human story first. I learned that Kirk and Spock have profound meanings to many people (almost like family) and that is a huge responsibility for all of us. I know Otoy has more plans 765874 Project, but as I currently promise, I'm not sure what my involvement might be.
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