AUGUST 30, 2023 - In a recent installment of the All Access Star Trek podcast, the spotlight turned to Chris Fisher, the producing director at the helm of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The discussion offered insights into the challenges and aspirations surrounding the show's third season, as well as the impact of ongoing industry strikes.

Close to Takeoff: A Production on Hold

The anticipation was palpable as the team of Strange New Worlds found themselves on the brink of embarking on the production journey for the third season. However, fate had other plans. The onset of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike in May disrupted the show's progress, halting any work on Season 3. Co-showrunner Henry Alonso Myers confirmed the unfortunate pause, stating that shooting wouldn't resume until the strike was resolved. The strike eventually extended to involve the actors, causing further delays.

In a revealing interview with Fisher on the TrekMovie podcast, the veil was lifted on just how close the team was to commencing production. Fisher disclosed, "I was going to direct the premiere episode… I had storyboarded pretty much the entire first episode. That’s how close we were to starting shooting."

The production director's pivotal role also involves overseeing the innovative AR Wall virtual set, a technology that promises groundbreaking visual effects. Fisher explained that they were already deep into designing the AR effects for the upcoming season when the strike intervened. He revealed that they were making significant progress, having even reached episode 307 in terms of creating visuals.

Staying Prepared Amid Uncertainty

Despite the fog of uncertainty surrounding the ongoing strikes, Fisher and his team have remained proactive in their preparations for resuming production once the coast is clear. He shared that they've been constantly planning ahead, outlining what needs to be in place to hit the ground running once the strikes conclude. Fisher mentioned, "We’re not that many weeks away from being able to start, absent all the other conflicts which may have arisen by now."

A Collaborative Universe

The Star Trek franchise, known for its intricate interstellar narratives, has fostered a sense of camaraderie among its various productions. Fisher attested to the collaborative spirit, highlighting how the shared assets and crew between Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Discovery have facilitated a seamless flow of ideas and resources. Fisher's optimism extended to the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 streaming movie, which is set to share some elements with Strange New Worlds. He expressed, "I don’t think [running parallel with Section 31] would hurt us. This really feels like a family."

Daring to Dream: Season 3's Ambitions

As the show gears up for its third season, Fisher's enthusiasm is palpable. He reflected on the creative challenges that lie ahead, particularly in light of Season 2's daring leaps into different genres. The upcoming season promises even more "big swings," embracing a multitude of genres and storytelling styles. Fisher's willingness to embrace these challenges stems from a belief that pushing boundaries is at the heart of what makes the show truly remarkable.

In Fisher's words, "Every one of the words up there scares the [expletive] out of me… But that’s the best thing about the job." The audacious storytelling approach, coupled with Fisher's unwavering commitment to pushing the show's visual and narrative boundaries, promises a Star Trek experience that continues to captivate and surprise its dedicated fanbase.

In the face of industry disruptions and uncertainties, the dedication and passion of the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds team shine through. Their unwavering commitment to delivering a show that honors the franchise's legacy while blazing new trails is a testament to the enduring power of exploration, both on-screen and behind the scenes.