JUNE 2, 2023 - Embarking on a voyage through the cosmos, Star Trek: Picard mesmerizes viewers with its stunning visuals and awe-inspiring spaceships. Behind the scenes, the dedicated team of visual effects artists works tirelessly to bring these otherworldly elements to life. Among them is Jason Zimmerman, the Supervising Producer and VFX Supervisor on Star Trek: Picard. In a recently released video by Paramount+, Zimmerman delves into the challenges and creative processes involved in constructing the captivating visual world of the show.

Unveiling New Frontiers

"The fun thing about Trek is there's a new challenge in every episode," Zimmerman reveals with enthusiasm. The creative team endeavors to continuously explore fresh approaches, ensuring that each visual component stands out. With Star Trek: Picard carrying a weighty legacy, Zimmerman emphasizes the importance of honoring that heritage while infusing a unique visual language into season 3.

Building From Scratch

Constructing the full CG shots, whether it be the iconic Borg Cube, the majestic Titan, or the beloved Enterprise-D, is a meticulous process. Zimmerman explains how it all begins with storyboards and progresses to the Previs stage, where rough CG models are developed. From there, the shots evolve, with multiple rendering passes adding depth, shadows, reflections, and textures. The team meticulously layers on each element, including atmospheric effects and lens imperfections, to achieve a realistic and immersive experience.

Bringing the Cube to Life

Among the show's standout visual assets is the formidable Borg Cube. Zimmerman describes the challenges involved in showcasing its immense scale and creating a sense of grandeur. By incorporating cinematic lighting, dramatic angles, and utilizing cloud formations as reference points, the team successfully portrays the colossal size of the Cube. Every minute detail, from textures to geometry, is meticulously crafted to ensure an immersive experience, even on the largest of screens.

Spaceships as Characters

In the vast expanse of the Star Trek universe, the ships take on a life of their own, almost like characters, according to Zimmerman. Introducing a new vessel into the canon requires answering a multitude of questions: How does it move? What are its capabilities? What defines its character? The team carefully analyzes every angle, experimenting with camera placement and movement to create the most cinematic and impactful representations of the ships.

The Epic Titan

Zimmerman highlights the Titan, an epic and colossal ship, as a personal favorite. The team takes the opportunity to showcase its intricate details in shots where it gracefully passes by the camera. Zimmerman expresses his joy in being able to capture and convey the artistry and craftsmanship that breathe life into the vessel, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in its awe-inspiring presence.

Space Babies and Uncharted Territory

Zimmerman reveals that Star Trek: Picard introduces unique visual elements, such as the mesmerizing "space babies." This extraordinary concept, previously unseen in the franchise, presented a creative opportunity for the team. Combining beauty and wonder, the shot featuring ethereal creatures floating around the ship exemplifies the show's innovative spirit.

A Childhood Dream Realized

Reflecting on his journey, Zimmerman traces his passion for Star Trek back to his childhood. As a devoted fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, he would eagerly join his friends to watch the show and even attended conventions. Zimmerman's path in visual effects led him to work alongside the very artists he once idolized. Now, having contributed to multiple seasons of the show and become a cherished member of the Star Trek family, he considers it an extraordinary honor.