Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1504681
the Stargazer. With twin ramps framing the three command chairs as an homage to the classic Enterprise-D, the interior layout maintained a nostalgic connection to the past. John came up with the visionary idea of a connected "observation lounge," allowing a view from the bridge into the conference room and out through the back windows creating breathtaking views in every direction. Understanding the importance of lighting in an immersive environment, the design team, headed by Supervising Art Director Mark Zuelzke and Art Director Will Eliscu, collaborated closely with cinematographers Crescenzo Notarile and Jimmy Lindsey. They needed integrated RGB-LED lighting to allow for seamless control of the set's ambiance, enabling the cinematographers to swiftly create desired moods and enhance the ship's futuristic feel. One of the iconic design aspects of the TNG era ships are the LCARS (Library Computer Access/ Retrieval System) graphic interfaces, and I wanted them to play a key role in the design of the Stargazer's bridge. Graphic Artist Mike Okuda, in collaboration with the motion graphics team, led by Andrew Jarvis and Casey Feldt, modernized the LCARS designs for the new control panels. LCARS 2.0, as we named it, added dimension and movement while staying true to the original feeling. We wanted it to feel like a software update, not a complete re-design. Leading the charge in on-set technology, video playback supervisor Todd Marks introduced transparent OLED screens and giant curved FlexGlass consoles to elevate the futuristic ambiance of the Stargazer. The OLED screens, resembling a giant piece of glass with HD-resolution motion graphics, creating the illusion of translucent holograms, contributed to the sleek and advanced appearance of the set. The FlexGlass panels were backlit with overlapping Epson Pro Series projectors to create the unique curved surface, and combined with flat OLED panels where image resolution was most important. The exterior design of the Stargazer was a collaborative effort between John Eaves and Doug Drexler, both seasoned Star Trek designers. Drawing inspiration from the previous appearance of the earlier Stargazer in TNG and evolving the look of the Sovereign Class Enterprise-E, they aimed to strike a delicate balance between evolution and familiarity. Starting with a four-nacelle configuration and a saucer section, Eaves and Drexler masterfully crafted an iconic and instantly recognizable starship that seamlessly integrated into the Starfleet lineage. A B C A. STARGAZER BRIDGE. SET PHOTO. B. STARGAZER CONSOLE. SET PHOTO. C. STARGAZER OBSERVATION LOUNGE. SET PHOTO. D. TITAN SICK BAY. SET PHOTO. E. TITAN TRANSPORTER ROOM. SET PHOTO. F. DISTRICT 6. LAYOUT PLAN BY KIT STØLEN. G. & H. DISTRICT 6. SET PHOTOS. I. DISTRICT 6. RENDERING BY KIT STØLEN. Meanwhile, the visual effects team, led by Jason Zimmerman, brought the exterior design to life. Rendering the aft part of the ship with a background of stationary stars and the mesmerizing "warp speed" effect, the team projected these visuals onto a massive 45-foot- wide rear projection screen using triple stack Epson Pro L1750UNL 15K laser projectors with Epson Model ELPLUOS3 short throw lenses, as we were out of stage space. This allowed them to immerse the set in the vastness of space from all sides and added to the grandeur of the Stargazer.