Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Director Talks Blowing Up the Earth and Human Solutions to Tech Problems
Explosive Beginnings: A Journey Back in Time
For over sixty years, Star Trek has taken us on wild adventures across alien worlds and introduced us to an encyclopedia of extraterrestrial creatures. However, the debut of the fourth season of Strange New Worlds might just set a record for the most outlandish chaos! In the premiere episode, creatively titled “Valles Marineris,” Captain Pike and the ever-reliable USS Enterprise find themselves not just in a prehistoric age populated by dinosaurs but also amidst a Martian military skirmish against a mysterious foe from some uncharted corner of our solar system. Spoiler alert: things go kaboom! By episode’s end, Pike faces the soul-crushing choice of letting the Martians duke it out, which results in a disastrous planet boom that sends a giant rock careening toward Earth—hello asteroid and goodbye dinosaurs! Talk about a cosmic chain reaction that kickstarts human evolution!
Time Travel Shenanigans: The Director’s Perspective
Chris Fisher, the mastermind behind the chaos and executive producer of Strange New Worlds, chuckles while sharing insights about the timey-wimey antics in the show. “We didn’t leave any temporal stone unturned,” he quips. Fisher’s two decades in the biz, including directing hits like Warehouse 13 and Person of Interest, have prepped him for the wild ride of Strange New Worlds.
A Blend of Talent: The Swiss Army Knife Approach
Describing his multifaceted role, Fisher says, “I’m basically the Swiss Army Knife for the show—whatever the showrunners need!” He enjoys shaping the season’s visual vibe while navigating the quirky directors hired for single episodes to ensure every installment has a fresh and unique flair.
Tackling Challenges: The Big Swing Episodes
Even with all the fun, Fisher admits that each episode is a tall order. The season 4 opening may be a thrill ride, but it’s also complex. Remember the musical episode, “Subspace Rhapsody” from season 2? That one was a real doozy! They had to pre-record music and involve the cast much earlier than standard protocol, bringing lots of energy and, well, a little extra madness to the mix.
The Magic of Virtual Production
Fisher also highlights the innovative use of virtual production, which gives the set a high-tech, video game feel. Instead of being surrounded by plain old green screen walls, they employ LED panels that create immersive environments. “It’s super cool!” he explains, as actors can interact with stunning backgrounds created ahead of time, making everything feel super real.
Creating Worlds: The Aesthetic Appeal
Ever wonder why the sets of Strange New Worlds look so pristine? Fisher and his team work hard to build those digital worlds, making them as intricate and vibrant as possible. Thanks to this gnarly technology, the lighting and atmosphere elevate the overall experience. Fisher clearly loves this approach and even penned a book about it—talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
Braving the Pandemic: Adapting with Tech
So, why go through all the hassle? Well, Fisher points out that virtual production became essential during the pandemic. “We had to think outside the box when the streets were empty,” he recalls, sharing the trials of creating entire worlds in a warehouse weekly. This new collaborative approach isn’t just innovative; it emphasizes the human touch! In a world increasingly dominated by AI, Fisher champions the essence of human creativity by asserting, “We’re doing Strange New Worlds for five seasons without a single AI!”
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
Amidst the chaos of space adventures and groundbreaking technology, Fisher crafts a heartwarming narrative of unity and creativity, reminding us that behind every epic story are humans who collaborate and innovate. It’s not just about exploring the universe; it’s about fostering new ideas and thriving as a community. Tune into Strange New Worlds to catch all the cosmic escapades every Thursday on Paramount+.