The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

A series of memos from the earliest days of The Next Generation contemplate the scientific advances of the new Enterprise. Specifically, the bridge would undergo a radical redesign to emphasize a more comfortable, thoughtful interaction of the crew. In addition, the special effects advances since the 1960s meant that the views of space could be much more realistic. We welcome back Dr. Barrett Caldwell to help explore the intersection of technology and humanity, where Star Trek gets it right, and where it stretches our imaginations.

Document and additional references: The Front Window of the Enterprise - 1986

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This week on The Trek Files, we focus our ears on the sounds that make Star Trek. From TOS to the movies, we are pleased to bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes audio clips like you've never heard them before. Those, along with our document from Gene's archive, are illuminated by our special guest Steve Lee, veteran audio expert and "sound wrangler" for film and television. Steve currently archives the industry's work at the Hollywood Sound Museum.

Document and additional references: Dubbing and Scoring Schedule - July 10 - 14, 1967

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In October 1988, the Star Trek production team started rolling in Yosemite National Park. We catch up with Dan Madsen, the head of the official fan club, who was in regular contact with director William Shatner and well aware of the anticipation - and anxiety - among fans about the next Trek feature film. We cover everything from Levi's to marshmallows to purple horses on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988

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It was the first day of shooting on Star Trek III. Fans knew that Spock was likely coming back, but they didn't know about the loss of the Enterprise or other major plot points of the film. One fan who was on the inside had the scoop, though! Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to share stories about the "wine and roses" days of Trek and getting the lowdown from Leonard Nimoy himself.

Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - Day 1 - August 15, 1983

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Secrecy around movies is paramount. In early 1978, the announcement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture had not yet been officially made, but one person close to the production had leaked insider information about the production. Studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg stepped in with a politely worded, but unambiguous, memo to stop the leaks at their source.

Document and additional references: Star Trek II memo - January 19, 1978

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Each season on The Trek Files, we take a break from the interdepartmental memos and deeply technical discussions behind the scenes of Star Trek in order to check in with the fans. Specifically, we peruse Gene Roddenberry's mail bag from the mid 1970s to see what had fans excited a generation ago. This time: graduation wishes, praise for Trek's humanity, and, of course, more requests for any props that may just be laying around...

Document and additional references: Fan Correspondence - ca. 1975

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Science fiction requires a certain amount of science fact to make the stories believable. In the lead up to "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry sent a memo to the production team expressing frustration over the balancing act between the two. Jeff Stepp returns to The Trek Files to talk about the similarities in writing for drama and scientific documentary and the possible coolness of "deathstrings."

Document and additional references: Warp Speed Cellular Plasma "Deathstrings" Gizmos - April 28, 1987

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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In the last years of his life, Gene Roddenberry continued to address audiences with thoughts about science fiction and the intersection of humanity and science. In this speech from 1989-1990 given to an audience of Jungian psychologists, he explored the ways technology and storytelling illuminate the human experience. The Trek Files again welcomes Dr. Barrett Caldwell to share his thoughts on Gene's speech.

Document and additional references: The Shape of Tomorrow - ca. 1989

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In a speech to the Fourteenth Space Congress in 1977, Gene Roddenberry laid out the three arguments for human space exploration. Now, we revisit his words with Barrett S. Caldwell, PhD, Professor of Industrial Engineering (and Aeronautics and Astronautics) at Purdue. He reflects on Gene's visionary take on the space program and the inspiration that keeps us returning to the stars.

Document and additional references: Beyond the Near Term - April 27, 1977

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David Gerrold joins The Trek Files again for a fun look behind the scenes of Deep Space Nine's 30th anniversary Star Trek episode, "Trials and Tribble-ations." Hear about the painstaking details to recreate 1960s television in the '90s and how returning to tribbles 30 years later was a career highlight.

Document and additional references: Trials and Tribble-ations call sheet - August 22, 1996

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Phil Weyland returns to The Trek Files with more stories from the set of Star Trek III. As stand-in for DeForest Kelly and, later, William Shatner, Phil had a front-row seat for the extremes from excitement to boredom of making Trek's epic big-screen stories.

Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - August 31, 1983

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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The title says it all. David Gerrold shared his parting words with Gene Roddenberry upon leaving production of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was a bittersweet moment preceded by conflict. David joins The Trek Files to talk about the state of TNG's production at the time, his frustrations with backstage politics, and the desire to leave on a high note. Don't miss our deep look into the tumult of Star Trek's return to TV with one of the insiders who was there from the start.

Document and additional references: Gerrold's Last Memo - May 22, 1987

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Between Star Trek the Motion Picture and The Next Generation, Gene Roddenberry was still at work crafting new TV show concepts. In 1981, he turned his attention to a melding of real world science and speculative futurism with "Breakthrough." We welcome producer/documentarian Jeff Stepp (The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe with William Shatner) to the Trek Files to help determine where Gene was on the right path and if his idea could breakthrough the TV landscape today.

Document and additional references: Breakthrough TV Format - October 7, 1981

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Laurence Luckinbill continues his conversation with The Trek Files, reminiscing about Star Trek V and sharing a passage from his new book, "Affective Memories." Hear about his friendship with William Shatner and DeForest Kelley, the trouble with alien horses, and why "The Final Frontier" is one of the great Star Trek movies.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 part 2

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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The Trek Files gets a look inside the production of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier with none other than the man who brought Sybok to life, Laurence Luckinbill. The multi-award winning actor shares his insights into his spiritual connection with Sybok, competing angles on the character, and the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.

Document and additional references: Star Trek V call sheets - 1988 part 1

Affective Memories: How Chance and Theater Saved My Life by Laurence Luckinbill

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

Celebrating 40 years since the release of "The Search for Spock," The Trek Files goes deep behind-the-scenes with someone who spent as much time on Star Trek movie sets as any of the stars. Special guest Phil Weyland was a stand-in for DeForest Kelley and William Shatner and had a front-row seat for all the challenges and triumphs of the TOS movies. Hear about everything from deflated budgets to inflated egos in this week's episode!

Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - October 21, 1983

The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha

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Kicking off the 12th season of The Trek Files, we're taking a look back at planning Star Trek's third season in 1968. Bob Justman sent a memo in February of that year to Gene Roddenberry with his suggestions of which cast members should be kept and at what rate. Joining us to discuss the memo is someone from that very cast: Walter Koenig who you know as "Chekov!"

Document and additional references: Star Trek Cast Option Pickups - February 26, 1968

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Wrapping up our 11th season, The Trek Files is proud to welcome Walter Koenig to the show to look back at his own involvement in Star Trek TAS as a writer. Stay tuned for the revelations about Walter's pitch (and subsequent rejection) from TNG, shared here for the first time!

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Ben Robinson returns to The Trek Files for another look at some of the roads not taken when Star Trek: The Next Generation was in development. This time, the complexities of bringing Wesley/Lesley Crusher to life and how TNG could have broken new ground in 1987.

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The Trek Files revisits an early document from Star Trek: The Next Generation's development. David Gerrold sketched out a guide to how the main characters would relate to each other, and in this excerpt, focuses on Deanna Troi's special talent as a telepath. Ben Robinson joins us to look back at the Trek that might have been!

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Continuing our conversation about Gene's Star Trek III memo, we are thrilled to welcome Eugene Roddenberry to share his insights into his father's notes! Examining Vulcan mysticism and how those "small feathers" make a big difference in Star Trek storytelling on a can't miss episode of The Trek Files!

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While developing "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry was also fielding notes on the next Star Trek feature film "The Final Frontier." Our featured document highlights some of the strong misgivings Gene had about the script and story, and we pick apart the areas where he may have missed the mark or was right on target.

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With Gene Roddenberry relegated to a consultant role on the Star Trek feature films, the "Great Bird" still had strong opinions about the shape of each sequel. In the first part of our look at a memo from 1983, Gene lays out his concerns around keeping Trek's format intact and his problems with destroying the Enterprise.

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The faster Star Trek: The Next Generation ramped up production for its first season, a very real crisis loomed: they didn't have enough scripts. Bob Justman wrote to Gene Roddenberry in no uncertain terms about the production's needs, and we've got Mike DeMeritt to help us pick apart the details.

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One year before the American bicentennial celebration, Gene Roddenberry and Wilton Dillon from the Smithsonian Institution shred a friendly correspondence. We welcome back Margaret Weitekamp - almost 50 years to the day since the "Big E" was shipped from LA to DC - to further discuss the importance of pop-culture in the country's preeminent collection of historical artifacts.

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We are thrilled to welcome Margaret Weitekamp, Curator and Department Chair of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, to discuss science fiction's role in the story of space flight. A 1972 letter from Gene Roddenberry to Fred Durant, Assistant Director of NASM, underlines the cultural impact of shows like Star Trek and the importance of heroic stories in garnering public support.

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As The Trek Files continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated series, we look back at a rather pointed letter from Dorothy Fontana about the draft for "Eye of the Beholder." Aaron Harvey joins us again as we reveal a newly discovered detail about the episode's development!

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It might seem like a given that a TV series must be written to fit a budget. In the early days of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," a serious concern between Gene Roddenberry and Bob Justman was to keep the scripts under control. Returning guest Mike DeMeritt joins The Trek Files to help parse the intersection of creativity and commerce.

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What exactly is the internal physiology of a Klingon, or a Horta, or a Tholian? In 1975, an enterprising undergrad wrote to Gene Roddenberry to get some answers. Today, we've got educator and Star Trek science consultant Mohamed Noor with us to talk about the intersection of fact and fiction.

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We're joined again by Luanne Fortier to share her stories about fandom in the 1970s. This time, the Star Trek stars come to town when William Shatner goes LIVE with an album of his college tour, and Luanne reminisces about Gene Roddenberry himself on stage.

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As Star Trek was getting ready for a return to television, Dorothy Fontana was teaching a class to aspiring writers. One of those students, Robert Coyle, pitched his own animated Trek adventure and got multiple lessons along the way in writing for television and the hash business of production. Paul joins The Trek Files to tell his story!

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It's time for another look into Gene Roddenberry's mail bag! This episode, we've got a range from 1971 - 1975, everything from an up-and-coming student writer to a pilot who claims to have unlocked the secrets to Star Trek tech!

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Star Trek may have broken a lot of ground on television, but the marketing of the show went boldly into new frontiers as well. A document aimed at fanzine publishers marks the transition to an "official" newsletter in what we might today call a bit of viral marketing. Tim Gaskill joins us again to discuss the ways Star Trek reaches its fans.

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Our 250th episode deserves a special guest, and we've got Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan for a bonus-length chat! We cover the history of animated Star Trek to the threads that connect TAS to modern stories, and we may get to the bottom of why there are no Tellarites in Lower Decks. Don't miss this highly animated conversation!

David Gerrold visits The Trek Files again, this time to discuss the development of a story that didn't make it to TNG but found new life as a fan film, "Blood and Fire." Along the way, we revisit the personalities and controversies that led to the real chaos on the bridge.

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Continuing our look at the creative process that brought Star Trek: The Animated Series to life, we welcome back Aaron Harvey for another dive into unproduced story pitches. Gene Roddenberry himself gets into the mix with one (and a half) pitches that apparently don't pass Dorothy Fontana's scrutiny.

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We continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series, this week with a look at some of the stories that did not make it into production! Joining us to speculate on what could have been for the animated Enterprise crew is Aaron Harvey, co-author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series."

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Longtime Star Trek journalist and promotions writer Tim Gaskill drops by as we revisit a letter from the Nimoyan Fellowship to Gene's attorney. It's another story of a fan who had a run in with the business side of things on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

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We're glad to welcome Luanne Fortier back to The Trek Files to continue her stories about the William Shatner Letter Exchange. This conversation kicks off with Star Trek's transition to an animated series and all of Shatner's anticipated appearances in a post-Star Trek world.

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In the "letters and stamps" days of Star Trek fandom, between the original series and the Motion Picture, industrious fans connected with each other as "pen friends" through organizations like the William Shatner Letter Exchange. Luanne Fortier, a WSLE founder, joins The Trek Files to look back at those early days of celebrating their favorite series.

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In 1968, David Gerrold pitched a story to Star Trek called "Bem," and while it went unproduced for TOS, the story would find new life in animated form. Hear the full story from David himself, our special guest to kick off the 11th season of The Trek Files!

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While Star Trek: The Animated Series was winding down, Gene Roddenberry was developing what might have been his next animated sci-fi series (with a healthy dose of Star Trek influence). In our season finale, Aaron Waltke joins The Trek Files again to discuss Gene's vision for "Starship" and the many parallels to getting an animated to fly today.

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When Star Trek premiered as an animated series in 1973, Gene Roddenberry and Dorothy Fontana assured fans that the new medium wouldn't affect the importance of the storytelling. A half century later, we are joined by Star Trek: Prodigy co-producer Aaron Waltke to discuss what has changed in the animation process and what has stayed the same in bringing Trek's core values to a whole new audience. Recorded live at STLV!

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From humanist philosophy to religion to our future with technology. Gene Roddenberry covered a lot of ground in the days of his college lecture tours. We're joined again by Star Trek motion graphics director Tim Peel to examine the deep side of Gene's thoughts in the years between Trek on TV and at the movies.

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Office politics have a certain timeless quality. In 1967, Leonard Nimoy found himself battling the higher-ups for the simple necessities to fulfill his fan mail obligations. On this week's The Trek Files, we explore the battle of memos with return guest Daren Dochterman and a very special reading!

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A document from 1985 written by Mike Okuda addresses no less than the entire look and feel of Star Trek's graphics and the logic of starship display design. This week, we examine a portion of that pitch with the talented Tim Peel, heir apparent to Okuda's work as the director of motion graphics for all Star Trek since Discovery took flight in 2017!

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A memo from 1989 illustrates a core concern in Star Trek's past and present: representation in the future. We're thrilled to welcome back Cirroc Lofton to discuss the ways Star Trek broke ground and ways the production process can best evolve.

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In the midst of a writer's strike, production on Star Trek shut down. Sound familiar? That was in 1988, delaying the second year of TNG and causing the season to be shortened. Cirroc Lofton joins The Trek Files to discuss big changes in Trek, changing technology, and the desired outcome of strikes!

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Does the Enterprise need a helmsman? What about a navigator? In the "blue sky" phase of developing TNG, David Gerrold again raised the big questions about computers, A.I., and the future. Joining us again to look back at the ideas that took root and those that didn't, Thomas Marrone from Star Trek: Online returns to The Trek Files.

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You can't always risk the life of the Captain of the Enterprise. That was the thought that inspired the "contact team" when playing the concept for "Star Trek: The Next Generation." What was envisioned as a kind of SWAT for Starfleet didn't materialize then, but they may have had a life by the time "Enterprise" took flight. Thomas Marrone joins The Trek Files again to discuss an early TNG development document. 

Special guest: Thomas Marrone

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In the earliest days of conceptualizing Vejur for Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Gene Roddenberry, Robert Wise, and more of the brain trust met to hash our their ideas. Helping us to parse the "bonkers" document of their meeting, Daren Dochterman joins us again to shed more light on bringing Trek to the big screen.

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With time ticking before the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the production requested bids from some of the top special effects companies to bring the Enterprise-D to life. This week, Daren Dochterman joins The Trek Files to talk about breakneck production pace, state of the art effects, and the business side of fantasy.

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It's time for The Trek Files to dive again into Gene Roddenberry's fan mail. From the mid-1970s, kids make up a huge portion of the Star Trek fandom, and in letters to Gene they ask for everything from blueprints to answers for their deepest trivia questions.

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Bob Justman busily pitched ideas in the earliest days of TNG, including the reworking of a classic story. It may not have made it to screen exactly as he saw it, but certain story elements did stick around. Ben Robinson joins The Trek Files to talk about Bob's contributions and "The Most Dangerous Game."

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Continuing our discussion about Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director's Edition, producer David C. Fein sheds more light on the complications that left TMP unfinished from 1979. In a letter from the period, one of the many contributors to the Enterprise graphics clarifies the work done for Gene Roddenberry.

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Want to program your own Enterprise bridge monitor? For the home computer hobbyist in 1980, Softside magazine published a glimpse behind the scenes of Star Trek: The Motion Picture along with the code to create bridge monitor graphics! The Trek Files looks back at the groundbreaking design work of TMP with David C. Fein, producer of the ST:TMP Director's Edition.

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Like many of his generation, Gene Roddenberry served in the military. This week, The Trek Files examines a letter of promotion from the War Department which kicks off a discussion about military influence on Star Trek from ship design to organization to writing and themes with our special guest, Thomas Marrone.

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A never-before seen story pitch for the abandoned Star Trek Phase II project! Decker is caught in a two-dimensional world while Kirk and Xon race to get him out. Special guest Ben Robinson returns to The Trek Files to help navigate the roads not taken for Star Trek in the late 1970s!

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It starts with a simple suggestion from a writer: the Enterprise should have different armaments than what was seen in 1966. That kicks off a round of discussions that lead to the designer to bring the idea to life, keeping in mind all the requirements of production. This week, John Eaves returns to The Trek Files to reveal more details about his work on Star Trek.

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The question in 1986 was how to make a Star Trek show for the next generation that still had familiar concepts and characters. Producer Bob Justman sent a flurry of memos with some ideas that stuck and others that didn't see the light of day. Larry Nemecek and John Champion discuss those creative decisions and how they affect the modern Trek landscape on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

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The Riker walk. The Riker sit. They all had an origin that took the character from "a little smarmy" to a "Gary Cooper" type to being fully inhabited by our special guest: Jonathan Frakes. The Trek Files goes back to the origins with a special reading of the very audition sides that landed Frakes the role of the iconic William Riker.

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What changes and what stays the same? That was the core question for the earliest steps in shaping Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek illustrator/designer John Eaves stops by The Trek Files to help us chart the many ways that sequel series need to carry off that difficult balancing act.

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Looking back again at Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas, Gary Goddard joins The Trek Files to discuss the changes that occurred along the long development path as well as the joys of (and complicated tech behind) "beaming up."

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"Star Trek: Picard" production designer Dave Blass joins us again, this time to look at a document from the first attempt to bring Star Trek back to TV. Familiar refrains from 1977 ring true today about Trek's "perfect" characters and the realism of the story's drama.

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The Trek Files returns for season 10 with special guest Jonathan Frakes! We look at two call sheets, one from TNG "The Offspring" and the other from "Star Trek: Picard," to kick off a conversation about Jonathan's directing career and how it stacks up against playing William Riker.

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The closer we get to the start of "Star Trek: Picard" season 3, it's the perfect time to look back at one of TNG's founding documents with Terry Matalas. We look back at early discussions of altering the Star Trek format for a new generation and what it means to "take good care of Star Trek" on The Trek Files' 9th season finale!

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Production design overlaps with creative decisions on Star Trek in unique ways. Writers may have ideas about who is on the bridge of a starship, but the producers and designers have their say in making it all come together. "Star Trek: Picard" Production Designer Dave Blass joins The Trek Files again to discuss a 1987 memo about who occupies the center seats and who really is flying the ship.

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As we celebrate the 25th anniversary year of "Star Trek The Experience," we return to the roots of the attraction: from a Korean expo to a dazzling transporter effect to a proposed full-scale Enterprise in downtown Las Vegas. Hear the story from one of the show's chief architects, Gary Goddard, on this week's episode of The Trek Files!

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A look back at Star Trek: The Next Generation's early development reveals a lot about how the current crop of Star Trek shows are produced. On the verge of "Star Trek: Picard" season 3, we are happy to welcome showrunner Terry Matalas to discuss creating Trek stories for a whole new generation.

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Fred Frieberger made the case to Gene Roddenberry in 1968 that the lower budget for "Spectre of the Gun" could work to their creative advantage by enhancing the horror. Today, we welcome Star Trek: Picard's Dave Blass to share tricks of the trade by making some shortcuts elevate the art of production design.

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Bob Justman spelled out some of the possible terminology and ranks to be used aboard the new Enterprise for Star Trek: The Next Generation. We welcome back "Enterprise" Assistant Director Mike Demerrit to talk about creative development and the little details on this week's The Trek Files.

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In one of Gene Roddenberry's many speeches, he "reveals" the Star Trek formula... which may or may not have been entirely truthful. In this week's The Trek Files, we examine the details of a ca. 1975 speech that shares the audience's optimism for quality stories and the secret that makes Star Trek tick.

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Harlan Ellison's tumultuous history with Star Trek has been well documented. What is not known to most people is how he almost came back to the franchise with a story for The Next Generation. We look at Ellison's pitch for "The Crypt," and its unlikely origin, with special guest Ben Robinson on this week's The Trek Files.

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When "Star Trek: Planet of the Titans" was in development, legendary designer Ken Adam was briefly employed to reinvent the Enterprise along with other conceptual pieces for the big screen. This week, The Trek Files welcomes longtime Trek expert Ben Robinson to discuss the rocky development cycle for "...Titans" and the lasting legacy of Adams' designs.

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Starting on paper, the basic concepts that would make Star Trek: The Next Generation different, and similar, to its predecessor had to be spelled out. Gene Roddenberry expresses some of his earliest ideas in this memo, and we are glad to welcome Mike DeMeritt back to The Trek Files to help us explore early TNG and the ideas that made it to later series as well.

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Faster than you can say "spoiler alert," the May 1982 issue of the Star Trek II fan club newsletter delivered the news about Spock's death weeks before the movie hit cinemas. The studio was ok with the leak though, as Dan Madsen tells us in this week's episode of The Trek Files.

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When Star Trek fans relied on print for the latest information, one fan found his newsletter under scrutiny from Paramount. They agreed to make Dan Madsen's publication official and gave him access to scoops and the stars. Today we welcome Dan back to the show to talk about his relationship with the studio and one of the times he chatted with James Doohan.

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This week on The Trek Files, we share more of Larry's interview with Star Trek TOS director Ralph Senensky. Ralph directed seven episodes of the series and discusses here his final work on Star Trek, his professional relationship with Gene Coon, and his work on The Wild, Wild West.

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Writer Hannah Louise Shearer once again joins The Trek Files to examine the ins and outs of production on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Our featured document is the "beat sheet" that lays out the dramatic points in "A Price Far Above Rubies" (later renamed "The Price").

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Hannah Louise Shearer returns to The Trek Files to talk about the tumultuous early years of Star Trek: The Next Generation. From rewriting Tasha Yar's death to being removed from a story she pitched, Hannah shares stories of her triumphs and frustrations on TNG.

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Seemingly innocuous distribution lists can reveal a lot about the backstage dynamics on a TV show. The Trek Files welcomes back Shawn Piller to discuss Michael Piller's work on Star Trek: The Next Generation, how they bonded over their fandom, and how Michael was surprised to be handed control of the show.

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The Trek Files dives back into the mailbag from the early 1970s for a cross-section of fans, from the starry-eyed kids who just want a piece of Star Trek to call their own to the seniors who want to thank Gene for his work and hope for more to come.

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Before the first episode of TNG had aired, writers pitched their stories to the show's producers. Hannah Louise Shearer, a veteran of series television, pitched to D.C. Fontana who, in turn, brought the ideas to Gene Roddenberry. Get an inside look at the earliest days of production on Star Trek: The Next Generation with our special guest, Hannah Louise Shearer!

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On The Trek Files 200th episode, Rod Roddenberry joins us to look at a speech his father gave to the National Space Society while reflecting on Gene's legacy, his contributions to the genre, and the optimism in his work. Don't miss this week's very special episode!

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Not every kid gets a letter of recommendation from the Great Bird of the Galaxy. Shawn Piller did though, and he stops by The Trek Files this week to talk about meeting Gene, discussing poetry and art, and staying up late to watch Star Trek with his father.

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Andreea Kindryd, Gene Coon's assistant during Star Trek, joins us again from the floor of STLV 2022. This time, the conversation turns to the personalities behind the scenes like Harlan Ellison and how "Dr. Happy" may have contributed to Gene's reputation as one of the fastest writers in Hollywood.

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Andreea Kindryd's book "From Slavery to Star Trek"

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A memo from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Starfleet Academy" (aired as "Coming of Age") kicks off a conversation about the personalities behind the scenes in TNG's early days. Learn more about the "chaos on the bridge" from our returning guest, writer Sandy Fries!

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Like all producers, Gene Roddenberry was looking for his next hit after Star Trek had wrapped. "Genesis II" may not have excited executives enough, but it did capture some fans. We welcome Mike DeMeritt back to The Trek Files to discuss the ever-evolving TV landscape.

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The Trek Files kicks off season 9 with a look at an old document but with a new spin! Gene Coon's assistant, Andreea Kindryd, joins us for a special LIVE recording from STLV with stories of "uppers" and miniskirts and the writer who was always late. Don't miss her incredible insight into Trek's earliest years!

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Andreea Kindryd's book "From Slavery to Star Trek"

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Even after Star Trek: The Motion Picture had premiered, Gene Roddenberry and Robert Wise explored ways to improve the film. This week, we welcome David C. Fein to discuss the 4K Director's Edition and the myriad ways TMP has been revised to reach its potential. Plus, stay tuned for a special bonus-feature announcement!

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Gene Roddenberry pitched an idea to writer Sandy about Wesley Crusher applying to Starfleet Academy. This week, Sandy joins The Trek Files to talk about the script that would become "Coming of Age," the people behind the scenes, and his insistence that the Enterprise be attacked by 300 gorillas!

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A story of missing scripts and studio security and the aftermath of repairing a relationship. Judy Burns drops by The Trek Files again to share more stories about "The Tholian Web" and clear up a mystery more than 50 years in the making.

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Mike DeMeritt returns to The Trek Files to help shed some light on the budgets of Star Trek's first two seasons. Every dollar adds up, and accounting can be creative - so what did that mean to Star Trek's bottom line then and now? 

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Star Trek producer Fred Freiberger gives Gene Roddenberry an update on scripts for the 1968 season of Star Trek. What's revealed is just as relevant to production today, and we welcome back Assistant Director and longtime Trek insider Michael DeMeritt to shed some light behind the scenes.

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A detailed budget and a memo from Star Trek producer Bob Justman spell out the very real need to keep on top of production expenses when it came to makeup supplies on TOS. We welcome back Michael Westmore to talk about keeping the ship running and what actors actually steal from the set.

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"The Tholian Web" started its life as a pitch called "In Essence, Nothing" by Judy Burns. Hear the story of what really motivated pitching to Star Trek when Judy herself joins The Trek Files today to discuss her work on the series!

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The man behind some of the most beloved sci-fi/fantasy magazines, Kerry O'Quinn, drops by The Trek Files one more time to share his view "From the Bridge" as well as some personal tales of his time with Gene Roddenberry.

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Should Data be grey or bubblegum pink? This was just one decision to be made before Star Trek: The Next Generation went before the cameras. Hollywood make-up legend Michael Westmore joins The Trek Files to discuss the earliest days of defining the look of TNG's characters.

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From soap operas to Star Trek, hear the origin story of one of the most important sci-fi publications of the 20th century: Starlog! We welcome publisher Kerry O'Quinn to talk about the letter to Gene Roddenberry that kicked off a publishing empire.

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A simple memo from Gene Roddenberry prior to Star Trek: TNG's third season says so much. Is the show being too "parochial" in elevating humans over aliens? We welcome Syfy Sistas host Fran Taylor bak to The Trek Files to discuss diversity in Star Trek then and now.

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Fan mail to Star Trek often went to Gene Roddenberry, but in this letter from 1978, a dedicated adult Trekker shares her opinions on what a new Trek movie or series could be with the studio head who was writing the checks. John Champion joins The Trek Files for this week's discussion.

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An exchange between Rear Admiral H.L. Miller and Gene Roddenberry speaks to the connection between the armed services and Star Trek. We welcome Paramount executive Dave Rossi back to The Trek Files to share some stories about that special link behind the scenes. 

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In the development of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Gene Roddenberry sent very few memos. In this rare document, he shares specific thoughts on many aspects that set TNG apart from its predecessor and still resonate to new Star Trek series today.

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A pair of documents this week herald the return of TOS director Ralph Senensky. In the latest interview, Ralph shares some of his frustrations with third season Star Trek production, the IDIC medallion controversy, and Fred Fred Freiberger.

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Twenty years after Star Trek broke new ground on television, the format was revived for a new generation. Dorothy Fontana sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry outlining the ways that women characters needed to grow and evolve. Fran Taylor from SyFy Sistas joins The Trek Files to discuss how those issues looked in 1966 vs 1986.

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A simple memo secured Ralph Senensky for his third outing as a Star Trek TOS director. Today on The Trek Files, Senensky returns to discuss "Obsession" and the struggles to find the right words in the script for "Return to Tomorrow."

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Anyone who knows Star Trek has a passing familiarity with the contents of Starfleet's Operating Orders - particularly the all-important Prime Directive. Our document from early in The Next Generation is the perfect subject to welcome back special guest and space-law expert Mclee Kerolle.

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Remember that Gene Roddenberry TV series in the late '60s that featured motorcycles? Well, it never happened, but not because Gene and the sales manager from Cosmopolitan Motors weren't trying for it - and for a Star Trek tie-in. Hear the details and speculation when special guest Dave Rossi stops by The Trek Files.

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A variety of letters to Gene Roddenberry reveal the state of the fandom in the years when Star Trek was dormant but anticipation for a new project was high. The variety of ages and emotions are the topic on this week's The Trek Files with guest John Champion.

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A young fan writes to Gene Roddenberry about the inspiration she found in Star Trek and the concerns she has about the widening political and social "generation gap." Today, we welcome Fran Taylor, a Trek fan from the very beginning and co-founder of SyFy Sistas, to talk about fandom then and now and finding inspiration on the Enterprise.

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The more things change, the more they stay the same. Scheduling the workload for a show like Star Trek looked much the same way in 1968 as it did in 1988 and beyond. This week, The Trek Files welcomes back David Livingston to help us peer behind the curtain at the relationship between producers and directors.

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In a speech, Gene Roddenberry proposes a set of laws in the future that will supersede the limits of modern nations, replacing them with "Metalaw" that makes humans primarily citizens of Earth. The Trek Files welcomes Mclee Kerolle from The Space Court Foundation to explain how the law applies to space and humanity's future.

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As many creatives work in TV production, they all answer to one overwhelming force: the budget. A true insider from Star Trek's longest run, producer/director David Livingston is here to kick off season 8 of The Trek Files with a look at how producers and studios keep it all in line. Or not.

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Closing out the season, The Trek Files is pleased to welcome back special guest Adam Nimoy. In this week's show, Adam discusses the sights (and smells) of his boyhood visit to the TOS set as well as creative tensions within the production. A memo about "Maiden Wine" promos discussion about Leonard Nimoy's music career.

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A speech given by Gene Roddenberry in 1989 to the National Space Society is the perfect starting point with this week's guest, an amateur astronomer, asteroid chaser, and space enthusiast. He also happens to have played Tuvok on "Star Trek: Voyager." Tim Russ joins The Trek Files for a discussion of reaching the stars.

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Continuing our discussion of Susan Oliver's career, George Pappy joins The Trek Files this week to share insights into Susan's work as a director. In an industry notoriously difficult for women, Susan had secured a few directing credits and hoped to continue on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

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A call-sheet from the Star Trek pilot episode "The Cage" (originally titled "The Menagerie") features Jeff Hunter as Captain and Susan Oliver as Vina. The Trek Files welcomes George Pappy, director of "The Green Girl" documentary about Oliver, to discuss the actress' rising star at the time.

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"Oscar, Where Are You?" That's the question posed in a behind-the-scenes photo from the first Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." Today, we welcome back guest Emmy Lou Crawford (Carey Foster) who is in that very picture to share stories of working on TOS and working with "uncle Rod."

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The Trek Files welcomes back producer Don Beck for a look at how DVDs revolutionized the home video market and how Star Trek was boldly using this new medium.

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Gene Roddenberry sent letters to colleagues in TV production, encouraging them to give a chance to an up-and-coming actress named Carey Foster (stage name of Emmy Lou Crawford). Today we welcome Emmy Lou herself to talk about acting in the early '60s and getting a recommendation from "uncle Gene."

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Selling a TV show is a difficult job, especially when the show doesn't exist yet. Don Beck continues his story of getting TV stations interested in a new Trek before TNG had gotten off the ground and how the studio made sure they promoted it.

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Before the series could be considered viable by Paramount, Star Trek: The Next Generation would need to clear 65% of the country in syndication sales. Producer/writer/director Don Beck's association with the studio made him the person to lead the undertaking, and this week he shares his experience, and personal reminiscence of Gene Roddenberry.

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In the months leading up to the first Star Trek pilot, Gene Roddenberry had a number of other concerns: from a police show pilot to a play he was writing to his neighbor's rat problem that was now becoming his own. Take a look at 1965 through Gene's personal correspondence on this week's The Trek Files with guest John Champion.

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When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987, it did so in unknown territory. How would audience numbers pan out for a major science-fiction show in first-run syndication? Former Paramount executive John Wentworth returns to The Trek Files to demystify the numbers surrounding TNG's debut and how the show warped past expectation.

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Production documents from two Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes introduce us this week's special guest: Adam Nimoy. Discussing his on-set education on the Trek films and his transition to television director, Adam gives us an inside look behind-the-scenes.

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This week on The Trek Files, we return to the archival mail bag to sample some of the letters Gene Roddenberry ("Mr. Trek") was receiving in 1975. From the requests for props, plans and insider information to the insights hiding between the lines. Mission Log's John Champion joins Larry for our seasonal look at some of Star Trek's most ardent supporters.

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Go inside production of Star Trek TOS with another visit from director Ralph Senensky. At 98 years old, Ralph sat down with host Larry Nemecek to discuss his work on the series. This time: details of Ralph's work on classic episodes "Metamorphosis" and "Bread and Circuses."

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There were cast changes for the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and that meant a new writer/director guide to explain the crew dynamics. The Trek Files welcomes back Susan Sackett, Gene Roddenberry's longtime assistant, to offer insight into those early production days of TNG.

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Starlog magazine profiled Gene Roddenberry in July 1986 to discuss the Star Trek movies and TV legacy. We are joined by Ian Spelling, author of that piece as well as former editor of startrek.com and co-author of Star Trek: A Celebration.

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It's a constant in the TV business: the collision of production and promotion. On at least one occasion in 1967, Herb Solow complained to Bob Justman that that local promos were taking up production resources on Star Trek. Our guest, John Wentworth, reminds us that even decades later it was a familiar refrain.

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And early script draft for Star Trek IV: The Adventure Continues draws pointed critique in Gene Roddenberry's office. The Trek Files is joined by the author of the memo, Susan Sackett, to describe Gene's challenges with the film.

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There are a few ways to gauge the popularity of a TV show, and fan mail, by volume, is one important factor. Former Paramount executive John Wentworth stops by The Trek Files to explain some of Star Trek's audience appeal and share insights about his time with the show's producers.

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As we approach the centennial of Gene Roddenberry's birth, Larry Nemecek recounts the story of his only meeting with the Great Bird himself on August 15, 1989. It's a post-STLV episode, and we will return to our regular format next week. Trek well, everybody!

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In the second part of Larry Nemecek's interview with Ralph Senensky, the conversation focuses on Ralph's departure from the series with the third season episode "The Tholian Web." From Gene Roddenberry's files, find the deal memo that brought Herb Wallerstein on board and the DGA to determine who got the credit.

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Special guest Steven Lance returns to The Trek Files to share his experiences as MC at Star Trek conventions in the 1970s. Hear about the origin of "Heash" and the special friendships that led to Steve's career and time on set with Star Trek legends.

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The famous "rec deck" scene in Star Trek: The Motion Picture was filmed in October 1978 and featured hundreds of friends and fans who had supported the journey from small screen to big screen. Actor/host/writer Steven Lance was among those on set that day and tells the personal story how James Doohan got him there!

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Gene Roddenberry's longtime executive assistant Susan Sackett joins The Trek Files to discuss two documents a decade apart. First up, the gritty details of the Star Trek office and who is responsible for what expenditures. Then it's onto the early days of The Next Generation when the groundwork was being laid for the new series - over lunch, of course.

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Kicking off season 7 of The Trek Files: an interview with Star Trek TOS multiple-episode director, Ralph Senensky. In this segment, recorded in Ralph's home, we'll hear about "This Side of Paradise," his first assignment on the series, and why directors should never expect praise from their producers.

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Three years before Star Trek: The Motion Picture, a fan surveyed hundreds of other Star Trek fans to get a look at their hopes and expectations for the franchise's next phase. To close season six of The Trek Files, Larry welcomes back John Champion to discuss the clues about the first wave of fandom and their unique relationship to the creative forces behind their favorite show.

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Gerald Fried is back on The Trek Files! The legendary composer sits down with Larry to discuss his time with Star Trek (composing the scores for four episodes) as well as the inherent differences in writing music for Gilligan's Island and the merits of Lost in Space. Our document this week takes a peek behind the curtain as Bob Justman seeks a composer for "Plato's Stepchildren" with his sardonic wit intact.

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To fill the gap between Star Trek on TV and big screen, a record album was conceived to have various audio essays and interviews with Trek actors "in character." Mark Lenard signed up to play Sarek on a number of topics, and this week we welcome back author Jean Lorrah with her take on characterizing the Vulcan and what she may have contributed.

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Final casting for Star Trek: The Next Generation was happening in spring of 1987. For the role of Wesley Crusher, young actors were given sample script pages and put on tape for the producers to make their decisions. This week, Larry is joined by one of those actor hopefuls, The Trek Files producer John Champion!

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A correspondence between composer Gerald Fried and Star Trek Producer Bob Justman regarding music for "The Paradise Syndrome" kicks off this week's The Trek Files. We are honored to welcome the talented (and humorous!) Gerald Fried himself to talk about writing music for Star Trek and a myriad of other iconic productions.

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After Gene Roddenberry's death in 1991, letters of condolence to Majel Barrett Roddenberry flooded in from luminaries around the world, including from former President Ronald Reagan. Helping Majel reply to those letters was a close friend. The Trek Files welcomes back Dr. Harrison Solow to talk about her relationship with the Roddenberry family.

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A memo from Gene Roddenberry outlines some changes and areas of concern for Star Trek's regular characters as they head into the show's third season. Spock, in particular, poses a challenge, and this week The Trek Files welcomes back Jean Lorrah to discuss fandom's take on the famous Vulcan and how fan fiction filled in the gaps.

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In 1991 a book proposal made its way to Gene Roddenberry's desk that he should be included in "Portraits of American Genius." This week, Dr. Harrison Solow (wife of the late Herb Solow, Desilu Studios' Executive in Charge of Production) talks about the pitch and her growing friendship with Gene, Majel, Herb and others in the Star Trek production staff.

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As the 25th anniversary of Star Trek was playing out on big and small screens and in the press, Gene Roddenberry wrote to Dan Madsen, President of the Star Trek Fan Club, to reflect on Trek's fandom and influence. Dan joins The Trek Files this week to tell his story of going from fan to professional.

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Dorothy Fontana's story for "Journey to Babel" introduced the world to Spock's parents Karek and Amanda (as named in her first draft). The family drama gained the interest of fans at the time, and even launched a few writing careers in its wake. Jean Lorrah, novelist, professor and Star Trek fan-fiction author, joins The Trek Files to tell her story.

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Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to discuss a letter from Gene Roddenberry about Lincoln Enterprises. It's a look into fan psychology and the "mission" of Lincoln to keep Star Trek in the public eye while a new production was still potentially years away.

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A short memo from Michael Piller to Rick Berman points out the necessity of filling the Conn position on the Enterprise bridge with someone worthy after Wesley Crusher leaves. Returning guest Lolita Fatjo talks about Piller's contributions to TNG and his legacy.

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An earnest fan letter to Gene Roddenberry in 1971 kicks off today's discussion with Star Trek fan-turned-actor Noah Averbach-Katz. Get the story of Noah's immersion into the Trek world and how he sees the fandom reacting to today's stories.

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The third season TOS episode "Plato's Stepchildren" may be remembered for its famous kiss between Kirk and Uhura, but there was a profound effect on a young viewer that led to a lifetime in fandom. Hear Dan Madsen's story and reflections on the impact Star Trek has on innumerable fans who are inspired by its stories.

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Three simple slips of paper reveal the quick ascendance of an important addition to the Star Trek: The Next Generation production team - Jeri Taylor. Joining The Trek Files this week to talk about her contributions to the franchise is Jeri's friend and former assistant Lolita Fatjo.

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While aspiring writers hoped to get a foot in the door with Star Trek: The Next Generation, it was just as tough finding a job in Hollywood a generation or two prior. Gene Roddenberry sent back some discouraging notes to two of his colleagues in 1959, and today we have script supervisor Lolita Fatjo helping us connect the dots with TNG's open submission program.

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In 1976, a fan sent a tongue-in-cheek "love letter" to Majel Barrett Roddenberry (with a nod to the Great Bird, of course). On this week's show, we're happy to welcome back Noah Averback-Katz from Star Trek: Discovery to discuss what it means to be in a Trek couple.

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This week, we're revisiting the document that spells out the new alien species devised for the Star Trek TOS episode "Journey to Babel." We'll direct our attention to the Andorians with the help of Noah Averbach-Katz, who played Ryn on "Star Trek: Discovery," to learn what it takes to become a blue-skinned warrior.

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We dig back into the Gene Roddenberry fan letter bag for another round of wholesome 1970s Star Trek adoration. These letters address everything from props to music to a serious take on the roles of women if Trek is to make the leap to a new life on film.

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Gene Roddenberry was impressed enough with Franz Joseph's proposed technical manual that he suggested contacting Lincoln Enterprises - Gene's own company for merchandising Star Trek. Joseph complied and sent along a few more details as well as concerns about the business relationship.

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In 1973, Franz Joseph was a retired industrial designer with a daughter who was a huge Star Trek fan. As he learned more about the fandom, he found a good place to use his talents by converting what he saw on screen into technical drawings. That sparked an idea he shared with Gene Roddenberry in 1973. The Trek Files welcomes Karen Schnaubelt, Joseph's daughter, to share the rest of the story.

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In the second part of our conversation with Bill Kraft, we'll get more details about the Post Office decision to break years of tradition and run an entertainment franchise on a stamp, plus the ability to "stuff the ballots."

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When Star Trek fandom meant connecting through mailed newsletters, some fans were lobbying for an official Star Trek stamp from the U.S. Postal Service. Bill Kraft from the original Enterprise Stamp Committee joins The Trek Files to give us a look at the long journey to make the stamp a reality.

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Season 6 of The Trek Files premieres with a look back at one of the foundational Star Trek documents, the Writer-Director Information book from August 30, 1966. In it, Yeoman Janice Rand is clearly included as one of the most important regular crew-members. We're proud to welcome Jonathan Whitney Dweck as our special guest this week - son of the late Grace Lee Whitney who portrayed Rand. He provides the personal angle on his mother's journey as Rand and the years following her Trek.

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Star Trek's 25th anniversary occurred the same year as another milestone: the death of Gene Roddenberry on October 24, 1991. After the memorial service, Majel Barrett sat down to write a series of thank you notes to the friends and celebrities who had attended and spoken about Gene's life and impact.

In the season finale of The Trek Files, we are pleased to welcome back Rod Roddenberry to talk about his father's and mother's legacies and how his interest in Star Trek's vision was ignited.

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This is the story of the United Space Ship Enterprise. Assigned a five year patrol of our galaxy, the giant starship visits Earth colonies, regulates commerce, and explores strange new worlds and civilizations... or words to that effect. On a Tuesday in August, 1966, the Star Trek braintrust of Gene Roddenberry, Bob Justman and John D. F. Black hurriedly crafted what would become one of the most famous opening narrations in television history. Celebrating Star Trek Day, The Trek Files takes you behind the scenes in this week's episode.

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A few weeks after jotting down his initial thoughts on a new Star Trek series, Gene Roddenberry starts putting together his dream team of producers and writers to bring his new show to life - all under the pressure of a deadline. Some ideas will be fleshed out while others are dropped completely. In this confidential letter to Eddie Milkis, Gene spells out all the next steps to consider while making Star Trek new but familiar.

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Star Trek was soon to make the jump from prime-time drama to Saturday morning "kiddie show" by the estimation of LA Times TV critic Don Page. Quick to set him straight was Dorothy Fontana with a letter that spelled out Star Trek's storytelling imperative, regardless of the filmed form it may take.

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Author John Flynn joins The Trek Files to discuss further details about Angelique Pettyjohn's life. From her time on Star Trek and interactions with the fans to a stunning revelation about her relationship with Elvis Presley - Angelique's portrayal of Shana was only part of a fascinating life.

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Angelique Pettyjohn guest-starred in The Gamesters of Triskelion and immediately became an iconic part of Star Trek. This week, we welcome John Flynn who has written a new autobiography on Angelique to share stories about her getting the role, her time on set and encounter with Captain Kirk.

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"Spockanalia," the Vulcan-centric fanzine, kicks off this week's discussion with returning special-guest Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Diving into the world of fanzines, we'll get the low-down on fandom evolution in the mimeograph era and what producers learned from fans.

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Return with special guest Jacqueline Lichtenberg to the early days of fandom when newsletters, 'zines, and conventions helped keep Star Trek alive. A letter from Cornell University requesting Star Trek fan resources kicks off the conversation on this week's episode of The Trek Files.

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Fans of all ages have been inspired by Star Trek since the beginning of its TV run. Those fans who are invested in every detail of the show made sure Gene Roddenberry heard their opinions, their desires and their nitpicks, especially when it looked like their favorite show would be revived as a movie.

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Profanity in Star Trek? Say it isn't so! Majel Barrett Roddenberry responds to a fan letter in 1994 over concerns about the language in Star Trek IV. We've got special guest Rod Roddenberry here to talk about his mother's legacy and the place of questionable language in the Trek franchise.

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It's Star Trek The Next Generation as you've never seen it! Featuring Captain William T. English, Number One Walter T. Raleigh, Science Officer "Con," and Data the Asian android! Check out Gene Roddenberry's first take on what would be Star Trek's return to the small screen on this week's Trek Files.

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We revisit one our earlier documents this week - Gene Roddenberry's draft introduction to Star Trek Lives! - but from a new angle. Co-author and fan-fiction stalwart Jacqueline Lichtenberg joins Larry to discuss early Trek fandom and crossing over into professional realms.

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What if Star Trek The Next Generation had an android character as a regular? The idea was on Bob Justman's mind in October 1986 when he sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry suggesting they get in touch with Gene's old friend Isaac Asimov. The Trek Files welcomes back Dr. Erin Macdonald to talk about AI, science and robotics in Trek!

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Two letters - separated by a few years - aimed at Star Trek fans who wanted to see The Original Series resurrected. While the approach for each is a little different, they are notable for being written by David Gerrold and Andrew Probert (before his Trek career started). Hear what each proposed on this week's show, and be sure to see the original documents at facebook.com/thetrekfiles.

Remember when the people of Earth faced down an environmental disaster... and did something about it? It wasn't science fiction, it was our concern over the disappearing ozone layer, and it grabbed the attention of Star Trek's producers in 1987. The Trek Files welcomes back Dr. Erin Macdonald to talk about the relationship between science advisors and science fiction.

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An early merchandising deal comes to Star Trek when Sawyers, Inc. (maker of View-Master) approaches the show. They sent a photographer to set in December 1967 to capture scenes from "The Omega Glory" and launch a line of TOS reels. At least that was the plan. This week, Larry Nemecek and John Champion talk toys on The Trek Files.

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Going back to the very roots of Star Trek, we revisit one of the earliest documents, "The Star Trek Format," to examine what works and doesn't work about the "parallel worlds" concept. Special guest Rod Roddenberry discusses Trek's philosophy and legacy of crafting a future based on inclusion and curiosity.

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Keeping the science in "science fiction" is a challenge whether it's for an adult or children's audience. In 1973, physicist Harvey Lynn was consulting The Animated Series just as he had done for Star Trek originally. The Trek Files is pleased to welcome Trek's newest science advisor, Dr. Erin MacDonald, to talk about keeping it real on the Enterprise.

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A straightforward story to introduce audiences to the new Enterprise crew is what Dorothy Fontana had in mind in late 1986 when she drafted "Encounter at Farpoint." It would change many times before premiering nearly a year later - not the least of which was the addition of "Q." The Trek Files unearths a document this week from TNG's earliest days.

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What does it take to get a show nominated for an Emmy award? Not solely concerned with production, Michael Piller sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry and Rick Berman in April 1990 about which episodes had the best chances of getting some prestigious recognition. If only they could find a way to get Patrick Stewart in the running! The Trek Files welcomes back Eric Stillwell to discuss another one from Gene's archive...

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At the end of season three of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the crew decide to have some fun by distributing a parody call sheet. Special guest Eric Stillwell sheds some light on the backstage atmosphere while The Trek Files boldly goes "where every man has been by now."

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A 1965 letter to Gene Roddenberry from TV Guide features an interview excerpt and an invitation to participate in a promotional film. Gene's words reveal his lifelong interest in tackling important issues and pushing the social and political boundaries of the medium.

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As season two of The Next Generation wraps up and just a few months before Star Trek V: The Final Frontier will premiere, Gene Roddenberry sit down for a short but revealing interview. Fan influences, social issues in scripts, notes on the new movie and so much more are covered.

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Kicking off season 5 of The Trek Files - a look back at local press coverage of a Star Trek Fan Club. This time it's the Wheeling, WV News Register reporting on the teenaged girls who are fans of Mr. Spock. To look back at this time in fandom, we welcome Holly Amos back to the show!

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Closing out our fourth season on The Trek Files, we welcome back David Gautreaux for an in-depth interview about the Zen of Xon, how he got the news he wasn't going to be Star Trek's new leading Vulcan, and the powerful influence Gene Roddenberry had on his life.

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Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Yesterday's Enterprise, we welcome back special guest Eric Stillwell. As the production went in front of the cameras, Eric and co-writer Trent Ganino found themselves at odds with Rick Berman and banned from the set. Don't worry, though, there is a happy ending.

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Most Star Trek TV scripts are created in a fairly straightforward way - and then there’s "Yesterday’s Enterprise”: a mash-up of stories, a train wreck of a process, and yet one of the most popular episodes of The Next Generation ever. For its 30th anniversary this month, let The Trek Files decipher the paper trail from those crazy days of 26-episode seasons with none other than its co-writer, TNG script coordinator (and lifelong fan) Eric Stillwell.

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It's no surprise that Star Trek fans are creative; filling in the details and expanding the universe whenever there is a gap in production. This week, The Trek Files brings you two unofficial publications from the 1970s - one for mixing drinks, the other for applying a Vulcan nerve pinch - and special guest Holly Amos to talk about fan enthusiasm.

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Back when petitions were on paper rather than online, the seventh and eighth graders at Dover, DE's Central Middle School added their signatures to the throngs of fans who wanted Star Trek to return to network TV. Who started the petition? We may never know. How did Gene Roddenberry react? We do know that, and we'll share the answer in this week's Trek Files.

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It seems pretty simple on the surface - the names of two directors alternate to finish 16 episodes of Star Trek. This memo from 1967 contains a lot more if you read between the lines though. We welcome back Trek veteran Mike DeMerrit to help us grasp the logistical balance of making The Original Series.

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Separated by more than twenty years, two letters to the editor of the Los Angeles Times show Gene Roddenberry's concern for contemporary issues. Their relevance today points to the types of human concerns that Gene dealt with in real and fictional worlds.

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In the early days of The Next Generation, "Crusher" meant Wesley and his mother would likely have not been seen after the pilot episode. A memo from Bob Justman to Gene Roddenberry suggests ways to develop the boy's relationship with Picard and what might have been between the Captain and Beverly.

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The New Adventures of Star Trek Quest Generation of the Future! How many possible permutations of the title would be kicked around before settling on Star Trek: The Next Generation? Bob Justman has some fun in a late 1986 memo to Gene Roddenberry with many variations on a theme.

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What does the forensic investigation of a daily production report reveal about creating a TV show? A lot, apparently! Mike DeMerrit drops by again to shed some light on what was going right - and wrong- during the production of TNG's pilot, "Encounter at Farpoint."

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David Gautreaux returns to talk about sizing up the competition for Xon and why he was asked to test a second time for a role he already had. Then we learn about the surprising announcement of Star Trek making the jump from the small to the large screen.

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In late 1977, a new Star Trek series was coming along with sets being built, scripts written and actors being cast. Leonard Nimoy wouldn't return as Spock which meant a young Vulcan, Xon, would take his place. Recapping his first trip to Paramount studios in October, 1977, Xon himself, David Gautreaux, drops by The Trek Files to tell us the first part of the story.

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Andre Bormanis joins The Trek Files again to talk about the Bynars and keeping computer jargon believable in science fiction. Our document centers around the development of the TNG episode "11001001" (when it was known as "10101001"); elements that stayed like the holodeck and elements that were nixed like a visit from the Klingons!

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Above the line, below the line, associates, executives, best boys and key grips... Here to demystify production jargon and logistics, we welcome back Star Trek Assistant Director Mike DeMerrit. What does a budget reveal about putting together a TV show in 1967, and how much did Star Trek really cost to produce relative to today? Find out inside The Trek Files.

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An on-set intern turned out to be a thief, and Gene Roddenberry let the President of Ball State University know! What else happens behind the scenes during production on a major TV show? Find out with special guest Michael DeMeritt, assistant director on two Trek series, joins The Trek Files.

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The transcript of an interview reveals so much more than merely the questions and answers within. In 1974, Steve Reed from the Atlanta-based magazine Pulse interviewed Gene Roddenberry, but it seems like Steve was a fan who saw the opportunity to get some insider information. What happens when the dog catches the car? Find out on this week's Trek Files.

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A new Star Trek in 1986 meant new concepts about science and the intersection of technology and biology. Welcoming back science consultant Andre Bormanis, we examine an early TNG memo from David Gerrold that speculates about what kind of humanity we'll encounter in the future.

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"Star Trek should be more scientifically accurate!" "Scientific accuracy can't get in the way of Star Trek storytelling!" These two ideas are at odds in a pair of memos from Gene Roddenberry, one year apart during the making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Who better to discuss them than longtime scientific consultant, our special guest Andre Bormanis!

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"Telegram for Gene Roddenberry!" In an age before email and text messages, there was nothing more immediate or impactful than a telegram. This week, The Trek Files presents three telegrams to Gene Roddenberry from 1968 running the gamut from congratulations from NBC to grievances from a fan.

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After all the ups and downs considering whether Star Trek will return as a movie or a TV show, Gene Roddenberry sends an update to loyal fans. There's thanks on his part to the fans keeping Trek in the public eye alongside his optimism that Paramount is more dedicated than ever to bring Trek to the big screen after the success of Star Wars.

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How much do suggestions from fans influence Star Trek? In late 1986, during pre-production on The Next Generation, this 11-point memo from Gene Roddenberry circulated among the staff. In it, a consensus of ideas from a recent convention gave food for thought as the plans for a new Star Trek series took shape.

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A selection of fan letters from some of Star Trek's youngest - and most ardent - fans from 1975. Some have specific technical questions, some want merchandise and some just need to let Gene Roddenberry know exactly how deeply their fandom runs. The Trek Files looks at how much has changed and stayed the same since the pre-internet days of fandom.

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Gene Roddenberry catches up with his friend, fellow TV producer Sam Rolfe, in this a letter from November of 1965. In it, Gene talks about the promise of a few pilots he's done such as "The Long Hunt of April Savage," "Police Story" and "Star Trek" which could make it to NBC's schedule the next fall. There's also mention of some Doc Savage/Ocean's Eleven show Bruce Geller is producing for Desilu. He hasn't read it, but the buzz is good.

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In 1967, Dorothy Fontana created the Tellarites for the TOS episode "Journey to Babel" with a few notes about their homeworld and physical characteristics. Fast forward more than fifty years and the Tellarites are still part of Star Trek lore on Discovery. To celebrate this find and talk about their snout-nosed origins, Larry welcomes our first "Disco" guest and Tellarite actor, Harry Judge!

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Two-time Emmy-winning director Robert Butler - at 91 the only non-actor creative still with us from “The Cage” - joins Larry Nemecek in a maxed-out room at San Diego Comic Con 2019. Discussions about the casting of "The Cage" plus Gene Roddenberry's inexperience as Star Trek's first pilot went before the cameras and how Butler sees the "new" Pike some 55 years later. It’s a rare moment of history you don’t want to miss!

We welcome back TNG second season producer Robert McCullough to talk about the production staff during his ten-week run on the show. Who wrote scripts from the ending first? Where did Klingon pain sticks come from? What was his very first convention like? A little more chaos on the bridge plus a peek back into life on set at the end of TOS.

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Season two of The Next Generation gets the focus on The Trek Files. Producer Robert McCulough joins us to discuss the decision to introduce audiences to Riker's dad and Pakleds as well as the personalities behind the show like a thrown script and a boozy lunch with Gene Roddenberry.

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San Diego Comic Con organizer Shel Dorf sent Gene Roddenberry the 1973 program book along with an invitation to appear at the next event he'd host, King Kon. On this, the 50th anniversary of SDCC, The Trek Files is proud to welcome someone who was there from the beginning: the original Comic Con Star Trek liaison, Jean Graham.

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Concerned about encroaching sexual content on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Rick Berman instructed Michael Piller to send out a memo to the writers with guidelines on what was acceptable and what was not. Were the Trois going too far? Was it Picard's relationships? "Dr. Trek" Larry Nemecek and John Champion pick apart TNG's "sex policy."

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With Dorothy Fontana working as Associate Producer on Star Trek The Animated Series, she was in the in-house Trek expert when it came to story, continuity and detail. In this letter to Gene Roddenberry, she spells out some of them items that need correction in "One of Our Planets is Missing" and further notes the difficulty of catching problems early with the Filmation workflow. Special guest Dorothy Fontana joins The Trek Files this week to discuss her work on TAS!

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Who was Paramount executive Dick Sylbert, and why was Gene Roddenberry anxious to set the tone of their partnership? This week, a fascinating letter from the development of "The God Thing" in which Gene sets the record straight about what made Trek successful and who's really running the show.

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Before The Next Generation had premiered, the Star Trek production office was outlining the traits of TNG's chief adversary: the Ferengi. In a memo from Jun 1987, Dorothy Fontana outlines to Gene Roddenberry how some of those storylines might play out and what the Ferengi hierarchy may look like. Here to discuss the memo on this week's show, Dorothy Fontana herself!

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Before TNG's premiere, Herb Wright sends a memo in praise of the first draft script of "Code of Honor" to Gene Roddenberry. Here to discuss the pressure cooker of production schedules and just how "bad" episodes get made, Paramount exec Dave Rossi sits in with Larry on this week's Trek Files.

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From the very first Star Trek convention in 1972, the prospect of commercial exploitation rubbed some fans the wrong way. In an exchange between Gene Roddenberry and one fan, Cole Whiteman, the economic realities take center stage.

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If Star Trek had its battles with NBC standards over content in a prime-time show, it stands to reason there would be just as much concern over a Saturday-morning cartoon. This week, a look at Standards comments on an episode that was never produced along with social guest and TAS insider Fred Bronson.

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After NBC rejected Star Trek's first pilot "The Cage," Gene Roddenberry reached out to his friend (and later Trek contributor) Sam Peeples for notes that could possibly salvage the show. Sam offers up his ideas, and we have a TOS insider and friend of both, Dorothy Fontana, this week to discuss Peeples and Trek's early years.

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In the 1970s, Star Trek fans anxiously awaited news about the return of Trek, whether as a feature film or a revived series. Some fans even called for a boycott of Paramount until such time that an announcement was made. What did Gene Roddenberry make of this? Find out on this week's Trek Files.

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A creative Star Trek fan wants nothing more than to celebrate the show with his own film version. Paramount's legal team has different ideas, though. Ripped from the headlines, or tale as old as time? This week we're pulling a series of letters from 1968 that show the more things change, the more they stay the same.

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The Trek Files welcomes back special guest Fred Bronson who worked as a publicist for a number of shows in the 1970s including Gene Roddenberry's "The Questor Tapes." Fred talks about the high hopes for Questor and its many links to Trek plus his own storied career in network television.

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With the third season of Star Trek starting in a few months, new producer Fred Freiberger updates Gene Roddenberry on the status of developing scripts. Paramount exec and friend of the show Dave Rossi joins us this week to explore the many pitfalls (and triumphs) of TOS's final season.

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Rick Sternbach comes back to The Trek Files to discuss his first TNG technical memo. How would the shields on the new Enterprise work? Rick lets us know how he balanced science and science fiction in the early days with plausible explanations for complex ideas.

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Bob Justman sends a memo to Gene Roddenberry just before TNG's "Encounter at Farpoint" goes in front of the camera. Director Corey Allen has his own approach which Bob reminds Gene may need some oversight. Talking more about director quirks with us this week, returning guest Dave Rossi!

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Ever want to know what all the buttons on the bridge of the Enterprise actually do? When Star Trek The Motion Picture was in production, the art department came up with a manual to explain exactly that. This week, meet Rick Sternbach and learn how to fire photon torpedoes!

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The Trek Files welcomes back Fred Bronson this week to tell tales of writing for Star Trek: The Animated Series with his draft for "The Counter-Clock Incident" under then pen-name John Culver. Stick around for stories of visiting Nichelle Nichols' home plus crashing the TOS set!

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The episode that would become "Menage a Troi" started as a pitch called "Piece of Mind" from Fred Bronson to Gene Roddenberry. Having already scripted one episode of The Animated Series, Fred had an "in" with the TNG production staff and knew that a Lwaxana story would be needed. Our special guest this week is Fred Bronson himself with tales of rewrites, rejected ideas and the importance of work lunches.

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This week, The Trek Files solves a mystery 50 years in the making. Ever since Gary Seven's cat "Isis" took human form in the episode "Assignment Earth," fans have wondered who it was on screen for just a few seconds. Rumors swirled, and as is often the case, they were wrong. Meet the newest member of the Trek family, April Tatro.

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Diversity has always been a hallmark of Star Trek from the written concept to casting to production. In a pair of documents this week, we see notes from Susan Sackett to Gene Roddenberry about audience requests for hispanic crew on the Enterprise followed by Gene's note to Michael Piller about avoiding any "parochial hooray for humans."

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It wasn't always rosy between Gene Roddenberry and John and Bjo Trimble, even after their mail campaign famously helped "Save Star Trek." Their friendly relationship with the production made them the "go to" source of information for Trek fans everywhere and helped propel Gene's merchandise company, Lincoln Enterprises. Things soured soon after, though, and the Trimbles found themselves closing up shop. The Trek Files welcomes back John and Bjo Trimble to talk about the ups and downs of their relationship with Gene.

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An early story pitch for Star Trek: The Next Generation gets examined by Larry and special guest Rene Echevarria to start our third season. What makes a story compelling and produceable? What are the compelling hooks that get a writer's attention? Looking at "Winter's End" and Trek that might have been...

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The letter-writing campaign that saved Star Trek for a third season kicked into high gear in late 1967. What was the best way to approach the network, and how many letters were really sent? And what role did vodka play in getting Star Trek to pass its syndication threshold? Find out when John and Bjo Trimble join Larry again this week for a deep dive into 1960s fandom!

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In a parallel universe, Gene Roddenberry successfully used the Star Trek episode "Assignment Earth" as a backdoor pilot to launch a brand new series in the fall of 1968. With episodes needing to be produced, Gene would rely on story editor Dorothy Fontana to narrow down suitable stories and, like Star Trek, draw from existing science fiction authors. The Trek Files welcomes back Rene Echevarria to discuss a TOS favorite and what could have been.

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After meeting Gene Roddenberry at the World Science Fiction Convention, John and Bjo Trimble found themselves at the center of Star Trek fandom. They organized the letter-writing campaign that secured a third season, and they were also handling fan mail, photo and merchandise requests. The Trek Files welcomes John and Bjo to talk about the earliest days of Trek fandom plus a look at the very first Star Trek merchandise catalog.

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This week, The Trek Files parallels two memos from different eras. First, we'll look at the specific requests made by NBC Standards about the now-iconic kiss between Kirk and Uhura in "Plato's Stepchildren." Then we'll dig into a Michael Piller memo from nearly a quarter century later about how to handle sexual content on Star Trek. Special guest Rene Echevarria joins Larry this week on The Trek Files.

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Lisa Klink joins the Trek Files again for another examination of the early TNG character relationships document. What were the challenges with creating Star Trek's first Betazoid character and how did she change before the show even started production?

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Back when Wesley was still Lesley, the small group of writers and producers on The Next Generation needed to outline how the characters would relate to each other. What motivated them? How did they react? Where were they headed? In part one of our discussion, we welcome back Lisa Klink to examine how Wesley Crusher was shaping up.

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Families on the Enterprise? This was a big question among the producers who assembled in the early days of The Next Generation, well before the show's first bible had been written. In this memo, Bob Justman makes a case for dealing with relationships, kids and what the crew is doing when they are off duty. Larry is joined this week by special guest Lisa Klink!

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In that early development period on The Next Generation, the group of assembled producers and writers struggled with ways to make the first underaged regular Star Trek character believable. Should he be a genius? Should he have a brain implant? Should he be promoted to Commander? Three memos reveal the thoughts behind bringing Wesley to life on this week's The Trek Files.

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It's early 1973, and Leonard Nimoy has confirmed his return to the role of Spock for Star Trek The Animated Series. What Gene Roddenberry has in mind is that the series will serve as a springboard to bring his show to the big screen one day. Nimoy, in reply, sounds dubious. This week on The Trek Files, Gene's letter and Leonard's handwritten reply!

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When TV Guide requested materials about Star Trek and celebrities who counted themselves as fans, it was Richard Arnold who helped Rick Berman pull together a list. Some familiar names and some surprises show up, plus Richard shares stories about giving the VIP tour to heads of state on this week's The Trek Files.

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With everything else that had to be considered before launching Star Trek for the next generation, there was the matter of bridge logistics. In early 1987, Bob Justman found himself ruminating over how the layout of the bridge would dictate what crew could be on hand to drive the plots forward. Larry Nemecek is joined this week by John Champion to discuss Justman's revisions to the TNG bible.

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As story development proceeded on Star Trek V, Gene Roddenberry butted heads with Harve Bennett over themes of mutiny and religion. Replying to a list of TOS episodes sent by Harve's office, Gene employed Richard Arnold to research those themes in an attempt to steer Harve on a different course. Richard Arnold appears on this week's episode to add context and share background information on the TOS films!

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Working out of the Star Trek office on the Paramount lot, Richard Arnold fielded a number of questions and requests from fans and professionals alike. In this memo from 1986, Richard outlines to Gene Roddenberry the types of requests he handles on a regular basis. Joining Larry this week to dive into fandom, behind-the-scenes and working for Gene, none other than the document's author, Richard Arnold himself!

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In August 1973, Gene Roddenberry received a letter thanking him for the Star Trek fans who truly "live" the show's message.

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The character Geordi LaForge was named for disabled Star Trek fan Georgie LaForge. In this correspondence from November and December 1987, Georgie's mother Sue thanks Gene Roddenberry for honoring her late son.

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The famous Vulcan IDIC made its debut in "Is There in Truth No Beauty," but if Gene Roddenberry had his way, we would have seen it much earlier. In this memo from July 1968, Gene sends new executive producer Fred Freiberger a suggestion for how to end season three's premiere episode and work in Spock's medallion.

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The interior and exterior of the Enterprise got an overhaul for Star Trek The Motion Picture. In this episode of The Trek Files we welcome back Andrew Probert to discuss some of his contributions as well as some of the unused directions thought up by his design colleagues.

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Bob Justman shares an idea with Gene Roddenberry for a potential new piece of hardware on the Enterprise. This week, The Trek Files welcomes back Paramount executive Dave Rossi to get to the bottom of the holodeck and how part of the inspiration comes from the sci-fi classic Soylent Green.

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Gene Roddenberry and Robert Vaughn had worked together on The Lieutenant, and in 1965 Vaughn was a mega-star with The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Vaughn invited Roddenberry to his performance of Hamlet, and in this episode of The Trek Files we welcome back Robert Short to connect the dots between U.N.C.L.E. and Trek, Solo and Shakespeare, and being a kid who snuck onto the Enterprise bridge!

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As early Star Trek fans were trading and collecting anything to do with the show, Gene Roddenberry's attorney was keeping a close watch over products that fell outside official bounds. In this correspondence from June and July 1968, Leonard Maizlish requests that a young fan in Chicago cease the sale of photo prints. That fan, MaryLou Tamborello, replies with a mix of awe, excitement and worry.

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Norman Felton had a hit on his hands with "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." when Gene Roddenberry reached out to him about possibly mentoring a young actor interested in directing - Leonard Nimoy. Gene and Norman sparred a little in this 1965 correspondence, and to give it some color we brought in U.N.C.L.E. expert Robert Short who also has quite a bit of Trek experience himself. Hailing frequencies are open... Open channel D.

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With Paramount executives ready to push forward with a new Star Trek TV series, the braintrust held a meeting in August 1977 for a production update. Gene Roddenberry along with Gary Nardino, Michael Eisner and others kicked around story, budget and logistics ideas. Surprisingly, Gene was ready to go ahead without Spock until one executive argued that it wouldn't be Trek without him.

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Andrew Probert returns to The Trek Files to discuss early concept work for spacesuits and other wearable props on Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

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Season two of The Trek Files kicks off with an early "Star Trek: The Next Generation" memo that questions whether or not the production should allow pitches from amateur writers. Well before the open-submission policy sought out new talent, the handful of producers and writers on staff worried about the avalanche of paperwork and the potential for too many "Mary Sues."

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Season 1 of The Trek Files wraps up with our oldest document yet! As Gene Roddenberry was writing for “Have Gun - Will Travel,” he got the attention of an unlikely awards committee: the American Baptist Convention. Having seen a handful of Gene’s episodes, the committee reached out to recognize his work as “presenting the Christian message” to TV viewers. How would a pre-Star Trek Gene have reacted? Your Trek Files host Larry Nemecek and guest co-host John Champion discuss in this week’s show!

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With production on the third season of Star Trek fast approaching, newly-hired Executive Producer Fred Freiberger sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry about the status of developing scripts. "Spock's Brain" and "And The Children Shall Lead" are there... and so is "Shore Leave 2." While we're at it, how about room for a couple of Gene Roddenberry scripts too? Doug Drexler joins The Trek Files to talk about Star Trek behind the scenes.

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As Star Trek: The Next Generation was in its earliest days of development, one writer pitched the idea to return to a formula - and a character descendant - that had worked well for TOS. How would audiences in the '80s react to "Albania Jones"? What if he was played by Robin Williams? David Gerrold suggested one of their stronger comedy writers take a crack at it... himself!

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In 1972, an aspiring artist sent his design ideas for a new Star Trek to Gene Roddenberry. Little did he know at the time that in a few years he would be working for the franchise he loved, contributing to Star Trek The Motion Picture. In this letter from 1972, Andrew Probert proposes the updates he would make if Trek comes back. Who better to discuss this find than the man himself - our special guest Andrew Probert!

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In the fall of 1977, a Star Trek feature motion picture was on the horizon. Paramount executive Gary Nardino sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry after a meeting with an agent that a major star wanted a cameo: Barry Manilow! Larry Nemecek and guest co-host John Champion discuss Star Trek's relationship with celebrity guests as well as the ones that got away.

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In the early days of story development for Star Trek The Next Generation, the pitches that centered around "Leslie Crusher" were many. Dorothy Fontana expressed her concern that such a unique character had the potential to steal focus from the main cast.

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In our final look at this extraordinary draft memo from Gene Roddenberry to Paramount executive Jerry Eisenberg, Gene gives us his take on the fan attitude toward Paramount. How did Trek fans develop such a feeling of ownership over the franchise? Special guest Doug Drexler joins the conversation this week on The Trek Files.

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In part two of our look at Gene Roddenberry's draft memo to Paramount executive Jerry Eisenberg, Gene explains why the stereotypes of Star Trek fans are wrong. We welcome back special guest Dorothy Fontana for insight into the fan phenomenon of the 1970s.

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In the middle of 1976, Paramount assigned producer Jerry Eisenberg to help relaunch Star Trek as a feature film. It didn't take long for Gene Roddenberry to draft a memo to help Eisenberg get into the right frame of mind for the task. Presented here is part one of three special episodes that get to the heart of Gene's take on what makes Trek tick.

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Sometime in the early 1970s, Gene Roddenberry was asked to identify his favorite episodes of Star Trek. Simply indicated by dots of red ink, the list may be quite revealing about his own interests and his personal connection to the show he created. This week, Larry is joined by guest co-host Doug Drexler to shed some light on Gene's picks!

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At the height of Star Trek: The Next Generation's popularity, a fan sent Gene Roddenberry a letter with some helpful recommendations. Eighteen pages later, we learn who should be promoted, who should be killed off and what types of stories Gene should be focusing on for the continued longevity of the show. Welcome back to special guest co-host Dave Rossi this week on The Trek Files!

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In the fall of 1972, Dorothy Fontana sent out a letter for Star Trek fans who were hungry for any shred of information that would indicate a return of their favorite show to TV. A full year before The Animated Series debut, this letter catches everyone up on the latest news, which is to say, there is no news.

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In 1972, Star Trek was out of production, the animated series was still a year away, and any movie or revival TV series was only a fan dream. Then the first Star Trek convention occurred in New York bringing in an unexpected crowd. Suddenly Star Trek was getting attention again, and Gene's office penned this letter to answer the constant inquiry from fans - would Star Trek come back?

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"When it's going good and you're having fun, FORGET IT! It's all wrong!" This week, we discuss a humorous promotional article featuring Gene Coon released by the Star Trek publicity office for publication in local newspapers.

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The morning after the first airing of "This Side of Paradise," Star Trek fan Beverly Corcroan wrote a letter to Gene Roddenberry. We welcome special guest Dorothy "D.C." Fontana to talk about fandom during Star Trek's first run and the curation of the Spock character in episodes that followed.

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In the early stages of production on "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," Gene Roddenberry, now a consultant on the franchise he created, was shown a draft script. His response to the death of Spock is captured here in a letter sent to Paramount executive Gary Nardino.

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Star Trek generated huge amounts of fan mail during and after its original run. In 1975, Gene Roddenberry's assistant started compiling a book of that fan mail, "Letters to Star Trek," and asked Gene to write an introduction. In this draft, we learn about one of Trek's famous fans, and we can see Gene's hand-written notes.

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As the premise for the Star Trek: The Next Generation pilot episode was hashed out, Supervising Producer Bob Justman sent Gene Roddenberry a memo asking that he consider the social and psychological effects of sending a crew of families on a lifelong journey. We are joined in this episode by someone who was there from the very start, Dorothy "D.C." Fontana, to share her insights into what made TNG tick.

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Early in their working relationship, Gene Roddenberry presented Rick Berman with a book of Monet's art. The next day, Rick sent a thank-you letter with one important request. Get a glimpse into Gene and Rick in the early development days of Star Trek: The Next Generation with our special guest, Paramount Executive Dave Rossi.

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The document that started it all - The Star Trek Format is what Gene Roddenberry created in early 1964 to define what his TV series would be. We welcome a special guest who was there from the beginning, Dorothy "D.C." Fontana, to talk about developing Star Trek and how "Wagon Train to the stars" wasn't just a clever pitch slogan.

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What would Star Trek: The Next Generation look like without Gene Roddenberry? In 1986, Paramount lured Roddenberry into development by sharing a development document that looked nothing like what would eventually make it to TV a year later. Would you believe the USS Odyssey? With a Vulcan Captain? Who is actually inside the computer? Trek expert and Paramount executive Dave Rossi joins Larry this week to examine the Trek that never was.

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When the rest of the world started to take Star Trek fandom seriously, Gene Roddenberry was asked to provide an introduction for the book "Star Trek Lives" in 1975. Here we present an early draft with many of Gene's thoughts on Trek fans and forward-looking comments about the state of mass media.

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A year before Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted, David Gerrold sent a memo to Gene Roddenberry, Ed Milkis and Bob Justman about the Enterprise crew tackling philosophical ideas. How does this have repercussions on Star Trek more than 30 years later? Find out in today's episode of The Trek Files!