Friday, July 31, 2009

ST IV Photon Collector Original Art


By Ray Cole


Back in February of this year, Star Trek Prop, Costume, and Auction Discussion Forum member "Seleya" posted a link to three Star Trek Production Design Drawings that were being sold as a lot at the Heritage Auction Galleries online store for a nice "buy it now" price. I eyed the lot for about a week before buying it on March 2nd. The two costume sketches were each signed by Robert Fletcher. But who drew the sketch of Chekov's particle collector from Star Trek IV? The drawing was unsigned, so the hunt for the artist was on.

At first, I made casual enquiries to other fans and collectors. "Who drew this sketch?" But no one knew.

Then, in May, I started a thread on the Star Trek Prop, Costume, and Auction Discussion Forum where collectors of pre-production design sketches, production art, signage, and other "wall art" could discuss our collections. In the course of discussing the sketches, I mentioned that I had this photon collector design sketch. I thought that Richard Coyle might have made the physical prop, meaning he probably worked from this drawing, but I still didn't know who drew the original design sketch.

Forum member "Lynsioux" posted Richard Coyle's web address, and in early June I sent the legendary prop-maker a short email asking if he could help me identify the artist. Mr. Coyle responded that the drawing was done by someone at ILM, but he didn't know exactly who. He suggested I try to either contact Ron Greenwood, the property master from Star Trek IV, or perhaps enquire directly with ILM about their work on this film.

I had no leads on contacting Ron Greenwood, but I did have a high-school buddy who used to work at ILM. Of course, he was there long after production on Star Trek IV had wrapped, but still, sometimes a collector has to make use of whatever contacts present themselves. As it turned out, my ex-ILM friend was instrumental in solving the mystery. He joined an email list that had been set up for ex-ILM employees, and once on the list, he posted a scan of my sketch and asked if anyone could help identify the artist. I had no other leads, so now there seemed to be nothing else to do but wait and see if my friend's post turned up anything interesting.

In July, I attended the San Diego Comic-Con, the world's largest celebration of pop-culture. This year, Comic-Con scheduled several panel presentations by various costume designers, production illustrators, and art directors. I attended a couple of the sessions, including one on Saturday morning entitled Film Illustrators.

This panel was moderated by Ricardo Delgado, whose work in Star Trek includes design illustrations for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's first season, and illustration work on Star Trek: First Contact. The other panel members were Gabriel Hardman, Trevor Goring, Mark Moretti, Benton Jew, Tim Burgard, and Phil Saunders. When Benton Jew introduced himself at the start of the panel, he mentioned he'd worked at ILM for several years, so after the panel, I sidled up to him and gave him the quick version of my story: "I have an original design sketch of the particle collector hand prop used by Chekov in Star Trek IV and I'm trying to find out who drew it. I know it was someone at ILM and ..."

That's about as far as I got with my tale, because right away, Mr. Jew knew what I was talking about: "Oh, that's you!" he said. "I answered that question on the mailing list. John Bell drew that sketch. I even confirmed it directly with him."

I thanked Mr. Jew and as soon as I got home, I emailed my high-school buddy. He hadn't checked the email list in a while, but with my prompting, he logged back in and was able to send me the message in which Benton Jew confirmed that John Bell drew the sketch.

So that's the story of how I was able to reunite the name of the artist with the sketch. During the hectic design phase, a talented pool of designers and illustrators draws many sketches, but they don't necessarily remember to sign every drawing. Yet every drawing does have an artist, and I feel it is an important part of the hobby to preserve some of the history behind the production of these shows. Knowing the name of the artist who drew the design for such an important hand-prop (it is central to the Star Trek IV story, afterall) was very important to me, and I can't thank "Seleya," "Lynsioux," Mr. Coyle, Mr. Jew, and my high-school pal Mr. Malione enough for the assistance in tracking down the right name.

Now, when people visit my little mini-Star Trek museum, I will be able to tell them that the sketch of the photon collector was drawn by John Bell at ILM.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

More on Weezie!

Well I got another email from Louise Stange-Wahl, who goes by "Weezie". Weezie is a former actress who was on the set of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and has been looking for her uniform from that movie. As noted in my last post, it was a white sciences Class "D", size 8. But sadly, there has only been one example that has surfaced, and that was at Christie's. As noted on the forum, because many of these jumpsuits were converted to crewman uniforms for Star Trek II, it is quite possible that the white ones were the first to be used because they could be dyed easily.

Anyway, Weezie, has sent another photo and here it is!

Alec



Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Background Actor Seeking Costume

I received this email from a former Star Trek background actor. Maybe one of you can help!

"Hi Alec!

I just discovered your blog, and started at the beginning and read it all. Fascinating, to say the least. I am an "old-timer" with STAR TREK, and in fact got to see them shoot some of TOS back in 1967. I was also one of the lucky people who got to work in ST: TMP. and thus, I have to ask you if you might be able to help me locate the uniform I wore in the film. I know there have been a boatload of auctions but have seen my uniform listed. It was a white jumpsuit, science department, women's size 8. Attached is a photo of me in it.

I tried to buy it right after the film wrapped, and even with Leonard trying to help me, Western Costume had them all in storage.

Since you are a major collector, you might be able to give me some idea if it might be out there someplace and how to search for it!

Many thanks!

Weezie

Louise Stange-Wahl"



The Christie's listing can be found here. Not sure if that is Weezie's, but it is similar at least.


I love this version and missed bidding on it at Christie's, so maybe the winner is out there and will help Weezie out!


Alec






Sunday, July 19, 2009

A way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Moon Landing

This "Mockumentary" is just hilarious. Buzz Aldrin does a Rap video with Snoop Dog. You will laugh your butt off.


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Star Trek DVD Press Release

DIRECTOR J.J. ABRAMS’ PHENOMENAL REIMAGINING OF THE LEGENDARY ADVENTURE SOARS ONTO DVD AND BLU-RAY

$375 Million Worldwide Sensation Beams Up to a Single and Two-Disc DVD
and Three-Disc Blu-ray November 17, 2009

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (July 17, 2009) – This year audiences thrilled at the triumphant voyage of the Starship Enterprise and her young and vibrant crew in movie theaters across the planet — and on November 17, 2009, the world will go where no one has gone before when STAR TREK debuts as a three-disc Blu-ray with digital copy, two-disc DVD with digital copy and a single-disc DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment. Bursting with “spectacular action” (Hollywood Reporter) and “pure filmmaking exhilaration” (Rolling Stone) director J.J. Abrams’ sensational reinvention of the “Star Trek” franchise was hailed by critics and embraced by long-time and new fans alike, earning over $375 million at the worldwide box office. Starring a hot young cast including Chris Pine (Carriers), Zachary Quinto (”Heroes”), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy), John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation) and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), the global smash hit also features seasoned actors such as Eric Bana (Munich), Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Winona Ryder (Girl, Interrupted) and the original Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy.

“I cannot wait for fans of Star Trek to check out the home entertainment release of the film. The behind-the-scenes features on the DVD — and especially the Blu-ray — give a wonderful look at the crazy hard work and incredible fun that went into making this movie,” said J.J. Abrams. “The cast and crew were truly extraordinary to work with — watching these special features, you’ll see why. And for people who didn’t catch Star Trek in the theater, I hope they do now, as Paramount has done an exceptional job with this release; the picture and sound quality are both excellent.”

The STAR TREK DVD and Blu-ray will boast out-of-this-world special features to take viewers even further into the new universe of the rousing space adventure. The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray include in-depth explorations of the reimagining of the franchise, the phenomenal cast, the spectacularly real action sequences, the powerful score and the captivating aliens, commentary by J.J. Abrams, the writers and producers, a gag reel and a digital copy of the film. Additionally, the discs feature compelling deleted scenes that reveal a side story involving Nero with a first-ever look at Abrams’ version of the infamous warrior Klingons.

The STAR TREK Blu-ray boldly ventures beyond the final frontier with over three hours of sensational bonus footage including branching pods that allow for enhanced exploration, more fascinating features on the starships, planets, props, costumes and sound of STAR TREK, as well as a Starfleet Vessel Simulator and access to the latest NASA news about real-life space exploration via BD-Live.

The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray will also offer a home entertainment first: groundbreaking augmented reality technology. Using a webcam, a Star Trek visual cue will morph into a 3D holographic tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the screen, providing a unique immersive and interactive experience.

DVD:

The STAR TREK two-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Special features are as follows:

Disc 1:

  • Commentary — By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
  • A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production — from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks — was guided by this overall objective.
  • Gag Reel — Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.

Disc 2:

  • Digital Copy
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
    • Spock Birth
    • Klingons Take Over Narada
    • Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
    • Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
    • Prison Interrogation and Breakout
    • Sarek Gets Amanda
    • Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
    • Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
    • Sarek Sees Spock
  • To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
  • Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
  • Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
  • Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
  • DVD-Rom:
    • STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360
    • Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
    • Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network

The STAR TREK single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. The single-disc DVD includes the commentary, “A New Vision” and the gag reel.

BLU-RAY

The STAR TREK three-disc Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. Special features are as follows:

Disc 1:

  • Commentary — By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
  • NASA News — This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe.

Disc 2:

  • To Boldly Go — See description above.
    • Branching Pods:
      • The Shatner Conundrum
      • Red Shirt Guy
      • The Green Girl
      • Trekker Alert!
  • Casting — See description above.
  • A New Vision — See description above.
    • Branching Pods:
      • Savage Pressure
  • Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
    • Branching Pods:
      • Warp Explained
      • Paint Job
      • Bridge Construction Accelerated
      • The Captain’s Chair
      • Button Acting 101
      • Shuttle Shuffle
      • Narada Construction Accelerated
  • Aliens — See description above.
    • Branching Pods:
      • The Alien Paradox
      • Big-Eyed Girl
      • Big Bro Quinto
      • Klingons
      • Drakoulias Anatomy 101
  • Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
    • Branching Pods:
      • Extra Business
      • Confidentiality
  • Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
    • Branching Pods:
      • Klingon Wardrobe
  • Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
  • Score — See description above.
  • Gene Roddenberry’s Vision J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary — See details above.
  • Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
  • Gag Reel — See description above.

Disc 3:

  • Digital Copy
  • STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360
  • Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
  • Weblink to the STAR TREK D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation Network

STAR TREK

Street date: November 17, 2009
Runtime: 127 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence and brief suggestive content
Canadian Rating: PG for violence

More Star Trek Home Video News To Come
Next week Paramount should be announcing details on the Star Trek Season Two and the Next Generation Films Blu-ray sets, and possibly more. TrekMovie will have all the info as soon as it is available

Friday, July 17, 2009

Archer Command Uniform for Sale on eBay

The Prop Store of London, one of the good guys in prop and costume collecting, have a Captain Archer Command Uniform and Jacket on eBay. This is a combination of two Archer items that were sold on eBay by IAW in April of 2007. Prop Store has put this up with a $6,669 price on a Buy It Now.


The jumpsuit is the distressed version sold by IAW here. It went for $1,292.89 and that low price was because of the significant distressing and fake "goo" used on the uniform.









The jacket was sold by IAW for $1,370 and is viewable
here.



Being a collector of Captain's costumes, I generally try and keep aware of the market for these. Archer's have gone for $4-5,000 in general, with distressed versions going much less (Generally under $2,000) . For example, my Archer, the one used in the final episode "These are the Voyages" is rare because of the two patches, sewn on name tag and epaulettes. I bought this from IAW for $5,000. Use that for comparison here.

These two Archer items originally sold for about $ 2,700 total, so $6,669 is a huge mark up from that price. Nothing against Prop Store of London, as they are a business and need to make a profit, but considering where the market is, this is priced high. If these were pristine versions, I think the price would be in the ballpark. But considering they are distressed, I think this should be in the $ 4,000 range.

Of course, Prop Store is very professional, and you will be well taken care of and the item shipped well. They will also be present at Comic Con if you are going, and if you see there booth, say hi to Stephen, the owner and Tim, his assistant. Two great guys.

Alec

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tribble for sale at Screen Used props


http://www.screenused.com/?sectionID=items&subsectionID=index.cfm&item_id=6482

According to the description:


This is one of the tribbles used on screen during the filming of this episode. The custom display case measures 10" tall x 11.5" wide x 6.5" deep.


I think this is a very good deal and someone should jump at it! The display case is a great addition and this is well priced at $ 499. As most people know, I think Screen Used are one of the few good guys in the prop industry, so I recommend them.

Alec

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture

A member of the Star Trek Prop, Costume and Auction Forum posted these and they are worth checking out!

Alec




Thursday, July 2, 2009

Happy Fourth of July!


Happy Birthday to the greatest country on multiple Earths!

And stay tuned as I will be getting back to a more regular posting schedule after the holiday!

Everyone have a SAFE and happy Fourth of July!

Alec