Star Trek: The Next Generation — Physical Models vs. CGI in Ship Sequences

Throughout the series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the production team employed a combination of physical models and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create the iconic ship sequences. This article explores the evolution of visual effects from the use of detailed miniature models to the growing reliance on advanced CGI.

Initial Use of Physical Models

In the early seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the ship sequences were primarily created using physical models. These intricate miniature models, masterfully crafted by the production team, provided a tangible and highly detailed representation of the starships. These models were often filmed against blue screens to facilitate the creation of space scenes. For instance, in early episodes, you would see the Enterprise-D and other frequently seen ships as physical models.

The Complexity of Physical Models

The initial Enterprise-D model was particularly complex. It featured numerous lights and a sophisticated mechanical system to simulate the saucer separation. The model required banks of external high voltage power supplies to operate lights located in the nacelles and other intricate elements. Due to its complexity, a simpler, smaller model without the saucer separation capability was commissioned for later seasons. As a result, saucer separation scenes became a rare occurrence after the first few seasons.

Early Integration of CGI

Despite the reliance on physical models in the earlier seasons, there were occasional instances of CGI being used to enhance the visual effects. For example, in certain episodes, the landing struts on planets were created using CGI to maintain smooth transitions and to save on physical model costs. Similarly, in the episode "Tin Man," the living starship was entirely CGI, showcasing the growing potential of CGI in creating dynamic and complex scenes.

Transition to More CGI

The transition to more extensive use of CGI began in the later seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation and continued into subsequent series such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The growing sophistication of CGI allowed for more dynamic camera angles and complex scenes that would have been impossible to achieve with physical models alone. By the time of Star Trek: Voyager, the use of CGI became more prevalent for starship sequences.

Key Notes on Other Shows

While Star Trek: The Next Generation predominantly used physical models, Star Trek: Voyager marked a shift towards a more significant use of CGI. The series The Orville is almost entirely composed of physical models, with only a few instances of CGI included for added realism.

Conclusion

The evolution of visual effects in Star Trek: The Next Generation reflects the advancements in technology and the balance between physical models and CGI. From the intricately crafted physical models to the increasingly sophisticated CGI, each era of the series contributed to the iconic and beloved universe of Star Trek. Understanding the history of these techniques offers valuable insights into the production process of one of the most iconic science fiction franchises.