But for someTrekdiehards, a peculiar string of numbers is all that has been on their lips: 765874.
James Whitbrook, io9: Tell me a little bit about how you got involved in creating the765874project.
My journey started with directing the first765874teaser short and co-directingMemory Wallwith Jules, followed by directingRegenerationandUnificationin 2023 and 2024.
© Carlos Baena
It helps to have had some experience directing previous live-action shorts.
My familiarity withStar Trekwas limited before joining OTOY, so diving into this world was a great learning process.
To deepen my understanding, I explored the original series and iconic films likeThe Motion PictureandThe Wrath of Khan.
© OTOY/The Roddenberry Archive
Baena:It all came together organically.
My conversations with Jules became the foundation for the film.
Story development began with a bullet-point document along with a mood board I created based on those discussions.
© Carlos Baena
io9:Unificationleaves a lot to viewer interpretation in its view of what exactly were witnessing.
What made you approach the narrative in this way?
Baena:The material itself shaped my approach to the films tone, vision, and execution.
© OTOY/The Roddenberry Archive
The unknownboth in the world around us and within ourselveshas always fascinated me.
Because of this, I wanted the film to be experienced subjectively.
Ive always felt that too much dialogue can take away from the power of visual storytelling.
© OTOY/The Roddenberry Archive
What were the challenges you faced in achieving VFX here compared to the prior765874shorts?
Baena:CreatingUnificationwas an ambitious challenge.
At times, we even questioned whether making the film was the right decision.
One of our biggest technical challenges was the lack of a film pipeline.
Another major shift was how we handled dailies and feedback.
Our work on facial VFX also expanded significantlygoing from just three face replacements inRegenerationto more than thirty inUnification.
io9: You worked with William Shatner directly on bringing Kirks likeness back here.
What was that process like, and how important was it for you to have his involvement?
Baena:William Shatner was actively involved as a consultant during key moments of production.
What do you think made their use here work forTrekfans?
How did that come about?
Did you have plans for if he wouldnt return as Gary Mitchell?
Initially, our editorial tests suggested his presence subtly, without clearly showing his face.
What made you want to include that link to the series?
That idea felt deeply relevant.
Yors ability to move through time and universes plays a key role in the film.
The badge he hands to Kirk isnt just an object; there is meaning behind it.
io9: 765874 has been met with huge, viral appreciation.
How have you felt seeing the response from theStar Trekcommunity?
Im incredibly grateful for this journey over the past three years and the opportunities that have come with it.
I also want to express my appreciation to theStar Trekcommunity for welcoming me.
Coming into this world as an outsider, Ive now made new friendships that I truly cherish.
At its core, my goal was always to tell a human story first.
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