Visual effects are one of the most important parts of any sci-fi series and are often an integral part of any TV show or film.
Whether you are aware of it or not. When it comes to Star Trek, everything from computer screens, phaser blasts, starships, and other effects are added to take the show from ordinary to extraordinary.
Shawn Ewashko is the Visual Effects Project Manager at CBS, working on the Short Treks, “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Star Trek: Picard,” and the upcoming “Strange New Worlds” series.
Alongside Jason Zimmerman, he oversees the creative and logistical process of making sure all of the VFX shots come together to look impressive and look natural, and blend into reality.
In this episode of Trek Untold, we take a deep dive with Shawn to discuss his roots in Star Trek, what he learned at the DAVE Academy, his history of working with Alex Kurtzman, and the VFX he has done for other shows.
Addressing the controversial “Copy and Paste” space battle at the end of Picard season one, Shawn said there were a lot of factors to consider…
It’s little it’s a little difficult for me to speak to that because I there I think there are multiple reasons for decisions to be made that way um I think I think one of them is Paramount would be cost right the cost of if we had to create that many ships that were very different from one another you know it would tank any show
I think that my response to that would be well what other show has done a battle that way and that you liked it what other show could put 200 ships on-screen or however many ships it is and each one is different and special I don’t know of a show that did that you know
Shawn also breaks down the workflow for VFX, what it takes to make a scene, and all the technical talk that would make Geordi La Forge’s head spin!
I also ask Shawn the tough questions, like de-ageing Brent Spiner for Picard, how working remotely changed what he and his team did, details on their Emmy winning episode “Su’Kal” and making the shadow monster with contortionist Jinny Jacinto, and much more!
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Emmy awards, so we didn’t get to mention it – but congrats to the Star Trek VFX team on the win!
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Trek Untold is a weekly podcast series that chats with character actors, stunt performers, behind-the-scenes crew and other people who are the contributors of the Star Trek universe whose names aren’t in the opening credits of the shows.
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