Few people had as much influence on shaping Star Trek: Voyager and the role of Captain Janeway than the late Jeri Taylor. Known in the business as much for her professional output as for her humility and kindness, Jeri had re-emerged in the last few years to  connect with the Trek fans who were influenced by her work. The Trek Files welcomes longtime friend and colleague Lolita Fatjo to discuss Jeri's legacy and comment on our document the connect's directly to your host! Document and additional references: Nemecek Pitch - December 14, 1994 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The story of the once missing, now discovered, three-foot filming model of the USS Enterprise has been all over the news lately, leading Star Trek fans to investigate and speculate. From Gene's desk to an abandoned storage unit, there's more than a 40 year gap. This week, prompted by Gene's memo to get his model back, The Trek Files is happy to shed a little more light on the story. Learn how a few more items found at auction led one Trekspert, David Tilotta, to piece together the Enterprise's journey in front of the holographic lens. Don't miss this revealing bit of Trek history! Document and additional references: "Three-Foot Enterprise Model" - November 5, 1979 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

Director Paul Lynch returns to The Trek Files to discuss his other first regular episode for the franchise, Deep Space Nine's "A Man Alone." An industry veteran, Lynch dives into the director-actor relationship about bringing the best performances out of the cast. Which DS9 actors were ready on day one? And which ones needed time to settle into their roles? Lynch shares his insights from day one of DS9. Document and additional references: "A Man Alone" call sheet - September 29, 1992 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

After a TV pilot is carefully produced, the task of creating a regular weekly series can get underway. "The Naked Now" was Star Trek: The Next Generation's first series episode, and The Trek Files is pleased to welcome the episodes' director, Paul Lynch, to discuss his work. Find out what actors required the least direction and who studio executives thought the real "star" of the series was at the time! Document and additional references: "The Naked Now" daily production report - July 6,1987 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The Trek Files goes back into the world of audio for an in-depth discussion about Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Specifically, the many complexities of character dialogue recording and re-recording are the focus for special guest Mike Matessino who was a post-production supervisor on both of TMP's Director's Editions. A memo from Robert Wise about actor ADR kicks off a discussion about the noisy Enterprise bridge, the changes given to Vulcan subtitles over the years, and much more. Document and additional references: "Star Trek" Looping - August 15, 1979 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of TAS' second season with guest Aaron Harvey, author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series." In many ways, TAS broke new ground by expanding on what had come from TOS and making the Trek universe a richer place. For the first time, Orion pirates were seen, and they, along with many other TAS creations, have left an indelible mark on the franchise ever since. Dive into the roots of felinoid species, what makes "canon" and more on this week's episode of The Trek Files. Document and additional references: "The Pirates of Orion" storyboards - 1974 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha 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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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 All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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." See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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. See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.