The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

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7-14 Star Trek: The Next Generation results - October 1987 Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987, it did so in unknown territory. How would audience numbers pan out for a major science-fiction show in first-run syndication? Former Paramount executive John Wentworth returns to The Trek Files to demystify the numbers surrounding TNG's debut and how the show warped past expectation.

See the original document: Star Trek: The Next Generation results - October 1987

The Trek Files Season 7 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.

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7-13 Timescape call sheet - April 1993 Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

Production documents from two Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes introduce us this week's special guest: Adam Nimoy. Discussing his on-set education on the Trek films and his transition to television director, Adam gives us an inside look behind-the-scenes.

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See the original document: Timescape call sheet - April 1993

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-12 Star Trek fan letters - 1975 Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

This week on The Trek Files, we return to the archival mail bag to sample some of the letters Gene Roddenberry ("Mr. Trek") was receiving in 1975. From the requests for props, plans and insider information to the insights hiding between the lines. Mission Log's John Champion joins Larry for our seasonal look at some of Star Trek's most ardent supporters.

Visit Dr. Trek - larrynemecek.com

See the original document: Star Trek fan letters - 1975 2

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-11 Star Trek director memos - 1967 Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Go inside production of Star Trek TOS with another visit from director Ralph Senensky. At 98 years old, Ralph sat down with host Larry Nemecek to discuss his work on the series. This time: details of Ralph's work on classic episodes "Metamorphosis" and "Bread and Circuses."

See the original document: Star Trek director memos - 1967

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-10 Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers Guide - Season 2 Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

There were cast changes for the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and that meant a new writer/director guide to explain the crew dynamics. The Trek Files welcomes back Susan Sackett, Gene Roddenberry's longtime assistant, to offer insight into those early production days of TNG.

See the original document: Star Trek: The Next Generation Writers Guide - Season 2

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-9 Homeward Bound - Starlog, July 1986 Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

Starlog magazine profiled Gene Roddenberry in July 1986 to discuss the Star Trek movies and TV legacy. We are joined by Ian Spelling, author of that piece as well as former editor of startrek.com and co-author of Star Trek: A Celebration.

See the original document: Homeward Bound - Starlog, July 1986

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-8 Local promo shoots - July 12, 1967 Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

It's a constant in the TV business: the collision of production and promotion. On at least one occasion in 1967, Herb Solow complained to Bob Justman that that local promos were taking up production resources on Star Trek. Our guest, John Wentworth, reminds us that even decades later it was a familiar refrain.

See the original document: Local promo shoots - July 12, 1967

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-7 Star Trek IV comments - December 9, 1985 Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

An early script draft for Star Trek IV: The Adventure Continues draws pointed critique in Gene Roddenberry's office. The Trek Files is joined by the author of the memo, Susan Sackett, to describe Gene's challenges with the film.

See the original document: Star Trek IV comments - December 9, 1985

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

7-06 Star Trek vs The Monkees - 1967 Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

There are a few ways to gauge the popularity of a TV show, and fan mail, by volume, is one important factor. Former Paramount executive John Wentworth stops by The Trek Files to explain some of Star Trek's audience appeal and share insights about his time with the show's producers.

See the original document: Star Trek vs The Monkees - 1967

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Meeting Gene Roddenberry - August 15, 1989 Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

As we approach the centennial of Gene Roddenberry's birth, Larry Nemecek recounts the story of his only meeting with the Great Bird himself on August 15, 1989. It's a post-STLV episode, and we will return to our regular format next week. Trek well, everybody!

The Trek Files Season 7 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 conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

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