Richard James Interview

StarTrek.com has recently put online the second half of the fan question and answer session with Star Trek Production Designer, Richard James. This week James fields questions on a variety of subjects, including the difference between working in tv and film, how he would change the Voyager layout and the Captain Proton and 'Unimatrix Zero' sets.

Question: Why is the design on Star Trek always so functional, so cold?

Daniel K.

RJ: I did, purposely, make it look cool. I went for a very cool palette because I wanted it to be a contrast to what the Deep Space Nine palette was. I didn't want it to look like Deep Space Nine, nor did I want it to look like the Next Generation.

Q: What was the most complex set you designed for Voyager?

James S.B.

RJ: Well, we started off the season with a very complex set because they wanted reflective walls ["Unimatrix Zero, Part II"]. In designing that I kept the reflective walls only on one side, the outside walls of the set so that the camera couldn't see itself. That would be one of the more complex sets.

Q: Are you going to miss your job when the series wraps?

Kathryn U., Sydney

RJ: Yes, I will be out of work! I feel very fortunate in having the career I've enjoyed because I get to do what I like to do. I will miss this, and I don't know what the future is. In showbiz, it can be almost anything!

For more questions and their answers, stop off at StarTrek.com and read the full article.

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