Movies

Star Trek is one of the hardest franchises to act in for one key reason

BBG News

As a long-time fan of Star Trek, I can’t help but admire the incredible depth and complexity of this iconic science fiction series. The show is renowned for its high-quality performances, and it’s no secret that Star Trek producers have a knack for discovering talented actors who may not always be household names.

Star Trek is known for having some of the most challenging acting roles. It’s no wonder they go the extra mile in selecting their actors, often choosing those with extensive experience but less fame. These individuals typically have a strong background in live performances. The result? A consistently impressive on-screen cast, except when it comes to guest stars.

What makes Star Trek production challenging, though? Long working hours, uncomfortable uniforms, and at times dealing with heavy themes based on the episode’s settings are just some of the reasons. However, these aren’t the primary causes for Star Trek’s reputation as a difficult endeavor.

In an interview with Deadline in 2023, Jonathan Frakes acknowledged the complexity of the scripts for LeVar Burton and Brent Spiner due to their roles as the technically advanced crew members, Geordi La Forge and Lt. Commander Data, respectively. He noted that their scripts contained more intricate “tech talk” or “Star Trek jargon” compared to his own.

That’s why Frakes would go on to say;

“For us, I’d never worn a silly spandex spacesuit with no pockets. I didn’t know how to act without my f*cking hands in my pockets. It was a lot to learn. And the technobabble. God bless Brent and LeVar [Burton], who were given the bulk of it.”

To put it simply, the dialogue in Star Trek is challenging due to its unfamiliar terms and the pressure of getting each line right with every take. Since these words aren’t commonly used in everyday life, accurately delivering them can be quite nerve-wracking, especially considering that each mistake means additional production costs. For instance, on a series like The Next Generation, where Frakes, Burton, and Spiner give exceptional performances, every dollar spent is closely monitored.

Being a Starfleet officer isn’t simple, contrary to popular belief, and it often comes down to the dialogue.

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2024-07-18 04:23

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