Studio model
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
(written from a Production point of view)
A studio model is a type of miniature used in he Star Trek series and movies to represent various objects, craft or ships.
"Hero" models represent the best miniatures, used for beauty shots and close angles. There are typically the largest and best made and detailed models.
"Guest" miniatures were often made more simply and cheaply. In many cases, they were repainted or modified to be used again and again.
In some cases footage of a model would be reused as a stock element, and simply referred to as a different ship. Time and cost considerations were the primary reason for such re-use. According to model maker Greg Jein, in an interview appearing in the TNG Season 3 DVD special features, the art department typically had three to four weeks to design and create each model – sometimes less.
A studio model is distinct from a study model, which is never intended to appear on camera.
Although the term "studio model" traditionally has been used to refer to physical miniatures, the advent of CGI in the 1990's (most notably thanks to the series Babylon 5), meant that the definition had to be expanded to include CGI models.
[edit] Kitbash
The term "kitbash" is a behind the scenes term used to describe a ship or a station created by the production staff from already existing parts of a different ship or station.
The vast majority of ships at the Battle of Wolf 359, in TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II", and the Surplus Depot Z15, in "Unification I", were kitbashes.
Among the Federation classes that are designated 'kitbashes' are the Freedom, Springfield, Cheyenne-classes and the proto-Nebula.
Several of these vessels were built for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, including the Centaur, Curry and Yeager-types.
Kitbashing is a common method for creating studio models in sci-fi. In addition to designs seen on screen, non-canon Star Trek games feature kitbashed designs.
| Studio models |
|---|
| TOS studio models • Film studio models • TNG studio models • DS9 studio models • VOY studio models • ENT studio models |
[edit] See also
- Model, the in-universe definition of a model
- Star Trek model kits
- AMT, a manufacturer of Star Trek-based model kits that ended up being used in Star Trek production
- Polar Lights, another Star Trek-based model kit producer
- List of studio model/prop designers and builders
