In recent years, the Star Trek franchise has been a topic of much discussion, with new shows commencing, older ones concluding, and debates on the franchise’s future on various screens. However, a specific sequence of numbers, 765874, has become the focus for certain dedicated fans. This number is believed to be the Starfleet serial number of Yeoman J. M. Colt from the original Star Trek pilot episode "The Cage." It also serves as the title for a collection of shorts released by OTOY and the Roddenberry Archives since 2022. Utilizing OTOY’s VFX expertise alongside the Star Trek resources, these vignettes explore pivotal, previously unseen moments from the franchise’s history. The series has gone viral with each new release, offering fans moments like the recovery of the Enterprise-D and a farewell to legendary characters Kirk and Spock.
Carlos Baena, one of the directors responsible for these shorts, provided insights into the creative process behind them in a recent interview with io9. Baena began his journey with the project in early 2022, working with OTOY, Jules Urbach, and the Roddenberry Archive as a freelance director. He directed the initial 765874 teaser short and later projects like Memory Wall, Regeneration, and Unification between 2023 and 2024. Although his familiarity with Star Trek was initially limited, Baena delved into the original series and notable films to enhance his understanding and relied on the team’s expertise for insights into the newer iterations.
During the discussion about the project’s direction, Baena shared how a follow-up idea to Regeneration evolved, partly influenced by thoughts from Jules Urbach and insights from an interview with William Shatner. The aim was to create a personal and poignant story reflecting significant reunions, drawing inspiration from Baena’s own life experiences.
One unique narrative approach in Unification was leaving much to audience interpretation, a decision Baena attributes to life’s mysteries and a desire to foster personal engagement. This approach involved minimal dialogue, relying heavily on visuals and body language to convey the story, a method Baena likens to crafting a visual poem.
Regarding technical challenges, Baena elaborated on the complexities involved in creating realistic VFX for bringing Spock and Kirk back to the screen. The production faced significant hurdles, such as lacking an established pipeline for the numerous intricate shots required. The team addressed this by adjusting their workflow and using new tools for feedback and editing. Facial VFX work expanded significantly, a task Baena was particularly focused on due to his background in animation. Achieving believable digital faces necessitated expertise from Jules Urbach and others knowledgeable about the characters.
Baena highlighted the importance of William Shatner’s involvement as a consultant for ensuring that the portrayal of Kirk was handled with respect and authenticity. The project also benefitted from the participation and feedback of key figures like Susan Bay Nimoy and Rod Roddenberry, emphasizing a sincere and passionate approach to storytelling.
In terms of incorporating other Star Trek legends, Gary Lockwood reprised his role as Gary Mitchell, marking his return to acting. This decision was part of a collaborative process to explore character visuals and deepen narrative ties to Star Trek‘s legacy.
Furthermore, Unification incorporated elements from Star Trek: Discovery, including Lieutenant Commander Yor, to unite various aspects of the Star Trek universe in a meaningful way. His involvement symbolized a broader theme of unity and interconnectedness across divided worlds.
Baena expressed surprise and gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive reception from the Star Trek community. The unexpected viral success of the series underscored the project’s heartful intent, fostering a sense of connection and respect among fans. While future 765874 projects are anticipated, Baena’s ongoing commitments may limit his involvement in subsequent endeavors.