The Man.
The first time I ever heard of Mike Okuda, I was standing in Bob Justman’s office in Star Trek’s new digs on the Paramount backlot. The first episode of TNG had not shot yet, in fact none of the sets had even begun construction. I remember it as vividly as if it happened yesterday, after all, the very idea of standing in Bob Justman’s office on a show called Star Trek was impossible.
Bob had just gotten done showing me Greg Jein’s little five inch maquette of the Enterprise D. It was the first time I laid eyes on the new configuration. I remember all the little windows being penciled, and I remember Bob’s obvious pride in the design. “Not a straight line on it,” he enthused, referring to the ships curvy appearance. Curves meant that the show had a substantially better budget than in 1966.
I was a prosthetic makeup artist at the time, and would have cut off something important to get to work on this thoroughbred Trek. This was the real thing… Roddenberry and Justman! But there were complications as far as getting me on the show. The union for one. There was a west coast and an east coast makeup union. The odds of me being able to get into the west coast chapter were way stacked against me. Back on Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, they made makeup genius Dick Smith take his test just to make rubber stunt masks for the production. “Well,” said Bob, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat. Our scenic artist is coming all the way from Hawaii.” I remember thinking what a lucky guy. I wondered who he was.
Anyway, as it turned out on this occasion, there really was only one way to skin a cat, and the starship would leave spacedock without Doug. It wasn’t until Hollywood powerhouse and icon Warren Beatty got behind my partner and I, did we break into the west coast union. In spite of the fact that Dick said we’d never lift a brush in Hollywood, Howard Smit, the west coast union head, personally drove John’s and my membership applications to our new lab in the Valley… but that’s another story.
I stepped inside the hangar and looked around wide eyed, as Mike dragged the heavy doors of the shuttle bay closed with a thump. This was truly impressive, the bay was complete and enclosed. It was fully immersive, and with that beautiful shuttle sitting there, I WAS on board my dream ship. Mike tapped my arm and quietly motioned me into shutlecraft. He took the pilot seat, and I took the copilot seat. As I peered through the canopy of the craft, out into the enclosed bay, the situation went from immersive to immersive within immersive. I’ll never forget that day. Mike and I spoke about what the odds were of me getting into the art department (pretty slim). We also spoke freely as fans of the show for the first time. It occurred to me later that we had unwittingly recreated a scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey where Bowman, and Poole shut themselves into one of the Discovey’s pods to evade HAL’s prying ears.
Very nice story, thanks for sharing it. I like the pix of Mike Okuda working on Voyager while you tell the tale.
Mike Okuda is one of my Heroes. The work he has done has been an inspiration to me. So thank you Mr Okuda for the work you and the rest of the Art Department did over the years.
Doug is, as usual, being extremely modest. It was I who was honored to meet this Academy Award-winning artist. He did me – and Star Trek – a huge favor when he said he was interested in working in the Art Department. I already knew of his talent, but I was impressed that he offered to take a huge pay cut to work with us.
Speaking of gushing, you shoulda seen me, the first time I met Andy Probert and Rick Sternbach. And Gene Roddenberry. And Bob Justman, Eddie Milkis, Bill Theiss, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold, John Dwyer, Greg Jein, and so many whose work I have admired over the years. And to actually get to work with them…!
Mike Okuda is, and always will be, an extraordinary individual. It has been an honor to know him (and the beautiful Denise) for many years now. They are both exceptional hu-mans. Thanks, Mike and Neezee!
Mr. Okuda is a hero of mine as well. I would not be doing what I do if it wasn’t for him. I remember back in ‘86 seeing those computer consoles on TNG and wanting… needing to know how it was done. It was a very powerful thing for my then eleven year old eyes to see. So now, twenty odd years later, here I sit eeking out a modest living with my childhood dreams. I may not run with the big boys or make a lot of money but it makes me very happy.
It’s funny. If I wasn’t doing this I would probably pursued a career in make-up. I have always loved tinkering with that too. I hadn’t made that connection until just now…
I remember back in early ‘93 I was building a Nebula class model miniature kit as I have long been an avid Trek modeler. I sensed this ship might be smaller than the TNG flagship after viewing(over and over) the FX scenes of TNG I had taped on my VCR but I really wanted to make sure so I got the nerve to actually call information to get the number for the Paramount studios. I had the number on my desk where I was working at the time. I was in outbound calls so it would not be out of the ordinary to make a call to Los Angeles.A few days later I actually made the call. I was asked by the Paramount receptionist who I would like to speak to … er um hmmmmm … someone technical in the Trek art department? I nervously asked. Mind you by now my heart is pounding and I think I’m about to get blown off. A very nice person answered the phone took thie time to listen to my question and answered in an excited upbeat voice “We designed the Nebula to be under the size of the Galaxy class”… he went on to say “the size of the thrusters on the ship are the key to the fact the Nebula’s saucer and engines are about three quarters the size of the Galaxy more or less” He went to say it was not exact as the FX people had make the ships work for a scene. “Ah, thank you that’s what I thought from viewing the FX scenes” I muttered. As I took the time to thank him and just before I hung I asked just out of curiousity what is your name? He answered in a simple humble voice, Mike Okuda.
Well that was just the coolest story ever. I don’t know what else I could say…
Doug’s story that is. But Pacal’s was nice too.
Story about Mike and pics of Voyager? Awesome post.
OK, this is the uber-choice stuff IMO eh. I love Trek (infinite understatement), but being a peeps-person I have always been even more interested in the artists personal thoughts and/or stories behind their art and/or accomplishments in life (big biography reader I am).
Indeed, in praise of Mike eh. And thanks for your sharing(s) here as well Mike.
…the very idea of standing in Bob Justman’s office on a show called Star Trek was impossible.
Had me right there. Oh my…
…and in spite of the fact that Dick Smith said we would never lift a brush in Hollywood
You worked with Dick Smith, so now, is that as ominous as it sounds, Doug? Sounds almost like the classic: You’ll never work in this town again! line. I must be mis-filtering your tone…
I think I probably embarrassed him because I gushed like a little kid over his brilliant work. I sensed that the unbridled praised made him a little uncomfortable.
Um, guilty of the same, and I apologize if my own gushing made any of you guys feels uncomfortable. I “get” that. Systems back in line now. Seriously, I’m not like that at all really. We’re just peeps eh. Surprised myself even. I mean, I’ve met and talked with Geddy Lee (RUSH being one of my all-time fav bands) and Jon Anderson of YES (the other all-time fav) and I didn’t act like a silly lil’ school-boy then. So yeah, my apologies eh.
…to the rarified air of the art department.
That’s too friggin’ funny dude.
It occurred to me later that we had unwittingly recreated a scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey where Bowman, and Poole shut themselves into one of the Discovey’s pods to evade HAL’s prying ears.
OK, being that 2001:aso is my fav film of all time (movie poster hanging right to my left), no shiza, that’s was the exact thought that crept into my mind as I was reading along. And wow, TPTB didn’t like Trek fans on Trek. I guess from a producer/business POV I can easily understand that, as it could pose a potential threat to production for the fan that can’t maintain their pro-bearings.
As always, thanks for sharin’ all that Doug. I had mentioned I was interested in your make-up daze and also (although I didn’t mention it) your jump to the AD and VFX (musta read me mind eh).
Lookin’ around Mike workin’ on V reminds me of my Pop’s shop eh, ‘cept he has 1/4-scale R/C warbirds on the bench. I love CG, but pracs are forever oh-so-cool…
PLL,
deg
PS. Oh and anyone who ever mentions MMMW, for any reason, ever, is a-Ok in my book.
You know what I need? I need a drink. There’s some ice and stuff back there. Why don’t you make us all some old fashioneds?
Deg – I hadn’t thought about how that remark from Dick might be misunderstood. No… heheh, nothing ominous! Dick said that Howard Smit would never allow us east-coasters to lift a brush on a west coast sound stage! That turned out to not be true.
Thanks for the great story, Doug.
it all has a familiar sound to it, actually. I have to remind myself that some time ago, you went though something similar to what I did when i met you and Gary for the first time…
Aurore.
Heya A.
It wasn’t until Hollywood powerhouse and icon Warren Beatty got behind me…
Love hear more about this passing lil’ tid-bit (LOL) at some point too eh.
LLP,
deg
Great story Doug! Count me in as another longtime Okuda fan. I recall being so impressed and inspired by the “fresh new look” of the Ent-A at the end of Trek IV (which I believe is the first time we were introduced to on screen Okudagrams) The glowing blue-green circular “power generator” graphic on the bridge (which showed up now and again through the years) was a personal favorite. I was even more blown away when I discovered how they were made through relatively simple means.
A question for Mike (if you’re listening..
What was the initial inspiration for the look of those early TVH graphics and what kind of shape and designs did you play around with before coming up with the curvy t-bar control displays for TNG?
So two little boys met during recess in kindergarten…& history is made.
Why was being a fan considered a negative by He Who Shall Not be Named? was it a worry that you guys might try to intercede to prevent any massive changes that he/they might come up with
The reason was that the production had experiences with fans breaking into the sets, etc, etc…
The reason was that the production had experiences with fans breaking into the sets, etc, etc…
Well, that’s a sad reason I would not have guess. I don’t get really, Trek stands for the very ideals of honor and getting along and IDIC, etc. and so often I see “Trekkies” going 180º in the opposite direction of these base precepts, and now B&E to boot.
I don’t get it, and yet, in my experience, humans is humans, and humans are often not what they always appear to be eh.
PLL,
deg
Another great story. And great pics. Mike using Zip-a-line and a burnisher. Old school, baby.
Oh! What a choice meeting that would have been! I laughed when I read the part about the experience being very 2001ish because that was the picture that was forming in my head as I read. That really is the stuff that dreams are made of!
I really find it hard to imagine what Star Trek would have been like with out the contributions of Mike Okuda. Sure, they may have found someone to fill the role, but it just wouldn’t have been as cool! Thank you Mike!
It must have been a lot of fun in that office. A lot of greatly talented people who are also great people (whom I admire).
This is a wonderful story! I’ve followed Michael’s work since TNG and it never gets tiresome. One of the reasons I looked forward to new episodes was just to see what Michael came up with next. Just the other night i watched ST:FC and my wife and i were like little kids pointing out all of the really cool “Okudagrams”, since we had recently viewed them in real life in our hometown. Seeing the animated ones really made the ships come alive. Some day, I am sure we will see his work as a functioning part of our daily lives with anything we use like, cars, phones, computers, starships, etc.
Warren Beatty rocks!
“The reason was that the production had experiences with fans breaking into the sets, etc, etc…”
Sad but the one who videotaped his break in(in costume doing a behind the scene “show”) wins the award for most likley to have an entire episode of Cops dedicated to him.
The ending of his tape where you here the Paramount security gard yell “Who’s in here?” and the guys friend drops the camcorder andd runs is priceless!
Mr. Drexler, thank you for sharing this with us. I whole heartedly agree with your impressions.
In late ‘07 I was working on telecommunication services for Star Trek: The Tour in Long Beach, CA. One day I took a little while to wander about the sets and displays that were being built and just “geek out”. At one point I walked into a small room where 2 people were working with props and costumes. I was astounded by what was there and looked around the room as I would a chamber of museum artifacts. The people introduced themselves as Denise and Mike and kindly took time from their work to show this kid in their candy store some of what they were working on. I was greatly enjoying the conversation with them for both of them were gracious, knowledgeable and very easy to talk to.
Mike asked me to follow him to another area as he had something to show me. We were walking and discussing things Trek when it suddenly occurred to me (I guess my synapses had finally started firing again) to ask if his last name might happen to be Okuda. When he said that it was I found myself gibbering like a fool, staring at him agog and drooling. Well, perhaps not really but that was my inner reaction. Like you I gushed like a little kid much to my, and Mike’s, embarrassment.
And it was a case of rinse and repeat the next time I spoke with Denise and realized who she was.
Mike is, as you quite correctly assessed, “one COOL cat”.
Mike Okuda is probably the most modest, enthusiastic and encouraging person I met at Paramount. His thoughtfulness and hospitality toward us occasional itinerants wandering through the 24th century was exceeded only, on occasion, by Denise’s.
And he gave me the “ix-nay on the andom-fay” heads-up at a Tex-Mex lunch place across the street from the studio. LOL
Kudos to Mike! Especially for the countless little things that he designed and that I didn’t notice — because they gave me the perfect illusion of being in the 24th century.
“Mike looked around nervously and motioned me to follow him down the curved corridors of the Enterprise D. At the far end of the corridor was the entrance to the ship’s hangar bay. Mike slipped his finger tips between the two heavy doors, and pried them apart revealing the new shuttle with its aft gangway hatch open. I stepped inside the hangar and looked around wide eyed, as Mike dragged the heavy doors of the shuttle bay closed with a thump. This was truly impressive, the bay was complete and enclosed. It was fully immersive, and with that beautiful shuttle sitting there, I WAS on board my dream ship. Mike tapped my arm and quietly motioned me into shutlecraft. He took the pilot seat, and I took the copilot seat. As I peered through the canopy of the craft, out into the enclosed bay, the situation went from immersive to immersive within immersive.”
It must have been like living a dream to work there every day (though it probably was just work for you guys).
I heart Mike Okuda.
There. I said it.
A great showbiz story that just happens to run across the politics of what turn out to be a lot of workplaces. A great deal of what we wind up seeing on the screen has had to run a gauntlet that we civilians almost never see.
The 2001 Discovery-pod allusion is just too on-the-nose. And I totally get that Berman had been soured on certain types of fan behavior.
I heart Mike Okuda as well. I’d pay money to hear him talk about graphic design, the need for illusory stagecraft, and the work he’s accomplished over the years.
Now since w are all here to praise Mike Okuda (which I can’t since I’m missing the right words in english and my native german), i would like to show a link a found that shows a little bit how far Mike’s fantastic LCARS design went in the real world of the 21st century.
http://www.springwald.de/content/projekte/hardware/lcars_haus/index.html
And nonetheless I try my luck at praising Mike Okuda.
Mike, thank you for all the things you gave us on Star Trek, being them big or small, featured in a close-up or just somewhere on the set. Thank you for designs like the LCARS interface, that look logical and simple to operate, yet futuristic enough to keep you as a viewer guessing how they work, what they display and just which button you have to press to go to warp or fire the phasers. And thank you to you and Denise for the books you wrote with Pocket Books. I still treasure my first Chronology issue.
Cheers
Thorsten