68: Star Trek VFX with Shawn Ewashko, Visual Effects Project Manager at CBS

Visual effects are one of the most important parts of any sci-fi series, and is often an integral part of any TV show or film, whether you are aware of it or not. When it comes to Star Trek, everything from computer screens, phaser blasts, starships, and other effects are added to take the show from ordinary to extraordinary.

Shawn Ewashko is the Visual Effects Project Manager at CBS, working on the Short Treks, "Star Trek: Discovery," "Star Trek: Picard," and the upcoming "Strange New Worlds" series. Alongside Jason Zimmerman, he oversees the creative and logistical process of making sure all of the VFX shots come together to look impressive and look natural, and blend into reality.

 In this episode of Trek Untold, we take a deep dive with Shawn to discuss his roots in Star Trek, what he learned at the DAVE Academy, his history of working with Alex Kurtzman, and VFX he has done for other shows, and then we beam into our Trek Talk. Shawn breaks down the workflow for VFX, what it takes to make a scene, and all the technical talk that would make Geordi La Forge's head spin! I also ask Shawn the tough questions, like de-aging Brent Spiner for Picard and the "copy and paste" ship battle from the finale for season 1 of Picard, how working remotely changed what he and his team did, details on their Emmy winning episode "Su'Kal" and making the shadow monster with contortionist Jinny Jacinto, and much more!

 

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Emmy awards, so we didn't get to mention it – but congrats to the Star Trek VFX team on the win!

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