The True Story Behind LeVar Burton's TNG Visor
Whenever one thinks of ldquo;Star Trek: The Next Generationrdquo; (TNG), the visor worn by the brilliant actor LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge often comes to mind. But what was this visor actually made of, and why did it look so different on screen compared to behind-the-scenes information?
Unveiling the Myths
There are several common misconceptions about what exactly LeVar Burton's TNG visor is. To begin with, it is widely believed that the visor was made from a hair clip. However, this is not accurate. The hair clip did exist, but it was used only for screen tests to experiment with ways to hide LeVar Burtons eyes without causing him any discomfort during filming.
Final Hero Prop: A Custom Design
For the final hero prop, which was both a better fit for his face and durable enough to withstand the abuse of filming, a different design was created. The main body of the visor was cast aluminum, with the tines made from brass rods and brazed in place. At the bottom, a painted rubber cushion was attached to ensure it would not cause discomfort against LeVar Burton's face during a shoot.
The Every Day Version
The everyday version of the visor had a set of standard ear hooks that were salvaged from a pair of sunglasses, allowing Burton to wear them like a pair of glasses. For close-up shots where using the glasses-like version was not ideal, there was another version held on by a loop of fishing line tied around the back of his head.
Unfortunately, regardless of the version, neither option was particularly comfortable to wear during a shoot. These custom designs were primarily aimed at ensuring the actors could perform their roles to the best of their ability without physical discomfort, while still maintaining the futuristic look and feel of the TNG visor on screen.
The Hairclip Misconception
Another common belief is that the visor was made from a hairclip. While it's true that something resembling a hairband looked sufficiently futuristic for the role, this was not its primary material.
Actually, the visor was likely made from a hairclip when this particular prop was first tested. However, as the series progressed, a more refined and durable version was built to ensure the longevity and practicality of the prop during filming. This new design helped to minimize the amount of additional discomfort to the actor while maintaining a consistent and secure fit for the numerous scenes that called for close-up shots.
The Material Reality
Given the environment of the set, where close-up shots were taken frequently, as well as the need for the visor to withstand the constant adjustments and movements during shooting, it is clear that multiple materials were involved in its production. The choice of aluminum for the main body provided lightweight yet durable support, while the brass rods added both rigidity and a aesthetic touch. The rubber cushion ensured a snug yet comfortable fit, and the ear hooks and fishing line loops provided additional support for those specific shots.
The hairclip-like design, while it provided a starting point for the prop's initial inspiration, was not the final material used. Instead, it evolved into a more sophisticated and practical version to best serve the needs of the series.
In conclusion, the TNG visor for LeVar Burton's role was a combination of materials and design, combining form and functionality to create a prop that not only looked futuristic but was also practical for continuous use during filming.
Key Takeaways:
The visor was initially based on a hair clip but evolved to a more durable design. Main body: Aluminum; Tines: Brass rods. Bottom cushion: Painted rubber. Everyday version: Ear hooks from sunglasses. Close-up version: Fishing line loops.