Why Doesn't CBS Hire Fans to Produce Star Trek?
Introduction
The Star Trek franchise has always been beloved by fans around the world. However, the decision-making process behind creating and producing Star Trek content involves much more than fan enthusiasm. CBS (now part of Paramount Global) prioritizes professional standards, intellectual property rights, consistency, cohesion, and market considerations when deciding how to produce Star Trek content.
Professional Standards
Producing a high-quality television series requires a team of experienced professionals with specific skills in writing, directing, producing, and post-production. While fans may be passionate and creative, they may lack the professional experience necessary to meet industry standards. This professional approach ensures that the final product is of the highest quality and resonates with audiences who demand top-notch content.
Intellectual Property
CBS owns the intellectual property rights to the Star Trek franchise. These rights include the characters, settings, and storylines. Hiring fans to produce content could potentially result in legal issues if the fan productions encroach on copyrighted material. CBS must ensure that all productions adhere to their guidelines and respect their intellectual property rights.
Consistency and Cohesion
The Star Trek franchise has a specific creative direction and vision. Maintaining consistency across all productions is crucial for the franchise to remain a cohesive and beloved entity. Fans may have varying opinions and ideas about what should be included or excluded from the franchise. Established industry professionals are better equipped to navigate these considerations and ensure that the overall vision of the franchise is maintained.
Market Considerations
CBS makes decisions based on market research and audience demographics to ensure the show is commercially viable. Fans may not always align with broader audience preferences, which could impact the show's success. Professional producers and writers have a better understanding of what resonates with a wide audience and can make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the content is appealing and engaging.
Exception: The Case of 'Lower Decks'
CBS has made exceptions to this rule in the past with the unequivocally fan-driven show 'Lower Decks'. This series was both written and created by a team of fan contributors, making it a unique and special case within the Star Trek universe.
As screenwriter Kirsten Beyer explains, 'It's about smart people solving hard problems.' She, along with other industry professionals like Michael Chabon, have brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the franchise. Beyer, in particular, is deeply passionate about the Star Trek universe. Her work on the Voyager novels and her involvement in Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard demonstrate her commitment to both the franchise and the core values of the series.
The Role of Fans
While fan contributions can be valuable, such as through fan fiction and fan films, major studios usually prefer to work with established industry professionals to ensure the quality and integrity of their productions. Fans play a significant role in maintaining the lore and enhancing the overall fan experience, but the creative and production elements require a professional touch.
Conclusion
While fans continue to be a vital part of the Star Trek universe, the decision not to hire fans for production roles is a strategic choice that prioritizes professional standards, intellectual property rights, consistency, and market viability. The success of Star Trek lies in its ability to balance fan loyalty with professional expertise.