Christina Zarafonitis is the producer and director of the new Star Trek Picard audio, No Man’s Land, which marks Simon & Schuster’s return to original Star Trek audio plays after over a quarter of a century (read our review here). Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd reprise their roles as Seven of Nine and Raffi in the drama by Picard co-creator Kirsten Beyer and frequent Trek writer Mike Johnson. In the run up to the release on February 22, Zarafonitis answered some questions by email from Paul Simpson…

 Thanks for a very enjoyable audio, and for answering these.

Thank you for your time. So happy to talk about this! I am grateful you help fans stay connected to what they love.

How did you become involved with this? 

Early on, Executive Producer, Elisa Shokoff, VP Editorial Director, Tom Spain, and I talked in depth about the possibility of producing this audio-drama.

Were you a fan of Star Trek prior to this project? 

Star Trek always interested me growing up.  I cannot claim fandom to the degree many hardcore admirers do, but I have enjoyed the television shows and movies. Your question reminded me of a Star Trek documentary on creator Gene Roddenberry where I learned Gene was a police officer who had taught himself to write for television. That stayed with me.

What were the specific challenges involved with it being a Star Trek project that was incorporating elements of the TV series as well as its own identity?

Kirsten and Mike wrote an amazing and clever script that plays off of the Picard television series and allows listeners to spend time with two beloved characters and deepen our understanding of them. My challenge was to express their story with the right voices and Star Trek tone, as well as incorporate elements of the TV series fans recognize and understand. The audio medium is inherently different from watching an episode of the television show, but our drama is the same universe. I’m hoping No Man’s Land listeners will use their imaginations to create visuals for themselves based on what is familiar, and also be inspired by what we’ve created with sound.

How much did the scripts alter once you came on board? Were there areas where Kirsten and Mike, not being audio writers, needed particular guidance?

As would be expected with a project of this scope, there were changes along the way. What was brilliant is how Kirsten and Mike were able to translate visual descriptions to sound cues, while playing to key strengths in audio.

What are the moments you’re proudest of from the final production?

I have favourite moments and scenes, but mostly I admire how beautifully the cast brought this story to life. People know how wonderful and talented Michelle Hurd and Jeri Ryan are, but their performances are spectacular. In scenes like the failed ship repair, you feel their commitment and love for Raffi and Seven. I am so grateful for their brilliant work. The entire cast gave a hundred percent. I hope anyone listening to the audio feels the love we have for this universe.

 

Watch for our interview with Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson