Star Trek Picard: Dominion 2023
Star Trek Picard
Season 3 - Episode 7
”Dominion”
Directors Notebook
Directing Picard was a profound experience because I was working with not only one, but several actors who were hugely inspirational to me, having made a lasting impact on me and my career. I also loved the chance to take on another Star Trek show that took such visual risks, and presented incredibly creative ways to shoot that turned out a stunning piece of television.
Working with the Greats
Sir Patrick Stewart. Still I can barely believe I had this opportunity to work with him. He had made an everlasting impression on me when I saw A Christmas Carol on Broadway for the first time in 1991, and I was completely blown away by his performance. I was obsessed with it. I could not believe what he accomplished as an actor in that show. I saved every penny I had and went four or five times every year he performed it, and insisted that every family member and friend I had see it as well. And I loved his Picard. So much. I had to remind myself to call cut because I could watch Patrick on camera forever. It's like witnessing wisdom. I was pinching myself as I stepped into work with this iconic actor as a colleague.
Then there was LeVar Burton, another absolute honor to work with. I always loved the depth, and presence and truth that he brings to all of his work. “Roots” was one of the most unforgettable, powerful stories ever told on TV, not to mention his impressive years playing Geordi on so many Star Trek shows. And to top it off, the episode involved scenes with LeVar’s daughter, Mica, playing La Forge’s daughter. It was such a special and deeply moving thing to hold space for their amazing performances together.
Additionally, it was such a privilege to work with Brent Spiner, whose incredible talent shined as he oscillated between both characters Data and Lore, with razor sharp distinction. The moments when he, as Data, connected with his lifelong friend Geordi to help save everyone from both himself as Lore, and from the terrifying Vadic, were deeply moving to shoot.
Emotional Life
I loved the themes that this episode explored around how we protect and respond to our children when there is danger, when we are under threat. “Star Trek: Picard” revealed such beautiful, complex emotional lives through each character and how they are facing this terrifying conflict in front of them.
Shooting Outer Space
I loved the chance to collaborate with my DP Crescenzo Notarile to create an artful use of parallax that used foreground elements, shooting through objects, and in the reflection of surfaces to not only create elegant transitions but continually reveal hidden truths. I also loved finding ways to use light and shadow, which brought what is in darkness into light, and what is out of focus into focus.