The following is an interview with Oscar-winning visual effects artist, designer, sculptor, illustrator, and a makeup Doug Drexler regarding the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for Trek Star: The Doug Drexler Documentary, a film documentary his legendary career. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Drexler about his experience in revisiting his body of work, the incredible backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Filmmaker Jason Smith recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for Trek Star: The Doug Drexler Documentary, examining your legendary career. Over the course of your interviews with Smith, what has been your experience in revisiting your body of work?
Doug Drexler: When Jason suggested this documentary. I said, “Guess what? I’ve been writing my memoirs.” The timing was perfect. We unexpectedly crossed paths at a diner in Burbank, The Tallyrand, a place frequented by show biz peeps. We gushed like the Trek fans that we are. I didn’t know he was a talented documentarian.
My experience in doing this. This reflective journey. I can only say, don’t be afraid of getting old. The observations, revelations, and discoveries that take place once you have some altitude and can look back are what make it all worthwhile. Life is a trajectory, and the big picture is worth the trip.
BD: Your work has spanned various creative fields – from makeup artistry to graphic design. Was there a specific artistic medium that attracted you more than others?
DD: All of them have been equally enthralling. (Riker in 11001001, right?) I become excited, and then I am obsessed. I wouldn’t have missed any of them. The one I feel like returning to repeatedly is Art Department. In the Art Department you touch everything. It’s the biggest, most exciting place to be.
BD: In revisiting your catalog of work, was there anything new or intriguing that you took away from your designs or illustrations that you hadn’t anticipated when originally creating them?
DD: Sure. They are usually better than I thought at the time. You know, you are your own worst critic. I’m often tickled reviewing my stuff, and wondering how I came up with something. It often feels as if it was done by someone else, and not me. That’s a great vantage point. Try not to miss it.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with Dick Smith during the course of your career?
DD: The opportunity to work with someone you idolize is singular. Dick Smith taught me to be curious about everything. I kind of know that, but when you witness it alongside a genius like that, it makes a very profound mark on you. I will add that I think I helped him to be silly. Even the student has something to teach.
BD: Amidst the many challenges facing our community this year, Fanbase Press is focusing on the idea of “Building Your Community” to navigate a collective path forward. How do you feel that your work across myriad artistic mediums may have helped viewers to find a sense of community or belonging?
DD: I’m a Star Trek fan. I take it terribly seriously. Fans out there see me, and they know this. Sometimes, fans are made fun of or mocked. They can always point to my Academy Award, or my Emmys and say, not so silly.
BD: Lastly, in light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DD: Yes. We have one of Gene Roddenberry’s gold clubs. I think that’s the most amazing backers reward in there.
Let me say something about the title. You might say Trek Star… who does he think he is? But you’ve got it all wrong. It’s not what you think. Trek Star is that beacon of light coming from Gene Roddenberry’s creation that called to me.
Thanks, Barbra!
