Star Trek: Section 31 is an upcoming science fiction television film, part of the popular Star Trek franchise.
Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny, this film will be the fourteenth in the franchise and the first television film in the Star Trek Universe.
It follows Philippa Georgiou, played by Michelle Yeoh, as she joins Section 31, a secret part of Starfleet that works to protect the United Federation of Planets while she confronts her troubled past.
The film is set in the “lost era” between Star Trek: The Original Series films and Star Trek: The Next Generation, offering a fresh look at the Star Trek universe.
Where Was Star Trek: Section 31 Filmed?
The filming for Star Trek: Section 31 took place in Toronto, Canada, primarily at Pinewood Toronto Studios.
Pinewood Toronto Studios
Filming began on January 29, 2024, at Pinewood Toronto Studios under the working title Dovercourt. The studio previously hosted production for Star Trek: Discovery, and many sets from that series were reused for the movie.
The team also used advanced virtual production technology, including the video wall stage at CBS Stages Canada in Toronto. This technology, provided by visual effects company Pixomondo, allowed the filmmakers to create realistic and dynamic environments.
Filming occurred at the same time as the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and the two productions shared resources, including the virtual stage and production teams.
When Did Filming Take Place?
Filming for Star Trek: Section 31 lasted from January 29, 2024, to March 21, 2024. Production moved quickly, wrapping up in just six weeks.
Director Olatunde Osunsanmi took a different approach for the movie, ensuring the visuals and emotions were fresh and cinematic. He described the process as “pushing everything to the extreme,” including action, performances, and story.
Post-production began immediately after filming, with the final cut completed by October 2024. Additional dialogue recording, visual effects, and color grading were ongoing at that time.
Interesting Facts
- Lost Era Setting: The film is set between The Original Series movies and The Next Generation, offering flexibility in its design and story. However, care was taken to ensure that the technology and details aligned with the time period.
- Section 31’s Role: Section 31 is portrayed as a secretive division of Starfleet, similar to the CIA, working behind the scenes to protect the Federation.
- Michelle Yeoh’s Return: Michelle Yeoh reprises her fan-favorite role as Philippa Georgiou, first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery.
- Director’s Vision: Osunsanmi ensured the film maintained Star Trek’s themes of optimism and hope while exploring the darker side of its universe.
Official Trailer
FAQ
Q: When will Star Trek: Section 31 be released?
A: The film is set to premiere on Paramount+ on January 24, 2025.
Q: Where was Star Trek: Section 31 filmed?
A: The movie was filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios and CBS Stages Canada in Toronto, Canada.
Q: How long did filming take?
Filming lasted for about six weeks, from January 29 to March 21, 2024.
Q: What makes Star Trek: Section 31 unique?
A: It is the first Star Trek television film and explores the “lost era” between two iconic periods in the franchise.
Q: Is Star Trek: Section 31 connected to Star Trek: Discovery?
A: Yes, the movie is a spin-off of Star Trek: Discovery, with Michelle Yeoh returning as Philippa Georgiou.
Q: Who else stars in the film?
A: The cast includes Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, Sam Richardson, Sven Ruygrok, Robert Kazinsky, Humberly Gonzalez, and James Hiroyuki Liao.