Somewhere on Bajor the sun is ablaze, but at 4:30 a.m. in 20th Century Hollywood, it’s nowhere in sight.
My car hurtles at warp factor 5 to get me to Paramount Pictures by 5 a.m., in time to go where no journalist has gone before-into the world of “Star Trek” as an extra on “Deep Space Nine.”
By 5:05, I’m seated before makeup artist Tina Kalliongis, who is slowly transforming me from human to Bajoran.
She applies glue to my nose, sticks on a crinkled rubber proboscis and dabs on makeup that darkens my skin, hides my facial hair and makes me look dry even as I sweat.
Forty-five minutes later I’m a Bajoran.
Well, not quite. I’m still in jeans and a sweat shirt.
A stop at the wardrobe department takes care of that. I’m handed a standard gray Bajoran outfit: boots, pants, a jacket and a belt.
Now, I’m a Bajoran.
Well . . . actually, I’m just a Bajoran extra. Not Avery Brooks or Nana Visitor. Not even a guest star.
My job is to be ready when called, perform whatever background function is asked of me and, frankly, to stay out of the way. I’ll be paid $65 for the first eight hours and overtime thereafter.
Les Landau is directing today’s episode, “Sanctuary,” and I am scheduled to appear in two scenes.
In the first, I must operate the main Ops table while Kira (Visitor) exits the turbolift and walks past me to confer with Sisko (Brooks) and DS9’s other senior officers.
This is accomplished in a few takes, though Venita Ozols-Graham, the first assistant director, informs me that because of the camera angle only half of me will show on screen.
“Your mother should know it’s you,” she says, smiling.
The second scene calls for me to circle around the senior staff as they sit at the Ops table. Bajoran monitoring device in hand, I’m on my way to check a display panel.
Ozols-Graham prepares me for my paces in between shots.
More Top Picks Best Math Manipulatives For Special Education
During the long breaks to change camera positions and lighting, I chat with the other extras, known in the industry as “atmosphere.”
Most are aspiring actors waiting for their big break. Several have appeared in other “DS9” episodes.
As Landau sets up the next shot, the show’s stars-known as “the first team”-retreat to their trailers until needed. Doubles for the leads-“the second team,” or stand-ins-take the stars’ places.
For the next few hours, the first and second teams alternate as variations of scenes are shot.
I, along with the other extras, stand around waiting to be called.
Now it is 5 p.m. Though I’ve been on the set for 12 hours, I’ve only been before the cameras for a few minutes.
But I’ve enjoyed my time here.
Between shots I’ve had a chance to chat with Visitor, Terry Farrell, Colm Meaney, makeup guru Michael Westmore and set photographer Robbie Robinson. I’ve also had my picture taken with the “DS9” cast.
Ozols-Graham comes over to tell me I’m wrapped, which means finished.
But that’s not exactly true.
A few minutes later she tracks me down on a darkened set-where I’m relaxing with several stand-ins-to say Landau needs me.
Back in front of the cameras, I’m positioned behind Meaney. Landau directs me: Walk, peer up, then stop and react to something fascinating on the view screen (which will be added during postproduction).
Camille Calvet-Sutfin, another makeup artist, pats my face to reduce the shine.
Meaney swivels around.
“Have some fun,” he says.
“Action!”
Everyone emotes, including me.
“Cut!”
Landau eyes his staff. Everyone nods approvingly.
“Print!”
During the week of Nov. 29, look for me-along with Visitor, Brooks and the rest of the cast-and pray my scenes don’t end up on the cutting-room floor.
Trek TV preview
The following capsule previews are subject to last-minute changes.
“Next Generation” (WPWR-Ch. 50, 6 p.m. Saturday: repeats 10:30 p.m. Sunday the following week): The Enterprise crew believes that the exploration of the universe benefits everybody. But what if warp-driven vessels were actually destroying the universe? The new episode “Force of Nature” focuses on that question.
“Deep Space Nine” (WGN-Ch. 9, 6 p.m. Sunday; repeats 11:30 p.m. the following Sunday): Sisko (Avery Brooks) discovers love for the first time since his wife’s death in the episode “Second Sight.” But Fenna (Salli Elise Richardson), the object of his affections, may not be all she seems to be. Richard Kiley guest stars as Professor Seyetik.
Con calendar
Places to trek to Nov. 26-28:
– Creation at the Ramada in Manhattan, New York, featuring Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden and Majel Barrett. (818-409-0960.)
– Loscon at the Burbank Airport Hilton in Burbank, Calif., featuring Rick Sternbach. (818-767-9234)
TREK ALERT: If you have Trek news or trivia to share-or if you have questions relating to “Star Trek”-write to Ian Spelling, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 130 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10011.
More Top Picks Best Grilling Gift Sets For Men
NEXT WEEK: Rick Berman; Trek specs.