10 Best Uses Of Special Effects In Star Trek

10. Clouds, Planets, And Reflective Rings

The opening credits sequence for Star Trek: Voyager was designed by veteran Trek alum Dan Curry and realised by a large team that included David Stipes, Ron B. Moore, Image G, and The Post Group, while taking inspiration from Santa Barbara Studios hypothetical Solar System tour.

The sequence is a combination of CGI and filming models, depending on how close and detailed the ship needed to be in the shot. For the close-ups, the filming model was used to show the minutiae of the USS Voyager, while for wide-shots, the CGI model was used - the first time a CGI shot of a hero ship had been used in such a fashion in Star Trek.

The reflection of the ship in the rings was a combination of filming models and CGI, while the planet Voyager passes at the end was painted onto card. The flaming cloud in the beginning of the sequence almost didn't make the final edit, as Rick Berman wasn't convinced that it worked. Thankfully, other voices spoke up in its defence.