Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 25, 1994 TAG: 9410250051
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Did that Starlog magazine spread showing Picard glancing affectionately at Crusher make you pine for ``The Next Generation''?
If so, then Robbie Robinson, principal unit photographer for ``Next Gen,'' ``DS9'' and ``Voyager,'' performed his job admirably.
``What makes unit photographers special is finding that extra shot that wasn't set up, but you got,'' Robinson, 51, says by phone from his Los Angeles home. ``A great shot captures the essence of an actor's work, reveals the character.
``If I can just get the essence of a moment, especially between two actors, that's exciting for me.''
Robinson's mission is to document each episode. He takes hundreds of photos per show, the best of which are used to publicize the series in newspapers, magazines and books, not to mention on ``Trek'' toy boxes, trading cards, postcards and even role-playing games.
Some of his shots have become quite valuable. Once, in a sci-fi collectibles store, Robinson saw his photo of Brent Spiner and Leonard Nimoy, autographed by both men, on sale for nearly $500.
Getting a first-class photograph can sometimes be difficult - especially since the ``Trek'' series, like most sci-fi shows, are filmed in low light.
It helps when the cast and crew cooperate.
``They all realize my value to the production and give me a hand whenever they can,'' he says. ``A cast and crew can bury you.
``Nonsense and stuff does happen, but, really, the `Trek' people have always been cooperative.
``When I shoot `DS9' it's like going home because I'm in familiar surroundings and can give them my best without battling a new situation or awkwardness with the actors.''
Born in Texas and reared in San Diego, Robinson majored in art at San Diego State, where, to stretch his artistic muscles, he took creative photography courses.
``Stupidly, I thought I could make a living at it,'' he says, laughing.
In short order, Robinson became a photographer's assistant, handled fashion shoots and landed a union job doing unit photography at a Los Angeles PBS station.
That led to work on films (such as ``Beverly Hills Cop'') and the series ``The Fall Guy.''
By 1987, Robinson had become one of several ``Next Gen'' photographers. Over time he became a fixture on the ``Next Gen'' and ``DS9'' sets. Now Robinson is juggling stints on ``DS9'' and ``Voyager.''
Everyone on the new series has been a delight, he says, adding that he missed the Genevieve Bujold brouhaha because she beamed out before he beamed onto the set.
``I wish I could give you a slasher interview, but I can't,'' he says. ``Kate [Mulgrew, who replaced Bujold as the ship's captain] is wonderful and sets a nice, professional tone.''
Robinson believes one of the secrets to his success is his sense of integrity. The actors trust that he'll shoot them flatteringly, while ``Trek's'' producers know he won't hawk photos, plot lines or on-set dirt to the tabloids.
If his luck holds out, Robinson hopes to be snapping ``Trek'' for years to come.
``I love it here,'' he says. ``I can use my visual talents and spend time with good people who are making interesting, thought-provoking TV. It's a great job.''
TREK SPECS
``Star Trek: Where No One Has Gone Before - A History in Pictures'' (Pocket Books, $45), is a new coffee-table book filled with color photos, quotes from ``Trek'' casts, crews and creators, and plenty of ``Trek'' history. ``I thought I knew everything there was to know about `Trek,''' says J.M. Dillard, frequent ``Trek'' novelist and text writer for ``History.'' ``But I learned an amazing number of facts, including who was supposed to play Picard. We found old photos that had never been released. I think `Trek' fans will find it interesting.'' ... Feeling creative? Then the ``Star Trek'' Design an Alien contest - sponsored by Paramount Television, Playmate Toys and Viacom Consumer Products - is for you. The grand-prize winner will guest star on ``DS9.'' Entry forms are being packaged with ``Trek'' toys. ... Happy birthday to Armin Shimerman, who turns 45 on Nov. 5.
CON CALENDAR Nov. 4-6
Vulkon at the Hilton & Towers in St. Petersburg, Fla., featuring Marina Sirtis. (Call 305-434-6060.)
Creation at the Plano Center in Plano, Texas, featuring James Doohan (Nov. 5-6 only; 818-409-0960)
Creation at the Convention Center in Jacksonville, Fla., featuring Majel Barrett (Nov. 5-6 only; 818-409-0960)
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB