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+ | |name = Herman Zimmerman |
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+ | |image = Herman Zimmerman.jpg |
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+ | |birth name = Herman Fritz Zimmerman |
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− | | Gender = Male |
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+ | |birthplace = Springfield, Illinois, USA |
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+ | |deathday = |
+ | |deathplace = |
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− | | Date of death = |
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+ | |awards = 4 [[Emmy Award]] nominations<br />2 [[ADG Excellence in Production Design Award|ADG Award]]s |
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− | | Place of death = |
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+ | |roles = Poduction designer;<br />Reference book author;<br />Exhibit and attraction staff |
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− | | Awards for Trek = [[Emmy Award|4 Emmy nominations]] |
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+ | |in-jokes = [[Lewis Zimmerman]],<br />[[Herman Zimmerman (Starfleet)]],<br />[[H. Zimmerman]],<br />[[Chez Zimmerman]],<br />[[Ermat Zimm]] |
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− | | Roles = [[:Category:Production designers|Production Designer]], [[:Category:Star Trek authors|''Star Trek'' author]] |
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+ | |image2 = Zimmerman on bridge.jpg |
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+ | |caption2 = …on the completed USS Enterprise-D bridge set |
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+ | |image3 = Picard ancestor (Zimmerman).jpg |
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+ | |caption3 = …with his father (r) as Jean-Luc Picard's ancestors |
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}} |
}} |
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− | '''Herman |
+ | '''Herman Zimmerman''' {{born|19|April|1935}} was an art director and production designer who worked between {{y|1987}} and {{y|2005}} for the ''[[Star Trek]]'' franchise. Excepting {{s|VOY}}, he has in that era worked on all other live-action productions set in the [[prime universe]], the [[TNG Season 1|first season]] of {{s|TNG}}, the entire runs of {{s|DS9}}, and {{s|ENT}}, as well as six {{Star Trek films}}. Together with [[Rick Sternbach]] he designed the space station [[Deep Space 9]], with [[John Eaves]] the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-B|-B}} and the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}}. His most recognizable work though, have been his (co-)designs for nearly all of the standing sets, those of the [[bridge]], [[Main Engineering]] (co-designed with [[Andrew Probert]]) and [[Ten Forward]] for the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} in particular. As head of the Art Department, Zimmerman oversaw his own team of set designers, prop masters, set decorators and production illustrators, whereas [[Michael Okuda]]'s separate Scenic Art Department was subordinated and answerable to his. Zimmerman's role on the modern prime universe ''Star Trek'' productions, was equivalent to that of his illustrious predecessor [[Matt Jefferies]] for {{s|TOS}}. |
+ | His tenure on the eighteen year run of the modern ''Star Trek'' franchise set in the prime universe was interrupted twice. The first time occurred at the conclusion of the first season of the ''Next Generation'' when [[William Shatner]] asked him to become the production designer on {{film|5}}. Shatner had been so impressed with his work on ''The Next Generation'' as such, that he hired Zimmerman to upgrade the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-A|-A}} interiors for the film. Therefore, the upgraded bridge from the movie, for example, resembled the bright atmosphere portrayed in ''The Next Generation''. Decades later Zimmerman later jokingly commented after seeing the film, considered so flawed by so many, "''After the show was over, I was pretty sure I would never do another!''" (''[[The Art of Star Trek]]'', p. 249; ''[[Star Trek: 45 Years of Designing the Future]]'') For the ''Next Generation'' Zimmerman asked colleague [[Richard James]] to step in. "''I asked Richard James to sub for me and he was so good at subbing for me that I just walked away from it. I did a number of other things and then came back to do DS9 and Enterprise and another five motion pictures. So that whole experience with TNG was just kind of a kick-start to my involvement with Star Trek in a real and personal way.''", Zimmerman elaborated. {{st.com|article/designing-trek-with-herman-zimmerman}} Nevertheless, it was during this first, 1989-1992, hiatus that Zimmerman also worked on {{film|6}}. |
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− | His work on ''Star Trek'' earned him four [[Emmy Award]] nominations in the category Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, coincidently all for ''Deep Space Nine'' episodes. His work on that series did win him the 1996 [[Emmy_Award#ADG_Excellence_in_Production_Design_Awards|ADG Excellence in Production Design Award]], which he shared with Art Director [[Randall McIlvain]]. |
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+ | The second hiatus from the franchise occurred in the period 1999-2001, after ''Deep Space Nine'' concluded and before ''Enterprise'' went into production, and no position was available to him on the only ''Star Trek'' live-action show in production at that time, {{s|VOY}}, simply "because it wasn't offered to me." {{st.com|article/designing-trek-with-herman-zimmerman}} ''Voyager''{{'}}s Art Department was by that time already headed by Richard James. His work on ''Star Trek'' earned him four [[Emmy Award]] nominations in the category Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, coincidently all for ''Deep Space Nine'' episodes. But his work on that series did win him the 1997 [[ADG Excellence in Production Design Award]]. |
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⚫ | Zimmerman is the father of ''Deep Space Nine'' and ''Enterprise'' set designer [[Fritz Zimmerman III]], conceptualized and oversaw the design of ''Star Trek''-themed attractions, |
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+ | |||
⚫ | Zimmerman is the father of ''Deep Space Nine'' and ''Enterprise'' set designer [[Fritz Zimmerman III]]. Starting with the 1993 ''[[Star Trek Earth Tour]]'' and setting the template for these, Zimmerman conceptualized the look and oversaw the design of ''Star Trek''-themed attractions, intended to immerse visitors in the ''Star Trek'' universe and which included the 1995 ''[[Star Trek: The Exhibition]]'', as well as the 1998 ''[[Star Trek World Tour]]'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Experience]]'' in Las Vegas as part of the [[Special Entertainment Events]] crew. He has been interviewed for several [[Star Trek documentaries|''Star Trek'' documentaries]] and home media special features, wrote an introduction for the 1995 reference book ''[[The Art of Star Trek]]'', and co-authored the 1998 reference book ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual]]''. |
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− | [[File:Picard ancestor (Zimmerman).jpg|thumb|Zimmerman and his father as [[Jean-Luc Picard]]'s ancestors]] |
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During the run of ''Star Trek'', Zimmerman was often referenced on screen, including |
During the run of ''Star Trek'', Zimmerman was often referenced on screen, including |
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* [[Lewis Zimmerman]] (''Deep Space Nine'' and ''Voyager'') |
* [[Lewis Zimmerman]] (''Deep Space Nine'' and ''Voyager'') |
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− | * [[Herman Zimmerman ( |
+ | * [[Herman Zimmerman (Starfleet)]] (''The Next Generation'', ''Deep Space Nine'', ''Star Trek: Generations'', ''Star Trek: First Contact'') |
* [[H. Zimmerman]] (''Enterprise'') |
* [[H. Zimmerman]] (''Enterprise'') |
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* [[Chez Zimmerman]] (''Deep Space Nine'') |
* [[Chez Zimmerman]] (''Deep Space Nine'') |
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* [[Ermat Zimm]] (''Deep Space Nine'') |
* [[Ermat Zimm]] (''Deep Space Nine'') |
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* Zimmerman provided a personal image of his father and himself to the [[Picard family album]] in {{film|7}}, standing in as ancestors of Jean-Luc Picard |
* Zimmerman provided a personal image of his father and himself to the [[Picard family album]] in {{film|7}}, standing in as ancestors of Jean-Luc Picard |
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− | * During the pre-production of ''Voyager'', [[The Doctor]] was named "Doc Zimmerman" after him ( |
+ | * During the pre-production of ''Voyager'', [[The Doctor]] was named "Doc Zimmerman" after him ([[VOY Season 2 DVD]], "[[Text commentary]] {{e|The 37's}}") |
+ | Zimmerman was a huge admirer of his predecessor, ''Original Series'' Art Director Matt Jefferies, and it was through Zimmerman's efforts that much of his influences were observed in modern prime-universe ''Star Trek'' live-action productions, which included the elevation into [[canon]] of the designation "[[Jefferies tube]]" (even though he had to leave the actual canonization to his successor James). ''Star Trek'' archivist commented about Zimmerman, "''He has always idolized Matt and his work. And he has always tried to incorporate Matt's work and designs and to make sure that the theme is carried on into the new TV series and all of the features.''" ("Designing the Final Frontier", [[TOS Season 2 DVD]] special features) |
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⚫ | Zimmerman studied acting and directing at the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois but changed his major to Theatre Production. He worked as associate professor of drama, technical director, and scene designer at the Northwestern University prior to his move to Los Angeles. In 1965 he started to work as assistant art director for the daily soap ''Days of Our Lives'', followed by occupations as set decorator on the talk show ''Della'' in 1969. |
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+ | On 27 September 2009, Herman Zimmerman, together with fellow designers [[John Jefferies]], [[Joe Jennings]] and [[Scott Chambliss]], were honored for their ''Star Trek'' contributions in a media event called the "Star Trek Designers Talk Trek History At Art Directors Guild Event" at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, and in which all designers discussed in-depth their work on the franchise. The event was moderated by another ''Star Trek'' alumnus, [[Daren Dochterman]], with Zimmerman's set designer son, Fritz Zimmerman, in attendance. {{TrekMovie.com|2009/09/28/report-star-trek-designers-talk-trek-history-at-art-directors-guild-event}} Three years later, in 2012, Herman Zimmerman was again honored by the Art Directors Guild, when they awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award. {{el|awardscircuit.com/2012/10/11/art-directors-guild-to-honor-herman-zimmerman/}} Due to illness, the award was accepted on his behalf by former ''Star Trek'' colleagues Mike Okuda and [[Doug Drexler]] on 2 February 2013. {{el|vimeopro.com/user17177508/the-art-directors-guild-excellence-in-production-design-awards/video/64919097}} |
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⚫ | Between 1971 and 1989 he worked as art director on the television series ''Sigmund and the Sea Monsters'' (1973-1975), ''The Lost Saucer'' (1975), ''Far Out Space Nuts'' (1975-1977), ''Land of the Lost'' (1974-1976), ''Tales of the Unexpected'' (1977), ''The New Odd Couple'' (1982-1983), ''Cheers'' (1984-1986, starring [[Kirstie Alley]]), and ''Brothers'' (1984-1986, starring [[Hallie Todd]]). Feature film credits include |
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+ | == Career outside ''Star Trek'' == |
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⚫ | Prior to his involvement with ''Star Trek'', Zimmerman worked as production designer on |
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⚫ | Herman Zimmerman studied acting and directing at the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois but changed his major to Theatre Production. He worked as associate professor of drama, technical director, and scene designer at the Northwestern University prior to his move to Los Angeles. In 1965 he started to work as assistant art director for the daily soap ''Days of Our Lives'', followed by occupations as set decorator on the talk show ''Della'' in 1969. |
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+ | |||
⚫ | Between 1971 and 1989 he worked as art director on the television series ''Sigmund and the Sea Monsters'' (1973-1975), ''The Lost Saucer'' (1975), ''Far Out Space Nuts'' (1975-1977), ''Land of the Lost'' (1974-1976), ''Tales of the Unexpected'' (1977), ''The New Odd Couple'' (1982-1983), ''Cheers'' (1984-1986, starring [[Kirstie Alley]]), and ''Brothers'' (1984-1986, starring [[Hallie Todd]]). Feature film credits include {{wt|The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler}} (1971), {{wt|The Girl Called Hatter Fox}} (1977, starring [[Ronny Cox]]), {{wt|Deadman's Curve}} (1978, with [[Bruce Davison]]), {{wt|Deathmoon}} (1978, starring [[Robert Foxworth]]), {{wt|A Rumor of War (miniseries)|A Rumor of War}} (1980), the drama ''Twirl'' (1981), {{wt|Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.}} (1983), the thriller ''Through Naked Eyes'' (1983, with [[David Soul]]), {{wt|Silence of the Heart}} (1984, with [[Mariette Hartley]]), and {{wt|Black Rain (1989 American film)|Black Rain}} (1989). |
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+ | |||
⚫ | Prior to his involvement with ''Star Trek'', Zimmerman worked as production designer on {{wt|The Burning Bed'}} (1984), {{wt|Better Off Dead (film)|Better Off Dead}} (1985, with [[David Ogden Stiers]] and [[Kim Darby]]), the comedy ''One Crazy Summer'' (1986), and the comedy series ''The Ellen Burstyn Show'' (1986-1987). During his time on ''Star Trek'' he also worked on the family comedy ''All I Want for Christmas'' (1991) and the western television series ''Legend'' (1995, with [[John de Lancie]]). Upon the conclusion of ''Enterprise'' in 2005, Zimmerman went into retirement. {{st.com|article/designing-trek-with-herman-zimmerman}} |
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== ''Star Trek'' credits == |
== ''Star Trek'' credits == |
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<div class="appear"> |
<div class="appear"> |
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;As Production Designer |
;As Production Designer |
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− | * |
+ | * {{Star Trek films}} |
** {{film|5}} |
** {{film|5}} |
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** {{film|6}} |
** {{film|6}} |
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* {{TNG}} |
* {{TNG}} |
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** [[TNG Season 1|Season 1]] |
** [[TNG Season 1|Season 1]] |
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− | ** [[TNG Season 2|Season 2]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 2|Season 2]] – Original Set Design |
− | ** [[TNG Season 3|Season 3]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 3|Season 3]] – Original Set Design |
− | ** [[TNG Season 4|Season 4]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 4|Season 4]] – Original Set Design |
− | ** [[TNG Season 5|Season 5]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 5|Season 5]] – Original Set Design |
− | ** [[TNG Season 6|Season 6]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 6|Season 6]] – Original Set Design |
− | ** [[TNG Season 7|Season 7]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 7|Season 7]] – Original Set Design |
* {{ENT}} |
* {{ENT}} |
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** {{e|Broken Bow}} ([[ENT Season 1|Season 1]]) |
** {{e|Broken Bow}} ([[ENT Season 1|Season 1]]) |
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</div> |
</div> |
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− | == |
+ | == ''Star Trek'' awards == |
+ | Herman Zimmerman received the following award and nominations for his work on ''Star Trek'': |
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− | * {{y|1993}} for the episode {{DS9|Emissary}} as "Production Designer" in the category "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series", shared with Randall McIlvain, Art Director; and [[Mickey S. Michaels]], Set Decorator |
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+ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | === Emmy Award Nominations === |
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⚫ | |||
− | + | Herman Zimmerman received the following Emmy Award nominations as "Production Designer", all in the category Outstanding (Individual Achievement in) Art Direction for a Series |
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+ | * {{y|1993}} Emmy Award nomination for the episode {{DS9|Emissary}}, shared with [[Randall McIlvain]], and [[Mickey S. Michaels]] |
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⚫ | |||
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+ | * {{y|1999}} Emmy Award nomination for the episode {{DS9|Prodigal Daughter}}, shared with Randall McIlvain, and Laura Richarz |
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+ | |||
+ | === ADG Excellence in Production Design Awards === |
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+ | Herman Zimmerman received the following ADG Award as "Production Designer" in the category Television |
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+ | * {{y|1997}} for {{s|DS9}}, shared with Randall McIlvain |
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+ | Herman Zimmerman received the following ADG Award as "Production Designer" in the category Lifetime Achievement |
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+ | * {{y|2012}} for ''[[Star Trek]]'', ''et al.'' |
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+ | |||
+ | ==Bibliography== |
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+ | *''[[The Art of Star Trek]]'', 1995 – Foreword |
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⚫ | |||
== ''Star Trek'' interviews == |
== ''Star Trek'' interviews == |
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(''This list is currently incomplete.'') |
(''This list is currently incomplete.'') |
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<div class="appear"> |
<div class="appear"> |
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− | * |
+ | * ''Star Trek'' [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] special features |
− | ** ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (Special Edition)]]'' |
+ | ** ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (Special Edition)]]''-special feature, "Herman Zimmerman: A Tribute" |
− | ** [[TNG Season 1 DVD]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 1 DVD]]-special feature, "The Beginning" |
− | ** TNG Season 1 DVD |
+ | ** TNG Season 1 DVD-special feature, "The Making of a Legend" ("Artistic Design" and "[[VISOR]]") |
− | ** TNG Season 1 DVD |
+ | ** TNG Season 1 DVD-special feature, "Memorable Missions" |
− | ** [[TNG Season 5 DVD]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 5 DVD]]-special feature, "A Tribute to [[Gene Roddenberry]]" ("Gene Roddenberry Building Dedicated to ''Star Trek's'' Creator", "Gene's Final Voyage") (interviewed on {{d|14|March|2002}}) |
− | ** [[TNG Season 7 DVD]] |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 7 DVD]]-special feature, "Starfleet Moments & Memories Year Seven" ("A Unique Family") (interviewed on {{d|7|June|2002}}) |
+ | ** [[DS9 Season 1 DVD]]-special feature, "Deep Space Nine: A Bold Beginning"/ "Designing Deep Space Nine" (interviewed on {{d|7|June|2002}}) |
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⚫ | |||
− | ** |
+ | ** DS9 Season 1 DVD-special feature, "Deep Space Nine Scrapbook Year One"/ "Building the Station" (interviewed on {{d|1|October|1992}}) |
− | ** DS9 Season |
+ | ** [[DS9 Season 3 DVD]]-special feature, "Sailing Through the Stars: A Special Look at {{e|Explorers}}" |
− | ** [[ |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 1 Blu-ray]]-special feature, "Stardate Revisited: The Origin of Star Trek: The Next Generation" (2012) |
+ | ** [[TNG Season 4 Blu-ray]]-special feature, "In Conversation: The Star Trek Art Department" (2013) |
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− | * [[Magazines|''Star Trek'' magazines]] |
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+ | ** [[TNG Season 5 Blu-ray]]-special feature, "Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation" (2013) |
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+ | ** [[ENT Season 1 Blu-ray]]-special feature, "To Boldly Go: Launching Enterprise" (2012) |
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+ | * Print publications |
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** ''[[Star Trek: The Official Fan Club Magazine issue 89]]'' (1993) |
** ''[[Star Trek: The Official Fan Club Magazine issue 89]]'' (1993) |
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− | ** |
+ | ** "Production Designer: Herman Zimmerman", Bill Warren, {{STDS9|3}}, 1993 |
− | ** |
+ | ** {{STM|3}} (1995) |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Designing Deep Space 9", {{STM|8}}, 1995 |
− | ** ''[[Star Trek: First Contact - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine]]'' |
+ | ** "The Man with the Plan", [[Larry Nemecek]], ''[[Star Trek: First Contact - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine]]'', 1996 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Ship Builder", [[Ian Spelling]], ''{{dis|Starlog|magazine}}'', issue 235, 1997 |
− | ** ''[[Star Trek: Insurrection - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine]]'' |
+ | ** "Paradise Found", Larry Nemecek, ''[[Star Trek: Insurrection - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine]]'', 1998 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Viva Las Vegas! Setting the Scene", {{STM|41}}, 1998 |
− | ** |
+ | ** {{STM|50}}, 1999 |
− | ** |
+ | ** {{STM|61}}, 1999 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Herman Zimmerman's Production Diary on ''Star Trek: Insurrection'' Part 1", {{STTM|1|1}}, 1999 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Herman Zimmerman's Production Diary on ''Star Trek: Insurrection'' Part 2", {{STTM|1|2}}, 1999 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "Designing the Stellar Cartography set for ''Star Trek: Generations''", {{STTM|1|8}}, 1999 |
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
+ | ** {{STM|71}}, 2001 |
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− | ** ''[[Star Trek Monthly issue 79]]'' (2001) |
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− | ** |
+ | ** {{STM|93}}, 2002 |
− | ** ''[[Star Trek 35th Anniversary Tribute]]'' |
+ | ** "Designing Space", ''[[Star Trek 35th Anniversary Tribute]]'', 2002 |
− | ** |
+ | ** "The Good Sets Guide", Ian Spelling, {{STM|103}}, 2003 |
+ | ** {{STTM|3|10}}, 2003 |
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⚫ | |||
+ | ** {{STTM|3|12}}, 2003 |
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− | ** ''[[Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 12]]'' (2003) |
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− | ** |
+ | ** "An Enterprising Gentleman", Steven Eramo, ''[[Starburst]] Special'', issue 64, 2004 |
+ | * [[Star Trek documentaries|''Star Trek'' documentaries]] |
||
⚫ | |||
+ | ** ''[[Journey's End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' (1994) |
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+ | ** ''[[The Science of Star Trek]]'' (1995) |
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+ | ** ''[[The Making of Star Trek Deep Space Nine Trials And Tribble-ations]]'' (1996) |
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⚫ | |||
+ | ** ''[[In Conversation: The Star Trek Art Department]]'' (2013) |
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+ | ** ''[[William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge]]'' (2014) |
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</div> |
</div> |
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== Further reading == |
== Further reading == |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
== External links == |
== External links == |
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− | * {{ |
+ | * {{imdb|name/nm0956717|Herman F. Zimmerman|external}} |
* {{wikipedia|Herman F. Zimmerman}} |
* {{wikipedia|Herman F. Zimmerman}} |
||
− | * {{startrek.com|zimmerman-herman}} |
+ | * {{startrek.com|database_article/zimmerman-herman||external}} |
− | * {{ |
+ | * {{startrek.com|bl=1|startrek/view/community/chat/archive/transcript/1436.html|1997 Herman Zimmerman interview|external}} |
− | * |
+ | * {{el|bbc.co.uk/cult/st/interviews/zimmerman/printpage.html|2001 Herman Zimmerman interview|bbc.co.uk|BBC.co.uk}} |
+ | * {{startrek.com|article/designing-trek-with-herman-zimmerman|2014 Herman Zimmerman interview|external}} |
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+ | * {{el|filmreference.com/film/87/Herman-F-Zimmerman.html|Herman F. Zimmerman biography|filmreference.com|FilmReference.com}} |
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+ | {{DEFAULTSORT|Zimmerman, Herman}} |
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[[de:Herman Zimmerman]] |
[[de:Herman Zimmerman]] |
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[[es:Herman Zimmerman]] |
[[es:Herman Zimmerman]] |
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[[fr:Herman Zimmerman]] |
[[fr:Herman Zimmerman]] |
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− | [[Category:Production designers |
+ | [[Category:Production designers]] |
− | [[Category:Star Trek |
+ | [[Category:Star Trek reference authors]] |
− | [[Category:Emmy Award nominees |
+ | [[Category:Emmy Award nominees]] |
+ | [[Category:ADG Excellence in Production Design Award winners]] |
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+ | [[Category:Exhibit and attraction staff]] |
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+ | [[Category:Documentary staff]] |
Latest revision as of 09:59, 16 December 2023
(written from a Production point of view)
Herman Zimmerman (born 19 April 1935; age 88) was an art director and production designer who worked between 1987 and 2005 for the Star Trek franchise. Excepting Star Trek: Voyager, he has in that era worked on all other live-action productions set in the prime universe, the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the entire runs of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Enterprise, as well as six Star Trek films. Together with Rick Sternbach he designed the space station Deep Space 9, with John Eaves the USS Enterprise-B and the USS Enterprise-E. His most recognizable work though, have been his (co-)designs for nearly all of the standing sets, those of the bridge, Main Engineering (co-designed with Andrew Probert) and Ten Forward for the USS Enterprise-D in particular. As head of the Art Department, Zimmerman oversaw his own team of set designers, prop masters, set decorators and production illustrators, whereas Michael Okuda's separate Scenic Art Department was subordinated and answerable to his. Zimmerman's role on the modern prime universe Star Trek productions, was equivalent to that of his illustrious predecessor Matt Jefferies for Star Trek: The Original Series.
His tenure on the eighteen year run of the modern Star Trek franchise set in the prime universe was interrupted twice. The first time occurred at the conclusion of the first season of the Next Generation when William Shatner asked him to become the production designer on Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Shatner had been so impressed with his work on The Next Generation as such, that he hired Zimmerman to upgrade the USS Enterprise-A interiors for the film. Therefore, the upgraded bridge from the movie, for example, resembled the bright atmosphere portrayed in The Next Generation. Decades later Zimmerman later jokingly commented after seeing the film, considered so flawed by so many, "After the show was over, I was pretty sure I would never do another!" (The Art of Star Trek, p. 249; Star Trek: 45 Years of Designing the Future) For the Next Generation Zimmerman asked colleague Richard James to step in. "I asked Richard James to sub for me and he was so good at subbing for me that I just walked away from it. I did a number of other things and then came back to do DS9 and Enterprise and another five motion pictures. So that whole experience with TNG was just kind of a kick-start to my involvement with Star Trek in a real and personal way.", Zimmerman elaborated. [1] Nevertheless, it was during this first, 1989-1992, hiatus that Zimmerman also worked on Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
The second hiatus from the franchise occurred in the period 1999-2001, after Deep Space Nine concluded and before Enterprise went into production, and no position was available to him on the only Star Trek live-action show in production at that time, Star Trek: Voyager, simply "because it wasn't offered to me." [2] Voyager's Art Department was by that time already headed by Richard James. His work on Star Trek earned him four Emmy Award nominations in the category Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, coincidently all for Deep Space Nine episodes. But his work on that series did win him the 1997 ADG Excellence in Production Design Award.
Zimmerman is the father of Deep Space Nine and Enterprise set designer Fritz Zimmerman III. Starting with the 1993 Star Trek Earth Tour and setting the template for these, Zimmerman conceptualized the look and oversaw the design of Star Trek-themed attractions, intended to immerse visitors in the Star Trek universe and which included the 1995 Star Trek: The Exhibition, as well as the 1998 Star Trek World Tour and Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas as part of the Special Entertainment Events crew. He has been interviewed for several Star Trek documentaries and home media special features, wrote an introduction for the 1995 reference book The Art of Star Trek, and co-authored the 1998 reference book Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual.
During the run of Star Trek, Zimmerman was often referenced on screen, including
- Lewis Zimmerman (Deep Space Nine and Voyager)
- Herman Zimmerman (Starfleet) (The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: First Contact)
- H. Zimmerman (Enterprise)
- Chez Zimmerman (Deep Space Nine)
- Ermat Zimm (Deep Space Nine)
- Zimmerman provided a personal image of his father and himself to the Picard family album in Star Trek Generations, standing in as ancestors of Jean-Luc Picard
- During the pre-production of Voyager, The Doctor was named "Doc Zimmerman" after him (VOY Season 2 DVD, "Text commentary "The 37's"")
Zimmerman was a huge admirer of his predecessor, Original Series Art Director Matt Jefferies, and it was through Zimmerman's efforts that much of his influences were observed in modern prime-universe Star Trek live-action productions, which included the elevation into canon of the designation "Jefferies tube" (even though he had to leave the actual canonization to his successor James). Star Trek archivist commented about Zimmerman, "He has always idolized Matt and his work. And he has always tried to incorporate Matt's work and designs and to make sure that the theme is carried on into the new TV series and all of the features." ("Designing the Final Frontier", TOS Season 2 DVD special features)
On 27 September 2009, Herman Zimmerman, together with fellow designers John Jefferies, Joe Jennings and Scott Chambliss, were honored for their Star Trek contributions in a media event called the "Star Trek Designers Talk Trek History At Art Directors Guild Event" at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, and in which all designers discussed in-depth their work on the franchise. The event was moderated by another Star Trek alumnus, Daren Dochterman, with Zimmerman's set designer son, Fritz Zimmerman, in attendance. [3] Three years later, in 2012, Herman Zimmerman was again honored by the Art Directors Guild, when they awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award. [4] Due to illness, the award was accepted on his behalf by former Star Trek colleagues Mike Okuda and Doug Drexler on 2 February 2013. [5]
Career outside Star Trek
Herman Zimmerman studied acting and directing at the Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois but changed his major to Theatre Production. He worked as associate professor of drama, technical director, and scene designer at the Northwestern University prior to his move to Los Angeles. In 1965 he started to work as assistant art director for the daily soap Days of Our Lives, followed by occupations as set decorator on the talk show Della in 1969.
Between 1971 and 1989 he worked as art director on the television series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973-1975), The Lost Saucer (1975), Far Out Space Nuts (1975-1977), Land of the Lost (1974-1976), Tales of the Unexpected (1977), The New Odd Couple (1982-1983), Cheers (1984-1986, starring Kirstie Alley), and Brothers (1984-1986, starring Hallie Todd). Feature film credits include The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler (1971), The Girl Called Hatter Fox (1977, starring Ronny Cox), Deadman's Curve (1978, with Bruce Davison), Deathmoon (1978, starring Robert Foxworth), A Rumor of War (1980), the drama Twirl (1981), Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1983), the thriller Through Naked Eyes (1983, with David Soul), Silence of the Heart (1984, with Mariette Hartley), and Black Rain (1989).
Prior to his involvement with Star Trek, Zimmerman worked as production designer on The Burning Bed' (1984), Better Off Dead (1985, with David Ogden Stiers and Kim Darby), the comedy One Crazy Summer (1986), and the comedy series The Ellen Burstyn Show (1986-1987). During his time on Star Trek he also worked on the family comedy All I Want for Christmas (1991) and the western television series Legend (1995, with John de Lancie). Upon the conclusion of Enterprise in 2005, Zimmerman went into retirement. [6]
Star Trek credits
(This list is currently incomplete.)
- As Production Designer
- Star Trek films
- TNG:
- ENT:
- "Broken Bow" (Season 1)
- "Fight or Flight"
- "Strange New World"
- "Unexpected"
- "Terra Nova"
- "The Andorian Incident"
- "Breaking the Ice"
- "Civilization"
- "Fortunate Son"
- "Cold Front"
- "Silent Enemy"
- "Dear Doctor"
- "Sleeping Dogs"
- "Shadows of P'Jem"
- "Shuttlepod One"
- "Fusion"
- "Rogue Planet"
- "Acquisition"
- "Oasis"
- "Detained"
- "Vox Sola"
- "Fallen Hero"
- "Desert Crossing"
- "Two Days and Two Nights"
- "Shockwave"
Star Trek awards
Herman Zimmerman received the following award and nominations for his work on Star Trek:
Emmy Award Nominations
Herman Zimmerman received the following Emmy Award nominations as "Production Designer", all in the category Outstanding (Individual Achievement in) Art Direction for a Series
- 1993 Emmy Award nomination for the episode DS9: "Emissary", shared with Randall McIlvain, and Mickey S. Michaels
- 1997 Emmy Award nomination for the episode DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations", shared with Randall McIlvain, and Laura Richarz
- 1998 Emmy Award nomination for the episode DS9: "Far Beyond the Stars", shared with Randall McIlvain, and Laura Richarz
- 1999 Emmy Award nomination for the episode DS9: "Prodigal Daughter", shared with Randall McIlvain, and Laura Richarz
ADG Excellence in Production Design Awards
Herman Zimmerman received the following ADG Award as "Production Designer" in the category Television
- 1997 for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, shared with Randall McIlvain
Herman Zimmerman received the following ADG Award as "Production Designer" in the category Lifetime Achievement
Bibliography
- The Art of Star Trek, 1995 – Foreword
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual, 1998 – Co-author
Star Trek interviews
(This list is currently incomplete.)
- Star Trek DVD and Blu-ray special features
- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (Special Edition)-special feature, "Herman Zimmerman: A Tribute"
- TNG Season 1 DVD-special feature, "The Beginning"
- TNG Season 1 DVD-special feature, "The Making of a Legend" ("Artistic Design" and "VISOR")
- TNG Season 1 DVD-special feature, "Memorable Missions"
- TNG Season 5 DVD-special feature, "A Tribute to Gene Roddenberry" ("Gene Roddenberry Building Dedicated to Star Trek's Creator", "Gene's Final Voyage") (interviewed on 14 March 2002)
- TNG Season 7 DVD-special feature, "Starfleet Moments & Memories Year Seven" ("A Unique Family") (interviewed on 7 June 2002)
- DS9 Season 1 DVD-special feature, "Deep Space Nine: A Bold Beginning"/ "Designing Deep Space Nine" (interviewed on 7 June 2002)
- DS9 Season 1 DVD-special feature, "Deep Space Nine Scrapbook Year One"/ "Building the Station" (interviewed on 1 October 1992)
- DS9 Season 3 DVD-special feature, "Sailing Through the Stars: A Special Look at "Explorers""
- TNG Season 1 Blu-ray-special feature, "Stardate Revisited: The Origin of Star Trek: The Next Generation" (2012)
- TNG Season 4 Blu-ray-special feature, "In Conversation: The Star Trek Art Department" (2013)
- TNG Season 5 Blu-ray-special feature, "Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation" (2013)
- ENT Season 1 Blu-ray-special feature, "To Boldly Go: Launching Enterprise" (2012)
- Print publications
- Star Trek: The Official Fan Club Magazine issue 89 (1993)
- "Production Designer: Herman Zimmerman", Bill Warren, The Official Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Magazine issue 3, 1993
- Star Trek Monthly issue 3 (1995)
- "Designing Deep Space 9", Star Trek Monthly issue 8, 1995
- "The Man with the Plan", Larry Nemecek, Star Trek: First Contact - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine, 1996
- "Ship Builder", Ian Spelling, Starlog, issue 235, 1997
- "Paradise Found", Larry Nemecek, Star Trek: Insurrection - Official Movie Souvenir Magazine, 1998
- "Viva Las Vegas! Setting the Scene", Star Trek Monthly issue 41, 1998
- Star Trek Monthly issue 50, 1999
- Star Trek Monthly issue 61, 1999
- "Herman Zimmerman's Production Diary on Star Trek: Insurrection Part 1", Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 1, 1999
- "Herman Zimmerman's Production Diary on Star Trek: Insurrection Part 2", Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2, 1999
- "Designing the Stellar Cartography set for Star Trek: Generations", Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 8, 1999
- "Designing the interiors of the USS Enterprise-D", Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 22, February 2001, pp. 18-22, 24-27
- Star Trek Monthly issue 71, 2001
- Star Trek Monthly issue 93, 2002
- "Designing Space", Star Trek 35th Anniversary Tribute, 2002
- "The Good Sets Guide", Ian Spelling, Star Trek Monthly issue 103, 2003
- Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 10, 2003
- Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 3, Issue 12, 2003
- "An Enterprising Gentleman", Steven Eramo, Starburst Special, issue 64, 2004
- Star Trek documentaries
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Behind the Scenes (1993)
- Journey's End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1994)
- The Science of Star Trek (1995)
- The Making of Star Trek Deep Space Nine Trials And Tribble-ations (1996)
- Star Trek: 45 Years of Designing the Future (2009)
- In Conversation: The Star Trek Art Department (2013)
- William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge (2014)
Further reading
External links
- Herman F. Zimmerman at the Internet Movie Database
- Herman F. Zimmerman at Wikipedia
- Herman Zimmerman at StarTrek.com
- 1997 Herman Zimmerman interview(X) at StarTrek.com
- 2001 Herman Zimmerman interview at BBC.co.uk
- 2014 Herman Zimmerman interview at StarTrek.com
- Herman F. Zimmerman biography at FilmReference.com