Cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw says Starfleet Academy aims to feel like a “whole new chapter” of Trek—warmer in the classroom, cooler on missions—so cadets can have a world that’s distinctly theirs even as iconic Starfleet uniforms remain.
“Starfleet Academy” looks like it’s ready for a jump, but its cinematography is designed to start close—so close that the cadets feel like the main characters before they ever touch the edge of legend.
Cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw. speaking as part of IndieWire’s Craft Roundtables. framed the show’s visual approach as a “whole new chapter of ‘Trek’.” The goal. he said. was a “warm incubation” for a younger generation of cadets—especially in a story universe where “Spock and everybody’s up on the wall.”.
That sense of separation from the franchise’s most familiar images shaped more than mood. Maddox-Upshaw wanted the camera language itself to feel different. He described trying to move away from the typical sci-fi look—“anamorphic. clean. cold. long lens. reach on a 300m”—because. in his words. “these are kids. ” and they “need to be learning about camaraderie.”.
The idea wasn’t to abandon Starfleet tradition so much as to reframe it for a new audience. Even with instructors in the classic blue. yellow. and red shirts. Maddox-Upshaw said he was “trying to figure out a different format” and make the lens “way more intimate in terms of the environment.” He pointed to how people needed to “fit in the frames with each other. ” turning composition into a visual cue for togetherness.
The intimacy doesn’t stay locked in place as the show moves forward. Maddox-Upshaw said the palette “went warmer” early on, then shifted once the cadets head into missions. “When they went on the missions. you’ll see that I kind of cool it off and mixed color and tonality. ” he explained. That adjustment becomes the subtle handoff—an on-screen moment where the cadets’ world changes. visually and tonally. as they’re pushed toward the wider mission.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is now streaming on Paramount+.
IndieWire’s TV Craft Roundtables is also streaming on @PBSSoCal and the PBS App, as well as IndieWire.com and the outlet’s social channels.
Starfleet Academy Star Trek Tommy Maddox-Upshaw cinematography Craft Roundtables Paramount+ IndieWire PBS SoCal PBS App
Wait so it’s not “legends” anymore? Kinda sad.
They said “kids” and “camaraderie” but also keep the same uniforms?? Seems like they’re just repainting the same thing and calling it new. I don’t know, the whole “warm incubation” line sounds like marketing fluff to me.
So does the cinematography change based on missions? Like they cool the colors down and suddenly it’s more intense? I read half of this and thought it was gonna be about lore only. Also “Spock’s up on the wall” is kinda funny lol.
Every time I hear “Paramount+ streaming now” I assume it’s gonna look expensive but feel empty. They’re trying to avoid the “cold long lens reach on a 300m” thing like that’s the only way to do sci-fi. Honestly I don’t care what the camera does as long as they don’t disrespect the franchise, but I feel like “warm classroom” means it’s gonna be too cozy and not real Star Trek.