It’s the big day! TrekMovie has confirmed that production on JJ Abrams Star Trek sequel began to today. We have also learned some things about the production, including a surprise on where much of the film will be shot. See details below. [UPDATE: Production day one comments from Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof]

(possible minor spoilers).

Star Trek sequel begins production

It has been quite a wait, but today director JJ Abrams has once again called "action!" on a Star Trek movie. Abrams’ last Star Trek film wrapped in March 2008. Like that shoot, the sequel is expected to last for four months, or until May of this year. This new Star Trek film is due in theaters May 17, 2013, giving the team plenty of time for post-production. And as TrekMovie reported previously, some of the effects work for the film has already started at ILM, notably space shots that don’t need any live-action elements.

One change for this production is that shooting will be done on stages at Sony Studios in Culver City in addition to Paramount in Hollywood. While this is the first time a Star Trek production has used non-Paramount stages, these days it is not an uncommon practice for studios to use each other’s lots. One factor for using Sony Studios could be due to space on the Paramount lot. For example, Paramount Stages 8 & 9, which have been used for many Trek productions (including the Enterprise sets for Star Trek 2009), are now being used for the permanent sets for NCIS: Los Angeles. This is also not Sony’s first connection to the new Trek team, as Michael Giacchino recorded the score for the 2009 Star Trek film at Sony.



2013 Star Trek sequel production underway – to utilize stages at both Sony and Paramount

Sources tell TrekMovie that the new Star Trek film has called for more sets than the previous movie. These sets will include sections of the USS Enterprise, not seen in the 2009’s Star Trek. Also following up on our November pre-production report, it appears that Hawaii will not be used for location shooting of "alien jungle" scenes. While JJ Abrams did travel to the state for scouting, a location in southern California was chosen instead.

Stay tuned to TrekMovie.com for all the latest on the Star Trek sequel.



Director JJ Abrams shooting the 2009 "Star Trek" movie

UPDATE: Lindelof marks the occasion with a Tweet

Star Trek sequel co-writer/producer Damon Lindelof marked today’s production start with a special Trek tweet…

UPDATE 2: Orci hints at engineering upgrade

One of the more talked about elements of the 2009 Star Trek movie was the look of the engineering section of the ship, which were shot at a Budweiser plant. Today Star Trek sequel co-writer/producer Roberto Orci jumped into the comment (below), confirming the start of shooting and offering this tantalizing tidbit.

boborci I’ll tell you this. There are some cool improvements to engine room!



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