Selling Star Trek
By James Grahame
Star Trek first hit the airwaves on September 8, 1966 -- exactly 45 years ago today. While the original series lasted only 79 episodes, it went on to spawn five spin-off shows and eleven feature films (with another in the works). Here's a peek at the original NBC pilot sell sheet, used to introduce the show to advertisers and affiliates.
The booklet introduces us to the series and the characters who were soon to become household names, along with a few -- like Chief Medical Officer Piper and Communications Officer Alden -- who didn't get the chance to become series regulars.
And then there's poor Yeoman Smith: "A capable secretary and efficient dispenser of instant coffee, she also provides a welcome change of scenery for eyes that have spent long hours scanning the vast reaches of space."
Click for High-Rez scans of the entire Star Trek NBC Pilot Sell Sheet [The Invisible Agent, via DC @ clairtone.ca]
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