JJ Abrams Apologises For Overusing Lens Flare In ‘Star Trek’

JJ Abrams has issued an apology for his overuse of lens flare in both 2009’s Star Trek and its 2013 sequel Star Trek Into Darkness.

During an interview with Crave Online Abrams not only admitted that his use of lens flare is now an issue, but also added that, sometimes, he just can’t help himself.

Abrams commented, “I know I get a lot of grief for that. But I’ll tell you, there are times when I’m working on a shot, I think, ‘Oh this would be really cool… with a lens flare’.”

However, only after showing his wife, Katie McGrath, an early screener of Star Trek Into Darkness did Abrams realise that his lens flare addiction had become a problem.

The director continued, “But I know it’s too much, and I apologize. I’m so aware of it now. I was showing my wife an early cut of Star Trek Into Darkness and there was this one scene where she was literally like, ‘I just can’t see what’s going on. I don’t understand what that is’.”

Rather than being mad at his wife’s criticism though, Abrams admitted that he was calm with his response, confirming that he stated, “I was like, ‘Yeah, I went too nuts on this’.”

Abrams then even took the drastic step of getting in touch with Industrial Light & Magic, the company working on post-production of the sci-fi follow-up, to try and get them to remove some of his lens flare.

He admitted, “This is how stupid it was, I actually had to use ILM to remove lens flare in a couple of shots, which is, I know, moronic.”

The always affable Abrams though confirmed that he is now over his lens flare addiction, stating, “But I think admitting you’re an addict is the first step towards recovery.”

Do you think JJ Abrams‘ use of lens flare could ruin Star Wars Episode VII?

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