Jim Dow was in charge of building the model and creating the molds and structural processes. Paramount Pictures subsidiary Magicam spent 14 months and $150,000 to build the , model. An arc-welded aluminum skeleton ensured parts of the ship would not sag, bend, or shake when moved. While the original "Enterprise" model was seen in only 17 poses, the new model had five articulation points and could be shot from any angle. Paul Olsen painted the distinct "Aztec" scheme to provide an additional level of detail and to suggest the presence of interlocking panels providing hull strength. The effect is made possible by small particles of mica in the paint, which alters its apparent color. However, the light flare created by the paint caused filming issues that made it hard to discern the edge of the ship against a dark background, and bluescreen reflected by the pearlescent paint complicated filming. Additionally, Trumbull and John Dykstra had problems with the Magicam model; Trumbull relit the ship as if it were an ocean liner, "a grand lady of the seas at night". A model was used for long shots.