Bennett was discussing the possibility of producing a Trek sequel and the head of Paramount's parent company asked him whether he could make it for under 25 million dollars. That's where the line came in, and Bennett was immediately hired as Trek's producer.

Meyer didn't join the production until story ideas were well underway. At that point, recycling of sets and budget cuts were happening all over.

There are a number of Trek producers which I'd love if they decided to stories about their production memories. Ron Moore is one of them. Brannon Braga would be another key figure worth listening. Even some of the directors like David Livingston or Allan Kroeker could provide interesting insights.

But seriously, Meyer is a great guy. Back when they were first talking about making "Star Trek II" it was intended as a TV movie, mostly to amortize all the money they'd blown on the sets for the first movie. When he came aboard, they were just talking about bumping it up to a cinematic film, but with a low budget. "Do you think you could make a movie for ten million dollars?" they asked him. "Where I come from, I could make five movies for that much money."