 The script was completed in six weeks . The production 's estimated budget of $ 16 million was slightly larger than that of The Wrath of Khan , but still much less than 1979 's Star Trek : The Motion Picture . Since elements such as many sets and uniforms had been established , more money was available for special effects . Assistant producer Ralph Winter described the extra money as a " <unk> " that allowed more leeway and " fun " in planning the scope of the film . 
