<P> While on a business trip to Japan, Haim Saban came across a broadcast of Choudenshi Bioman, later learning of a popular French - language dub aired on Canal+ . Based on the franchise's popularity both in and outside of its native country, Saban realized there was potential for an American adaption . He and his business partner Shuki Levy quickly produced a pilot entitled Bio-Man in August 1986, which featured an early appearance by actor and martial artist Mark Dacascos in a leading role . According to Levy, they "shopped it around for at least five years, but nobody wanted it ." Levy and Saban later re-edited the pilot using footage from the then - contemporary Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, entitling the pitch Galaxy Rangers . Eventually, the pilot was picked up by Fox Kids decided to pick it up with a 40 episode order, after which point it would be determined by the network whether or not to renew the series for additional episodes . </P> <P> Due to the action - oriented nature of the show, many of the lead actors cast had background in either martial arts, dance, or other physically - intensive activities . Amy Jo Johnson (Kim) and David Yost (Billy) were former competitive gymnasts, Austin St. John (Jason) held a second - degree black belt in Taekwondo, and a first - degree black belt in Judo . Walter Emanuel Jones (Zack) was a dancer, and Thuy Trang (Trini) was a kung fu practitioner . Actor Jason Narvy (Skull) originally auditioned for the role of Billy . </P> <P> The series was shot on location in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, California . Recurring locations included Grant High School, Placerita Canyon State Park, Puddingstone Reservoir, and Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park . The House of the Book at Brandeis - Bardin Institute was used the exterior location for the Command Center . Due to its unusual, futuristic architecture; the building had previously been used in the films Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and The Lawnmower Man . </P> <P> As part of the initial licensing agreement between Saban and Toei Company, the producers of the Super Sentai, additional footage and insert shots of the villain characters (particularly those played by Machiko Soga, Ami Kawai, and Hideaki Kusaka) were filmed in order to allow more in - depth, extensive scenes of the villains who would be unable to interact with the main cast due to the nature of the show . The additional footage included close - ups of the actor speaking English - language lines phonetically in order to more make the necessary dialogue looping more seamless . </P>

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