Author Archives: admin

Episode VII targets early 2014 filming start

Posted on by

star-wars-episode-vii-logo

Collider.com caught up with Bad Robot producer Bryan Burk to discuss some of the production details behind Episode VII. Among the questions: Just when does filming start? Burk says that while things are fluid, they have a window in mind.

“We’re progressing on a schedule to hopefully begin next year, or the beginning of next year, and the location is still kind of floating around in the air all depending on script and a whole bunch of other issues.  As I just said, everything is kind of a free-flowing thing, and when we feel like the story level on this script and everything is really coming together and schedules are all working and pieces line up, we prowl ahead, and Star Wars will be no different.”

That would make sense, especially if summer 2015 is the target to get the new installment into theaters. Whether or not this holds up remains to be seen and like many other aspects of the film, depends on just what the Michael Arndt-written screenplay looks like.

Mark Hamill crashes Return of the Jedi screening, awesomeness ensues

Posted on by

Amidst all of the Jacen Solo Day celebrations, Mark Hamill dropped by the CapeTown Film Festival’s screening of Return of the Jedi to discuss all things Star Wars. Among Hamil’s answers to questions was a response that gave his insight to CGI versus traditional effects:

“That’s what the challenge is, is to try and meet expectations of what you guys want. I think there’s nothing wrong with CGI, but I think you have to have a balance, because the camera perceives the width and the depth and the weight – even if it’s a miniature model, the camera just realizes that. So when you have too much CGI and the clouds are CGI and the trees are CGI and the buildings are CGI, you’re getting to a point where the figure in the shot is like a hybrid of an animated film and live-action. And I want it to have an organic look so that we don’t get into Roger Rabbit territory.” He then added, with a laugh, “But I don’t imagine that the priority is what I want!”

For a more in-depth recap of the interview and other fun from the event, be sure to head over to Club Jade and read over James’ writeup.

Via Club Jade. Video courtesy of Jason Ward.

Abrams expects Williams to score Episode VII

Posted on by

The folks over at CinemaBlend tracked down a Star Trek Into Darkness press conference video where director J.J. Abrams was (naturally) asked a question about the other Star franchise he’s working on. Specifically, whether or not John Williams would be back to score Episode VII. Skip to 8:14 to get right to the question.

The relevant quote:  “For Star Wars it’s very early days … but I believe that … John Williams will be doing that film, because apparently he was there long before I was.”

Remember, though. This isn’t official confirmation and it won’t be until you hear it from Disney or Lucasfilm.

Via TFN

One bonus content ‘Clone Wars’ arc features Plo Koon and the mystery of Syfo-Dias

Posted on by

tcw_s5logo_smOver at USA Today, Dave Filoni discussed some of the remaining Clone Wars bonus content.

One of the arcs stars Jedi Master Plo Koon (voiced by James Arnold Taylor), who finds a lost lightsaber while on a mission on a sandstorm-laden planet with a platoon of clone troopers. It’s the beginning of a mystery, and one that will make the Jedi question their role in the Clone Wars and the universe itself, according to Filoni.

“The Jedi have been fighting a war with an army that was commissioned by one of their own, Jedi Master Syfo-Dias,” he says. “But who was Syfo-Dias, and what happened to him? The dark lord of the Sith has woven an intricate web to ensnare the Jedi, but it is not full-proof and sometimes a small clue, and a bit of chance, can lead to the unraveling of the best-laid plans.”

No word yet on when or where the content will air. If I had to guess, it will be a direct-to-DVD arrangement.

Kathleen Kennedy says Lucasfilm won’t go all Into Darkness on Episode VII

Posted on by

Star Trek fans have been having to deal with J.J. Abrams being tight-lipped for ages in regards to Star Trek Into Darkness. He still hasn’t explicitly said who Benedict Cumberbatch is playing. Can you imagine trying to shroud Episode VII and the Sequel Trilogy in that kind of secrecy for the next two years? Thankfully, it appears Kathleen Kennedy can’t either.

No telling exactly how much information they’ll release or when, but at the very least it seems like they won’t be masking who’s playing what two weeks before the film releases.

Star Wars Books hosting a Facebook chat with Pablo Hidalgo

Posted on by

Clear your Friday afternoon, Lucasfilm brand communication manager, Essential Reader’s Companion author, and superior wit Pablo Hidalgo will be holding a Facebook chat over at the Star Wars Books page on May 3rd at 3PM ET.

Hi folks. Some great news to share! Author and resident Star Wars expert at Lucasfilm Pablo Hildalgo will be stopping by the page next Friday, 5/3 at 3pm EST for a little May the 4th primer chat.

Understand that, as Yoda said, “always in motion is the future,” so he will not be able to go into detail on future projects, including the new movies coming from Lucasfilm.

That being said he is a treasure trove of knowledge on the books and can’t wait to chat with all of you.

We hope you can join us!

Get your questions ready, but do remember that he doesn’t know when Karen Traviss is coming back. Or when Battlefront III is coming out.

Dee Bradley Baker confirmed for Star Wars Weekends

Posted on by

The Clone Wars and Avatar: TLA voice actor Dee Bradley Baker confirmed he’s going to be at the first round of Star Wars Weekends this year.

Also in attendance? Myself and Nanci. If you’re going to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 17 or 18, be sure to flag us down!