One of the most heart-pumping and enthralling action set pieces in The Phantom Menace is the pod racing scene, which sees Anakin Skywalker demonstrate the full scope of his raw talent. The sequence remains one of the better-received aspects of the film, which is why fans might be surprised to learn just how challenging it was to execute.
The pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace is one of the film’s best moments.
John Knoll, the renowned visual effects supervisor who worked on the film, spoke about crafting the pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace. Knoll highlighted how Ilm lacked the necessary technology and tools to execute the scene and had to come up with compelling solutions for the same. Here is what Knoll said about the creation of The Phantom Menace‘s pod racing scene.
John Knoll Talks Challenges of The Phantom Menace‘s Podracing Scene
John...
The pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace is one of the film’s best moments.
John Knoll, the renowned visual effects supervisor who worked on the film, spoke about crafting the pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace. Knoll highlighted how Ilm lacked the necessary technology and tools to execute the scene and had to come up with compelling solutions for the same. Here is what Knoll said about the creation of The Phantom Menace‘s pod racing scene.
John Knoll Talks Challenges of The Phantom Menace‘s Podracing Scene
John...
- 5/15/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Gareth Edwards' 2016 film "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" was the first non-episodic feature from the "Star Wars" canon after Disney notoriously purchased Lucasfilm in 2012. At the time, Disney announced a very ambitious plan for "Star Wars" which involved releasing a new film every Christmas. The odd-numbered years would boast numbered chapters in the central "Star Wars" canon, and the even-numbered years would feature spin-off movies that take place at other points in the vast "Star Wars" timeline. That plan lasted only five years.
The plan likely fell apart through a lack of creativity. "Rogue One" was a direct prequel to the original 1977 "Star Wars," telling the story of how the Rebels secured the blueprints to the Death Star. This wasn't a broad expansion of the "Star Wars" myth as promised, but an inward turn. "Rogue One" was an announcement that "Star Wars" had no interest in straying from its tightly-constrained,...
The plan likely fell apart through a lack of creativity. "Rogue One" was a direct prequel to the original 1977 "Star Wars," telling the story of how the Rebels secured the blueprints to the Death Star. This wasn't a broad expansion of the "Star Wars" myth as promised, but an inward turn. "Rogue One" was an announcement that "Star Wars" had no interest in straying from its tightly-constrained,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
A new "Jurassic World" movie on the way, and it's happening in a hurry. In the span of just a month, we learned that original "Jurassic Park" writer David Koepp has returned to the franchise to pen this mysterious new entry, Universal Pictures is planning to release the film next summer, and they are looking to begin filming in just a few months. Given that we only learned about the movie's existence several weeks ago, it's all pretty surprising. So, who will be shepherding this project through production? None other than Gareth Edwards.
We recently learned that the filmmaker behind franchise films such as 2014's "Godzilla" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will occupy the director's chair. It marks the third time that Edwards will helm an installment in a long-running franchise, which is never an easy task. Yet, both times that he stepped up to the plate, Edwards...
We recently learned that the filmmaker behind franchise films such as 2014's "Godzilla" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will occupy the director's chair. It marks the third time that Edwards will helm an installment in a long-running franchise, which is never an easy task. Yet, both times that he stepped up to the plate, Edwards...
- 2/22/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
One of the biggest complaints that critics of the "Star Wars" prequels have is the idea that George Lucas was simply enabled by so-called "Yes Men." As they would tell it, George Lucas was so powerful and infallible that no one around him thought they could tell him "no" for anything. More than that, these yes men would just do whatever Lucas asked without thought to whether or not it was a good idea. For a long time, it seemed like this was the established wisdom; forget the fact that many people actually love the prequels as they are and aren't concerned about what did or didn't happen behind the scenes during their development.
Was this really an issue? Did it even happen? Well, we here at /Film have taken it upon ourselves to get to the bottom of this pervasive attitude.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
Yes Men?...
Was this really an issue? Did it even happen? Well, we here at /Film have taken it upon ourselves to get to the bottom of this pervasive attitude.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
Yes Men?...
- 1/25/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director of The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Hellboy, has revealed that he was once in talks to direct a Star Wars movie written by David Goyer, the screenwriter of The Dark Knight trilogy, Man of Steel, and Blade1. The project, however, never came to fruition, and del Toro has since moved on to other ventures.
Now there are reports that this collaboration might happen in the near future.
Del Toro’s Star Wars movie was not part of the main saga, but rather a standalone spin-off film that would focus on one of the most iconic and notorious characters in the galaxy: Jabba the Hutt. Del Toro had envisioned a Godfather-like saga that would explore Jabba’s rise to power as a crime lord and his complex relationships with his family, rivals, and allies2.
Del Toro first mentioned his idea for a Jabba...
Now there are reports that this collaboration might happen in the near future.
Del Toro’s Star Wars movie was not part of the main saga, but rather a standalone spin-off film that would focus on one of the most iconic and notorious characters in the galaxy: Jabba the Hutt. Del Toro had envisioned a Godfather-like saga that would explore Jabba’s rise to power as a crime lord and his complex relationships with his family, rivals, and allies2.
Del Toro first mentioned his idea for a Jabba...
- 9/21/2023
- by CineArticles Editorial Team
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
In “I’m a Virgo,” Jharrel Jerome plays a 13-foot-tall teenager in Oakland named Cootie raised by his aunt and uncle (Carmen Ejogo and Mike Epps) in secret. Over the course of the show’s first season, Cootie comes out of hiding, makes friends, and contends with media obsession over his height. Like Riley’s first feature “Sorry to Bother You,” the series develops its own internal logic as it transforms into a scathing indictment of capitalism from some very unexpected directions.
None of that would hold up without its central conceit, which proved challenging, given that Jerome is actually five feet and eight inches. Riley made the show with Amazon on a relatively modest $53 million budget (around the same time that its first season of “Lord of the Rings” cost a reported $1 billion). However, the minimal effects budget wasn’t the only reason he turned to puppets and forced perspective...
None of that would hold up without its central conceit, which proved challenging, given that Jerome is actually five feet and eight inches. Riley made the show with Amazon on a relatively modest $53 million budget (around the same time that its first season of “Lord of the Rings” cost a reported $1 billion). However, the minimal effects budget wasn’t the only reason he turned to puppets and forced perspective...
- 6/29/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
The deeply complex lore of "Star Wars" continues to expand with the live-action television series "The Mandalorian," and the upcoming shows "Star Wars: Ahsoka," "Skeleton Crew," and "Star Wars: Acolyte," which will take place in the final dark days of the High Republic Era. The animated world of "Star Wars" is also continuing to fill in gaps and expand the universe with "The Bad Batch," "Visions," and "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" that's set to premiere on Star Wars Day, May the 4th. Novels exploring the High Republic are set to tie in with "Star Wars: Acolyte" and three new "Star Wars" video games have been announced, including "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," the sequel to "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" that will continue the adventures of Cal Kestis.
When Disney took over Lucasfilm, "Star Wars" canon split into Star Wars Legends (the new name for the Expanded Universe) and the Disney output became the new,...
When Disney took over Lucasfilm, "Star Wars" canon split into Star Wars Legends (the new name for the Expanded Universe) and the Disney output became the new,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Up until its climax, Brian De Palma's 1996 film "Mission: Impossible," based on the hit TV series, was a largely quiet, steely affair. While the main character, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) was a man of action, much of "Impossible" was devoted more to heists and stealth than fistfights and explosions. At the film's conclusion, however, Ethan Hunt found himself needing to infiltrate a train that was currently scheduled to zip its way through the Chunnel. The usual set of action movie circumstances forced Ethan to bodily cling to the exterior of the train as it plunged underground. And, just to ensure that the mayhem remains at a high level, a high-speed helicopter flew into the Chunnel behind him. This made for a scene where Ethan Hunt is nearly decapitated by an approaching helicopter blade, as well as a fiery explosion when Ethan mashes explosive chewing gum directly onto the helicopter's windshield.
- 1/30/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Computer graphics and virtual production innovator Paul E. Debevec — director of research, creative algorithms and technology at Netflix and an adjunct research professor at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies — received a standing ovation as he accepted the Charles F. Jenkins Lifetime Achievement Award during the Television Academy’s upbeat 74th Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards.
During the dinner and ceremony at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening, 105-year-old camera maker Arri received the Philo T. Farnsworth Corporate Achievement Award and seven innovations were recognized with Engineering Emmys.
“We’re not only the oldest company here, [but] I think we’re the oldest guys,” quipped Matthias Erb, chairman of Arri’s executive board, who accepted the award on behalf of the camera company. He added, “We want to support the filmmakers, we want to support the industry. This award is motivation for us to continue [to innovate].” Additional honorees,...
Computer graphics and virtual production innovator Paul E. Debevec — director of research, creative algorithms and technology at Netflix and an adjunct research professor at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies — received a standing ovation as he accepted the Charles F. Jenkins Lifetime Achievement Award during the Television Academy’s upbeat 74th Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards.
During the dinner and ceremony at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening, 105-year-old camera maker Arri received the Philo T. Farnsworth Corporate Achievement Award and seven innovations were recognized with Engineering Emmys.
“We’re not only the oldest company here, [but] I think we’re the oldest guys,” quipped Matthias Erb, chairman of Arri’s executive board, who accepted the award on behalf of the camera company. He added, “We want to support the filmmakers, we want to support the industry. This award is motivation for us to continue [to innovate].” Additional honorees,...
- 9/29/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the harsh light of day, Captain Barbossa's crew in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" looks like any other bunch of sailors. Under the moonlight, though, the cursed pirates become otherworldly beings, shifting into skeletal buccaneers. What's fascinating about watching these bony lads is that they're still recognizable as individuals. You can see the structure of their faces, dreadlocks hanging down from decaying skulls, and distinct beards covering their ossified jaws. That look came courtesy of the film's award-winning special effects team, visual effects supervisor John Knoll and VFX art director Aaron McBride, who wanted the...
The post How Pirates of the Caribbean's Meaty Special Effects Brought Its Skeleton Crew to Life appeared first on /Film.
The post How Pirates of the Caribbean's Meaty Special Effects Brought Its Skeleton Crew to Life appeared first on /Film.
- 8/7/2022
- by Leigh Giangreco
- Slash Film
Acclaimed writer/director David Lowery joins Josh and Joe to discuss the films that inspired The Green Knight.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Green Knight (2021)
Peter Pan & Wendy (2022)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Old Man And The Gun (2018)
A Ghost Story (2017)
Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Pete’s Dragon (2016) – Glenn Erickson’s review
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints (2013)
Ghost Story (1974)
Sword of the Valiant (1984)
Gawain and the Green Knight (1973)
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (2014)
Masters of the Universe (1987) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Andrei Rublev (1966) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Dennis Cozzalio’s Muriel Awards blurb
War And Peace (1966) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Heaven’s Gate (1980)
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928) – Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Devils (1971)
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Conjuring (2013)
Jubilee (1978)
Benedetta (2021)
Dune (1984)
Dune (2021)
Hard To Be A God (2013)
Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013)
Moby Dick (1956) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Green Knight (2021)
Peter Pan & Wendy (2022)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Old Man And The Gun (2018)
A Ghost Story (2017)
Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Pete’s Dragon (2016) – Glenn Erickson’s review
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints (2013)
Ghost Story (1974)
Sword of the Valiant (1984)
Gawain and the Green Knight (1973)
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (2014)
Masters of the Universe (1987) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Andrei Rublev (1966) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Dennis Cozzalio’s Muriel Awards blurb
War And Peace (1966) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Heaven’s Gate (1980)
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928) – Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Devils (1971)
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Conjuring (2013)
Jubilee (1978)
Benedetta (2021)
Dune (1984)
Dune (2021)
Hard To Be A God (2013)
Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013)
Moby Dick (1956) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian” returned for Season 2 on Disney+, boasting new and improved virtual production innovations, while introducing creatures such as the menacing Krayt Dragon and ice spiders. The tech highlight, though, was the launch of StageCraft 2.0, the virtual production game changer from Industrial Light & Magic. Offering a new in-house render engine called Helios, the immersive LED wall digital backlot at Manhattan Beach Studios in L.A. generated cooler-looking digital environments in real-time, and continued the illusion of being on location with interactive lighting and perspective-accurate camera tracking.
“Helios gave us higher resolution and more image fidelity,” said Ilm VFX supervisor Richard Bluff. “The assets that were going into the environments could not only be rendered in real-time on the wall, but could also be easily rendered in any one of our render engines that we use in post-production. This allowed a lot of flexibility on the back end.
“Helios gave us higher resolution and more image fidelity,” said Ilm VFX supervisor Richard Bluff. “The assets that were going into the environments could not only be rendered in real-time on the wall, but could also be easily rendered in any one of our render engines that we use in post-production. This allowed a lot of flexibility on the back end.
- 6/11/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
George Lucas made a number of mistakes with the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, but the CGI remained impeccable throughout. Or at least, that’s what we thought.
The Republic era, which came after the Original Trilogy, was basically Lucas trying to push Star Wars to its breaking point. Even the man himself once admitted that he “may have gone too far in a few places” after watching a finished cut of The Phantom Menace. But for all the things that we could list as the films’ shortcomings, there are also several redeeming qualities about the story of Anakin Skywalker from his childhood to his fall to the dark side at the end of Revenge of the Sith. If nothing else, Lucas once again revolutionized the industry through his ambition for computer-generated effects and created many unforgettable and iconic sequences in cinema.
Apparently, though, the CGI in these movies, albeit at times excessive,...
The Republic era, which came after the Original Trilogy, was basically Lucas trying to push Star Wars to its breaking point. Even the man himself once admitted that he “may have gone too far in a few places” after watching a finished cut of The Phantom Menace. But for all the things that we could list as the films’ shortcomings, there are also several redeeming qualities about the story of Anakin Skywalker from his childhood to his fall to the dark side at the end of Revenge of the Sith. If nothing else, Lucas once again revolutionized the industry through his ambition for computer-generated effects and created many unforgettable and iconic sequences in cinema.
Apparently, though, the CGI in these movies, albeit at times excessive,...
- 6/29/2020
- by Jonathan Wright
- We Got This Covered
We’ve got two new pieces of poster art and a photo to share with you today for Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian. The first poster features The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal), former Imperial Stormtrooper Cara Dune (Gina Carano), the droid Ig-11 (Taika Waititi), and an Ugnaught riding on a Dewback. Judging by the twin suns, this is meant to be set on the planet of Tatooine. The second poster just includes a badass shot to The Mandalorian.
Below the posters, you’ll find a photo from inside of the cockpit of The Mandalorian’s ship, which is called the Razor Crest. I also included some information on that ship.
Below you find the image of The Razor Crest:
Star Wars fans will be happy to learn that the Razor Crest was built as a practical model, and is not CGI, just like the ships in the original trilogy. According to StarWars.
Below the posters, you’ll find a photo from inside of the cockpit of The Mandalorian’s ship, which is called the Razor Crest. I also included some information on that ship.
Below you find the image of The Razor Crest:
Star Wars fans will be happy to learn that the Razor Crest was built as a practical model, and is not CGI, just like the ships in the original trilogy. According to StarWars.
- 9/29/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Pictured (left to right): Kiri Hart, Richard Edlund, John Dykstra, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren and John Knoll.
On Thursday evening The Academy’s Science and Technology Council presented “Galactic Innovations: Star Wars and Rogue One” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Oscar-winning, Oscar-nominated and Scientific and Technical Award-honored panelists included Ben Burtt ,John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Harrison Ellenshaw, Bill George, John Knoll, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren, Bruce Nicholson and Rachel Rose. The evening was hosted by “Rogue One” co-producer Kiri Hart.
These VFX pioneers shared the journey of creating the impossible with their breakthrough visual effects. They also shared rare images that compared the technology and visual results from both films.
Pictured (left to right): Rachel Rose, Bill George, John Knoll, Bruce Nicholson, Harrison Ellenshaw, Richard Edlund, Stormtroopers, John Bailey, Marcia Lucas, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Ben Burtt and Kiri Hart.
Check out some of the...
On Thursday evening The Academy’s Science and Technology Council presented “Galactic Innovations: Star Wars and Rogue One” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Oscar-winning, Oscar-nominated and Scientific and Technical Award-honored panelists included Ben Burtt ,John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Harrison Ellenshaw, Bill George, John Knoll, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren, Bruce Nicholson and Rachel Rose. The evening was hosted by “Rogue One” co-producer Kiri Hart.
These VFX pioneers shared the journey of creating the impossible with their breakthrough visual effects. They also shared rare images that compared the technology and visual results from both films.
Pictured (left to right): Rachel Rose, Bill George, John Knoll, Bruce Nicholson, Harrison Ellenshaw, Richard Edlund, Stormtroopers, John Bailey, Marcia Lucas, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Ben Burtt and Kiri Hart.
Check out some of the...
- 6/28/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The “Star Wars” franchise has always been about balancing the past with the future, bolstered by the cutting edge tech at Industrial Light & Magic under the leadership of George Lucas and beyond. To celebrate 40 years of “Star Wars” VFX wizardry, and in anticipation of J.J. Abrams’ climactic Episode 9, “The Rise of Skywalker” (December 20), and the launch of Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian” series on Disney+ (November 12), franchise luminaries gathered Thursday night at the Academy to discuss the analog to digital transformation.
The presenters assembled for “Galactic Innovations: ‘Stars Wars’ and ‘Rogue One'” included VFX supervisors John Dykstra, visual effects director/cameraperson Richard Edlund, Ilm chief creative officer John Knoll, former Ilm creative director Dennis Muren, sound designer/mixer Ben Burtt, matte artist Harrison Ellenshaw, editor Marcia Lucas, compositor Bruce Nicholson, and R&d supervisor Rachel Rose.
“Galactic Innovations” kicked off with the “Star Wars” breakthroughs at Ilm’s initial warehouse facility in Van Nuys.
The presenters assembled for “Galactic Innovations: ‘Stars Wars’ and ‘Rogue One'” included VFX supervisors John Dykstra, visual effects director/cameraperson Richard Edlund, Ilm chief creative officer John Knoll, former Ilm creative director Dennis Muren, sound designer/mixer Ben Burtt, matte artist Harrison Ellenshaw, editor Marcia Lucas, compositor Bruce Nicholson, and R&d supervisor Rachel Rose.
“Galactic Innovations” kicked off with the “Star Wars” breakthroughs at Ilm’s initial warehouse facility in Van Nuys.
- 6/28/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Donald Glover was blown away. “This is the coolest thing I have ever done,” he could be heard muttering into a hot mic after he had put the Millennium Falcon into hyperdrive for the first time on the set of “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
What impressed Glover so much was that the scene wasn’t filmed in front of a green screen, as is typically the case with movies that rely heavily on visual effects. Instead, Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic unit had built an elaborate setup of five 4K laser projectors around the Falcon’s cockpit, which displayed the iconic hyperdrive animation in real time. The setup not only allowed Glover and his fellow actors to perform in less of a vacuum, but the projectors were also used as the sole source of lighting — resulting in stunning reflections of the flashing blue lights in the actors’ eyes.
The...
What impressed Glover so much was that the scene wasn’t filmed in front of a green screen, as is typically the case with movies that rely heavily on visual effects. Instead, Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic unit had built an elaborate setup of five 4K laser projectors around the Falcon’s cockpit, which displayed the iconic hyperdrive animation in real time. The setup not only allowed Glover and his fellow actors to perform in less of a vacuum, but the projectors were also used as the sole source of lighting — resulting in stunning reflections of the flashing blue lights in the actors’ eyes.
The...
- 5/15/2019
- by Janko Roettgers
- Variety Film + TV
George Lucas‘ favorite Star Wars character remains one of the most controversial.
The 74-year-old director surprised fans by naming Jar Jar Binks as his favorite Star Wars character of all time in a pre-taped video message that was shown on Monday at the Star Wars Celebration event in Chicago ahead of the 20th anniversary for Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.
“Thank you for coming to the Celebration. [The Phantom Menace] is one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character,” Lucas said in the video via IndieWire.
He also thanked actor Ahmed Best for portraying the...
The 74-year-old director surprised fans by naming Jar Jar Binks as his favorite Star Wars character of all time in a pre-taped video message that was shown on Monday at the Star Wars Celebration event in Chicago ahead of the 20th anniversary for Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.
“Thank you for coming to the Celebration. [The Phantom Menace] is one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character,” Lucas said in the video via IndieWire.
He also thanked actor Ahmed Best for portraying the...
- 4/16/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Jar Jar Binks is widely considered one of the weakest characters in the entire “Star Wars” franchise, but George Lucas doesn’t seem to care. In a pre-taped video message that aired during Star Wars Celebration ahead of the 20th anniversary panel for “The Phantom Menace,” Lucas once again surprised fans by naming the polarizing Jar Jar as his favorite “Star Wars” character of all time. A source of comic relief in “The Phantom Menace,” Jar Jar was inspired by Disney’s Goofy and made history as the first fully CGI character in a live-action movie.
“Thank you for coming to the Celebration,” Lucas said his introduction video. “[‘The Phantom Menace’] is one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character. Ahmed [Best], you did a fantastic job. It was very, very hard.”
Lucas continued. “Also for John Knoll and all the guys at Ilm, I made it impossible for them.
“Thank you for coming to the Celebration,” Lucas said his introduction video. “[‘The Phantom Menace’] is one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character. Ahmed [Best], you did a fantastic job. It was very, very hard.”
Lucas continued. “Also for John Knoll and all the guys at Ilm, I made it impossible for them.
- 4/16/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
While George Lucas didn't appear in person at Star Wars Celebration this past weekend, there was a video that was shared during the 20th anniversary panel for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace that did feature Lucas.
In that video, Lucas thanked the fans for coming and also talked a little bit about the film and its legacy. One thing he revealed was that The Phantom Menace is one of his favorite Star Wars films and that Jar Jar Binks is his favorite character.
Here’s his quote:
"Thank you for coming to the Celebration. [The Phantom Menace] one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character. Ahmed [Best], you did a fantastic job. It was very very hard. Also for John Knoll and all the guys at Ilm, I made it impossible for them. We broke a lot of ground. We were using test equipment but it was the beginning of digital,...
In that video, Lucas thanked the fans for coming and also talked a little bit about the film and its legacy. One thing he revealed was that The Phantom Menace is one of his favorite Star Wars films and that Jar Jar Binks is his favorite character.
Here’s his quote:
"Thank you for coming to the Celebration. [The Phantom Menace] one of my favorite movies and of course Jar Jar is my favorite character. Ahmed [Best], you did a fantastic job. It was very very hard. Also for John Knoll and all the guys at Ilm, I made it impossible for them. We broke a lot of ground. We were using test equipment but it was the beginning of digital,...
- 4/16/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
On Feb. 9, two weeks and a day before the Oscars, the Motion Picture Academy held its annual Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards — sometimes referred to as the nerd Academy Awards — honoring achievements in motion picture technology.
The ceremony included no surprise winners — Sci-Tech kudos are announced in advance, and the achievements need not have been introduced in 2018. Two of this year’s honorees were chosen because their accomplishments democratized the field of visual effects.
Before the mid-’90s, most VFX tools were too expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming to be used by anyone other than artists working on big-budget films. But then two groups of engineers began to develop the kind of nimble software that nearly anyone could learn to use. With the introduction of After Effects and Photoshop, now both owned by Adobe, anyone willing to spend a few thousand dollars on a speedy desktop machine can work with image...
The ceremony included no surprise winners — Sci-Tech kudos are announced in advance, and the achievements need not have been introduced in 2018. Two of this year’s honorees were chosen because their accomplishments democratized the field of visual effects.
Before the mid-’90s, most VFX tools were too expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming to be used by anyone other than artists working on big-budget films. But then two groups of engineers began to develop the kind of nimble software that nearly anyone could learn to use. With the introduction of After Effects and Photoshop, now both owned by Adobe, anyone willing to spend a few thousand dollars on a speedy desktop machine can work with image...
- 2/15/2019
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced nine scientific and technical achievements, represented by 27 individual recipients, to be honored at the annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation Feb. 9 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
In addition, Curtis Clark will be receiving the John A. Bonner Award for his service to the motion picture industry.
Achievements that receive Scientific and Technical Awards do not need to have been introduced in 2018. They need only to demonstrate a record of significant value contributed to the process of movie making.
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. “This year, the committee is recognizing nine technologies from around the world. These extraordinary contributions to the science...
In addition, Curtis Clark will be receiving the John A. Bonner Award for his service to the motion picture industry.
Achievements that receive Scientific and Technical Awards do not need to have been introduced in 2018. They need only to demonstrate a record of significant value contributed to the process of movie making.
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. “This year, the committee is recognizing nine technologies from around the world. These extraordinary contributions to the science...
- 12/13/2018
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced nine scientific and technical achievements represented by 27 individual award recipients to be honored at its annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 9 at the Beverly Wilshire.
AMPAS also said that cinematographer Curtis Clark will receive the John A. Bonner Award for his extraordinary service to the motion picture industry.
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. “This year, the committee is recognizing nine technologies from around the world. These extraordinary contributions to the science of filmmaking have elevated our art form to incredible new heights.”
Here are the Academy Awards for scientific and technical achievements:
Technical Achievement Awards (Academy Certificates)
To Eric Dachs, Erik Bielefeldt, Craig Wood...
AMPAS also said that cinematographer Curtis Clark will receive the John A. Bonner Award for his extraordinary service to the motion picture industry.
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. “This year, the committee is recognizing nine technologies from around the world. These extraordinary contributions to the science of filmmaking have elevated our art form to incredible new heights.”
Here are the Academy Awards for scientific and technical achievements:
Technical Achievement Awards (Academy Certificates)
To Eric Dachs, Erik Bielefeldt, Craig Wood...
- 12/12/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinematographer Curtis Clark to receive John A. Bonner Award.
The Academy announced on Wednesday (12) the nine scientific and technical achievements that will be honoured at the annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 9, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills.
In addition, cinematographer Curtis Clark will receive the John A. Bonner Award (a medallion) for his “extraordinary service to the motion picture industry.”
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the scientific and technical awards committee.
The Academy announced on Wednesday (12) the nine scientific and technical achievements that will be honoured at the annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 9, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills.
In addition, cinematographer Curtis Clark will receive the John A. Bonner Award (a medallion) for his “extraordinary service to the motion picture industry.”
“Each year, the Academy forms a diverse committee made up of nearly 60 experts on the technology of filmmaking tasked with examining the tools that artists use to create films,” said Doug Roble, chair of the scientific and technical awards committee.
- 12/12/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
It’s been almost 10 years to the day since Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni launched Star Wars: The Clone Wars into select theaters worldwide, and now, the writer-director is teasing the possibility of more animated feature films set within the Star Wars universe.
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
- 8/13/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Updated, 4:15 Pm: Oscarcast producer Jennifer Todd has won the Producers Branch runoff election for 2018-19 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. She beat Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum for the seat. She begins her three-year term on July 1, serving alongside Producers Branch incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson.
It was the fourth time in Academy history, following the 2009 ties in the Directors Branch, the Writers Branch in 2015 and the Film Editors Branch the following year.
Previously, June 14: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced its newly elected 2018–19 Board of Governors, including four first-timers, 10 incumbents and two returnees. There also will be a runoff between Jason Blum and Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch.
The rookies are Alfred Molina, Actors Branch; Tom Duffield, Designers Branch; Susanne Bier, Directors Branch; Bonnie Arnold, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. Molina, who replaces Tom Hanks,...
It was the fourth time in Academy history, following the 2009 ties in the Directors Branch, the Writers Branch in 2015 and the Film Editors Branch the following year.
Previously, June 14: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced its newly elected 2018–19 Board of Governors, including four first-timers, 10 incumbents and two returnees. There also will be a runoff between Jason Blum and Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch.
The rookies are Alfred Molina, Actors Branch; Tom Duffield, Designers Branch; Susanne Bier, Directors Branch; Bonnie Arnold, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. Molina, who replaces Tom Hanks,...
- 6/20/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jason Blum in run-off election.
June 20 Update: Memento producer Jennifer Todd has prevailed in the run-off election against Jason Blum and has joined the Academy board after a vote by the producers branch initially resulted in a tie.
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the branch and will assume her post on July 1.
June 14 Report: Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The...
June 20 Update: Memento producer Jennifer Todd has prevailed in the run-off election against Jason Blum and has joined the Academy board after a vote by the producers branch initially resulted in a tie.
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the branch and will assume her post on July 1.
June 14 Report: Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The...
- 6/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
On Thursday (June 14), the motion picture academy announced the results of its annual Board of Governors election. Alfred Molina prevailed in a hotly contested contest to be one of the three representatives from the actors branch while Susanne Bier won her bid to be a voice for the directors branch.
Each of the 17 branches of the academy is represented by three governors who serve three-year terms. Those terms are staggered such that one governor from each branch is up for re-election each year. And no governor may serve for more than nine uninterrupted years.
See Alfred Molina (‘Feud: Bette and Joan’) chats playing ‘the heart of the story’ in battle between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford [Exclusive Video]
Ten incumbents were voted back in by branch members while Molina and Bier number among the four newcomers to the board. And two more return after a break from service.
In all, women won...
Each of the 17 branches of the academy is represented by three governors who serve three-year terms. Those terms are staggered such that one governor from each branch is up for re-election each year. And no governor may serve for more than nine uninterrupted years.
See Alfred Molina (‘Feud: Bette and Joan’) chats playing ‘the heart of the story’ in battle between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford [Exclusive Video]
Ten incumbents were voted back in by branch members while Molina and Bier number among the four newcomers to the board. And two more return after a break from service.
In all, women won...
- 6/14/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Actor Alfred Molina, director Susanne Bier and animation producer/executive Bonnie Arnold have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors for the first time, the Academy announced on Thursday.
They will be joined on the board by another first-time member, designer Tom Duffield, and by 10 incumbent governors who were re-elected and another two who are returning to the board after a hiatus.
The re-elected incumbents are Bernard Telsey, Casting Directors Branch; Daryn Okada, Cinematographers Branch; Rory Kennedy, Documentary Branch; Jim Gianopulos, Executives Branch; Carol Littleton, Film Editors Branch; Lois Burwell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Michael Giacchino, Music Branch; Scott Millan, Sound Branch; John Knoll, Visual Effects Branch; and Billy Ray, Writers Branch.
Also Read: Film Academy Expels Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby
Former Academy president Sid Ganis is returning to represent the Public Relations Branch after a hiatus, as is Jeffrey Kurland in the Costume Designers Branch.
They will be joined on the board by another first-time member, designer Tom Duffield, and by 10 incumbent governors who were re-elected and another two who are returning to the board after a hiatus.
The re-elected incumbents are Bernard Telsey, Casting Directors Branch; Daryn Okada, Cinematographers Branch; Rory Kennedy, Documentary Branch; Jim Gianopulos, Executives Branch; Carol Littleton, Film Editors Branch; Lois Burwell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Michael Giacchino, Music Branch; Scott Millan, Sound Branch; John Knoll, Visual Effects Branch; and Billy Ray, Writers Branch.
Also Read: Film Academy Expels Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby
Former Academy president Sid Ganis is returning to represent the Public Relations Branch after a hiatus, as is Jeffrey Kurland in the Costume Designers Branch.
- 6/14/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday its newly elected individuals to its Board of Governors for 2018-2019.
Those elected to the board for the first time are:
Alfred Molina (Actors Branch)
Tom Duffield (Designers Branch)
Susanne Bier (Directors Branch)
Bonnie Arnold (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch)
Incumbent governors reelected include:
Bernard Telsey (Casting Directors Branch)
Daryn Okada (Cinematographers Branch)
Rory Kennedy (Documentary Branch)
Jim Gianopulos (Executives Branch)
Carol Littleton (Film Editors Branch)
Lois Burwell (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch)
Michael Giacchino (Music Branch)
Scott Millan (Sound Branch)
John Knoll (Visual Effects Branch)
Billy Ray (Writers Branch)
Returning after hiatus are:
Jeffrey Kurland (Costume Designers Branch)
Sid Ganis (Public Relations Branch)
A tie in the balloting between horror maestro Jason Blum and Oscars producer Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch will necessitate a run-off election. Voting will begin Monday, June 18 and end Tuesday, June 19. The...
Those elected to the board for the first time are:
Alfred Molina (Actors Branch)
Tom Duffield (Designers Branch)
Susanne Bier (Directors Branch)
Bonnie Arnold (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch)
Incumbent governors reelected include:
Bernard Telsey (Casting Directors Branch)
Daryn Okada (Cinematographers Branch)
Rory Kennedy (Documentary Branch)
Jim Gianopulos (Executives Branch)
Carol Littleton (Film Editors Branch)
Lois Burwell (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch)
Michael Giacchino (Music Branch)
Scott Millan (Sound Branch)
John Knoll (Visual Effects Branch)
Billy Ray (Writers Branch)
Returning after hiatus are:
Jeffrey Kurland (Costume Designers Branch)
Sid Ganis (Public Relations Branch)
A tie in the balloting between horror maestro Jason Blum and Oscars producer Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch will necessitate a run-off election. Voting will begin Monday, June 18 and end Tuesday, June 19. The...
- 6/14/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Jason Blum in run-off election.
Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The new arrivals assume their posts on July 1.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board are: Bernard Telsey, Daryn Okada, Rory Kennedy, Jim Gianopulos, Carol Littleton, Lois Burwell, Michael Giacchino, Scott Millan, John Knoll, and Billy Ray. Jeffrey Kurland and Sid Ganis return to the board after a hiatus.
The balloting in the Academy’s producers...
Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The new arrivals assume their posts on July 1.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board are: Bernard Telsey, Daryn Okada, Rory Kennedy, Jim Gianopulos, Carol Littleton, Lois Burwell, Michael Giacchino, Scott Millan, John Knoll, and Billy Ray. Jeffrey Kurland and Sid Ganis return to the board after a hiatus.
The balloting in the Academy’s producers...
- 6/14/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
When Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” opened in April 1968, few in the audience understood it, though most would never admit it. All they knew was they had just seen something like they had never seen before.
The Cannes Film Festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “2001: A Space Odyssey” with the world premiere of an unrestored 70mm print, introduced by Christopher Nolan, May 12.
Filmmaker James Cameron was no different. At age 14, he took the film in at the Castle Theatre in Toronto — where, as in many cities, it played continuously for two years. “The word used to describe it was ‘mindblowing,’” he recalls. “It was like no cinematic journey like I’d ever seen before.”
Kubrick’s space epic hurled science fiction films far beyond the edges of the galaxy that they had inhabited up to that time. It brought a massive shift in sci-fi storytelling, as...
The Cannes Film Festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “2001: A Space Odyssey” with the world premiere of an unrestored 70mm print, introduced by Christopher Nolan, May 12.
Filmmaker James Cameron was no different. At age 14, he took the film in at the Castle Theatre in Toronto — where, as in many cities, it played continuously for two years. “The word used to describe it was ‘mindblowing,’” he recalls. “It was like no cinematic journey like I’d ever seen before.”
Kubrick’s space epic hurled science fiction films far beyond the edges of the galaxy that they had inhabited up to that time. It brought a massive shift in sci-fi storytelling, as...
- 5/11/2018
- by Matt Hurwitz
- Variety Film + TV
Come Monday, film producer and executive Bill Mechanic’s sizzling letter of resignation from the governing board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—which he has since said was not intended for public consumption—will set the agenda for what might be the most interesting Academy board election since, well, ever.
Though he effectively stepped down as one of the Academy’s 54 current governors on April 9, Mechanic’s letter of explanation to president John Bailey leaked publicly only this week. In it, he described a list of perceived problems and leadership failures that have been discussed endlessly within the Academy, but almost never in open conversation. It’s all there: The Oscar ratings collapse; the never-ending museum expense; staff churn; deep concern at the attempts to enforce a moral policy; fear that inclusion now trumps achievement; suspicion that some internal player leaked word of a harassment claim...
Though he effectively stepped down as one of the Academy’s 54 current governors on April 9, Mechanic’s letter of explanation to president John Bailey leaked publicly only this week. In it, he described a list of perceived problems and leadership failures that have been discussed endlessly within the Academy, but almost never in open conversation. It’s all there: The Oscar ratings collapse; the never-ending museum expense; staff churn; deep concern at the attempts to enforce a moral policy; fear that inclusion now trumps achievement; suspicion that some internal player leaked word of a harassment claim...
- 4/21/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Sandwiched between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope on the Lucasfilm timeline, Rogue One was designed to be the first in a series of Star Wars anthology movies – movies that will, in time, gently expand this most beloved franchise in new and exciting directions.
Solo: A Star Wars Story will hope to achieve the same level of box office stardom on May 25th, 2018, but upon further analysis, it turns out Rogue One shares some connective tissue to the just-released Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Originally dreamed up by Ilm (Industrial Light and Magic) supervisor John Knoll, who mined inspiration from the opening crawl to A New Hope, it’s been revealed that Rogue One actually name-drops hyperspace tracking, a game-changing piece of tech that plays into The Last Jedi‘s prolonged chase sequence.
For years – nay, generations – launching into hyperspeed has been the silver bullet of the Rebel Alliance,...
Solo: A Star Wars Story will hope to achieve the same level of box office stardom on May 25th, 2018, but upon further analysis, it turns out Rogue One shares some connective tissue to the just-released Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Originally dreamed up by Ilm (Industrial Light and Magic) supervisor John Knoll, who mined inspiration from the opening crawl to A New Hope, it’s been revealed that Rogue One actually name-drops hyperspace tracking, a game-changing piece of tech that plays into The Last Jedi‘s prolonged chase sequence.
For years – nay, generations – launching into hyperspeed has been the silver bullet of the Rebel Alliance,...
- 12/18/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
The Visual Effects Society on Friday announced its inaugural inductees to the Ves Hall of Fame. Syd Mead, Douglas Trumbull, Ed Catmull and 19 others will be inducted on Oct. 28 during the 9th annual Ves Summit, which this year also marks the society’s 20th anniversary.
As Blade Runner 2049 opens in theaters, the Ves honors include several alums from the original 1982 film Blade Runner, such as concept artist Mead, VFX supervisor Trumbull and the late matte painter Matthew Yuricich.
The Ves also will induct Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Oscar-winning VFX supervisors John Knoll and Dennis Muren.
Early VFX and...
As Blade Runner 2049 opens in theaters, the Ves honors include several alums from the original 1982 film Blade Runner, such as concept artist Mead, VFX supervisor Trumbull and the late matte painter Matthew Yuricich.
The Ves also will induct Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Oscar-winning VFX supervisors John Knoll and Dennis Muren.
Early VFX and...
- 10/6/2017
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A celebration of all things that go bump in the night (and the people who fight those bumps in the night) in the genre world, the 43rd Annual Saturn Awards took place last night in Burbank, and both sides of the "march to war" in The Walking Dead were well-represented.
In addition to winning Best Horror TV Series, The Walking Dead was rewarded with Best Actor on Television (Andrew Lincoln) and Best Guest Star on Television (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Read on for the full list of winners, which also include Millie Bobby Brown, Riverdale, Westworld, and many more:
Press Release: Burbank, Calif. – June 28, 2016 – The 43rd Annual Saturn Awards celebrated the best and the brightest in genre entertainment tonight, with Lucasfilm/Disney’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story capturing three statuettes in the Film Category, tying with Paramount’s science fiction thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane. One of the entertainment industry’s most highly-anticipated evenings,...
In addition to winning Best Horror TV Series, The Walking Dead was rewarded with Best Actor on Television (Andrew Lincoln) and Best Guest Star on Television (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Read on for the full list of winners, which also include Millie Bobby Brown, Riverdale, Westworld, and many more:
Press Release: Burbank, Calif. – June 28, 2016 – The 43rd Annual Saturn Awards celebrated the best and the brightest in genre entertainment tonight, with Lucasfilm/Disney’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story capturing three statuettes in the Film Category, tying with Paramount’s science fiction thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane. One of the entertainment industry’s most highly-anticipated evenings,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Oh, the irony: As TV creators seek inventive ways to adapt the visual language of cinema, Hollywood’s big-budget, big-screen movies are increasingly becoming more like television.
With serialized TV shows, control needs to be in the hands of writers and showrunners. That’s because the story is still unfolding and the production is built from episode to episode. The director can’t be the principal storyteller, which makes it challenging to put a premium on visual storytelling.
Read More: The ‘Mr. Robot’ Experiment: Can a TV Show Be Shot Like an Indie Film?
Those who run the Marvel Cinematic Universe might sympathize. When it launched in 2008, their choices of directors seemed like head scratchers for a big action film. In retrospect, they make perfect sense.
“Swingers” writer and “Elf” director Jon Favreau was the perfect choice to improv with Robert Downey Jr. (remember, he wasn’t a star then...
With serialized TV shows, control needs to be in the hands of writers and showrunners. That’s because the story is still unfolding and the production is built from episode to episode. The director can’t be the principal storyteller, which makes it challenging to put a premium on visual storytelling.
Read More: The ‘Mr. Robot’ Experiment: Can a TV Show Be Shot Like an Indie Film?
Those who run the Marvel Cinematic Universe might sympathize. When it launched in 2008, their choices of directors seemed like head scratchers for a big action film. In retrospect, they make perfect sense.
“Swingers” writer and “Elf” director Jon Favreau was the perfect choice to improv with Robert Downey Jr. (remember, he wasn’t a star then...
- 6/23/2017
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
A “Star Wars” virtual reality demo kicked off Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in style on Monday, highlighting how new iMacs will be strong enough to support Vr. John Knoll of Industrial Light & Magic showed off “Star Wars Vr,” with the user going head-to-head with none other than Darth Vader as they roam around the the volcano-ridden planet “Mustafar.” The demo allowed the user to select several characters or ships to use, as well as change the planet you’re prancing around on. Watch part of the demo here: Star Wars Vr Demo on stage! #Wwdc #HTCVive #Mac pic.twitter.
- 6/5/2017
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Almost five months on from the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Box Office Mojo reports that the Gareth Edwards-directed spinoff finished its theatrical run with a grand total of $1.056 billion – not bad for a dogged Star Wars pic that was initially written off as a creative risk during the throes of production.
First spotted by ComicBook, the actual breakdown of Rogue One‘s global cume makes for some interesting reading, too, given how Disney’s anthology film collected more than 50 percent of its total on home turf – $532 million, for those keeping track – with overseas markets accounting for exactly 49.6 percent ($523 million). If anything, it’s a pointed reminder of the franchise’s unwavering popularity across North America – there are those who consider Star Wars to be more akin to a religion than a line of movies, after all – and it’s fitting that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story...
First spotted by ComicBook, the actual breakdown of Rogue One‘s global cume makes for some interesting reading, too, given how Disney’s anthology film collected more than 50 percent of its total on home turf – $532 million, for those keeping track – with overseas markets accounting for exactly 49.6 percent ($523 million). If anything, it’s a pointed reminder of the franchise’s unwavering popularity across North America – there are those who consider Star Wars to be more akin to a religion than a line of movies, after all – and it’s fitting that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story...
- 5/8/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Upon viewing Star Wars: A New Hope and, in particular, its iconic opening crawl, you likely felt a rush of excitement and wonder as George Lucas slowly began to peel back the layers of that iconic galaxy far, far away. John Knoll, on the other hand, was inspired.
As a matter of fact, Knoll was inspired by a few lines in particular: “It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star.” Fast forward 40 years and we arrive at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Gareth Edwards-directed war movie and the first of Disney’s planned Star Wars anthology films.
For all of its alleged production woes, the star-studded prequel emerged on the other end relatively unscathed, and would go...
As a matter of fact, Knoll was inspired by a few lines in particular: “It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star.” Fast forward 40 years and we arrive at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Gareth Edwards-directed war movie and the first of Disney’s planned Star Wars anthology films.
For all of its alleged production woes, the star-studded prequel emerged on the other end relatively unscathed, and would go...
- 4/28/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
John Saavedra May 2, 2017
Star Wars: Rogue One producer John Knoll is "tinkering" with an idea for a new standalone Star Wars film.
In case you've not heard John Knoll before, he's the producer behind the story of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - which was actually known as Destroyer Of Worlds in its earliest story treatments. Well, we know how Knoll's first Star Wars story credit fared with critics and the box office. It's arguably the best Disney era Star Wars movie thus far. It stands to reason that Lucasfilm will be tapping Knoll for more story ideas down the line.
Turns out, Knoll has just told THR that he's already "tinkering" with a new Star Wars movie idea. Knoll, who is also visual effects supervisor and Cco at Ilm, revealed the idea is "maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.
Star Wars: Rogue One producer John Knoll is "tinkering" with an idea for a new standalone Star Wars film.
In case you've not heard John Knoll before, he's the producer behind the story of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - which was actually known as Destroyer Of Worlds in its earliest story treatments. Well, we know how Knoll's first Star Wars story credit fared with critics and the box office. It's arguably the best Disney era Star Wars movie thus far. It stands to reason that Lucasfilm will be tapping Knoll for more story ideas down the line.
Turns out, Knoll has just told THR that he's already "tinkering" with a new Star Wars movie idea. Knoll, who is also visual effects supervisor and Cco at Ilm, revealed the idea is "maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.
- 4/28/2017
- Den of Geek
A billion dollars and some great reviews later, and Disney/Lucasfilm must be pretty delighted that John Knoll decided to pitch them the idea for a “Star Wars” spin-off that turned into last year’s blockbuster “Rogue One.” I mean, sure, you could have stuck the “A Star Wars Story” subtitle onto “Queen Of Katwe” and it probably would have made hundreds of millions of dollars, but “Rogue One” was a rare prequel and spin-off that felt truly satisfying, and was about as successful a launch to non-Skywalker stories within the universe as you could ask for.
Continue reading ‘Rogue One’ Creator John Knoll Says He’s Working On An Idea For Another ‘Star Wars Story’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Rogue One’ Creator John Knoll Says He’s Working On An Idea For Another ‘Star Wars Story’ at The Playlist.
- 4/27/2017
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Industrial Light & Magic Visual Effects Supervisor and writer of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story John Knoll has another Star Wars idea. According to THR, Knoll told attendees of the National Association of Broadcasters his idea is still a work in progress:
“I have another idea I’ve been tinkering with, It’s maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.”
Did you think he was gonna run his mouth about a pitch before talking to the big dog?! Rogue One writer or not, that's an easy way to get walking papers in the Disney family. Obviously, just the news alone is a reason to be excited as I think the Rogue One team did a better job capturing Star Wars nostalgia than The Force Awakens team. I wonder what story Knoll could be looking to tell?...
“I have another idea I’ve been tinkering with, It’s maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.”
Did you think he was gonna run his mouth about a pitch before talking to the big dog?! Rogue One writer or not, that's an easy way to get walking papers in the Disney family. Obviously, just the news alone is a reason to be excited as I think the Rogue One team did a better job capturing Star Wars nostalgia than The Force Awakens team. I wonder what story Knoll could be looking to tell?...
- 4/27/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Industrial Light & Magic’s John Knoll, who served as visual effects supervisor on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, also conceived the film's original story — and now he's at it again, telling The Hollywood Reporter that he’s “tinkering” with another Star Wars-related idea.
“I have another idea I’ve been tinkering with,” he said after participating on a Rogue One Super Session during the National Association of Broadcasters Show. “It’s maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.”
Upcoming Star Wars films already in the works include Star Wars: The Last Jedi, opening in December; a...
“I have another idea I’ve been tinkering with,” he said after participating on a Rogue One Super Session during the National Association of Broadcasters Show. “It’s maybe 75 percent there. I haven’t pitched it to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s another Star Wars thing.”
Upcoming Star Wars films already in the works include Star Wars: The Last Jedi, opening in December; a...
- 4/27/2017
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
During Star Wars Celebration this past weekend, some rare never-before-scene archival footage from Star Wars: A New Hope was screened for fans. The footage was revealed by John Knoll, chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic, and it's pretty cool to see.
The first video features an outtake of Angus MacInnes, playing Gold Leader, dropping an F— bomb after he messes up one of his lines. It's actually pretty amusing.
The second video centers on Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) talking with Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) when he gives the order for the Death Star to destroy Alderaan. It includes a line that was cut from the film in which Leia says, "And you call yourselves human." Check 'em out!
The first video features an outtake of Angus MacInnes, playing Gold Leader, dropping an F— bomb after he messes up one of his lines. It's actually pretty amusing.
The second video centers on Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) talking with Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) when he gives the order for the Death Star to destroy Alderaan. It includes a line that was cut from the film in which Leia says, "And you call yourselves human." Check 'em out!
- 4/18/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Even in a galaxy far, far away, there is bound to be some cussing.
At Star Wars Celebration in Florida over the weekend, among the many exhibitions was one hosted by John Knoll, chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic.
In the panel, Knoll showed unused footage from A New Hope, which included an apparently never-before-seen outtake of Angus MacInnes, playing Gold Leader, dropping an F— bomb when he flubbed a line.
"A f—. I'm sorry," MacInnes said in the footage posted on YouTube by The Cinema Realm.
Needless to say, the mistake got a big laugh from the Celebration crowd.
Other rare...
At Star Wars Celebration in Florida over the weekend, among the many exhibitions was one hosted by John Knoll, chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic.
In the panel, Knoll showed unused footage from A New Hope, which included an apparently never-before-seen outtake of Angus MacInnes, playing Gold Leader, dropping an F— bomb when he flubbed a line.
"A f—. I'm sorry," MacInnes said in the footage posted on YouTube by The Cinema Realm.
Needless to say, the mistake got a big laugh from the Celebration crowd.
Other rare...
- 4/17/2017
- by Ryan Parker
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Star Wars: Guillermo del Toro said in July 2015 that he would be happy to make a Jabba the Hutt solo movie, though he acknowledged he was "just geeking out and talking about it." Now, however, he says he has met with Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy and Industrial Light and Magic's John Knoll to share his ideas for future Star Wars movies: "I will say there’s some characters that are great." [Collider via Slashfilm] A Bad Moms Christmas: Justin Hartley (TV's This Is Us) has joined A Bad Moms Christmas. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn, stars of the original, are all reprising their roles for the sequel, which is set for release on December 3. The story will see three mothers dealing with the stresses of the holidays...
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- 4/12/2017
- by Peter Martin
- Movies.com
Is a “Star Wars” film on the horizon for director Guillermo del Toro? While he has become cautious about publicly discussing ideas for films he may want to do, in a recent interview with Collider the filmmaker revealed he has already shared his ideas for a “Star Wars” movie with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and John Knoll, Chief Creative Officer of Industrial Light & Magic.
When asked if he would consider doing a “Star Wars” movie, before giving a straight answer, the “Hellboy” helmer explained, “In 2006, Mike Fleming at Deadline wrote an article that said ‘Guillermo del Toro is busy until 2012’ and he published 20 things I was maybe doing. Since then I haven’t been able to live down that. Every time I say ‘good morning’ somebody says ‘Guillermo is doing Good Morning!’, so I will not comment on this…...
When asked if he would consider doing a “Star Wars” movie, before giving a straight answer, the “Hellboy” helmer explained, “In 2006, Mike Fleming at Deadline wrote an article that said ‘Guillermo del Toro is busy until 2012’ and he published 20 things I was maybe doing. Since then I haven’t been able to live down that. Every time I say ‘good morning’ somebody says ‘Guillermo is doing Good Morning!’, so I will not comment on this…...
- 4/12/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
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