"HILARIOUS! I don't think I've laughed so hard at
something Star Wars related since the Star Wars Robot
Chicken episode, or possibly ever! Great job! Really cool
commentary with the actors as well. The interaction you had
with fans was amazing and paints an accurate portrayal of us
as fun loving people sharing a passion.
This movie really made my day."
Emmanuel Hernandez - Star Wars Fan
MEET THE
FILMMAKERS BEHIND STAR WARS MADE ME THIS WAY!
7-5-09
Yes the rumors are true! Matt Sloan and Aaron Yonda,
creators of Chad Vader, are part of the cast of SWMMTW.
Matt is the voice of Stormtrooper #1 at 4:47 and at
9:43.
Aaron
lends his voice to Scout
Trooper #1 and delivers the key line, "What are you, some
kind of pervert?", at 4:12. He is also the
voice of Stormtrooper #2 at 4:50.
What do the guys think of the film?
"Nice job Erik! Really well done. Thanks for including
us."
6-29-09
The enthusiasm and passion for Star Wars was clearly
present. The camera work and special effects were
excellent. The movie was well stitched together and
clearly showed untold hours of hard work before, during,
and after Celebration IV. Your fan actors handled
themselves nicely.
SWMMTW was a fun attempt to document the hardcore fan
experience in a docu-comedy format, but in the end
didn't fully work for me in either respect. For one
thing--and this is my main problem with the vast
majority of movies submitted--it was far too long and
repetitive, and thus had the air of being somewhat
self-indulgent. The kernel of what story there
was--foreshadowed in the opening crawl--didn't pay off
until at least half-way into the movie; perhaps it
should have started there. I kept waiting to figure out
what it meant, and even when it came it wasn’t clear; I
had to rethink the movie at the end to figure out for
sure whether the crawl had been explained. Also, the
title of the film led me into a totally different
direction from what I saw.
I realize that editing oneself and one's creations is
the toughest thing in the world; I face that as a writer
all the time. I think it's even harder as a filmmaker
because of the time and effort invested, the friends and
colleagues who gave their time to take part, etc. But,
from the viewpoint of an outsider viewing the work for
the first time, it is essential. That’s why it is always
helpful to have people who were in no way involved in a
work—people whose opinions you value—give you feedback
at a draft stage.
You put your movie--yourself really--out there to be
judged. I truly admire your energy, passion, and
stick-to-itiveness.
Best, Steve Sansweet
Director of Content Management & Head of Fan Relations
6-27-09
Thank you
TheForce.Net for helping me launch Star Wars Made Me
This Way on the internet!
6-17-09
Umm, one of the
more interesting sites to mention Star Wars Made Me This
Way.
Come to think of it, my film would be funnier if you
were watching it stoned.
6-15-09
STAR WARS MADE ME
THIS WAY REJECTED!
Below is the e-mail on how I
learned that SWMMTW was not a finalist.
Erik:
I was wondering when you plan to notify the finalists
who are in this year's 2009 Challenge?
Atom.com:
We have already been in touch with all of the finalists
for this year's Fan Film Awards. Thank you for checking
in.
No reason why.
No thank you for submitting. What happened? This is what
I found out.
It was not rejected
because of content. The Legal Department at
atom.com rejected it because, “…all of the people who appear in it (even in the background), the
signage, the booths...everything...would
have needed clearance.”
Let me get this
straight: You need to clear everything in your Star Wars
fan film, so you can enter it into the Star Wars
Fan Film Challenge, so that you can win a Star Wars Fan
Film Award?
I did not make this
film for commercial use or for profit. I made this film
for the fans, my love for Star Wars, and for a chance to
win a really cool award.
It’s interesting to
point out that atom.com had my film since September
2008. Why didn’t they inform me of the problem a long
time ago? Sorry for the pun. I could have put SWMMTW on
the internet last year instead of waiting to give them
the exclusive! I have just
posted it on youtube.com for the world to enjoy.
Even though I am very disappointed, I am thinking of new
ideas for the 2010 Challenge. I will keep you posted!
6-7-09
A big thank you goes out to the 501stLegion for the
TWEET! Yes, I'm on
Twitter. Look for me under FilmsInFocus.
5-28-09
SUBMISSIONS HAVE ENDED!
Still no word from Atom.com. I guess I
will find out on June 1st.
From the website:
"Hey
there, Star Wars fans. Thank you
for all of your submissions! An
expert panel of Yoda-like judges
are carefully examining each and
every one to determine this
year's champions.
But WAIT. Your work isn't over
yet. Check back on
June 1 when
voting begins for the coveted
Audience Choice award which will
be presented in a lavish
ceremony at Comic-Con 2009!"
6-2-09 UP-DATE:
June 1st has come and gone and
Atom.com has not set-up a page
to vote for the Audience Choice
Award. They still don't have
their wamp rat shit together
again this year! Maybe they
meant July 1st?
6-4-09
UP-DATE: They changed
June 1st to July 1st.
I called it!
5-25-09
Here is a great video blog from
Novastar He talks about my short Star Wars Made Me
This Way.
The VFX look really cool slowed down. Thank you
Novastar!
5-22-09
UPDATED 11-19-09
Thanks to
Cathy and her great website
StarWarsCards.net. There has been an overwhelming
demand for the SWMMTW Promo Card. For the first 100 fans
who send me a SASE, you will receive a signed and
numbered card. Please send a toploader or other
protection if you want your card to arrive in perfect
condition.
Once you receive your card. Take a picture with it,
e-mail it to me and I will post it on my blog.
David Polis got his. Who will be
next!
5-10-09
Thank you Adam at
JEDI NEWS for
posting the SWMMTW trailers.
A fan e-mailed me this picture. How did he know that out of
all the Star Wars movies this is my favorite scene.
4-25-09
SWMMTW has two new fans.
Joanna Cassidy
and
Joe Turkel.
Stars from another Sci-Fi film "Blade Runner".
3-17-09
Today I heard from Rachel McNevin - Content Assistant at
Atom.com regarding the 2009 Star Wars Fan Film Challenge.
"Hi Erik, thanks for checking in. The video is still
being reviewed. We'll be in touch with you if it
makes it into Challenge."
What! "...if it makes it into the Challenge!"
When will the torture end!
1-07-09
Back in September of 2008, I gave Peter Ignacio from
Atom.com a DVD to submit to the 2009 Star Wars Fan Film
Challenge. Today I heard from Rachel McNevin - Content
Assistant at Atom.com. She is reviewing the short and will
let us know if we get into the Challenge. SWMMTW is close to
its launch on the internet. Stay tuned.
1-1-09
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thank you cast
member
"Scootch" for the great Christmas Card.
10-10-08
Having fun in the
cutting room!
Actress/Singer Caitlin Crosby (House Broken) got a
SWMMTW good luck charm for her musical tour. See
her tour dates at
myspace.
10-5-08
Cast member
"Scootch" dances his way across the universe in
a SWMMTW sweat shirt. Get yours at
Cafepress.com
9-22-08
We had a
great time at the
Echo Park Film Center. About 50 people filled the
cool screening room. Peter Ignacio from Atom.com
attended the screening. Eric Kurland gave him a DVD to
submit to the 2009 Star Wars Fan Film Challenge. I hope
we get in soon so that SWMMTW can make its launch on the
internet. Stay tuned.
From the left Eric, Peter, Erik, & Doug.
9-10-08
I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is
SWMMTW will be screening at the Echo Park Film Center,
Monday, September 22, 2008; 7:30pm to 10:30pm. 1200 North
Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026. For more info go to:
EPFC
The bad news. One of my hard drives got a virus and died.
SWMMTW looks like it will be ok but some of the other SW
videos have been lost. I am evaluating the damage. It's bad!
8-20-08
Wow, what a night. Vision Fest '08 was a big
hit. Over 1000 people attended the event. During the
after party Doug, Matthew and I ran around handing
out our promo card. A reproduction of the Star Wars
bubble gum cards from the 1970s. Then after a quick
drink we ran into the Video Theater for the SWMMTW
debut. It was cool seeing it on the big
screen.
Didn't see the representative from Adam.com. Too
bad. :(
Thank
you Patty, Doug, Matthew, Keith, Larry and Linda for
coming out and supporting me and the film.
Erik
and Doug hang out by the Video Theater Schedule
The coolest part of
the evening was meeting Kevin Smith and slipping him
one of the SWMMTW cards. If you would like one of
the promo cards, e-mail me with your name and
address.
Thanks goes out to my
friend Todd Thomas and ABS Presort, Inc. for
printing the above card with only 3 day's notice.
Call him if you need something printed at (209)
545-6090. Tell him I sent you!
Kevin made one of the coolest Star Wars homages in
2001 called "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"
8-16-08
"Star Wars Made
Me This Way" will make its world premiere at VisionFest on
August 20, 2008. It will be screened at The Director's Guild
in Hollywood in the Video Theater Program, Screening Room 3.
Rumor has it that a representative from Adam.com will be
there. Keep your fingers crossed that we get
discovered! Almost forgot Kevin Smith will be there to
receive the 2008 Vision Award.
JULY 20, 2008
The Star Wars
Made Me This Way T-shirts are done! Get yours today!
JULY 1, 2008
Are you ready for this!!! The 2008 Atom Films Star
Wars Fan Film Challenge started today. The bad news is "Star
Wars Made Me This Way" is not a finalist. Frak! This is the
short explanation of what happened.
On May 26 I
uploaded the video. On June 4 I got an email from Atom
Films. Thinking it was a confirmation that we were
accepted, it turned out to be an e-mail thanking me for
having an account. What??? So I signed onto my profile
page to check the "videos uploaded" icon. It read zero.
My heart sank! "Did they get my video?"
Notice: FilmsInFocus
your upload is complete!
After many e-mails and phone calls, they finally told me it
was too late to be considered. They went on to say that I
could enter it into the 2009 Challenge. As Luke said
to Uncle Owen, "...But that's a whole 'nother season!" or
something like that. As you can see we got Fraked!.
This does give me time to fix some of the visual effects
that are in the film (over 30). I am still thinking about
where and when to release my short. Will keep you updated.
UP-DATE! Apparently MTV
purchased Atom Films and was switching over the website as
they were asking for SW submissions. I've heard that a lot
of entries where never received.
JUNE
3, 2008
HELP!
If you are in this video then congratulations - you are in
my fan film. Please e-mail at starwars@filmsinfocus.com
Please include your name and what character you are dressed
as. If you see someone you know, please also include their
name, too.
MAY 27, 2008
Here is a first
look at some scenes from "STAR WARS Made Me This Way"
Refresh this page if you can't
see the picture.
MAY
25-28 2007
Celebration IV
kicked off this weekend! Below are some of my video blogs.
Erik C.
Andersen – Director/Producer
One could
say that the film "Star Wars" is responsible for Erik's career
choice. As an 11-year-old boy, he made up his mind that he, too,
would someday create a world that exists only on film. Erik's
introduction to directing began in 1985 at Los Angeles Valley
College's film school program. He quickly noticed that most of
the other students liked directing their own projects but didn't
care much about cutting them. To him, editing the film was every
bit as important as directing it, so he volunteered to cut
everyone else's projects. Editing those projects as well as some
very low-budget films helped him gain experience as a film
editor. To be continued...
Eric
Kurland – Producer/ Visual Effects
Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia,
Eric has been an active filmmaker since childhood. Inspired in
1977 by a little movie called Star Wars, he shot my first
narrative film at the age of nine. He was editing professional
videos by the age of thirteen, and produced and directed a
weekly local television show at seventeen.
In 1992, Eric earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Production from
Ithaca
College, where he student films garnered several accolades,
including the 1990 "Doorknob Award." In 1994, he relocated to
Los Angeles,
and specialized in digital color, compositing and effects for
animated feature films. Credits include Warner Bros.' "Quest for
Camelot" and "Osmosis Jones," and Dreamworks' "Prince of Egypt."
Since 2001, Eric have been writing and directing live-action
productions and working on numerous independent projects. His
award winning short films have played at many film festivals
around the world. His production company, Workprint Films,
operates out of a Secret Underground Lair, where he am currently
developing several feature films to be shot in stereoscopic
3-D.
Eric lives in Toluca Woods, CA, with his wife Jodi, and
their three dogs. Sometimes Eric wears a space helmet and
gorilla suit.
Doug
“Sideshow” Allen - Writer
Doug “Sideshow” Allen is a comedy writer residing in
Sherman Oaks, California.
He has a BS in Film Production from Montana State, a certificate
from the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting, and is a
graduate of The Second City Training Center’s Conservatory
Program in Improvisation. SideshowDoug has performed
standup, sketch comedy and improv at many theaters and comedy
clubs across Southern California. He has written short
films, several TV pilots, and has punched up jokes for
screenwriters. He blogs regularly and is known for his
humorous, clever, and occasionally appalling “Fake Word Of the
Day” at www.Dougtionary.com. For more, visit his website
www.sideshowdoug.com
JASON GRAVES – Original Score
Jason was
given the rare opportunity to study under film composers Jerry
Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Christopher Young and orchestrator
Will Schaefer while earning a degree from the University of
Southern California's prestigious film scoring program. He has
scored more than 150 commercials, television shows, movie
trailers, and feature films, conducting orchestras at Capitol
Records, Paramount Pictures, Skywalker Sound, Seattle and Salt
Lake City.
Since
2003, Jason has been bringing his Hollywood expertise and
passion for music to more than 50 games through his immersive,
cinematic, award-winning scores. Recent AAA titles include DEAD
SPACE (Electronic Arts), BLACKSITE: AREA 51 (Midway),
TRANSFORMERS (Activision), the BLAZING ANGELS franchise (Ubisoft)
and the STAR TREK franchise (Paramount).
When
composing original music for film-based games, Jason's Los
Angeles ties have allowed personal connections with top
Hollywood film composers, including relationships with Elmer
Bernstein (WILD WILD WEST), Hans Zimmer (KING ARTHUR), John
Debney (ZATHURA) and Harry Gregson-Williams (FLUSHED AWAY).
His game
awards include five 2008 "Best Original Score" nominations for
DEAD SPACE, including BAFTA, AIAS and the Game Developer's
Choice Awards, "Best Original Theme" nominations for STAR TREK:
LEGACY and BLAZING Angels 2, "Music of the Year" nomination for
KING ARTHUR and winner of "Soundtrack of the Year" for THE
HOBBIT. Jason also won 2nd Prize in Turner Classic Movies'
Young Film Composer Competition,
of which there were more than 500 entries.
SHOTGUN RADIO - Electronic
Music and Remixes
SHOTGUN RADIO
is a band whose manifestation grew from the seeds of their
influences. Beat-driven electronic artists coupled with the
stable of hip-hop pioneers are to blame. Based in
Hollywood, California, Shotgun Radio with their high-octane
sound and stage shows have graced such establishments as The
Viper Room,
Avalon Hollywood, Vanguard Hollywood, The Gig,
The Derby, The Knitting Factory, The Mint and
several others, not to mention having been selected as one of
six bands (out of over 2,000 submitted) to perform at the 2008
Disc Makers Independent Music World Series Finals.
Be it from the thumping kick drums and cracking snares or by way
of the patrons’ overzealous consumption of liquid happiness, the
result is a hangover minus the headache.
Made up of
members Marcel Saxlund (lyrics & vocals) and Greco Rossetti
(keyboards & programming), Shotgun Radio sheds unwanted bravado
in the vein of ego-less substance and establishes escapism
through music. In a time where a band must molest its
sound in order to fight for its place in a specific genre,
Shotgun Radio puts their hands where we can see them.
Whether this approach is by design or oblivion, it works
nonetheless. With the current all-too-hackneyed marketing
attempts at spawning categorical hybrids, their sound is an
innate blend of all things musical, rooted in beats. Simply, yet
dryly spoken by an unknown “Turn of the Century” philosopher,
“Why put yourself in a box…before you’re dead?”
Most
recently, Shotgun Radio boast having scored music for the
forthcoming feature film, Hotel California
starring Erik Palladino, Tyson Beckford, Simon Rex and Tatyana
Ali. With this accomplishment under their belts, they look
forward to designing more soundscapes for feature films.
I'm a graduate from UCR, with a bachelors degree in Creative
Writing. I hope that one day I can get a career going as a
screen writer. But right now I work at Kaiser Permanente as an
X-ray file clerk. I've been into Stars since I was about 5 years
old. Although I like the first two original movies as well,
Return of the Jedi was my favorite episode when I was a kid. One
of my uncles had the movies.
So ever time I'd go and visit
him, I'd ask him to play it for me. The third one had lots
of action in it, and as a kid at the time, that appealed to
me more than the first two movies. Luke's battle with the
Rancor, Leia in the Slave outfit, and the fight above the
Great Pit of Carkoon, were some of my favorite scenes in
stars wars, period. Plus, as a kid, I did like the
Ewokes.
As for my Jedi cosplay, I
started doing that around the time Episode 3 was released.
My friends wanted to dress like Jedi's for the movie's
premier. It sounded like fun, so I put together
a costume real fast, and had lots of fun doing it.
Since then, I've made allot of improvements to the costume.
Adding details to it that I didn't originally have.
I made a black tunic to wear over the crème-like
colored top. I got a better, more authentic
looking belt for the costume, rather than the cheaply made
one I wore for the premier of Episode 3. Also, I got a
nice pair of black boots for the costume, that I didn't
originally have. Also I got a hold of the FX lightsaber, which
really completes the look. Originally I had the
cheap plastic toy lightsaber for my costume. So
yeah, my costume went through a bit of a evolution.
I was
20 years old when A New Hope came out and I immediately fell in
love with the story, but it was Empire that hooked me. At the
time I was hitchhiking my way through various countries visiting
temples etc. and Yoda blew my mind! I couldn’tbelieve
that a popular movie was offering such wonderful teachings and
entertainment. Plus the love child of Kermit and Miss Piggy to
boot! It was Dharma bum heaven!
As my sons came of age I played them the VCR tapes of the
Original Trilogy and they loved them. For Episode One we spent
16 hours on the streets of Santa Cruz to buy the tickets and
another day and a half for the first midnight showing; we saw
Episode One six times in the first week as I recall. We loved it
(other than the casting for young Anakin). At the time I was
pastoring a small church in Santa Curch and did a sermon on the
movie, its at
http://allfaith.com/Religions/Christianity/starwars.html.
For episodes 2 and 3 we also waited in lines, though not for as
long and loved them all (and loved Hayden Christensen's Anakin
as well).
When I first saw Jar Jar Binks I loved him and still do. It
seems to me that a universe with a Yoda and a Palpatine must
have Jar Jars as well. He provides the balance needed for the
films. I was happy to see the wide appreciation for my Jedi Jar
Jar costume at C IV and plan to have better costumes for him to
wear for C V and beyond. People can say what they will, but Jar
Jar has a lot of fans!
I'd say my favorite characters are Yoda, Obi Wan, Qui-Gon, Jar
Jar, Chewbacca, Luke and so on. I'm a Lightsider through and
through.
I love all six movies (5,6,3,4,2,1), but my sons leave me in the
dust as fans! They can quote almost the entire series word for
word and also have a firm hold on the EU, something I haven't
delved into much. I've probably seen the the Original Trilogy
about 50 times, the prequels around 30. My younger son (18) has
seen them all over 100 times, has read most of the books and
comics, seen the cartoons etc. We are definitely a Star Wars
family.
I guess growing up in George Lucas' home town has a lot to do
with our appreciation of just about anything George Lucas does.
Even though we are as old as dirt, we are both members of the
Modesto Area Squad of the 501st Legion, Central California
Garrison. We haveboth attended Celebrations III and IV. My
office and my home looks like a Lucas museum. (Actually we are
hoping to create a George Lucas museum in Modesto.)
My
name is Matthew Carauddo--although the SW community knows me as
"Greytale Novastar"... if they know me at all. I'm the
creator of the "Balance of Power" 100% live, SW-style stage
shows, and also the sound designer and development assistant for
the DIY "LED Saber" prop electronics board known as "Crystal
Focus" (made by Erv Plecter of plecterlabs.com).
My background is in sabre fencing, performance & film, and
martial arts. I've always loved martial arts movies,
action & adventure video games, music and sound... and all
of the challenging work it takes to truly understand and to
improve upon or work with these skills. I think George
Lucas' "Star Wars" truly combines many of these things which
I love the most.
Although I was simply a "silent SW fan" up until 2004 or
so... I'd always been inspired by John Williams' gorgeous
music--not only from Star Wars soundtracks, but films like
the Indiana Jones series, Hook, Close Encounters, Superman,
etc.
One night, sometime in 2004, I was listening very closely to
"The Clash of Lightsabers", from the Empire Strikes Back
soundtrack, and I started to think about the way the music
"told a story" through the changes, tempos, building and the
differing instruments & chords. But it was not telling
me the same story we saw in Empire Strikes Back... it was
something completely new! Changes in the music started
"speaking" to me about what OTHER drama could be unfolding
in lieu of what we were used to from the original movie...
From there, the idea grew from a simple fleeting moment in
my mind... to something more! As time passed, the idea
burned brighter, fueled by more plot ideas... then by
choreography ideas... then blazed on further by lightsaber
research, character names, choices, etc. Suddenly, I
had the momentum for a full-fledged show (albeit a short
one), complete with character development, a cast of actors,
a soundtrack that I had to design, vocals I had to record,
choreography I had to teach my actors... and a ton more.
Thus, "Balance of Power: Into The Lion's Den" was born.
It debuted at BayCon in San Jose, CA in 2006, and was also
performed at Santa Clara University on the Louis B. Mayer
theatre. In 2007, episode II: "Ashes of The Phoenix"
was performed, and to this day... I hope to see the fully
written, fully designed, episode III to happen as well!
Doing these shows have been among the best experiences in my
life. And they have also opened many doors for me, and
blessed me with the experience of meeting a TON of different
people!
Although the first Star Wars films long outdate my existence on
this earth, I believe myself to be as much of a dedicated fan as
the next Star Wars-aholic lol. I guess you could say that my
interest in Star Wars starts right outta the womb hahaha. My
parents are big movie buffs soever since I was little I was
hooked on the greats.
Whether it was the old spy flicks, Westerns, Sci-fi's,
dramas, I loved them all. But the ones I loved the most were
the Star Wars films. As a toddler the special effects and
outer space setting of the films hooked me, and as I grew
up and was able to understand the films more, I fell in love
with the story. Throughout elementary school I was known as
"the star wars kid" (not the infamous one posted all over
youtube, lol). Practically all my friends back in the
day hopped on the band wagon with me and we all had a blast.
It continued for us all throughout high school, and still
continues for all of us in college. To this very day we are
all still star wars-aholics and hopefully we'll all continue
to be star wars-aholics 'til the day we all are wrinkled and
hunched over lol.
I first remember seeing Star Wars Episode IV at a local drive-in
theater, and even as a small child there was something in me
that was touched by the film. A small voice echoed, "This movie
has to do with me and my life!" After I returned home that night
and found my awesome older brother had put together a Kenner
X-Wing toy for me with Luke Skywalker standing next to it, I was
hooked.
Like many, as the years passed after Return of The Jedi I began to think that
the other 6 episodes would never be made. I enjoyed the books, video games,
and wore out my VCR re-analyzing the movies. In high school, I stumbled upon
the work of Joseph Campbelland began to appreciate Lucas' new mythology
in a whole new light. However, it was not until the prequels that I really identified
with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
As a child, I identified with Luke because I wanted to right wrongs and help others.
In my mid-twenties when The Phantom Menace opened, I was the exact same
age as Obi-Wan. I also was a padawan in a sense, being a third-year medical student.
As Obi became a Jedi Knight, I became a resident physician. We both had more
knowledge and taught younger students, but still had much to learn.
As Obi became a Jedi Master, I became an attending physician. Both of us were more
cynical and made our share of mistakes in different ways. However, our belief in the
cause never wavered. When I enter a patient's room, many times I remind myself
that even though I pretend to be Obi-Wan in costume, many of thevirtues in the
character can make me a better doctor. Patient, compassionate, trustworthy, and
hardworking are traits in Obi-Wan I strive to emulate every day. Being able to do charity
events as Obi-Wan, visitingsick children and bringing a moment of happiness, brings
out the best in my character.
So, as I grow in my career, I see echoes of Obi-Wan at similar ages. As I mature, I
plan on making Sir Alec Guinness' version my next costume. Though the fabric is
donned and doffed, the virtues and ideals remain.
I'm a relatively younger Star Wars
fan as I was born when Jedi was released to theaters.
Growing up, I really wasn't much of a fan and didn't really get
into it at a young age. It wasn't like I didn't know about
it, it was because I was into other things as a child.
Other than the movies being played occasionally on TV and the
THX VHS released, that was really my only exposure to it.
Much later on when I got to 7th or 8th grade, I really got
into Star Wars. Why, I can't remember. Something
about it just appealed to me and it was probably because I was
long over due to become a fan. It was also at this point
in time I was heavy into collecting the new Power of the Force
action figure line by Kenner. This fueled my hardcore love
of Star Wars. I had to have everything Star Wars.
Because of this, I absorbed anything Star Wars related and could
tell you meaningless trivia (still can today, although the facts
have changed because of the prequels and setting certain things
canon). About 2 years later, the Special Editions of the
movies would be released to theaters and I finally go to see and
feel what it was like see them on the big screen. Since
1997 was a huge year for Star Wars, there would be more
collecting to do. All of the Tricon restaurants (Taco
Bell, KFC, and Pizza-Hut) did promotions for the re-release of
Star Wars and had really cool toys. Later in the year, I
would start high school and found out that it wasn't cool to
like Star Wars. This didn't deter me at all. While
my collecting of the action figures kind of fizzled out, I was
big into the customizable card game even though there was nobody
in my area that played.
In 1999 during the last part of my sophomore year, the long
awaited Episode I was released. Even though allot of older
fans of the films didn't like it, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Even then, I knew that the movie couldn't be judged without
having to see it with the other prequel movies. To me, it
had the Star Wars feel even though the budget and technology
were much better than the previous three. Oh, and I'm a
Jar Jar fan. I'm apparently the only person in the
universe that doesn't want him dead.
By 2002 when Episode II came out, I was finishing up my freshman
year of college at Savannah College of Art and Design.
This one I was psyched for. Not only was I was able to see
the midnight showing, but I did it in costume. I had a
Jedi costume made a couple of years before after the release of
The Phantom Menace.
After my first year, I got a job in the summer of 2002 to fill
my bank account with cash so I could spend at the local comic
shop in Savannah. After learning that the store closed due
to lack of business because all of the college kids were off for
summer, my interest shifted. During the end of my high
school career I thought that having a Boba Fett costume would be
totally sweet. After much research, it looked to be a bit
expensive. Plus, there were parts that had to be custom
made and it all seemed too difficult to do. Then, I
remembered when I watched the fan film "Troops" that I thought
it would be even cooler to have stormtrooper armor. After
doing some research while working, I found were I could buy
some. So by the end of summer of 2002, I had an
unassembled kit of armor. A couple of months later, it was
fully assembled and I looked into joining the 501st. By
the time I got back to school to start my sophomore year, I was
a full member of the 501st and joined the Georgia Garrison.
Unfortunately, being stuck in Savannah with no car prevented me
from doing anything with the Garrison which did most events in
the Atlanta area. Although, I did meet a fellow member in
Savannah and marched in the St. Patrick's parade every year
since then until my graduation.
When 2005 rolled around, I was finishing up my senior year at
SCAD in animation. As a friend of mine at school put it,
we were going to get the best graduation present ever:
Episode III. Not only did I see it opening night, but in
full armor as well. But the fun didn't stop there. I
helped promote the film's release all weekend at the theater.
By this point I was really burned out from all of the college
work and I didn't care about anything other than Star Wars.
My animation work didn't matter. Star Wars was actually
more important than anything at that point.
After graduating college, I was able to become active in my
garrison and participate in allot of events. Probably the
biggest to date so far was when I got to march in the Rose
Parade in Pasadena on New Year's day in 2007. So here I am
today, still a huge Star Wars fan and stormtrooper. I'm
active in the 501st doing as many charity, promotional events,
and conventions as I can. I don't collect as much as I
used to but when I do, it's mainly anything Imperial related or
stormtrooper related. The Empire rocks! Oh, as does
Jar Jar.
Edited & Directed by
ERIK C. ANDERSEN
Original Star Wars dialog by
GEORGE LUCAS
Additional dialog by
DOUG “Sideshow” ALLEN
Produced by
ERIK C. ANDERSEN
ERIC KURLAND
Visual Effects by
ERIC KURLAND
Original Score Composed by
JASON GRAVES
Electronic
Music and Remixes by
SHOTGUN RADIO
Cast
(in order of appearance)
Erik C. Andersen Star Wars Fan
Andy Dukes Star Wars Trading Card Expert
Will Moore Obi Wan
Paul Blake Himself (Greedo)
George Roubicek Himself (Commander
Praji)
Julian Glover Himself (General
Veers)
Shawn Crosby H-Wing Carfighter
Owner
William Deacon Millennium Falcon
Car Owner
Ben Harr Princess Leia Organa
Kenneth Colley Himself (Admiral
Piett)
Rusty Goffe Himself (Jawa)
Wes Page Baron Papanoida
Barbara Page Admiral Daala
Steve Sansweet Himself (Writer The
SW Vault)
Stephen Campbell Imperial Officer
John Of All Faith Jar Jar Binks
Jeremy Sanglay Jedi Knight
Gabriel Olague Jedi Knight
George Starkey George Lucas
Voices
Susanne McClain “I’ll date him…”
Lady
Gary Durrett Darth Vader
Stormtrooper #6
Sandtrooper #2
Intercom Voice #4 #7
Matt Sloan Stormtrooper #1
Aaron Yonda Scout Trooper #1
Stormtrooper #2
Joy Bristol Girl Scout Trooper
Richard Doran Stormtrooper #3
Intercom Red #9
Intercom Voice #6
Mark Covell Stormtrooper #4 #8
Scout Trooper #2
Sandtrooper #4
Jawa #2
Jar Jar Binks
Keith Kaminski Stormtrooper #5
Erik C. Andersen Mouse Droid
Jawa #1
Garindan (Long-Snoot)
Suzanna Massey Princess Leia
Organa
Jeff Stewart Stormtrooper #7
Intercom Voice #3 #5
Marcel Saxlund Sandtrooper #1 #3
Intercom Red #3
Shawn Crosby C3P0
HAL-1138
Intercom Voice #2
Greco Rossetti Stormtrooper #8
Tie Pilot
Intercom Red #6
Doug “Sideshow” Allen Stormtrooper
#9
Intercom Imperil Officer
Clone Trooper
Lisa Conti Intercom Voice #1
Eric Kurland Stormtrooper #10
Intercom Red #5 & Red Leader
Jerry McClain Jedi
Convention Cast
Cathy Kendrick
Star Wars Trading Card Expert
Tony Damata Star Wars Trading Card
Expert
Muhammed "OZ" Ozeroglu Jango Fett
BH-734
Adam Davidson Jango Fett
Summer Wood Darth Kyttee
Miguel Mejia Darth Vader
Ken Tarleton ElvisTrooper
Scott Graham Stormtrooper “Black
Hole” TX-7740
Glen Baillargeon Tusken Raider
Stephen Niesz Tie Pilot TI-1883
Alex Smith Stormtrooper TK-332
Dan Schlund, Rocketman Boba Fett
Flying
David Petty Rebel Fleet Trooper
Bill Costigan Kyle Katarn
Jenny Braun Jan Ors
Lori Procopio Endor Commando
Lloyd Mira-Fuentes Endor Commando
Joseph Branscomb III Jedi R’theus
Ford
Joshua 'CooR' Cook
Stormtrooper TK-0398 & Tkilted-0398
Matthew Carauddo Jedi
Joshua Paul Miller Stormtrooper
Matthew Carauddo Novastar
Phillip Raupach Cael Nordiun
Crew
Camera Operators Erik C. Andersen
Eric Kurland
Doug Allen
Colorist Terence Curren
Main Title & Graphics by
Sean Williams
Droid POVs by Russell
Frazier
Darth Vader’s Theme Performed by Alexandre Bérubé
Star Wars Theme Composed by John Williams
Original Star Wars Sound Effects by Ben Burtt
Land Speeder
Built by Daniel Deutsch
R2
Builder Group
Nikki & Will Miyamoto (HAL-1138)
Wayne Orr (R2D2)
Michael McMaster (C3PO/R2D2 on the Tantive Set)
Max Cervantes (Mouse Droid, RTR2, Gonk Droid)
George “Chip” Luck (R2D2 with Slave Leias)
Jerry Greene (R2R9)
Andy Schwartz (R7)
Craig Smith (Mustafar Droid, Jedi Star Fighter Droid)
Azman Sugi (Clean R5D4)
Vince Sanchez (Dirty R5)
David Litton (Shop Vac Droid)
Chris Romines (R2A1)
Kelly Krider (R2 Blue/Yellow)
Jeff Barnes (R2D3)
Keith Henry (R2 Black/Purple)
Special Thanks
Patty Andersen
Tim Curran
Jodi Kurland
Dean Clark
Paul Decham
Alpha Dogs
LA
Recording
Guy
Vardaman
Allen, Marci Hood & Alex Riggs
Joel Webne
A lost interview with George Lucas made in 1971.
Thank you
binarybonsai.com for posting this on the internet.
HOW DID R2-D2 GET HIS NAME?
During the cutting of American Graffiti,
Walter Murch had once asked George Lucas for R2, D2 (Reel 2,
Dialogue 2) of the film. Lucas had liked the abbreviated sound,
thinking it matched perfectly his notion of a 'cute' robot - the
original inspiration for which had come from the robot in
Douglas Trumbull's Silent Running.
George Lucas
Close Up - The Making of His Movies
by Chris Salewicz
“The one thing about Hidden Fortress
is it did influence me in doing Star Wars. When I was
beginning to write the screenplay and put it together, I
remembered Hidden Fortress. The one thing that really
struck me about Hidden Fortress and I was really
intrigued by, was the fact the story was told from the
two lowest characters. I decided that that would be a
nice way to tell the Star Wars story – which is to take
the two lowest characters, as Kurosawa did, and tell the
story from their point of view, which in the Star Wars
case is the two droids. That was the strongest
influence, actually. The fact that there was a princess
trying to get through enemy lines and everything, I
think was more of a coincidence than anything else –
because in my film the princess is more of a
stand-and-fight kind of princess.”
"George Lucas on Kurosawa" - Recorded
in January 2001, exclusively for The Criterion
Collection’s release of The Hidden Fortress on DVD.
Famous STAR
WARS Quotes
"I was obsessed by visual effects, and in
the year prior to Star Wars, Logan's Run and the King Kong
remake had come out - the world of those films was the one I
thought I would have to work in - a world in which your
imagination was limited by the technology. Then Star Wars came
out in 1977 and blew my mind. Quite apart from being the
16-year-old kid standing and cheering at the end, I knew that if
I was ever to achieve my filmmaking aspirations, I no longer had
to be limited by technology"
Peter Jackson - Director
Wired Magazine - May, 2005
