F.A.Q. Volume II

Are you still looking for conceptual artists for the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

Yes. We are always looking for talented individuals who have a passion for Star Wars. If you're interested in working on the project in any way, just email us, and let us know.

Have you heard anything from Lucasfilm LTD. concerning this project?

We haven't heard from any official sources. There's a good bet that they know about this by now though. Lucasfilm LTD. is actually quite friendly when it comes to things like this. We're free to use their intellectual properties so long as we:

• Don't make a profit
• Don't use their characters in a salacious manner

You stated before that the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy will not be based upon any existing material from the Expanded Universe. Is this because you do not like the Expanded Universe, or is it simply because you are looking to tell an original story?

Both.

You mentioned that you were "keeping your fingers crossed" concerning the return of a well-known actor from the Star Wars films. Who, from the existing saga, are you asking to return for the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

We aren't going to answer this one just yet.

Will we be seeing any familiar worlds from Episodes I-VI in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

Possibly, but not in Episode VII. The story just doesn't warrant it. You will see a slew of brand new environments, however.

Have you cast the new Luke Skywalker yet?

No, not yet. You'll hear about it first right here when we do. We're not actively concentrating on casting at the moment. We've been talking with a few actors but we're not going to report on anything specific at the moment.

Will we be seeing the Empire in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

Yes, in one form or another, but the Empire plays a very minimal role in the first film. You won't be seeing Stormtroopers or Imperial Star Destroyers anywhere on screen in Episode VII.

Where will filming take place for the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

Your guess is as good as ours at this point. We haven't yet begun location scouting. We can tell you that we'll be using practical sets, real locations, and blue screen / green screen to get the results we want.

Meet The New Han Solo

We're very pleased to announce the first official cast member of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. Jimmy Siokos of Davenport, Iowa will be strapping on the famous gun belt, growing out his hair, and putting on that unforgettable semblance of smug cockiness as Han Solo in Star Wars Episode VII. Some of you may not have a very hard time recognizing our new gun-slinging Rebel. He has previously starred in Scott Beck's 2004 independent film drama University Heights, a movie which went on to win MTV's Best Film On Campus Award in 2005. We thought it would be a fantastic idea to have an interview with Jimmy so that fans everywhere could get to know the new Han Solo.

How did you first become interested in Star Wars?

"The same old vintage story you hear from every Star Wars fan who's now in their thirties. I saw it as a kid and was immediately hooked."

When did you get your start in acting? Is this something you sort of stumbled into or is it something you've always been interested in?

"I joke around sometimes when people ask me how long I've been acting and I tell them I've been acting for thirty-four years. I think everybody's an actor deep down inside. Somebody once said that the only time you are truly yourself is when you are completely alone. Otherwise we all act when we're in company. I started to get into acting on a serious level about three years ago when I went to an audition with no experience and no résumé and was given the lead role for University Heights. I guess I just had what they were looking for. A year and a half later, the film won MTV's best film on campus. Since then I've had my hand in over half a dozen small independent films."

I understand that you're a school teacher. How do you find the time to act with all of the work that you do in the classroom?

"I'm single with no kids, so I have plenty of time on weekends, and I usually do most of the bigger projects during summer vacation. I was in Edmonton, Alberta Canada this past summer for almost a month."

You're taking on a very iconic role. How do you think fans will adjust to a Han Solo portrayed by someone other than Harrison Ford?

"Naturally I think people will not take to the idea very well. After all, Harrison is the man who made the movies what they are today, and the man that has given many youngsters their brain candy to daydream with over the past thirty years. However, if they can get over that initial hump, allow themselves to watch a no-namer re-create the swashbuckling character, and just go with the flow and enjoy the storyline for what it's worth, I think they may be able to accept my efforts. At least I hope they do, and if they don't, I will always respect their reasons why. You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time."

I've heard a rumor that you require three months notice before doing a Han Solo gig due to the change in hair style. Can you tell us a little about that?

"If you walk around all the time with that patented 1970s, parted down the middle and feathered look, you'll stick out like a sore thumb, unless you're at a tractor pull event, Pro Wrestling venue, or a NASCAR race. I'm not a fan of any of those three things. I prefer my hair to be very short because it's easier to take care of, but when an opportunity comes up to play Han Solo, I let my hair grow out into the outdated style. It takes my hair about three months to get to the appropriate length. During those three months, I wear a hat as often as possible. Once it's long enough, I get it colored medium brown. Normally my hair is jet black. I also have to try and stay out of the sun for two or three weeks prior to a shoot, since I have olive skin."

What do you do to get into character before going on set?

"I think about the past thirty-four years of my life as a Star Wars fan. I go through multiple Harrison Ford movies in my mind and try to envision how he would react in whatever situation I'll be in. He has about six or seven recognizable facial expressions and I usually try to come up with a strategy as to how to recycle those mannerisms, so that it comes off naturally but noticeably Harrison Ford."

What most attracted you to the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Project?

"Simply the chance to once again play the part of my boyhood hero."

A special thanks to Jimmy for giving us this interview and sharing a little bit about himself with Star Wars fans everywhere. We look forward to bringing the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy to life and Jimmy is sure to be a tremendous asset to our team.

A Promising Turn For The Sequel Trilogy

There have been several encouraging developments since our last update. A few days ago, we received an email from one very promising conceptual artist, who was interested in working on the project, and after taking a look at his previous work, we knew we had to have him on board. His artwork has blown us away and we can't wait to see what he can do with the concepts for Episode VII. We have a few designs that we've been able to visualize that he'll be putting his own spin on and developing on paper, but there are others that he'll definitely be able to take more artistic license with, and I personally cannot wait to cut him loose and see where he can go with things. He's extremely talented and we're all very excited to have him on the project.

The very next day, we received another email. This time, it was from a gentleman who works for IMA Filmworks, a High Definition Production/Distribution Motion Picture company that's been in the film business for twenty years. He explained to me that he and a few others from IMA are interested in working on the project.

A little bit about the company they're coming from:

This is a company that has developed the digital IMAX camera system (used in the documentary "BLUE", currently filming in South Africa... "The Great White Sharks featured in this film instantly send "Jaws" back to school..." - Daily Variety) as well as the HD Digital IMAX. They have revolutionized the video "filmlook" process with their new "Blended-Light" Process (used in the film "Jarhead," as well as Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" Documentary). Also included in their very impressive résumé is previous work with Lucasfilm LTD.

We're very excited to have these people, who have worked at such an accredited company, on board. The interested individuals from IMA are major Star Wars fans (which, if you ask me, is almost equally as important as what they can actually do, when you're dealing with a project of this nature). I think they're just as excited as we are about this project, and I'm sure we're working on a winner here.

Aside from these exciting developments, we've also been getting emails from individuals interested in being extras or helping with the editing and post-production stages of the project. We've also received our first prop for the film - a hand-crafted mask from a sculptor in Denver, Colorado (more on that, including plenty of photographs, in a future update).

People are coming out of the woodwork, the talent is coming together slowly but surely, and I couldn't be happier with the direction we're heading in.

Wanted: Conceptual Artists

The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Project is actively seeking a talented team of individuals to expediate the design process of Star Wars Episode VII. We are looking for highly creative artists who primarily excel in the areas of pencil drawing and painting. Due to legal reasons, all work must be volunteer, however working on the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Project isn't without its benefits, as this would be a wonderful venue for aspiring artists to showcase their work and add something special to their portfolio. Due to the wide variety of areas you have to deal with on a project of this caliber, we are in need of an equal variety of talent, and we recognize that every artist can bring something unique to the table.

If you are interested in getting your hands dirty and working on the first episode of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, please contact us, and tell us a little bit about yourself and what area you specialize in.

F.A.Q.

What affiliation do you have with Lucasfilm LTD.?

We have no affiliation whatsoever with Lucasfilm or its subsidiaries. While we're creating films based on previously copyrighted work, we have absolutely no intentions of capitalizing on this project. We're making these films for the love of Star Wars and for the chance to expand our horizons and hone our skills as filmmakers.

Wait a minute...didn't the saga end with Return of the Jedi?

From a certain point of view. Trust us when we say, there's plenty more story to tell. George Lucas himself planned on continuing the franchise at one point in time. According to a 1983 interview with Time Magazine, the sequels would have delt with Luke Skywalker passing the torch to the next generation of Jedi, the rebuilding of the Republic, and the reestablishment of the Jedi Order. The main theme of the sequel trology would have been "the necessity for moral choices and the wisdom needed to distinguish right from wrong." While, these elements will all be touched upon in Episodes VII-IX, and a number of concepts will be taken directly from the post-ROTJ notes from Lucasfilm affiliates, the story will also continue the enormous scale and excitement of earlier episodes of the saga. The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy will change the way you see Episodes I-VI. In the words of Yoda: "You must unlearn what you have learned."

Will any actors from Episodes I-VI be involved in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

We are currently trying to involve several personalities from both the original and prequel trilogies. Due to the scheduling problems that inevitably arise with non-profit, volunteer films like our own, and the enormous amount of screen time necessary for key characters, it is unlikely that we would be able to get more than a cameo from anyone who would be willing to get involved. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the return of one particularly well-known actor, however.

What is the budget for the Sequel Trilogy?

We're not establishing a pre-determined budget. We want to make the films we've written without compromising our artistc vision due to budget restraints. If we're happy with the final product, it'll all be worth it, so we're willing to spend the necessary amount to get the results we want.

What role will the Expanded Universe play in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

None at all. The Sequel Trilogy will be completely original. The only source material for the films will be the established episodes produced by Lucasfilm and notes from the early-late 1980s. We couldn't possibly hope to create a set of films after the events of Return of the Jedi in the way we want, without winding up completely contrary to the number of books, comics, etc. that have been released over the years, and truthfully, we don't want to. These films will be our vision based off of a few glimpses into the mind of George Lucas.

What about the characters we all know and love?

You'll see some familiar faces in the Sequel Trilogy as well as some completely original characters. We will be taking the utmost care when recasting established characters that fans have fallen in love with over the last thirty years, so don't worry about us not getting it right. We're fans too, afterall.

Will this film use practical models or CGI?

We'll be utilizing practical models (and sets for that matter) wherever possible to touch on the gritty, realistic feel of the Original Trilogy, but we'll simply have to mix those with digital effects to get the results we want. Starships, for example, will be practical models when an actor needs to climb into a cockpit, but those same starships will by digital when we see them zipping around the stars.

Is there an approximate release date for the first film (Episode VII)?

We're very hesitant to project a release date at this point. It all depends on how easily we find ways to create certain environments and characters, and how easy it will be to find a willing crew for delicate areas of the film such as the digital effects and the score. We're willing to spend the necessary money and time to ensure it'll be something special. The bottom line is: We want to do this right.

How can I get involved with the Sequel Trilogy?

The easiest way would be by emailing us at sequeltrilogy@gmail.com. Let us know who you are and how you would like to contribute. We can always use the help and we would be glad to have you working on the project.

What Is The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy is a feature-length independent film project being produced in the Eastern United States. Staying true to the films created by Producer/Director George Lucas as source material, while fabricating an incredible and unique story, we hope to push the boundaries of independent film making, and challenge the stereotypes birthed by decades of low quality artistic films. Rather than producing a flashy 8 minute demo reel or a gritty half-hour short, we intend to step beyond the typical boundaries set by the fan film genre, and introduce a high quality, fast-paced product that works to perfect every area of production from the look and feel of the final picture, to the story that it builds upon.

-TheMcGuffin (after all, I'm only here to advance the story)