This came in from the "LONE JEDI", and you can check out the latest "rumors" from the world far far away. Keep your salt handy and take notes. Here it comes:
Date: 26 October 1997.
Place: Virgin Megastore in Paris (Place to buy cd's, DVD's, Laserdiscs and videos)
Protagonist: The 2 Main Editors of the SW Insider french version, Patrice Girod and David Oghia. They were back from a Leavesden Trip and had the chance to interview the GRAND MASTER himself: George Lucas. They are making a press conference, telling us all the prequels tibdits.
Resume of the tibdits:
- May 25, is the official date. Though, Lucas is saying that if he need MORE times, well, the movie could be delayed.
- Budget 60 millions and 1500 FX shots. 60% will be CGI.
- Biggest problem right now for ILM. Well, 1h45 of the movie is supposed to be CGI. Current ILM'ers can only achieve 1h15 of the movie in one year. That's the main reason why the movie will be delayed. ILM'ers needs more months.
- All scenes are filmed a few times each. The First time it'S with the actors against peoples wearing white clothes (who will be later replaced by CGI images, characters or monsters) The Second time it's with the real actors only. The Third time with the white actors only. The Fourth time the scene is filmed without ANY PERSONS.
- The Opening sequence is supposed to be real mind-boggling ride. In fact, the 2 guys have been basically quoted to say that: "You will have to be back the next day (After the Opening of the movie in theaters) just for this scene. It's so impressive that you won't be able to catch all the actions of the scene during the first viewing."
- The Title is still: Star Wars: Episode 1
- Rick McCallum is reporting that (Lucas) , after the having filmed Episode 1, will possibly make some new FX adjustments for Episode 4-5-6. Rick is reporting that it's only a "possibility". These new FX shots will includes elements taken from the Prequels.
- Apparently (not really confirmed, only hinted) when Ben is saying that Anakin was (already) a great pilot when he first meet him, he's telling the truth. This will be one of the most impressive scene of Episode 1.
- Lucas won't use any of the ideas based on the novels and comix. Though, some Lucasfilm persons are working full time just to be sure that Lucas won't contradict the current trilogy.
