Free Of The Mountain...

Famed Archaeologist freed from unknown red tape...

Been keeping an eye on things even though I haven't posted lately.  I said I'd try to do a few posts before Blue Sky goes quite for a while.  This story is enough to make my fingers reach for the keyboard.  I'm sure you've heard the news, and if you haven't why are you reading this?

When The Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm last year, it was primarily for the Star Wars franchise. But George Lucas' company has many other valuable properties, but none more valuable besides Luke Skywalker than the Man in the Hat.  Many people thought that the Mouse would not do anything with the iconic character because of entanglement of distribution rights that belong, not to it but to Paramount Pictures.

Sure, Disney owned the character, but to distribute it they had to go through the original studio that Lucas and Spielberg partnered with back in 1979.  This all comes from a deal that then Paramount executive Michael Eisner made with the two wunderkind storytellers.  Many people thought that Iger and the Mouse Suits around him wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of the previous contracts and hoops the studio would have to jump through.

It appears now that they/we were wrong.

According to Variety today, the Walt Disney Studios has negotiated an agreement with Paramount Pictures where the new owner has distribution rights to all new films related to the classic adventure. Paramount does retain distribution rights to the original four films, and will receive a percentage of the profits from any new films of this valuable franchise.

Although this doesn't mean that Walt Disney Pictures has a Indiana Jones film in the pipeline, it does clear the way for one. And with Harrison Ford's interest in playing the character again it looks like the green light could soon be given, if it hasn't already been.  Hopefully they will play this smart and hire the right people for it. No more space aliens even if it fits the 1950s Red Scare time period.  I would immediately get Lawrence Kasdan to brainstorm ideas with Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas over the coming months.

Once a great idea is approved, hire someone who is capable of creating great screenplays like Mark Protosevich or the hot flavor-of-the-month Simon Kinberg.  Any film that they make would likely be Ford's last adventure as the character since he is 72 years old and I can't imagine him in a sixth film because it would probably involve a wheelchair.  Let's face it, if there's an Indy VI then the MacGuffin will have to search for him instead of the other way around.

I'm sure after that Disney will want to continue such a valuable creation, but it leaves me fearful of the character's future. Sure, I would love to see an Indiana Jones Animated Series, or maybe an Indiana Jones animated film. But Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones. Just like he IS Han Solo.  It's hard to imagine anyone with his form of masculinity playing those characters. Then again, I guess it would be hard for some to have pictured anyone taking over James Bond from Sean Connery, but someone did. Many, many times.

It might just be my soft spot for the portrayal he created in the character that sprang forth from his performance, but I have trouble imagining a future reboot/reinterpretation of the whip carrying, pistol packing, hat wearing archaeologist from America.  It could happen, and it likely will. But it won't be the hero from the past, his, yours or mine.  Sometimes it's hard to let go of things, even when you know it's right.  People, characters, and events seem to attach themselves to your heart and create a bond that is hard to separate.

Like the red tape Doctor Jones just was set free from...

A Few Months Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

So the earth shattering news is that "Episode VII" moves quietly forward...

It appears that after almost a year working on the next Star Wars, Michael Arndt is stepping away.  J.J. Abrams and veteran Lucas collaborator, Lawrence Kasdan are taking over screenwriting duties.  Some will take this as a sign of doom while I take it as just building on what has already been constructed.  Remember that Leigh Brackett's script was tossed out and Kasdan was brought in to fashion the best chapter of the series.  That is another reason I'm not worried.  This man wrote "The Empire Strikes Back" and the Greatest Film of All Time.

Here's the official press release from the Mouse's Lucasfilm division:

MASTER FILMMAKING TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR STAR WARS: EPISODE VIIOctober 24, 2013

As Episode VII continues pre-production, Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams have assumed screenwriting duties for the film. Kasdan, who has been serving as a consultant on the film, is a veteran of several classic Lucasfilm productions, writing the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark and serving as co-screenwriter for The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Acclaimed director and screenwriter Abrams’ credits include Super 8, Mission: Impossible III, Fringe, and Lost. 

“I am very excited about the story we have in place and thrilled to have Larry and J.J. working on the script,” states Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “There are very few people who fundamentally understand the way a Star Wars story works like Larry, and it is nothing short of incredible to have him even more deeply involved in its return to the big screen. J.J. of course is an incredible storyteller in his own right. Michael Arndt has done a terrific job bringing us to this point and we have an amazing filmmaking and design team in place already prepping for production.”

Location scouting, production design, casting, and costume design are already underway on Episode VII. A team of gifted artists are working to bring the latest installment of the Star Wars saga, including director of photography Dan Mindel (Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness), production designers Rick Carter (Lincoln, Avatar, Forrest Gump) and Darren Gilford (Oblivion, TRON: Legacy), costume designer Michael Kaplan (Star Trek Into Darkness, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Fight Club),special effects supervisor Chris Corbould (Skyfall,The Dark Knight Rises, Inception), sound designer Ben Burtt (Lincoln, Wall-E, Star Wars: Episodes I-VI), re-recording mixer Gary Rydstrom (Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Toy Story, Mission: Impossible -Ghost Protocol), supervising sound editor Matthew Wood (Star Trek Into Darkness, The Master, There Will Be Blood) of Skywalker Sound, and visual effects supervisor Roger Guyett (Star Trek Into Darkness, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith) of Industrial Light & Magic. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, with Tommy Harper (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Jack Ryan, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin,War of the Worlds) serving as executive producers. John Williams is returning to score Star Wars: Episode VII. 

Shooting is scheduled to begin Spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios for an expected 2015 release.

Of course, this delay could mean the release date will change to the holidays meaning that light sabers will likely battle big blue smurfs (possibly Episode VIII at least).  Which doesn't bother me at all.  I care that that get the story right.  If it's December instead of May, I'm happy with that.

It'll be a really wonderful Christmas gift...

Echoes From Echo Base...

               

The success of ABC's "Marvel's Agents of S.H.IE.L.D." seems to be rubbing off on the Mouse…

While the show had an impressive debut, resulting in the largest audience for a drama in four years, the network and studio seem to be wanting to generate more internal content from all these acquisitions.  Remember that there was talk of a "Star Wars" television show for many years, and it was supposed to be a more mature take, a sort of "Sopranos" version of a galaxy far, far away reportedly titled: "Star Wars: Underworld".  But George Lucas and Rick McCallum squashed those fantasies with the reality of how much it would cost to make each episode (up to five million per episode).  Now with Disney's money behind it, many have hoped that those adventures might happen again.

From what I hear behind-the-scenes, Bothans are telling me that this is a good possibility. Although, it might not be the dark brooding adventure that was described. There is talk going on, but nothing definite yet as to what a new series could entail.  In fact, it may not even happen in the time it was originally set.  Again, preliminary talks are still going on so many things could change but right now there's a debate as to whether or not a television show would take place in between the Prequel Trilogy and the Original Trilogy, or should they go forward with a series that's between the Original Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy.  This way they could play on the new mythos this new trilogy is creating.

Really right now it's just batting ideas around and seeing which ones work and which ones they want to pitch to the network.

They might still go with the "Deadwood in space" themed setting, but being as it would be on ABC it is unlikely that Disney would want it to be that dark. Not that they would want it to be for the little ones only, they just have a brand to protect and don't want to go too far outside it (it's a four billion dollar investment after all).  Kind of like a television version of in the movies Disney really doesn't want to go beyond PG-13 (R's are out of the question as it's kind of a family company).  But the narratives being discussed right now go back between making a series out of the stories they originally got written which will be set at the dawn of the Empire, or creating a whole new set of adventures after the destruction of the Galactic Empire set at the dawn of the New Republic.

Alan Horn and Bob Iger will likely weigh on on this but it will all be up to the decision of Kathleen Kennedy as to what direction they decide to go.  ABC wants to work with Lucasfilm and has had preliminary discussions on creating a series for the Alphabet Network.  Nothing is likely to be done before next year since the "Star Wars Rebels" and the ramp up for "Episode VII".  But if the brainstorming leads to a story they want to present, things could move faster .  I believe that Kennedy already has a lot on her plate and wouldn't expect to hear anything about a live-action till 2014 at the earliest.  In fact, I believe they want to get the Sequel Trilogy going before setting too big a foundation in television.  But this is Hollywood.  This is the entertainment business and rules don't always apply.

Sometimes magic happens when you least expect it...

Bird Watching...

So those rumors of J.J. Abrams leaving "Episode VII" circling about...

Alan Horn put an end to them at D23 Expo 2013 yesterday, unless he's not in the loop with the director.  Which I have to say is unlikely.  So, with JJ moving full steam ahead directing the latest episode, one has to wonder if they are moving ahead planning for who will direct the next one.  It is unlikely that Abrams will direct the rest of the series as it will keep him occupied for the rest of the decade were he to do so.  As much as a fan as he is, I don't expect him to want to be tied exclusively to nothing but Star Wars for that long a time.  I mean, look at what it has done to George.

So the question becomes who will direct Episode VIII?  My response would be the person I wanted to direct Episode VII.

Brad Bird.

Now I know it's early, but Kathleen Kennedy isn't going to want to wait too long before looking ahead to who will helm the franchise after the next film.  Unlike the original trilogy, or even the Prequel's where there were three years between each film, this new one will have a film out every other year.  This will mean that by the time EP7 is in post, they will have to be preparing the next film already.  Not long after the film is released they will be very close to starting production on the next one.  That is how tight the schedule will be.

And many like myself were hoping that Bird would get the nod, but as he has talked about in interviews, the director is too busy with his current project: "Tomorrowland".  That film comes out next year, and he will just so happen to be looking for his next project.  Hello luck, meet opportunity.  I hope that Horn and Kennedy are being proactive and focusing on the great chance they have here.  He's ripe for the picking.  Imagine the continuation of the new trilogy under his command?

It could be "The Empire Strikes Back" of this Postquel...

A Galaxy Far, Far E3...

Very soon we'll know what the direction of the Star Wars universe...

I mean the gaming part of it, of course.  EA will be at E3 next week and the announcement of their plans for the next few Star Wars games are supposed to be announced.  I don't think we'll see any game play as plans they have are still in the early stages.  The only way we'd see something like "Battlefront 3" would be if they had made a deal to acquire the already almost completed game: highly unlikely but not totally out of probability.  But at least we'll have a road map of what is to come.

Expecting artwork and titles isn't entirely out of the question, but the type of game and story that players will be involved in is what EA's head suit, Labels president Frank Gibeau will likely give us the 411 about.  Since it'll be a press briefing for their entire line up, the focus won't be on Lucas Arts/ EA Star Wars as the entire line of games they have coming out.

Still, having that Star Wars license will be something to brag about...

ReTurning Thirty...

Thirty years ago today we were introduced to Ewoks...

And although it's the most flawed of the bunch, "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" is still part of the Original Trilogy.  And it's far better than the Prequels.  There are moments of greatness in the film (The arrival of the Emperor, the duel with Vader.), but there are scenes of unnecessary repetitiveness (Another Death Star, really?  Ewok, instead of Wookies, really!? A final battle on the Moon of Endor instead of a full scale assault on Coruscant, really!!?).

But it also marked a closing.  There was no way of knowing if George Lucas would ever get around to making the original films he had told us about.  And sadly, when he did get around to them they never quite lived up to what we expected.  "Revenge of the Sith" almost rises to the quality of the original, but falls just short.  If they'd started out like that particular film and got better then most of of us wouldn't be complaining I'd like to think.

There have been a lot of changes to the film since then.  Most were done for the wrong reasons and we've been over those arguments before.  George could do with them what he wanted.  And now he's wanted to move beyond his creation, letting it live past him into a new future.

I'll still remember sitting in that darkened theater as a kid watching the opening scrawl come up and just felling giddy about the prospect of seeing another Star Wars film.  And then the sadness that it was all over when the credits starting rolling.  So even with all its bumps and warts Jedi still retains that innocence of the thosel films we watched as innocents.

You know, before the dark times...

Obi-yashi Maru...

Ok, so J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" sequel has been released over the weekend...

And just like J.J., I've always been a Star Wars fan.  I enjoyed Star Trek, but never to the point where it compared to the passionate love I had for Star Wars.  Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were always more interesting that Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock to me.  Lightsabers and blasters were more fun than phasers and communicators when playing with my friends.  Of the films, I was very fond of  "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan" than any other Trek film.  But overall, I was never as in to the worlds of the Federation than the worlds of the Galactic Empire.

J.J. Abrams felt this way too.  To be fair, he said "he didn't get Star Trek", which I don't agree with.  I got it. I just didn't get into it as much as normal Trek fans.  And when Abrams finally took on the job of rebooting the franchise, I think to get it, he had to be able to relate to it more like his love of Star Wars.  At its most basic core, Star Trek is science fiction and Star Wars is science fantasy.  Trek is owes a lot more to "2001" and Star Wars owes a lot more to "John Carter of Mars" and "Flash Gordon".  Gene Roddenberry's show was pitched as a western in space, but it's more of a field trip, while George Lucas' film feels like an adventure.

And when Abrams made the first Star Trek film he seemed to be injecting some of that.  No matter how he has tried to explain the differences in all his interviews during his publicity for the film, it feels that this is what he's subconsciously done.  Which bodes well for "Episode VII", but that's another story.  And there are many Trek fans that simply don't like what he's done.  He's departed from the core of what they enjoy about the series/films.  The closest Star Wars film to Trek is "The Phantom Menace" because it's a film that has more analytically droning on in political exposition than action.  It only becomes a Star Wars film in the end during the battle with Darth Maul.

But the new films are filled with adventure and pure spectacle.  There are a lot of people that will go into the theater that will leave upset.  Some for reasons of continuity with the original films/series, but several may come out shaking their heads at the number of unanswered questions as to how events in the films could/should have happened.  I found "Star Trek: Into Darkness" to be an absolutely entertaining film, but a much different Star Trek film than hardcore fans will be used to.  And one that some fans will hate because it departs so much from the mythology they've grown up with.  It takes to warp speed and jettisons the original canon in favor of a clean slate.  No stories are sacred here.  And Trekkers and Trekkies have a Star Wars fan at the helm.

J.J. seems to have thrown out the curiosity of the original in favor of the thrills of the reboot.  And for most people in those theaters it'll be enough.  Most may not have been born early enough to see the originals or next generation.  Many of them may have not even seen the original cast.  They may only know them from the vague pictures they've seen in magazines or the shuffle of films in their Netflix cue.

This Star Trek, unlike the ones before, has finally gone far, far away...

Execute Older 69...

Today The Beard is celebrating a birthday...

That's right the Master Jedi himself, George Lucas is celebrating being sixty-nine years old.  And he's finally moving on to do those things in life he's wanted to do, but a little something got in the way.  After creating the iconic filmography that has included "American Graffiti , "Indiana Jones", and of course, "Star Wars", the film maker has finally moved on to being a museum curator.

That said, he's left an incredible mark on American pop culture and even global film history.  Although his life will now pursue another course, his legacy will endure, and his creations will be timeless.  Many (myself included) may fault him for the fallacy that are the Prequels, but most directors, writers and producers would kill for a career so prolific upon the consciousness of mankind.

Happy Birthday, George...

Far, Far Away Galaxy To Film In United Kingdom...

Slowly, pieces of the film that will be "Episode VII" are revealed...

Some of the details are surprising (the fact that there will be sequels), others not so much (the fact that there will be sequels).  This one falls into the less surprising, and somewhat obvious area of the spectrum.  Brace yourselves, but "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be shot, at least partially, in England.  The United Kingdom.  Most likely in or around London.  It's going to filmed at a major studio there, but they're not revealing who/where it is.

This makes sinces as, not only have all the others been filmed there, but ILM, the magicians of Lucasfilm, are currently scouting a location to have at least a temporary base on the island.  A great deal of it will be done back in Northern California, but a sizable chuck will/could be done at one of several sites Kathleen Kennedy and Co. have been touring.  Here's the press release from Star Wars.com:

Lucasfilm announced today that production of Star Wars: Episode VII will take place in the United Kingdom. All of the six previous live-action Star Wars movies have included UK production in such famed studios as Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios. 

"We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. "Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun and recently War Horse, it's very exciting to be heading back." 

Earlier this year, representatives from Lucasfilm met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in London to establish an agreement to produce Star Wars in the U.K. "I am delighted that Star Wars is coming back to Britain. Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries," Osborne said today.Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Michael Arndt and is scheduled for a 2015 release.

Now we have to wait see what the date they plan on releasing it.  I think I'll bet my money on... May.  Then what are we waiting for?  Casting announcements?  Concrete conformation of the original cast?  Plot details?  Official synopsis?  And a million other things to be known before we get to the release.

It's only two years, but it seems so far, far away...

The Sandbox...

Making sand castles in the magic kingdom...

And so the universe expands...

I'm sure many of you saw Ain't It Cool News broke a story yesterday that the first standalone Star Wars film would be about Yoda (the DCA Star Wars Land stuff is bogus, though.  Not happening.  Trust me, as Han Solo would say).  Earlier today, Bob Iger in an interview with CNBC confirmed what has been speculated for months, when he admitted that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg were working on stories for standalone films.  He didn't say what they were, and said Kathleen Kennedy would have to be the one to announce that.

But this added fuel to the fire that the story about Zack Snyder was true.  Well, Snyder wasn't exactly truthful.  He wasn't lying when he/his agent mentioned that he wasn't doing a Seven Jedi film in his future.  There is no signed deal.  Only pitches.  You see that is what is happening right now.  See I got an e-mail from a Bothan this morning.  And she said that Kennedy's office has been rather busy for the past couple of months since she became head of Lucasfilm.  Many writers and directors have been getting phone calls.  Not just about Episode VII, but about Star Wars in general.

As in, what is their dream project to do with Star Wars.  Kathleen Kennedy has had many secret meetings with the talent in Hollywood with some of the towns most gifted people telling her what they'd like to do.  Some have received a "thank you, we'll be in touch", while others have been given the chance to develop their pitch into something more substantive.  Kasdan and Kingerg, as well as working on their own stories will be advising on these.  And now, with Abrams moving forward with the new tentpole film, he will advise as well.

The Bearded One's sandbox was a big one and we always wanted him to allow others to play in it.  Now it turns out we will have a lot of people playing in that sand over the next few years.  Not all of these projects will make it to filming of course.  Some will make it, while others languish and die in development hell.  But dream that many young film makers has of making a film in the Star Wars universe is more than a possibility.  It's now a pitch waiting to be told.  All they have to do is get/make that call from/to Kathleen Kennedy.

And it might happen...

Twenty-Six Years Of Star Tourist...

I wanna go to Hoth... 

Twenty-six years ago today, Star Tours opened to the public at Disneyland...


For two and a half decades the Star Wars universe has been a part of the parks.  Today, many kids think of Darth Vader as much Disney as Mickey Mouse.  For decades guest have enjoyed being transported to that galaxy far, far away as if it were another adventure by the Mouse.

After the surprising announcement last October of the Walt Disney Company purchasing Lucasfilm, you can expect to see a lot more Star Wars in the parks.  From films, to television, to rides, to lands, to merchandising, there will be a lot more star touring.

And with any luck, someday an entire theme park...

The Write Stuff...

And the Threepio goes to... 

 If you need anymore proof that the Mouse picked the right person, look no further...

For Star Wars, I mean.  Michael Arndt is a very talented writer.  He knows story.  He knows structure.  He knows how to take an arc and follow through with a payoff.  I don't know who will be the director that is chosen to film this chapter of the Star Wars saga, but I am confindant in the writer.

I have faith that the script he turns in will be well thought out, well written, and compelling.  The man knows how to tell a story, even if it's a toy story.  I trust Kathleen Kennedy guiding the project through, and it speaks volumes that she chose Arndt to work on the treatment and then the first script of this new trilogy.

If you want to see how smart a fellow he is, take a look at this video from 2007 where Michael Arndt gave a speech about his script for "Little Miss Sunshine" at a local San Francisco book store.  I believe that after watching his conversation about the screenwriting process, you'll feel safer about him being in front of a keyboard typing out the future of that galaxy far, far away.

No Midi-chlorians here, please...

Adoption Complete...

The story of a boy, a girl, and a whole galaxy waiting for a mouse... 

Well, the Mouse officially has a new addition to the family...

The Walt Disney Company completed the purchase of Lucasfilm today.  With the closing of the bell on Wall Street, George Lucas' famous company now becomes another sibling in the colossus that is Disney.  Here is the official press release:

BURBANK, Calif., December 21, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today that Disney has completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family,” said Iger. “Star Wars is one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time and this transaction combines that world class content with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets, which we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, at closing Disney issued 37,076,679 shares and made a cash payment of $2,208,199,950. Based upon the closing price of Disney shares on December 21, 2012 at $50.00, the transaction has a total value of approximately $4.06 billion.

Lucasfilm’s assets include its massively popular Star Wars franchise, operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production, as well as a substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies. It operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound.

Strange that they don't mention "Indiana Jones" in that.  I know that "Star Wars" is the primary motivation for the purchase, but the famed archaeological professor ain't no wall flower.  He can hold his own.  Not to mention all the other properties Disney has access to (American Graffiti, etc.).

But what fans have wanted for years has come to pass.  George no longer has control over his creation.  Now, the future of Star Wars is in the hands of someone else, for another generation.

And the ones after that...

A Study In Plaid...

Oh, tell us great plaid one... 




 

We have another short interview George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy...

It's the third in a series.  Each is about five or so minutes, and there are two more to go over the coming weeks.  Each one adds a little layer of thought, peeling the onion back to see the workings of a private man giving up his baby.

It's going to be interesting seeing what happens in a few years.  I know Kennedy has said that they want to get to a point where Lucasfilm is putting out 2-3 films a year, and I don't if this is a typo.  Did she mean a film every three years?  As in Star War films?  Or did she mean others as well?  Perhaps this is in regard to that magical creatures/fairies animated film that they were working on.

It's interesting times we live in.  Maybe the galaxy up north will be a bit larger than Star Wars and Indiana Jones?


Episode I: Disney and the Future.

Episode II: Getting Started On New Star Wars.

Episode III: An Interesting Proposal.


May the Forth episode of this be with us next week...

Disney North...

That's no planet, that's a space station... 

 

Walt Disney is synonymous with America, but also with California...

But specifically southern California.  Since arriving in the Golden State in 1923 and setting up shop, the man and the company that lived on has had a permanent presence in this area.  From his early days on Hyperion, to the formal home of the Burbank Studios, or the Golden Oak Ranch, this area is treaded territory of the Mouse.  And it's been that way for decades.

While northern California has been in films, it has has never been a crucial, or pivotal part of the company's story; until the middle of this decade.  That's when the importance of the land up north began to play a much crucial part of it's history, and now its future.

When Bob Iger bought that little plot of land in Emeryville it was the beginning of a gradual expansion that most people haven't noticed.  The $7.4 billion purchase of Pixar gave the company a permanent, albeit small presence up north that would play a vital part in the creative direction that it charted.

Who would of thought that within the next five years it would grow so rapidly?

Besides the Lamp, across the bay you will find the Walt Disney Family Museum.  Now, I know that it isn't owned by the company, but it does a valuable service and provides great influence/advertising the Disney brand in the NoCal area.  So it's a step-son in the Walt Disney Company that provides a valuable service.

With the purchase of George Lucas' Lucasfilm, a great deal more real estate, and valuable entertainment icons became part of the company.  The Letterman Digital Arts Center, just down the way from the Walt Disney Family Museum houses Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts, and Lucasfilm's marketing/licensing arm.  This is truly a dream factory in the green setting of the Presidio.

Lastly, a little further up in Marin County lies Skywalker Ranch, the original home of Lucasfilm, which is a haven for creative types that seek it out for writing and other services, but the jewel there is Skywalker Sound.  UPDATE: It appears that Lucas will retain the right to the land and surrounding ranch, but it's unclear if their services will be used, or if Skywalker Sound and other parts of the company will move out to other parts of the Bay Area.

Think about all the property that now exists up north.  There is probably more land in use by Disney in the bay area than in the area surrounding Hollywood.  And just seven years ago there was really no presence by the Walt Disney Company up there.  The state of California has Walt fully anchored in it from north to south.  Now maybe they can purchase something in Fresno so that there's a bridge between north and south.

The little company that was started in southern California has taken over the whole state...

The Force Is Strong With This One...

Star Wars films to infinity and beyond... 

Well, we now know who did that extensive treatment that Bob Iger mentioned in the announcement of Lucasfilm marrying the Mouse...

And it's not by George Lucas.

Vulture is reporting (and other sites are confirming) that Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) was/is the person responsible for the treatment for the storyline for the next trilogy of Star Wars films.  It wasn't just a proposal for the first film, Episode VII, it was a 40-50 page explanation/description of all three films.  And the treatment is supposed to go out to directors soon.  Brad Bird, J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg are mentioned, and it may not be just to see if they want to direct, but what they think of the new trilogy.

This is great news, not only because Arndt is a great writer, but he's an avid Star Wars fan, which means we won't see something like Jar Jar Binks, or Medaclorians.  It means that Disney and Kathleen Kennedy are taking this seriously, and don't plan on releasing a film that fans will hate.  It means that they actually care what the fans think, unlike Lucas, who created this universe, and never let anyone question him.  It means there won't be a room of Yes Men that tell George everything he writes is gospel, and nothing is wrong with it, or could be bad about it.  It means now others can play in George's sandbox.

And that is a good thing for Star Wars fans.  It means that we may get adventures in this wonderful universe that are worthy of its creation.  Now, if only Brad Bird were to postpone "1952" until after he finishes "Episode VII" it'd be the greatest news ever.  Well, not ever, but today at least.

This was great news today...

Hat Tip to /Film.

UPDATE:  Lucasfilm has confirmed Arndt will write Episode VII.

Many Bothans Died To Bring Us this Information...

If you've been reading this site for a while you know that Lucas was my soapbox...

I've written a lot of articles on George Lucas/Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Lucasfilm over the last four+ years.  And as soon as the news broke, comments started coming in, e-mails started arriving and many people showed up at my doorstep.  Ok, that last one didn't happen because I don't give out my address, but the others, they happened.

So for those of you that aren't long time readers, I figured I would give you a chance to see all those articles (or at least, most of them) that I used to make my case.  I had other signs, and clues, and even a few Bothans with hints, but mostly, it was the common sense of what just seems natural.  So without anymore fanfare, here for your perusal:



Disney Films That Aren't

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far In The Future

The Turn

The Master's Vision

Threequels

Stating The Obvious

Buying An Empire

I Am Empire



And then came the news last Tuesday...

The Next Hope: Project Valor...

Signs on the dotted line...

So now it has come to pass...


Many people said it wouldn't happen, but George Lucas finally decided to sell his company to the Mouse (listen to the conference call here).  And now that that has happened, many others will be invited to play in his sandbox.  We can expect to see a great deal of news in the coming months as the writers of "Episode VII" are revealed, as a director is chosen, and as the start of production nears.

The film is only one part of this.  Star Wars is not just a film, but an entire ecosystem of possibilities.  From film to television to merchandise, there are literally worlds to explore with this property.  And remember that Iger and crew bought Lucasfilm, not just Star Wars.  Naturally, that was its biggest jewel, but not its only one.  Indiana Jones is right behind it (Mr. Dini, call your agent and set up that meeting for the Indiana Jones animated series).  Then there are all the other lesser known properties, and all the umbrella corporations that make up the company.  Industrial Light and Magic at the Letterman Digital Arts Center, Skywalker Sound at Skywalker Ranch, and the animation facilities in Singapore, and on, and on.

There is so much to contemplate, so many things to watch unfold...

I Am Empire...

Sell it, George...

"He's more machine now than man, twisted and evil." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

It must be tragically ironic to be a genius trapped in a nightmare of your own creation...

Despite what Decadent Dave says, I don't publish that many posts on the Bearded One. But lately, I've gotten several e-mails about "Star Wars" coverage here at Blue Sky Disney. So I guess it's time for some clarity because I've always felt that clarity was a good thing. It always helps to know where someone stands so as to know where they are going. We can always have disagreements, but at least we can respect the views of one another without coming to the same conclusions.

George Lucas is a man who lives in his own world... literally.

The business of Lucasfilm is his world, and particularly Star Wars is that world. Sure he's talked about doing little independent, art-house films that don't appeal to the public. But it's talk. He keeps pushing that day and those projects off. Trapped in the quicksand of his own success, he seems incapable of escaping it. He was once asked what was Star Wars and what did it mean. His answer, to paraphrase, was that "technology can't save us." The irony in that is he talks about the limitations of the original trilogy and how the FX of the time limited his abilities to tell a story. I'd argue that it's the opposite, those limitations helped focus on story and in so doing, made it much better. Just look at the Special Editions that are closer to what he says he wanted. Look at how he talks about the ability for these new computers to free film makers and look at what he does. Star Wars animated series, Star Wars comedy animated series, Star Wars live-action series (maybe), Star Wars fan documentaries, Star Tours update, ect.

George Lucas made news the other day when he mentioned his plan to step away from the day to day planning of his empire, Lucasfilm. It's been his said intention to go back and make small, personal films that no one will care to see. This is something he's talked about for over a decade, but he now says that he is ready to actually do that.

"I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies. I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theatres." -George Lucas

And today he took the first step towards that apparently. It was announced that Kathleen Kennedy, who has long been a partner with Steven Spielberg, would take over the operation and running of Lucasfilm. Here's the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO-Lucasfilm Ltd. today announced that Kathleen Kennedy will become Co-Chair of Lucasfilm. In an effort to move forward with his retirement plans, George Lucas will work with Kathleen Kennedy to transition into her new role. Lucas will become Co-Chairman of the Board of Lucasfilm and continue as CEO. Micheline Chau will remain as President and COO of Lucasfilm, and continue to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business.

“I’ve spent my life building Lucasfilm and as I shift my focus into other directions I wanted to make sure it was in the hands of someone equipped to carry my vision into the future,” said George Lucas. “It was important that my successor not only be someone with great creative passion and proven leadership abilities, but also someone who loves movies. I care deeply about my employees—it is their creativity and hard work that has made this company what it is today. As the company grows and expands I wanted to be sure the employees of Lucasfilm have a strong captain for the ship. I also care deeply about our fans and it was important to have someone who would carry on the passion and care that I’ve given the films over the years. So for me Kathy was the obvious choice, she is a trusted friend and one of the most respected producers and executives in the industry.”

Director Steven Spielberg said, “George’s prescience is once again proven by his choice of my long time producing partner, Kathy Kennedy to co-chair Lucasfilm. Kathy has been a member of both of our families going into a fourth decade so it does not feel like she is going to another galaxy far far away. She will get just as much support from me with Lucasfilm as George has given both of us all these years.”

“George is a true visionary,” said Kathleen Kennedy. “I’ve seen him build Lucasfilm from a small rebel unit in Northern California to an international fully integrated entertainment company. I’m excited to have the chance to work with such an extraordinary group of talented people. George and I have talked about the enormous opportunities that lie ahead for the company, and as George moves towards retirement I am honored that he trusts me with taking care of the beloved film franchises. I feel fortunate to have George working with me for the next year or two as I take on this role—it is nice to have Yoda by your side.”

Seven-time Academy Award nominated Kathleen Kennedy is one of the most successful and esteemed producers and executives in the film industry. As a producer she has an impeccable record with a robust filmography working with such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, Barry Levinson, Clint Eastwood, David Fincher and Gary Ross. As a testament to her standing in the film community, she previously held the position of governor and officer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and currently serves as a member of the board of trustees. She is also a former President of the Producers Guild of America.

Kathleen will step down from her role at The Kennedy/Marshall Company, shifting her responsibilities to partner Frank Marshall. The Kennedy/Marshall Company is currently in post production on LINCOLN, directed by long time collaborator Steven Spielberg whom Kennedy also produced for on the INDIANA JONES and JURASSIC PARK franchises, and THE BOURNE LEGACY, written and directed by Tony Gilroy and produced by Marshall. Under the Kennedy/Marshall banner, the pair has produced such Academy Award nominated Best Picture films as WAR HORSE (six nominations), THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (thirteen nominations) THE SIXTH SENSE, (six nominations) and SEABISCUIT (seven nominations), as well as blockbusters including the BOURNE series and THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN. Marshall will oversee the company’s current slate of projects and continue to expand it via their development deals with DreamWorks and CBS TV Studios.

So we really might see Lucas try to distance himself from his creations. But will he step back in if she makes a decision he doesn't agree with? Could this be a further step toward taking the company public, which Lucasfilm Suits have said was a viable future option? Perhaps even a merger or as I have dreamed; selling the entertainment company to the Mouse? As time passes, we'll see how much control he actually relinquishes. I've always known that he would someday step back, but it's refreshing that it is finally happening. This could be a whole new world of opportunities for George and his fan base.

And after decades trapped inside his creation, it might be that the only way to set himself free is to set IT free...

35 Years Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

Sell the darn thing dude...










That's right, it's been that long...

Thirty-five years ago today, "Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope" premiered. I want to celebrate the future acquisition of Bob Iger/Tom Staggs on that achievement and have some advice for George Lucas: Sell it! Sell it now! Go make your personal, esoteric films, Master Lucas! You still have time. Whew. Glad I got that off my chest.

Do, there is no try...