First published 1999
George Lucas returns to filmmaking after more than two decades to craft Episode I of his Star Wars saga. Jody Duncan Jesser takes readers inside the massive production, from early concept discussions through final post-production work. Lucas reveals how he developed the backstories of beloved characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and R2-D2 while introducing new figures including young Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala, and the controversial Jar Jar Binks. The Industrial Light & Magic team pushes digital effects technology to new limits, creating creatures and worlds that blend seamlessly with live action footage. Production spans multiple continents as Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman bring their characters to life on sets in England, Italy, and Tunisia. Through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes photographs, and production artwork, readers witness every stage of creating a modern blockbuster that had to live up to enormous expectations while launching a new chapter in cinema's most popular space opera.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: England, Italy, Tunisia
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
Unknown Binding