Star Wars Live Action series

[Master Magnus]

I think the time has come for a separate thread on the upcoming live action series and there's some really big news: A director has been chosen for the series (or at least some of the episodes), James Marquand, the son of Richard Marquand who directed Return of the Jedi:

Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2008/02/28/jim-marquand-star-wars-memories-and-a-scouse-sense-of-humour-64375-20536913/)

[Kapit]

I imagine Lucas could get an endless amount of guest directors to come in and work on the project, including Lucas himself.

I wonder if Spielberg or Coppola or Scorsese would ever be interested in directing an episode or two...

[Blizzard]

In a dream world, Kap. :wink:

Cool news! When you hear anything about a network, call me. I'll have to get a third job if it's on cable.

[RollaFett]

Boy, I'd be surprised if it wasn't on cable.

[Kapit]

It'll be on FOX, they'll move it around a few times, cancel it, and then it'll become a giant cult hit.

Even more so than it already is

[Lord Tesla]

I think the time has come for a separate thread on the upcoming live action series and there's some really big news: A director has been chosen for the series (or at least some of the episodes), James Marquand, the son of Richard Marquand who directed Return of the Jedi:

Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2008/02/28/jim-marquand-star-wars-memories-and-a-scouse-sense-of-humour-64375-20536913/)

Maybe I missed something in the article, but I didn't see where it said anything about him directing the SW series.

My big question is, is he any better director than his father? If not...

Well, to quote the ancient wisdom:

I have a a bad feeling about this.

[Kapit]

Jim, a father of two boys – Tom, nine, and Dan, four – made his directorial debut with Dead Man’s Cards, also filmed in Liverpool.

It so impressed legendary Star Wars creator George Lucas, that he asked Jim to direct episodes of the eagerly-anticipated Star Wars television show next year.



And what about Marquand's direction bothered you, Tesla?

[RollaFett]

I had more of a problem with some of the story elements *cough*Ewoks!*cough*, which was really out of Marquand's control, than his direction. It seemed as though Lucas kind of went with a yes-man type director for ROTJ more than anything else, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he did a bad job.

[Blizzard]

Oooooooooo! EWOKS!!!! :ewok:

[Lord Tesla]

And what about Marquand's direction bothered you, Tesla?

1. Thanks for singling out the incriminating line. Good thing I didn't pay to learn speed reading...

2. It was...well, it's hard to put a finger on it at this particular point in time. Largely because I don't know how much of the ROTJ blame to put on him and how much on Lucas. My understanding has always been that he was, as Rolla put it, a yes-man director, so some of the defects--the brighter, shinier look of the film, for instance--may have been solely due to his following orders, so to speak. But the actors (with two exceptions: Guinness and McDiarmid) all turned in markedly inferior performances, and that I assume is due at least in part to his inability to get better out of them. And, being a yes-man, he didn't produce anything like the moments in the Carbon Freeze chamber (specifically, Han Solo's last words) or the freer dueling style, which Lucas had to be convinced on, that Kershner did.

Of course, he didn't write the script, or, I'm sure, encourage Carrie Fisher's better-living-through-chemicals regimen, so it's not all his fault. But, still...

[Lord Tesla]

Oooooooooo! EWOKS!!!! :ewok:

Indeed. I don't care what the EU says, I take my only consolation in the fact that they were likely rendered extinct by the rain of debris after the destruction of the Death Star.

[Orandhite]

"Jar Jar Binks makes the Ewoks look like :censored:ing Shaft."

[Lord Tesla]

I had more of a problem with some of the story elements *cough*Ewoks!*cough*,

Easy, there! Lord knows the Ewoks have caused me to gag and choke enough times over the years...but we'd hate to lose you over those moth-eaten, ambulatory bathmats.

which was really out of Marquand's control, than his direction. It seemed as though Lucas kind of went with a yes-man type director for ROTJ more than anything else, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he did a bad job.

From a certain point of view, yes-manning can be considered a bad job in itself. Especially if the act you're following is Irv Kershner directing ESB.

[RollaFett]

^ Which has been well documented as a financial nightmare for Lucas. Now, don't get me wrong, ESB is my favorite SW film, but Lucas was stressed to a very uncomfortable level with it.
Kershner did a fabulous job, as most everyone agrees, but to Lucas, he was probably too good a director, and wound up causing more work than Lucas anticipated. So, when ROTJ comes around, Lucas obviously looks for someone who will be much easier to control.
Funny thing is, though, if you ever watch the director's commentray for ESB, it's abundantly clear how much fondness Kershner still has for his entry into the SW universe.

[Master Magnus]

Maybe I missed something in the article, but I didn't see where it said anything about him directing the SW series.
It so impressed legendary Star Wars creator George Lucas, that he asked Jim to direct episodes of the eagerly-anticipated Star Wars television show next year.

My big question is, is he any better director than his father? If not...

Well, to quote the ancient wisdom:

I have a a bad feeling about this.
What did Richard Marquand do wrong?

[Lord Tesla]

"Jar Jar Binks makes the Ewoks look like :censored:ing Shaft."

Apples and Oranges. Binks was only one annoying individual; the Ewoks were a species of...irritants. Gungans are far more tolerable compared to Ewoks. If Binks is left aside. (And even at that, Binks is a far better alien, in terms of technical execution, than those eviscerated, zippered, dead-eyed muppets, the Ewoks.)

[Lord Tesla]

What did Richard Marquand do wrong?

As I have noted before, I haven't had a good chance to review who's most to blame for the multiple defects in ROTJ, but, I do hold him responsible for not getting better work from the actors, and for achieving nothing more than mediocrity, which, perhaps, was all Darth Plaid was prepared to allow him to achieve.

[Tovor]

Carrie Fisher in the Ewok village scene, where she spoke alone with Luke. Especially when Han came along, and her "I...I can't tell you..." delivery.

That's what RM did wrong.

[Lord Tesla]

Kershner did a fabulous job, as most everyone agrees, but to Lucas, he was probably too good a director, and wound up causing more work than Lucas anticipated. So, when ROTJ comes around, Lucas obviously looks for someone who will be much easier to control.

But wasn't Lucas's first choice for director of Jedi Spielberg?

Funny thing is, though, if you ever watch the director's commentray for ESB, it's abundantly clear how much fondness Kershner still has for his entry into the SW universe.


I haven't had a chance to see ESB with the commentary. In fact, I'm not sure I've seen ESB on DVD yet... In fact, the last time I saw an OT episode beginning to end on DVD was...

In July 2005, and it was ANH. It's been too long.

[Master Magnus]

But wasn't Lucas's first choice for director of Jedi Spielberg?
Yes, that is true.

[Rabid Whiphid]

But the actors (with two exceptions: Guinness and McDiarmid) all turned in markedly inferior performances...


NOT JABBA!!! I thought his work in ROTJ was his finest screen performance ever.

[Rabid Whiphid]

^
Kershner did a fabulous job, as most everyone agrees, but to Lucas, he was probably too good a director, and wound up causing more work than Lucas anticipated. So, when ROTJ comes around, Lucas obviously looks for someone who will be much easier to control. .


That seems a little unfair... I mean I know it's very popular these days to blame Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, for everything people hate about Star Wars... but accusing him of intentionally seeking out a director who would be easy to control, as opposed to the most qualified person for the job?? As if he's this mean old party-pooper bent on creating sequels fans will hate just to break our poor little hearts. Come on, be serious. It's well-known that Lucas tried to talk Kirshner into coming back to direct ROTJ, then tried to get Speilberg to do it (Speilberg couldn't due to some stupid Director's Guild rules)... before he chose Marquand.

And yes, it's also well known that at one point, Lucas talked to David Lynch about directing ROTJ but then retracted his offer. But that offer was not retracted because Lynch was "difficult to control". It was well-documented in fan magazines and interviews with both Lucas and Lynch during the 80's (I remember reading them as a kid) that the retraction was because Lynch wanted to make the film in a completely different style that was grossly out of touch with the Star Wars aesthetic... Lynch demonstrated his idea of science fiction a few short years after ROTJ came out, in the movie "Dune". So it's obvious that the David Lynch situation was not a control issue but simply a massive stylistic difference.

My point being - you don't consider hiring creative geniuses like Kirshner, Speilberg, and Lynch if your sinister plan is to employ a yes-man director.

My take on this whole thing was not that Lucas intentionally recruited a director who he could easily keep under his thumb, so much as, Lucas ended up with the director who was probably his third or fourth choice, and made the best of it. And of course there has always been the vague suggestion in various interviews and other sources, that at some point mid-way through filming, it became clear that Marquand, having no experience with special effects films, was in over his head... And Lucas had to descend from Mount Olympus and play co-director to help keep the film on track. And of course the only reason that story is ambiguous is because Lucas has been too polite to critique Marquand publically.

Okay, Okay, all bitter Star Wars fans are now welcome to throw tomatos and rotten eggs at me and call me a Lucas apologist... But honestly, that's the story as I've always understood it...


-

[Lord Tesla]

NOT JABBA!!! I thought his work in ROTJ was his finest screen performance ever.

Uhm, Jabba was a puppet...

(But I'll give you this, he still out-acted Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, even so.)

[Miasmo]

I have little doubt George will get his old pal Steve to direct an episode. Or at the very least, part of one.

[RollaFett]

But wasn't Lucas's first choice for director of Jedi Spielberg?
Uhhh...yes, that's true.

That seems a little unfair... I mean I know it's very popular these days to blame Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, for everything people hate about Star Wars... but accusing him of intentionally seeking out a director who would be easy to control, as opposed to the most qualified person for the job??
Unfair? Perhaps you have a point. And as you correctly point out, his attempts to get Kershner, Spielberg, and even Lynch before eventually settling on Marquand almost negates much of my point.
Now, with that said, it's also well documented how Lucas did indeed want a much smoother and easier shoot for ROTJ. Something that didn't occur for ESB. How to go about that? Well, bring back Kershner and make sure he toes the company line. Considering the difficulties experienced with ESB, it's surprising he would attempt this, but he did. Or ask good buddy Spielberg, someone that he's already successfully collaborated with on a project (Raiders). Now the Lynch move is a curious one, but even you pointed out that Lucas was the one who retracted the offer when he realized that it could potentially bring more of the same that he went through with ESB.
I don't think, at that point, that's it's too crazy a notion to think Lucas simply did go with a director he would have much more control over.
I also don't think it makes me as a bitter fan who blames Lucas for ruining the saga. In fact, I don't even consider the saga ruined, and never did.

[Rabid Whiphid]

Lucas did indeed want a much smoother and easier shoot for ROTJ... How to go about that? Well, bring back Kershner and make sure he toes the company line.

Obviously, every filmmaker wants the film they are currently working on to be a smoother, easier shoot than the last movie they worked on.

But the latter part of your statement (about how Lucas would "go about that") is pure conjecture, based on a predetermined, low opinion of Lucas. It's not supportable by any published quotes from the individuals involved, or any other evidence as far as I know...


Now the Lynch move is a curious one, but even you pointed out that Lucas was the one who retracted the offer when he realized that it could potentially bring more of the same that he went through with ESB.


That's not what I said. Rather, I pointed out that in articles and interviews which appeared in sci fi magazines in the 80's, which I remember reading at the time, it was stated that the reason Lucas retracted his offer to David Lynch was not because he thought David Lynch would be a difficult collaborator. It was because Lucas recognized that David Lynch had an artistic vision of his own, which was too radically different from the style that had already been established in the Star Wars films up to that point.

A stylistic or aesthetic difference is not the same thing as a power struggle.

If my understanding of Lucas's reasons for retracting his offer to Lynch are incorrect, then it's because the various sci-fi magazines of the 80's had their information wrong, or because both Lucas and Lynch lied in interviews.

It was also well-documented in many of those same 80's fan magazines that the reason Lynch then went on to make the movie "Dune" was because, although he was not upset about not getting to direct ROTJ, his near-brush with Star Wars still left him with an interest in creating his idea of a science fiction adventure film. And "Dune" is not a bad movie. But if you watch it you can see that Lucas was right, it IS presented in a completely different style that would not be appropriate for Star Wars.


I don't think, at that point, that's it's too crazy a notion to think Lucas simply did go with a director he would have much more control over.


I suppose I just have a difficult time understanding why some fans are determined to think that way when all the public statements on the matter seem to suggest otherwise. Call me crazy but it seems like some fans almost want Lucas to be this power-mad, money-grubbing tyrant just so they can have fun bashing him.

[RollaFett]

But the latter part of your statement (about how Lucas would "go about that") is pure conjecture, based on a predetermined, low opinion of Lucas. It's not supportable by any published quotes from the individuals involved, or any other evidence as far as I know...
But you're right, I do not have any published quotes or other evidence to support my statements. Things that I have read, such as the ebook "The Secret History of Star Wars" and a couple of opinion based magazine articles, probably aren't strong enough pieces of evidence for most, and I can accept that.
I don't, however, accept your conjucture that I have a predetermined, low opinion of Lucas. I apologize if my posts come across as such, because that was not my intent. Without him, we're not on this site to discuss all things Star Wars, and that would be a bad thing. But I will not blindly sing his praises on every issue either.
That doesn't mean I'm going to start accusing him of 'raping my childhood' or anything, I don't take this stuff that seriously. ;)
I suppose I just have a difficult time understanding why some fans are determined to think that way when all the public statements on the matter seem to suggest otherwise. Call me crazy but it seems like some fans almost want Lucas to be this power-mad, money-grubbing tyrant just so they can have fun bashing him.
Well, I don't have fun bashing him. In fact, I wouldn't consider all criticism to be bashing anyway. Too many people jump to that conclusion and accuse people of bashing much too quickly rather than analyze the criticism being made.
Now, with all of this said, upon reading all of your counterpoints to my original point, it appears as though I really don't have much of an argument. So I concede this debate.
It still seems odd to me that Marquand eventually was the man hired for the job, and ROTJ suffered because of it, but I hesitate to place the blame on Marquand himself when Lucas seems to deserve much more.

[Zedekk]

...so, um, any news on the live action series?

[Kapit]

Yes, Z, there is:

They're using live actors. And (hopefully) cameras that are able to capture moving images.

[Zedekk]

why thank you, any word on who may be casting this bad boy?

[Rabid Whiphid]

I do not have any published quotes or other evidence to support my statements.


I don't, however, accept your conjucture that I have a predetermined, low opinion of Lucas.

Well, I don't have fun bashing him.


Marquand eventually was the man hired for the job, and ROTJ suffered because of it, but I hesitate to place the blame on Marquand himself when Lucas seems to deserve much more.



Am I the only one who notices the contradictions in this series of statements?



-

[RollaFett]

Y'know, I was trying to be civil and fair in my overall stance, but maybe I simply wrote too much for you to actually read and comprehend, thus you're quoting of only certain sentences.
I didn't ask you to provide phyiscal proof of the sci-fi magazine articles you used as evidence earlier. I simply believed you.
Also, I admitted that I didn't have what some may consider solid evidence to support my theory. In addition, I conceded the debate to you as a result.
All of that doesn't mean that I still cannot have an opinion on the matter, does it? Maybe my opinion is not well-founded, and in the end, perhaps I'm flat out wrong. But it's also something that can probably never be proved one way or the other. Your evidence certainly shot holes in my theory, and that is why I conceded the debate as a whole. But it didn't mean that it changed my overall opinion.
Furthermore, I take offense at your pre-conceived notion that my theory means that I have a "low opinion" of Lucas, or that I "have fun bashing him".
You can look upon my statements and say that I bashed him. I'd call it criticism, but whatever. I won't argue that, because it's a matter of opinion, and I'm more than used to hearing any criticism aimed at Lucas being classified as "bashing". Where you see the fun in it, however, is beyond me.
And why does what I consider crisicism (and you consider bashing) automatically mean that I have a "low opinion"? I hated the last episode of Seinfeld, but that doesn't mean I have a low opinion of the series in general, or Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David.
Frankly, I'm a bit tired of people being painted with such a broad brush of negativity when they voice the slightest critique of George Lucas or anything else Star Wars related.

One last thing: this thread is not the place for this discussion any longer, so if you have anythign further to add, PM me.

[JediBendu]

some more rumours:

http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/7242/tcid/1

But for those that want the bullet points of what I’ve heard…

The live action and animated shows will be considered official canon of the star wars universe
The live-action show is going to end up on whatever network pays the most. However, I’ve heard they’re talking about the show being on HBO or even Showtime. Which jives with the slugline for the show…think Deadwood meets The Sopranos. Want a bit more? Could the live action show feature Gangsters? Could it follow the underworld of the Star Wars universe? Perhaps even a crime family? Have I said too much? Again, think Deadwood meets The Sopranos.
The seasons for the live action show might be as short as 12 episodes… again…think Sopranos
The show is definitely PG-13. I’ve heard it’ll be dark. It’s definitely not being made for kids. [/
The Skywalker story is finished. From what I’ve been told, their story is done and they aren’t on the live-action show at all. The show is new characters…with a few people you might know from the movies mixed in here and there.
And for those that don’t know….the animated show takes place between episodes two and three, while the live-action is between three and four. Obviously some storylines might take place outside of those times, but that’s where the primary action takes place. Just like while the live action might follow a crime family, there will be episodes that focus on other things.

[Miasmo]

I guess I've missed too much. Since when was this gonna be mainly a gangster show? Is this just what this guy 'heard'? Is this show gonna be a rehash; a sure-thing gangster show with Star Wars cut and pasted into it where appropriate?

And they're selling to the highest bidder? Splendid... Nice to be reminded yet a gain of where the priorities sit, if that's indeed true.

I skimmed the source article and I don't like the guy's tone anyway. I think he's molding the rumors to what he wants the show to be. Or maybe I'm just battling a headache and better not hit the 'Post Quick Reply' button....


Nah, that ain't happening. Click.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

If it has crime in it then fine. If it's based on crime then it's not SW and it will be crap like all the other muck people watch on tv, that I cannot stand. :mad:

[RollaFett]

Hmmm...it's early, and who the hell knows if this guy is legit anyway? I'm not going to jump to conclusions based on this dude's "report".

[Zedekk]

The highest bidder thing can be a good thing. Provided the network that gets it gives the show its due diligence. Let's hope that Fox doesn't get it. Fox is all about the ratings, and if the show doesn't catch on right off, the way they are expecting it to, well, we all know what happens to shows that don't perform to their expectations. The show gets shuffled around to different times and days and then people don't even know when or if the show is still being aired, and then it gets cancelled. Before it was even given a chance.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

No SW production is getting cancelled by any poncy TV station - ever!

[Rabid Whiphid]

I take offense at your pre-conceived notion that my theory means that I have a "low opinion" of Lucas, or that I "have fun bashing him".

I can only base my opinion on what you wrote. I read every word of it and it came across as very self contradictory. You proposed a theory that Lucas did something bad, expressed a whole-hearted faith in that theory despite evidence to the contrary, and your own admission that you had no proof to support your theory. Then you said you aren't one of those people who assumes the worst of Lucas. Obviously that is self contradictory and revealing of preconceived notions, and a low view of the man. Perhaps you intended it as criticism, but try going back and re-reading your own posts. They don't come across as genuine fair criticism. They only come across as "assuming the worst" of someone.

I accept that you are a true Star Wars fan who appreciates the fact that Lucas was the guy who gave us all this in the first place. Fair enough. But "Frivolous Lucas Bashing" is like a bad flu. It gets passed around from time to time, and it's always a bummer to see other SW fans who are clearly showing symptoms of it.



One last thing: this thread is not the place for this discussion any longer, so if you have anythign further to add, PM me.

You're right, this thread is not the place for this discussion and I offer my apologies to anyone with a genuine interest in the main topic of this thread who was forced to wade through our debate.

But why PM? I prefer to keep things out in the open. If you want to debate this further, feel free to start a whole new thread dedicated to this issue, I'll happily chime in.

[RollaFett]

Fine. No PM.

I can only base my opinion on what you wrote. I read every word of it and it came across as very self contradictory. You proposed a theory that Lucas did something bad, expressed a whole-hearted faith in that theory despite evidence to the contrary, and your own admission that you had no proof to support your theory. Then you said you aren't one of those people who assumes the worst of Lucas. Obviously that is self contradictory and revealing of preconceived notions, and a low view of the man. Perhaps you intended it as criticism, but try going back and re-reading your own posts. They don't come across as genuine fair criticism. They only come across as "assuming the worst" of someone.

Ok, I did as you suggested, and here is what I wrote on the subject:
I had more of a problem with some of the story elements *cough*Ewoks!*cough*, which was really out of Marquand's control, than his direction. It seemed as though Lucas kind of went with a yes-man type director for ROTJ more than anything else, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he did a bad job.
Now, obviously, I have a "low opinion" of Ewoks. After that, I merely proposed a theory of how Lucas went about choosing his director. That theory does not equate to me having a "low opinion" of the man himself. Does it paint him in a complimentary light? No. But to take it the level you did is inaccurate, and frankly, unfair.

^ Which has been well documented as a financial nightmare for Lucas. Now, don't get me wrong, ESB is my favorite SW film, but Lucas was stressed to a very uncomfortable level with it.
Kershner did a fabulous job, as most everyone agrees, but to Lucas, he was probably too good a director, and wound up causing more work than Lucas anticipated. So, when ROTJ comes around, Lucas obviously looks for someone who will be much easier to control.
Funny thing is, though, if you ever watch the director's commentray for ESB, it's abundantly clear how much fondness Kershner still has for his entry into the SW universe.

Again, I don't see anything indicating that I have a "low opinion" of him. I'm expanding upon my theory. I'm not ripping the man, nor insulting him.

Uhhh...yes, that's true.


Unfair? Perhaps you have a point. And as you correctly point out, his attempts to get Kershner, Spielberg, and even Lynch before eventually settling on Marquand almost negates much of my point.
Now, with that said, it's also well documented how Lucas did indeed want a much smoother and easier shoot for ROTJ. Something that didn't occur for ESB. How to go about that? Well, bring back Kershner and make sure he toes the company line. Considering the difficulties experienced with ESB, it's surprising he would attempt this, but he did. Or ask good buddy Spielberg, someone that he's already successfully collaborated with on a project (Raiders). Now the Lynch move is a curious one, but even you pointed out that Lucas was the one who retracted the offer when he realized that it could potentially bring more of the same that he went through with ESB.
I don't think, at that point, that's it's too crazy a notion to think Lucas simply did go with a director he would have much more control over.
I also don't think it makes me as a bitter fan who blames Lucas for ruining the saga. In fact, I don't even consider the saga ruined, and never did.

Please, provide me with an exact quote that has me expressing my "low opinion" of Lucas, because I sure haven't seen it yet.

But you're right, I do not have any published quotes or other evidence to support my statements. Things that I have read, such as the ebook "The Secret History of Star Wars" and a couple of opinion based magazine articles, probably aren't strong enough pieces of evidence for most, and I can accept that.
I don't, however, accept your conjucture that I have a predetermined, low opinion of Lucas. I apologize if my posts come across as such, because that was not my intent. Without him, we're not on this site to discuss all things Star Wars, and that would be a bad thing. But I will not blindly sing his praises on every issue either.
That doesn't mean I'm going to start accusing him of 'raping my childhood' or anything, I don't take this stuff that seriously. ;)

Well, I don't have fun bashing him. In fact, I wouldn't consider all criticism to be bashing anyway. Too many people jump to that conclusion and accuse people of bashing much too quickly rather than analyze the criticism being made.
Now, with all of this said, upon reading all of your counterpoints to my original point, it appears as though I really don't have much of an argument. So I concede this debate.
It still seems odd to me that Marquand eventually was the man hired for the job, and ROTJ suffered because of it, but I hesitate to place the blame on Marquand himself when Lucas seems to deserve much more.

In the end, I state how I feel ROTJ suffered mostly due to the deciscions of Lucas. It's the conclusion to my theory, nothing more. And that was after I actually conceded the debate to you. Conceding doen't have to mean that my overall opinion changed, just that based on your arguments, it seems as though you bested me. I simply didn't have enough proof to support my theory, but it also doesn't mean I need to change my mind.

In the end, and I already stated this, I do not understand the defensive nature of some fans. It seems that any criticism aimed at SW or Lucas is taken entirely too personally by many, when often it is just simple criticism with no personal motivations.
I ask you to re-read all of my posts on more time and, PLEASE, provide me with examples of where you think I expressed my "low opinion" of Lucas.

[borgmatrix]

That's not what I said. Rather, I pointed out that in articles and interviews which appeared in sci fi magazines in the 80's, which I remember reading at the time, it was stated that the reason Lucas retracted his offer to David Lynch was not because he thought David Lynch would be a difficult collaborator. It was because Lucas recognized that David Lynch had an artistic vision of his own, which was too radically different from the style that had already been established in the Star Wars films up to that point.
Yeah, but that's where the "difficulty" potentially comes in. Lucas and Kershner had "artistic" differences, and that seemed to create a lot more stress for Lucas as Kershner often wasn't backing down when those differences surfaced.

We're not talking about some sinister plan on Lucas' part. Its simply that, from all appearances, the creation of ESB wasn't a particularly smooth ride for Lucas and he was hoping to avoid any similar issues with ROTJ. In recognizing that Lynch had a different "artistic vision", Lucas likely recognized there was a chance for a repeat of what he'd experienced with Kershner and, given that he was dealing with burnout already, probably decided to play it safe. It has sounded like the selection of Marquand was, in large part, due to an expectation from Lucas that things would go smoother as far as there being less clashes if differences surfaced.

[Doze]

Sorry if any of this is already here. But I'm new here and this is what I have on this topic.

Lucas will offer Live Action first to Fox then to Warner Brothers.
Video: http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=227&task=videodirectlink&id=851

--------------------------------------------------------

Quotes from Lucas about the Live Action Show

How does it dovetail with the live-action TV series that you've announced?
Lucas - I'm just starting to work on the scripts now for the live-action TV series. We finished the first year of Clone Wars, [and] we're in the middle of working on the second year. I'm finishing the scripts for the third year. And now I'm working on the scripts for the first year of the live-action show. [Smiles] So it's a lot of scripts.

Where is the live-action one going to fit into the overall Star Wars narrative?
It's completely separate. This one has all of the characters that everybody knows — everybody from Yoda to Anakin to Mace Windu to Obi-Wan — everybody's there. The live-action has nobody there, because it's after Episode III, so everybody's dead, basically, or hiding somewhere. You hear about the Emperor, just like you do in Episode IV, but it's mostly about a whole different world. I mean, there are a million stories in the big city — you've only seen one of them. [Laughs]

Yeah, but I guess there is stuff that you could imagine coming in between parts III and IV — for example, we never saw a young Han Solo.
No, well, this has nothing to do with those series. Some of the characters from the features find their way in there, so it's not completely divorced. It's as if we just went down the street and told a different story. You know, we were doing, I don't know, 24, and now we're going to move down the street here and do The Wire. Same thing, it's just different people doing the same thing in the same city.

With the same Emperor.
Yeah.

And the same rules.
Yeah, all the same rules, all the same places, all the same stuff, and a lot of the same species. So it's a familiar world, it's just that you're seeing a completely different side of it.

Do you have a network yet?
Not yet.

Are you still hoping for 100 episodes?
Yeah, I'm going to 100 episodes no matter what.

Cast?
No, we haven't gotten there yet.

Have you built any sets or done any mockups?
No, what we do in our TV series is we write the entire first year and finish it as a script. Then we start getting ready to shoot it, then we start casting, and then we do it. We know where the whole first year is before we even start to work on it. I mean, I can do that because I'm financing the whole thing. So I've got it pegged out for 100 episodes, and I know exactly what I'm going to do and how I'm going to do it and what the risks are.

How long will the episodes be?
They're an hour. It's a regular live-action TV series — you know, Law & Order. [Laughs and waits a beat] I hope.

So we're talking a couple of years?
Yeah, it should take another couple years. The live-action TV series probably won't go on until around 2010. It'll take this year just to get through all the scripts and then another year to get them all shot.

-----------------------------------------------

some more rumours:
The live-action show is going to end up on whatever network pays the most. However, I’ve heard they’re talking about the show being on HBO or even Showtime. Which jives with the slugline for the show…think Deadwood meets The Sopranos. Want a bit more? Could the live action show feature Gangsters? Could it follow the underworld of the Star Wars universe? Perhaps even a crime family? Have I said too much? Again, think Deadwood meets The Sopranos.


http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6421/avatar17vq8.jpgI LOVE the idea about the Black Sun being part of it.http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6421/avatar17vq8.jpg

[RollaFett]

I don't recall seeing that interview before, so good find!

Oh, and :welcome:

[Master Magnus]

A very good find indeed! It clarifies quite many things both about the CW-animated series as well as the Live Action-series.

[Tovor]

Ya know, Lucas has said time and time again that there will never be a 7-9 trilogy because the story ended with the redemption of Anakin and there was no more story to tell. Well, though I am excited to see the Clone Wars series, I think with the live action series, I would have preferred he scrap the idea and do another trilogy instead, set a few thousand years before ANH, or a few hundred years after. I mean, in all the time that they're planning to be working on the two series telling all new stories, they could have made another trilogy and told new stories about Jedi knights instead.

Oh well. Bych bych, moan moan. Just sayin'.

I know, I know...

[RollaFett]

Yeah, you're absolutley right, though.

I suppose that is one thing that Lucas has remained nearly 100% firm on. The idea of anything beyond 6 films was eliminated long ago, and he hasn't changed his mind.

[Tovor]

Well on the one hand, I can understand how he'd prefer to tell 100 stories in 100 episodes than one story in one trilogy, or 3 stories in one trilogy. On the other hand, if the live action series was set in the parameters I mentioned, thousands of years before or hundreds of years after ANH, telling 100 stories involving Jedi knights, I'd not have a complaint in the world about Lucas' plans.

[Doze]

... I'd not have a complaint in the world about Lucas' plans.And that's the real reason he is doing it this way.

[JediBendu]

And that's the real reason he is doing it this way.

what do you mean?
that he can produce anything with the knowledge that any channel will air it coz of the legion of devoted fans that'll watch it week after week?

[Doze]

what do you mean?
that he can produce anything with the knowledge that any channel will air it coz of the legion of devoted fans that'll watch it week after week?
In 10 to 12 years from now Lucas and McCallum have said they want around 400 hours of TV time stories. (Can give you link to back that up) Now that’s 100 from the Clone Wars, 100 hours from the Live Action (LA) and if the LA works out 100 hours for a KotOR and 100 hours for a post OT story. That will mean in 12 year we will not be talking about the movies as a reference but the TV shows, like StarGate fans now do. There very well could be 420 or more hours of stories and only 16 of them from the movie. Fan will say because I complained about this or I always said that and the fans would take the credit from there being stories the way they wanted. But I now think this has been Lucas's plan from some time and had to make the movies first and out of the way to make the TV shows.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

*Geek attack*

400 hours. :superhappy:

I remember when I heard that at CE. I got the shiver down my spine that I get at the start of the movies!

[RollaFett]

KOTOR and post-OT Tv shows? This is the first I've ever heard of that. I'd love to read an official story regarding it.

[Master Magnus]

No, no KotOR series has been confirmed. I don't remember who said it, but it went along the lines that "it would be something fun to do, but...".

[Darth Darthy]

The Live Action series is really starting to lose my interest if what George is saying here is any indication of the path they want to go down:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3131/millenniumfalcontotalfidj6.jpg

No Stormtroopers? I'm out, sorry.

[Saranac]

90210 in space...and we thought ewoks were bad

[Master Magnus]

The Live Action series is really starting to lose my interest if what George is saying here is any indication of the path they want to go down:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3131/millenniumfalcontotalfidj6.jpg

No Stormtroopers? I'm out, sorry.
Indeed. I'd hate to see it turn into the same narrative style as Star Trek: Voyager.

[JediBendu]

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24126280-10229,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24126280-10229,00.html)

Sydney 'the spot for Star Wars TV show'

By Peter Mitchell in San Francisco August 04, 2008 04:07pm


http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6180315,00.jpg
Imperial designs ... franchise creator George Lucas says Sydney is the likely location for making the new Star Wars TV series, which would create hundreds of acting and production jobs.


Sydney the frontrunner for Star Wars TV production
Series would provide hundreds of jobs
Aussie scriptwriters at work on new series


AUSTRALIA remains filmmaker George Lucas' favoured location to shoot his much-hyped <i>Star Wars</i> spin-off TV series.
The sci-fi TV series will likely be filmed at Sydney's FOX Studios.
"We're looking to shoot it in Australia," Lucas said at his Big Rock ranch, the site for his new animation studio, north of San Francisco.
If given the green light, the live action Star Wars offshoot will be one of the most expensive TV productions made in Australia and create hundreds of acting and crew jobs for the local industry.
There was speculation the as yet untitled series would begin shooting next year, but it may be pushed back to 2010.
Lucas has employed two Australian scriptwriters to pen the series and continues to work on "getting all of the technology worked out" to make the show.



The 63-year-old director, writer and producer, who revolutionised cinema with 1977's Star Wars, is no stranger to Sydney.
He made 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith at Fox Studios.
"It is going ahead," Lucas confirmed.
"We're in the process of writing screenplays right now.
"It's going to take a while because it's really hard to do."
The series will not follow the regular Star Wars storylines, instead focusing on the "lower levels of life" of Lucas' Star Wars world.
"It has nothing to do with the Skywalker saga," Lucas said.
"None of the Skywalkers or anything.
"This is what I call a little footnote to the Skywalker saga.
"... It is about the lower levels of life, the lower depths.
"They hear about the fact it is no longer a republic and now it's an empire, but they are from a world where none of that really means too much to them."
Lucas' Australian fans will not have to wait for the TV series for a new Star Wars adventure.
The filmmaker is set to release his first animated feature film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
The movie opens in Australian cinemas on August 14.
Lucas screened the film for journalists last night in San Francisco.
The Clone Wars is set in the period between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and features familiar characters Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and some new faces, including a 14-year-old heroine Ahsoka Tano and a female villain Asaji Ventress.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Maybe we'll be seeing Sarah-Leia as the new villain then? :laughing:

[Master Magnus]

^:rofl:

A pity it has been pushed back, but all news is good news I guess...

[DarthSolo]

I think I'm gonna move to Australia...

[Doze]

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6180215,00.jpg
George Lucas to shoot Star Wars TV series at Sydney's Fox Studios
Link: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24126001-5006014,00.html
SYDNEY remains filmmaker George Lucas' favoured location to shoot his much-hyped Star Wars spin-off TV series.
The sci-fi TV series will likely be filmed at Sydney's FOX Studios.
"We're looking to shoot it in Australia," Lucas told a press conference at his Big Rock ranch, the site for his new animation studio, north of San Francisco.
If given the green light, the live action Star Wars offshoot will be one of the most expensive TV productions made in Australia and create hundreds of acting and crew jobs for the local industry.
There was speculation the as yet untitled series would begin shooting next year, but it may be pushed back to 2010.
Lucas has employed two Australian scriptwriters to pen the series and continues to work on "getting all of the technology worked out" to make the show.
The 63-year-old director, writer and producer, who revolutionised cinema with 1977's Star Wars, is no stranger to Sydney.
He made 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith at Fox Studios.
"It is going ahead," Lucas confirmed.
"We're in the process of writing screenplays right now.
"It's going to take a while because it's really hard to do."
The series will not follow the regular Star Wars storylines, instead focusing on the "lower levels of life" of Lucas' Star Wars world.
"It has nothing to do with the Skywalker saga," Lucas said.
"None of the Skywalkers or anything.
"This is what I call a little footnote to the Skywalker saga.
"... It is about the lower levels of life, the lower depths.
"They hear about the fact it is no longer a republic and now it's an empire, but they are from a world where none of that really means too much to them."
Lucas' Australian fans will not have to wait for the TV series for a new Star Wars adventure.
The filmmaker is set to release his first animated feature film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

OK most of the this is the same but it is nice to see some news on this.
I think a lot is riding on the Clone Wars TV show for this.

[RollaFett]

Jeez, Doze, this was just posted about 5 posts ago. I'm pretty leniant on that but c'mon, you should've seen that.

No harm done, move along.

[Doze]

Jabba could be in Live-Action.
This is from Creative Screenwriting Magazine newsletter an interview with Clone Wars writers Henry Gilroy, Steve Melching, and Scott Murphy.

Quote:
Were there any initial mandates from George about what territory they wanted covered, or things they wanted you to avoid?

Gilroy: No, most of the time George was really receptive to ideas. The entire movie plot of Jabba the Hutt's son being kidnapped, initially I had pitched a story…[George] had said, "Try to stay away from Jabba the Hutt, because I want to use Jabba in the live-action series." I wrote this story about the Hutt kidnapping, and then at the next meeting he said, "Why didn't you put Jabba in it?" "You told us not to put Jabba in it!" "Oh, you gotta put Jabba in it!" George really is open to all sorts of stuff.

Kind of fits in with the whole criminal underworld themes rumored to be included in the series.

Found at TFN

[Doze]

Star Wars: Live Action Music News
STAR Wars is coming to WA. Music for a massive TV series of the popular space opera will be recorded in Perth by a local orchestra.
The movers and shakers behind the initiative are tight-lipped, but Perthnow has learned the deal will be announced in November.
World-renowned scoring mixer Malcolm Luker is the project’s driving force.
Mr Luker has worked on many big-budget Hollywood productions, including Shrek the Third, Team America: World Police, and Black Hawk Down.
“As far as any Star Wars announcement is concerned, that would come from Lucasfilm,” he said.
“We’re not at liberty to discuss that right now.”
Perthnow has discovered planning for the Star Wars work is well-advanced: Mr Luker’s company Rook Park has received substantial State Government support.
A spokesman for caretaker Industry and Enterprise Minister Fran Logan said the Government has been developing an opportunity to establish a film scoring and mixing studio in WA.
“The Government has made available an industry assistance program worth up to $300,000,” the spokesman said.
Mr Luker’s musicians are the WA Philharmonic Orchestra, a collection of around half a dozen local musicians and 50 more from interstate.
They will record the music for the Star Wars TV series either in the State Government-funded new studio or at the ABC in East Perth.
Mr Luker said his State Government money is being used to buy microphone stands, headphones and lighting for the studio, which will be in Mt Lawley.
The TV series, which could have 400 half-hour episodes, will be made at Fox Studios in Sydney.
Mr Luker said the Philharmonic usually used the same principal players.
“We just did Body of Lies with Russell Crowe and Leonardo Di Caprio. That’s due out in October,” he said.
“And we did Helen 123 with John Travolta and Denzel Washington earlier this year.”
Mr Luker first asked the WA Symphony Orchestra to record the Star Wars music when he was trying to get the project off the ground.
“We were approached, but we didn’t have the time to do it,” said WASO chief executive officer Keith Venning.
“We are committed to our own program of opera, ballet and main stage performances.”
Link: http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24324130-2761,00.html

[RollaFett]

Hmmm...okay, so that's the first I recall hearing that the live action may be half hour episodes. Is that news to anyone else?

[Talcy]

Yep. I was always under what I thought was an informed impression that the episodes would be an hour long (well, 45 mins, minus ads).

[RollaFett]

Me too. Very rarely do half hour shows that aren't comedies do very well. Now, we don't quite know how accurate that statement was in that article, but if it is indeed correct, I'm a little worried about trying to cram a SW themed dramatic/action/adventure type show into 22+ minutes.
Not saying that it can't work, but it sure can't be easy.
Just checked on IMDB and they have it as an hour long show, but I don't think they really have much solid info anyway.

[Talcy]

I'd lay down a beer that it'll be hour long episodes. Even Doctor Who sometimes has trouble squeezing everything in to an hour.

[Master Magnus]

One hour episodes is what has been said officially thus far.

EDIT: I guess this article is a few months old, but George Lucas states that the episodes will be one hour "regular live-action TV-series": Entertainment Weekly (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20184842_2,00.html)

It seems like an honest mistake.

[Doze]

Me too. Very rarely do half hour shows that aren't comedies do very well. Now, we don't quite know how accurate that statement was in that article, but if it is indeed correct, I'm a little worried about trying to cram a SW themed dramatic/action/adventure type show into 22+ minutes.
Not saying that it can't work, but it sure can't be easy.
Just checked on IMDB and they have it as an hour long show, but I don't think they really have much solid info anyway.
I remember Lucas talking about this show a long time ago and he described it as an old cowboy short weekly show. Where you shoot the whole thing (a season) and then cut it up in to short stories with cliff hangers. One of those 'Will Jubba find out about the lie? Will Bobba get his ship back? How many Jawas really do fit in to a Rancor’s mouth? Stay tuned to next week show to find out.' kind of thing. But that was a long, long time ago.

But I agree I think it will be an hour.