DISRUPTION MASTERCLASS
BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO 1975: Visit Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)’s ‘garage’ where the STAR WARS magic was invented and the mega innovations they created!
Lucas put together a team of about 45 people (led by FX legend John Dykstra) of college students, artists, industrial designers, model makers, architects and engineers. He set them up in an empty warehouse behind Van Nuys airport, California. The average age was 25. Lucas named the group Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), which became the Special Visual Effects department on Star Wars.
It was the first time people who worked in many of the visual effects specialisations had ever gathered under one roof to create a film. The energy and communication among the exceptionally talented cinematographers, engineers, and artists resulted in a movie that rocked the visual effects world. In making Star Wars, Lucas and his young team pioneered new camera technology, new filming styles, sound design techniques, and, most importantly, a new way of thinking about science fiction in filmed entertainment.
Creating new technological competences to execute the creative vision for STAR WARS.
Go inside ILM’s original ‘garage’ and meet the team that helped build a billion dollar innovation franchise.
“Star Wars is a story of innovation more than filmmaking. This video reveals how George Lucas and his team of mavericks disrupted the movie industry—crafting the future of digital cinema from an old warehouse in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. What really stands out is the vibe: the energy, creativity, and sheer joy of the process. At some point, they all realised they were pioneering breakthrough innovation that would transform cinema forever.”
Author: Nicolas De Santis
Acknowledgements: Dave Berry