Cool article about/interview with John Dykstra

Author: canofhumdingers
Date: 11-Dec-2010, 5:21 PM

Author: canofhumdingers
Time: 11-Dec-2010 5:21 PM
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I know the replica prop forum (therpf.com) has been mentioned on this site before, but I'm not sure how many people here are active members/lurkers there. Anyway, they posted a three part piece about John Dykstra and his experience heading up the original incarnation ILM as they literally created the sfx techniques needed to make Star Wars possible. It's a great read, and I don't think(hope) you need to be registered there to read it (they only open up registration sporadically).

Anyway, without further adeiu,

John Dystra: Intergalactic Man of Magic

Author: Anchorhead
Time: 11-Dec-2010 11:36 PM
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” For the first time in the history of filmmaking, computer generated imagery allowed the visual effects artist to focus on creativity—what’s possible—versus retrofitting story based on mechanical limitations. But is this necessarily a good thing? “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” .......the limitations that practical effects placed on filmmaking were a good thing because they forced story to be the lead actor with visual effects playing a supporting role. .......“Frankly, I feel like the new STAR WARS [films], to me, have too much stuff in [them]. I look at the screen and I go ‘I don’t know where to look......

“Who’s this story about? Why am I here?” The crucial difference with the new, all-digital STAR WARS films is that these questions don’t seem to have such resoundingly clear answers. “It became spectacle over story.

The very reasons I'm a fan of only Star Wars. Lucas chose the wrong people when he re-made ILM. He started ruining the franchise as soon as he finished the first film.

Very interesting article.

Forum Moderator

Author: SilverWook
Time: 12-Dec-2010 2:40 AM
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Great pictures too!

Where were you in '77?

Author: captainsolo
Time: 12-Dec-2010 4:14 PM
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Thanks for posting this.

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“George didn’t think there was any future in dead Han toys.”-Harrison Ford
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Author: TheBoost
Time: 13-Dec-2010 3:01 PM
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Good read. i have nothing to add save that Dykstra's beard is strong.

Author: msycamore
Time: 16-Dec-2010 9:31 AM
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Thanks for posting this, canofhumdingers. :)

We want you to be aware that we have no plans—now or in the future—to restore the earlier versions.

Sincerely, Lynne Hale publicity@lucasfilm.com