Lifeincontext

I really like the direction this is taking. Thank you all so much for your feedback!

The biggest things I’m working through are pacing for what happens at the Death Star ruins.

Right now, it cuts from Kylo’s vision to the Death Star; we hear “you were right…” on the last lingering shot of the helmet. I moved the Forces of Darkness stuff to later.

There’s a few establishing shots I’ve added…Only one was really usable from TROS with no changes; that’s the first shot inside the ruins with the shuttle/TIE visible. I went back and added the skimmer entering the ruins for a little more context, but I’m not sure if it works, given that we see Kylo leave at the end in his TIE.
For the others, I’ve cropped them and slowed them down; this is the stormtrooper helmets in the hallway and the throne room. I hope the quality isn’t too terrible… I also added a few echoes of Vader’s redemption here. It cuts to a Kylo reaction shot, almost like he’s flinching at what he’s hearing.

Here’s where I took a risk. We see Kylo with his lightsaber. This is where part 1 the Forces of Darkness clip happens. Then, I decided to use a couple shots from TLJ for when Leia calls to Ben. I wasn’t originally going to do this, but upon rewatch, it felt like it needed something. The shots I used were from when Leia is in space before she does her Poppins thing, since I’m not using that. Just one shot of her opening her eyes, and then one shot of her hand outstretched. I blended it with Kylo turning his head, then cut to Kylo looking out.

This is where FOD part 2 happens. It cuts from Vader falling to “Ben!” and Han falling. That shot lingers in silence. Then: “Hey, kid.”

This whole thing may not work. But considering he’s on the edge of despair…thought it was worth a shot.

Finally, for the Tatooine epilogue, I went with option 2 for this clip. We see Rey enter Luke’s home, look up, then cut to a quick shot of Leia looking at Rey, and then her hand on Rey’s hands, which are also holding the broken saber. Then it cuts to Rey folding the “pieces,” although we never actually see them.

My biggest concern with this scene is to make clear what is happening inside of him, while also tightening the pacing. It may be a bit laggy right now.

Looking forward to hearing what you guys think!

SparkySywer said:

This is a very interesting idea!

Glad it’s piqued your interest! Please feel free to offer any feedback!

idir_hh said:

Does Leia live in this edit? Otherwise I don’t think the flashback would work.

That she does! Although we don’t actually see her again.

idir_hh said:

That’s a fabulous idea, very FX heavy though so that’s an obstical.

Right?? I’m still considering doing it. However, there’s those 3 alternatives that might make things simpler.

• Full flashback (interruption): Rey/Leia discuss Luke’s death
• Quick flashback (no interruption): Leia’s hand on Rey’s as she holds the pieces of the saber
• No flashback: cut directly to Rey folding the cloth over the pieces. We don’t actually see them.

Like I said, I’ll post the clips.

idir_hh said:

In theory it might work but it’s all about how it translates on screen, music is essential to selling the idea. I do question the narrative purpose of Rey burying the sabers in the version though.

I’ll definitely post a couple clips when I put them together and see what people think.

As for purpose…I think that once Luke is gone, Rey has to decide whether she wants to reforge Luke’s saber and continue on his path…or forge her own and put his story to bed, while carrying his legacy. She chooses the latter. The broken saber is symbolic of that, I think.

idir_hh said:

You can have an establishing shot sequence that includes the outer shot of the Deathstar wreckage, the boat entering from below, wide shot of the inside of the wreckage, shot of the hallway with the storm trooper helmets, empty throne room shot - wide shot of Kylo standing in on the edge - enter Han Solo.

Flashbacks would be too overkill I think, at most I’d go for faint echoes from the throne room scene in ROTJ, “you already have, you were right about me…” etc.

These are all great ideas. I’m gonna have to get creative with a few of those shots…Rey is featured pretty prominently, and the crazy cutting doesn’t allow much space. And definitely a yes on the echoes. Thanks so much!

On another note, what did you think about #3, the idea for the flashback to the Falcon scene from TLJ?

idir_hh said:

I really like the Falcon/Broom boy combo at the end. Could it be implied that Kylo has taken a kind of pilgrimage to the ruins of the Deathstar, where his grandfather was redeemed? I think some slow wide shots of the ruins (could use some wide shots from the Rey climbing sequence) would help fix the abruptness and better establish the setting.

I really like this idea. That’s pretty much what I’m going for. I can definitely try a couple of wide shots, although I didn’t think there were many that were usable for the sequence.

Another idea: would it be too on the nose to add a couple quick moments from ROTJ in his vision?

So I have a rough version of the whole ending section.

This all happens right after Rey cuts Kylo off/the dice disappear.

https://vimeo.com/419869547
PW: fanedit

Feel free to give your thoughts. I really want to make this ending strong.

Big thank you to popasketti, idr_hh, and adobewan…and whoever came up with the brilliant idea for the rescore…for their fantastic work on the final scene…which I’m including and asking for forgiveness lol. Love this stuff!!!

Keep in mind a few things:

1. Originally, I had in mind that Kylo would be battling Vader in his mind as he travels to Kef Bir (Forces of Darkness Fan Film). The sequence would have been recut, but longer than it is now, and somewhat rescored. This would continue until the killing blow, which would have needed a concurrent moment with Kylo collapsing that really looked like he was struggling putting his past to death. There honestly just wasn’t enough footage that I could find so it didn’t look choppy. Thus, I went with a simpler option.

2. I’ve been trying to find the right footage for Rey to connect with Kylo. I really did look everywhere. There wasn’t footage of her smiling that was both long enough and made sense geographically/aesthetically. But I did find this one moment in the Falcon where she paused just long enough with an expression I thought could really work. So I added it with a moments from TLJ, and added a couple lines…I think it created a nice moment.

3. Although I’m still considering doing the heavy VFX work of tracking the broken saber pieces and inserting them into the Tatooine epilogue, I may also try something simpler. Since I’m considering this a sequel “Star Wars Story” film…what if I took a few liberties and added a flashback? gasp Since I’m no longer using the Falcon ending, the moment where Rey and Leia discuss Luke’s death seems poignant for this moment. I’d also cut in the shot of Leia’s hand on Rey’s, which also includes the broken saber, and then cut right to her folding them in the cloth. My only qualm with it is that there’s an interruption in the music. Another option is just the last couple shots of this interlude that has no sound/is over the Tatooine music. I’ll post another clip of this piece later today or tomorrow. But if you have preliminary thoughts, feel free to leave them!

Lonestar113 said:

The official word on the Clone Wars series is that it picks up right after episode II, but that clearly isn’t the case. The goal of this edit is to fill in as much of that gap as possible. Using the 2003 Clone Wars series from Cartoon Network I have created a prolog to the 3d animated Clone Wars series that mostly fits with canon. My edit includes the battle of Muunilinst (excluding Durge), the recruitment of Assajj, the first dual between her and Anakin, Anakin’s promotion to Jedi Knight, and Padme’s gifting of R2 to Anakin. The edit is basically complete; however I need some VFX help. I need to replace Anakin’s Eta2 with his yellow Delta 7. I have created a back plate to replace the ship but I’m terrible at masking. I also have created a new ship image for the Delta 7 that needs to me mapped over the other ship in a single angle take of shot, and map R2 to the center of the ship. Its 10 seconds of film that needs the VFX work. If anyone could lend a helping hand I would appreciate it.

This is awesome! I’m still new to VFX, so this is probably not my cup of tea, but please do send me a link when it’s done!

adobewan said:

Lifeincontext said:

• cut to Ben at the Death Star ruins. Leia calls to him. Han appears. Kylo throws away the saber. We hear Luke. “I’m sorry.” He leaves in the TIE.

Are you planning on having this only be Leia’s voice? Personally I think it could be distracting if we see her suddenly in a different location wearing different clothes.

Yes, just her voice. I totally agree.

Chase Adams said:

Lifeincontext said:

So right now, there’s only 1 or 2, I think. I had cut most of the planet establishing shots and just showed the landscape.

Can you please PM me a Google Drive link with a clip of all of the establishing shots used in TFA so that I can pick the 2 easiest ones to edit?

You got it. I’ll send it your way tomorrow.

Lifeincontext said:

Turns out adding the Kylo ending has led to some interesting moments. Here’s the revised ending:

• Rey cuts off Kylo/The Dice Disappear
  (I think the Falcon TLJ ending might need to go, although Rey and Leia talking about Luke is a nice moment.)
• Kylo runs back to Vader. Vision sequence. Haunted by Vader/Luke. Sees the ruins of the Death Star and leaves.
• Small part of Forces of Darkness fan film: Vader choking Kylo. “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to.” Kylo kills Vader.
• cut to Ben at the Death Star ruins. Leia calls to him. Han appears. Kylo throws away the saber. We hear Luke. “I’m sorry.” He leaves in the TIE.
• Rey travels to Tatooine. As she makes her way to Luke’s but, we cut to…
• Kids learning about Luke. Broom boy sweeps.
• Rey slides into Luke’s old home. She buries the two halves of the saber. She reveals her new saber.
• Ben connects with her one last time. His ship burns in the background on a desert planet. “I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it. Why didn’t you?” “I did want to take your hand. Ben’s hand.” Rey smiles. She notices the old lady. Sees Luke’s ghost. “Rey Skywalker.” Leaves on the Falcon. Broom Boy observes and looks up into the stars.”

On another note…the place I had wanted to put the last Rey/Ben connection isn’t working. I don’t have a lot of footage of Rey’s face that would make sense for either the Falcon or Tatooine. It’s just not long enough/doesn’t show the right emotion. Most of the Pasaana footage I was going to use for Kylo won’t work because…of course…he has his helmet in his hand. I have about 5-6 seconds of a closeup that can still be used though. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Chase Adams said:

Lifeincontext said:

That would be amazing! Thank you so much man!!

Can’t promise it will be perfect, but I’ll give it ago. You’ll need to give me some time though since I’ve got a lot on my plate already so I’ll have to get around to it a little later.

First of all, I’ll need you to go through your edit and tell me how many times the planet is shown. I’ll create a few variations from different angles.

Dude, no rush at all. Take your time. I really appreciate your offer to help.

So right now, there’s only 1 or 2, I think. I had cut most of the planet establishing shots and just showed the landscape.

Chase Adams said:

Do you want any help with a new VFX shot of the Starkiller base without the massive super-laser?

That would be amazing! Thank you so much man!!

Chase Adams said:

poppasketti said:

Here’s the color-corrected alt take for “Rey Skywalker” from idir_hh (the alt shot is at about 20 seconds in).

https://vimeo.com/418315742
pw: fanedit

idir sent the 1080p version, which is cropped heavily, so if anyone has the 4K please let me know! Otherwise we’ll have to fake it by adding grain.

Very nice, I should let everyone know that the audio Idir used was an ambient sound-mix created by myself which I will soon be remastering and sending to him since his copy was ripped straight from YouTube! Because of this, it means that the audio in Poppasketti’s clip is unfinished as of now.

Also, Poppasketti, have you made any more progress on the face-morphed “Just Rey” clip? That is the version I am keen on obtaining! 😄

Also, have any of you tried doing this whole scene with no music? I think it would be super interesting to see.

Turns out adding the Kylo ending has led to some interesting moments. Here’s the revised ending:

• Rey cuts off Kylo/The Dice Disappear
  (I think the Falcon TLJ ending might need to go, although Rey and Leia talking about Luke is a nice moment.)
• Kylo runs back to Vader. Vision sequence. Haunted by Vader/Luke. Sees the ruins of the Death Star and leaves.
• Small part of Forces of Darkness fan film: Vader choking Kylo. “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to.” Kylo kills Vader.
• cut to Ben at the Death Star ruins. Leia calls to him. Han appears. Kylo throws away the saber. We hear Luke. “I’m sorry.” He leaves in the TIE.
• Rey travels to Tatooine. As she makes her way to Luke’s but, we cut to…
• Kids learning about Luke. Broom boy sweeps.
• Rey slides into Luke’s old home. She buries the two halves of the saber. She reveals her new saber.
• Ben connects with her one last time. His ship burns in the background on a desert planet. “I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it. Why didn’t you?” “I did want to take your hand. Ben’s hand.” Rey smiles. She notices the old lady. Sees Luke’s ghost. “Rey Skywalker.” Leaves on the Falcon. Broom Boy observes and looks up into the stars.”

That’d be great! I’m looking into a couple options for that. As a quick fix, though, I just cut to where she’s rolling them up, so we don’t actually see the saber. But if I can figure it out, it’s definitely yours to use!

adobewan said:

It sounds really good and simple enough to understand. My ‘The End Edition’ of TLJ is something of a similar edit and it was hard to find a super satisfying way to wrap up Kylo’s story

Sweet! Glad to have your stamp of approval lol. I also love your edit, btw. You did a great job! Did you do the shot with the Luke-only force ghost? That was awesome.

For sure. That’s what I was thinking would be simplest too. No dialogue though, unfortunately lol.

Thoughts about the ending structure? Does the Kylo stuff seem like it’s too much for an ending?

adobewan said:

How are you planning on ordering the ending with this scene?

Thanks! So this vision would probably either replace the Falcon ending of TLJ or come after it. Then, I’d probably use Kylo’s flight to Exegol, but replace Exegol with Kef Bir or the forest moon. When he’s on the ruins, he reaches out in the force again to hear guidance from the darkness. But instead, out of the silence, Leia calls his name. She uses her life force to project Han to him. Kylo throws his lightsaber in the ocean, then realizes both of his parents are gone. He hears Luke whisper his sorrow.

Then it would go into the kids learning about Luke Skywalker/Rey on Tatooine.

Next time we see Ben, after Rey buries the pieces of Luke’s saber, he’s in a desert (ideally Tatooine) where he chooses to enter exile. I’d love he and Rey to connect one more time there, but I’m not sure I can swing that lol. Thoughts?

How’s this for a rough version of Kylo’s haunting?

https://vimeo.com/418754884
PW: fanedit

NeverarGreat said:

I see. In that case I think the Solo reveal might just work!

I say go for the ending, there’s really only one way to see if it works 😉

Haha know anybody up for helping this padawan with some mask and track?

I would need to change the planet when Kylo is on his way to Exegol, and to mask the burning ship/smoke out in the Pasana desert and/or put him on Tatooine.

Great thoughts!

So in the interrogation, he takes his mask off, but it’s never said who he is. So in my mind, it’s like a subversion of expectations. We expect this guy we just met to be like Vader, but he’s not. Rey sees into his mind and sees he wants to be like Vader. But that’s all we know. So I was thinking it might be good to find out when Rey does that Kylo is actually Han’s son. Reveal lol. That’s where I’m coming from. Is there something I’m missing?

And yeah, I totally get the thing about Ben’s redemption. That’s why I don’t think it’s necessary. If it were to work, it would start after Han’s dice disappear. The idea is that Ben is now broken. He’s lost everything. He runs back to back to Vader’s mask because his attempt to let the past die has failed. It keeps catching up with him. The mask no longer speaks to him. It’s more visions of Han and Luke. I’d like to use some of the Kylo/Vader face off fan film. He faces Vader and is drawn to the Death Star ruins. In a last desperate attempt to stay on his path, he goes there, thinking that he can hear the darkness guide him more clearly. But instead, his parents call his name. And then Han appears.

Yes, it’s contrived lol. But it made sense in my head. Not sure if I’ll do it yet, but that’s the direction it would go if I do.

NeverarGreat said:

Lifeincontext said:

• Scene 1: Rey: Day in the Life (because the transition from stars is just so dang good)

Is this the transition you’re referring to? (Password: fanedit)

Overall, I like the idea behind this edit. The Luke and Rey story is the strongest completed aspect of this trilogy since Finn has been tragically dumped by the wayside, so focusing on that makes a lot of sense.

What would the crawl of such a film look like?

Yes! Very much so. It’s like…why wasn’t it that way to begin with?

So for right now, I’m thinking of making it more its own standalone thing, so it wouldn’t have the standard episode crawl. It may have something Solo or Blade Runner-esque. But since it’s (kind of?) part of the Skywalker Saga…I’m open to other opinions lol.

Also, you said overall. I’m curious to see what changes you think will really work and what things you might not agree with?

So I know there are a few one-film edit threads out there. I have a few ideas that might vary from what’s been discussed, so I wanted to post them here and see if anyone has thoughts on how to improve it!

My goal is to make a standalone sequel film that will focus on centrally on Rey and Kylo Ren. That means very little Resistance. Here’s my outline:

• Scene 1: Rey: Day in the Life (because the transition from stars is just so dang good)
  Rey goes about her day, rescues BB-8
• Scene 2: Rey with BB-8/Unkar Plutt
• Scene 3: Finn meeting Rey & BB-8
• Scene 4: Millennium Falcon chase thru Han reunion
  NO RATHTARS
• Scene 5: Han takes the gang to Maz
• Scene 6: Rey has a vision
• Scene 7: Rey runs away and captured
• Scene 8: Kylo & Vader/Rey’s Interrogation
  NO STARKILLER (just a base on an ice planet)
• Scene 9: Rey Escapes/The Search/Han & Finn Rescue Rey
• ​​​Scene 10: Han Killed/Duel with Kylo
  FIRST REVEAL OF HAN’S SON; FINN DIES
• Scene 11: Meeting Leia/Map Discovery/Rey Leaves
• Scene 12: Rey Finds Luke
• Scene 13: Resistance Flees
  (cut most of it; just them leaving the planet and jumping to lightspeed)
• Scene 14: Kylo & Snoke
• Scene 15: Rey & Luke (including Luke Takes a Moment)
• Scene 16: Resistance Attacked
  Leia dies OR Ben saves her via the Force OR we cut from her hand to the window to the gurney. No more Poppins.​​​
• Scene 17: The Tree/Luke refuses to help
• Scene 18: Luke at the Falcon
• Scene 19: Force Timing 1/Lesson 1
• Scene 20: Force Timing 2/Lesson 2
• Scene 21: Lesson 3/Force Timing 3
• Scene 22: Rey in the Cave
• Scene 23: Force Timing 4/Rey Leaves Ach-To
• Scene 24: Luke & Yoda
• Scene 25: Rey, Kylo & Snoke
• Scene 26: Showdown on Crait/Luke’s Death
  No Resistance fight; cut to explosion at the gate; just a few shots of them looking vulnerable/Leia & Luke
• Scene 27: Rey Cuts Off Kylo/On the Falcon
• [Ideally, insert Kylo’s Haunting/Redemption here because it’s a good scene, but it’s not necessary]
• Scene 28: Legacy

Children are told the legend of Luke Skywalker. A broom boy uses the force and sweeps.
[If including Ben’s redemption scene, I’d love to include a Ben in exile thing here.]
Rey appears on Tatooine, the place where Luke grew up. She buries the two halves of Anakin/Luke’s light saber. An old woman appears and asks who she is. Luke’s force ghost appears. Better take of “Rey Skywalker.” Rey leaves on the Falcon.
Broom Boy sees it jump to hyperspace. Ends on him looking at the stars.