Join us to talk with Producer Rick McCallum and Ahmed Best, a talented actor from the cast of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace who brings the character of Jar Jar Binks to life.
StarWars: Hello and welcome to the third of our Star Wars chats,
StarWars: brought to you by Lucasfilm and Talk City.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Star Wars has become the most popular film series in history.
StarWars: This series of chats is designed to gain insight into the production
StarWars: of the newest of the Star Wars movies ?
StarWars: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
StarWars: .
StarWars: Tonight we have two guests with us:
StarWars: .
StarWars: Producer Rick McCallum and actor Ahmed Best, who portrays
StarWars: the character Jar Jar Binks in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode I
StarWars: will join us a little later.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Any now, please welcome Rick McCallum
Rick: Hello, I'm ready for you!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-DarkKnight1138 says: Rick... What is your overall opinion of the film? is it going to live up to the fan's Hype?
Rick: I'm not sure if it will live up to everybody's hype the first time they see it, but if they like it enough to see it a second and third time, I think it will live up to everybody's expectations. I think it's unbelievable!!! It's ...I can't say how unbelievable!!!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi- says: Mr. McCallum, I have a burning question: At last week's SW Celebration, you said that casting for Episode II had not begun, yet you also said the casting choice for Anakin is/would be "bold." Has the part been cast, perhaps offered to a well-known actor, or will there be a casting call for the role? 67562000f the fans on a recent on-line poll want an unknown for the part of Anakin, by the way... might we see an exhaustive search similar
Rick: Yes, we will see an exhaustive search. We haven't really begun casting yet. That process will begin towards the end of the summer, but however it ends up it will be bold.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Sazerac says: What message do you hope the audience will contemplate after viewing Episode 1?
Rick: That's a good question!
Rick: This first episode is an introduction to all the characters. We know what happens to Anakin, we don't know how or why. Episode 2 and 3 will reveal this in a very dramatic context which I think will be unbearable for most viewers. So to answer that, I think the questions that we'll be asking are "Why do we do the things we do that hurt other people?"
Rick: Is it our environment? Is it our genetic encoding? Is it ego? Narcissism? Pride? Lack of compassion? Why do we hurt other people and what are the consequences are some of the things we'll be exploring in episode 2 and 3.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Beto_Manaus says: I'm from Manaus, Brazil in the middle of rain forest... I just want to say that here in Manaus there are many fans of StarWars and we'er looking forward to see episode I on June 24th, How do you feel the way episode 1 is expected in every part of the world?
Rick: I love it! I can't get enough of it! I'm very excited that we've had enough time to really do the proper translations and proper sub-titling of this film in over 30 countries. We really spent a great deal of time and effort to ensure that everybody outside of the United States will see the film in the best possible way in the best possible theaters.
AskLucasfilm: Queen-Bryholf says: Rick, Lucas recently said he was sorry that the 'hype' for Phantom Menace got 'out of hand'. Why do you think the hype is so intense?
Rick: I think it's because of two things: One: the event itself is almost bigger than the movie itself. There is a real need in people to have a collective experience at a theater. It rarely ever happens. It's something that we usually associate with a rock concert or a nightclub but never at the movies itself. I also think that the film is very transgenerational. It appeals to everyone of all ages.
Rick: The second reason is that I think for the first time technology has converged to a point where the Internet is such a powerful forum for people to express their views and opinions. I think that the hype really started on the Internet and has been building in a way that none of us ever expected or hoped for. It's nothing that we can control, let alone manage.
Rick: But since there's such a great lovefest out there, I can't help but stand back in awe and amazement.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Sazerac says: What is the absolute best part about producing these movies?
Rick: Working with George Lucas!!
AskLucasfilm: Senator-Tower says: For Episode I, what would you say was the greatest challenge from a producers point of view in getting the job to the point its at now? What problems do you anticipate in the future
Rick: It took four and a half years to make. With over 1800 people involved. It was completely relentless throughout that whole period. When we started the film we still had no idea how we were going to achieve 20 or 30 percent of the effects on the movie. The character animation was the most difficult aspect to pull off. But with a great deal of faith, all the incredible talent at ILM I think we really pulled it off.
Rick: We just finished the film only a week ago. So you can imagine the amount of floop sweat that I've gone through! That everyone's gone through!
AskLucasfilm: TheLastStarfighter says: Rick, would you do this all again? Would you have done anything different?
Rick: I would do everything again! Instantly! It was a great experience! I would probably do everything differently if I could do it all over again.
AskLucasfilm: Queen-LadeeT says: What is your fondest memory from each of the main cast during the making of
Episode One?
Rick: I loved all of the cast members. They were professional and so great to work with. We didn't have a single problem with anyone. They're all extremely nice people. I really do mean that!
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Ludicris says: Rick, any insight on who will direct the next movie or has that issue even been addressed by Mr. Lucas yet?
Rick: I'm very happy to say that George will be directing the next episode.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Michael_Jr says: what advice would you give to one that wants to get into the film business???
Rick: I would say that probably the first thing is to learn ...no matter how difficult it is to try to write a screenplay. Then with a video camera film everything around you till you feel confident that you can tell the story that you want to tell. And then if it's really great, send it to me! Also see as many movies as you can.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Dariakus says: Rick McCallum - The visuals in Episode 1 are absolutely beautiful and stunning. They are as close to perfection as one can hope for in this day and age. Has Episode 1 shown us the "best"? Or will things get better / more intricate in later episodes?
Rick: I think that we're at the turning point now that technology has reached the level that a writer can write anything he wants and that a director is only limited by their imagination. Everything that we learn will be available and accessible to other film makers who will raise the bar even higher and higher in the future.
Rick: I wish I got questions like this from the press!
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Dariakus says: Rick McCallum - How do you think the Internet has effected the production of the new films, as far as concealing secrets and keeping a lid on spoilers and the like?
Rick: It's impossible to keep any secrets now in the world we live in . I'm constantly amazed and amused with what's on the Internet. I would say that 85 percent of what's written on Star Wars is completely bogus.
Rick: The other 15 percent is true by accident. But nevertheless I love reading everything that's posted.' It's very amusing.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Mole says: Hello Mr. McCallum. I think you and George Lucas are GODS. Anyways, what was your favorite thing about working on Episode I?
Rick: I think I answered that earlier... but it really is the opportunity to work with George. His imagination is so outrageous and so out of control - everyday he comes up with such original and provocative and daring things that I'm constantly amazed.
Rick: All I know is everyday when I come to work I take the same road he does and nothing happens to me like what happens to him.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Bane40133 says: Mr. McCallum, can you give us any clue as to how Anakin turns to the Dark Side?
Rick: No, you'll have to wait till episode 2 and 3.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-idiot says: Where did you find Ray Park?
Rick: We originally looked for an actor who would be physical and who could do a lot of the stunt work. That search became fruitless after a couple of months. Nick Gillard, our stunt coordinator brought in Ray and had the Dark Maul makeup applied. Then he brought Ray down to see George and I do one of the fight routines, and we were just amazed by his physical presence and by the incredible palate.
Rick: He's also the easiest guy you could ever work with. We hired him instantly on the spot to play Dark Maul.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-NTVPRNC says: How long did the movie stay in post production?
Rick: We finished shooting the film in September of 1997 and we finished just over a week ago! Now that's a pain!!
AskLucasfilm: R2-Toadburger says: In 10 years will we be able to watch the episodes 1-6 and still get the same effect?
Rick: Yes!
Rick: George always designed the films to be completely interrelated thematically. I can't wait for the day in the near future when I can sit down and watch either in a theater or on DVD chapter's 1-6 all at one time. To see the whole twelve hour saga of the family I think will be an incredible experience.
StarWars: Ahmed Best has just joined us...
StarWars: .
StarWars: Welcome Ahmed and I have a question for you and Rick -
StarWars: How was it working together on Star Wars: Episode I?
StarWars: .
Ahmed: It was great!
Rick: Ditto!
Ahmed: Rick's the kind of producer that every film should have.
Rick: Ahmed you don't have to say that. You've already got the job!
Ahmed: LOL
AskLucasfilm: TalkCity says: Rick you are welcome to stay online with us if you like. Do you have time for a few more questions?
Rick: I do indeed and then I will hand it over to Ahmed.
AskLucasfilm: TalkCity says: Ahmed, thank you for being with us tonight! Could you tell us how you became a part of Star Wars... how did you get the part of Jar Jar Binks?
Ahmed: That's a long, long tale!
Ahmed: I was performing on stage in San Francisco doing the show called Stomp. Robin Gurland who was the casting director saw me on stage in Stomp and asked me to audition for Star Wars. I auditioned, and for some reason they took me.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Leia1138 says: Rich, what do you think TPM is going to mean for the cast, such as Jake Lloyd and Natalie Portman, who really aren't big stars?
Rick: I think they're so well rounded and adjusted that it's not going to change their life too dramatically.
Rick: Natalie is deeply focused...that I don't think she has decided that she's going to be an actress the rest of her life. She has so many interests that it will be very interesting to see what she does in the future. They both have the best support from their families... and they're both very level headed.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Darth_Mikel says: Do you think your role in EP1, although your digitally recreated, will lead to bigger movie roles? Or are you not looking for them?
Rick: Yes! most definitely! Nothing is going to stop Ahmed.
Ahmed: Ditto!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Xizor says: Rick, will you produce all the Star Wars Films
Rick: If George will have me.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-IAN says: What was it like playing an all cg character?
Ahmed: It was extremely exciting and challenging. Ahmed: It was a very long and hot experience! It was extremely hot. Above all, it was probably the best thing I've ever done.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-TenForward says: I was wondering what other pursuits you'll be doing in the near future other than Sat Wars.
Ahmed: I have nothing lined up yet movie wise. I am looking for a record label to sign my music... please... my phone number is..... LOL
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-BarBarDrinks says: How did George discover you, Ahmed? I understand you have a popular commercial(s) running in England. True? And is that what George saw?
Ahmed: If I do have a commercial in England, nobody has paid me for it yet. George did not see a commercial with me. I met him my second audition going around.
AskLucasfilm: Padme-Naberrie says: How did you get the part of Jar Jar? Can you tell us about the auditions for it please?
Ahmed: The first audition I did was me and the casting director just going through some improvisational movement and a little kind of onscreen audition. The second audition was with George and Rick and we were at ILM and I was wearing a very revealing motion capture suit. And George just had me walk around a bit... and then said thank you and he left. A couple of months later I got a phone call asking me to be in this.
Rick: He got the job after the first audition.
Ahmed: I did? That's a really great boost!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Wizard says: Rick, I'm curious to know where Episodes II & III may be filmed other than the studio location in Australia. Will we see vastly different landscapes than we have seen in the other movies?
Rick: Yes, for the landscapes. We will probably be shooting in Australia, Italy, Tunisia and maybe Portugal or Spain.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Thenor says: What is your favorite scene you play in?
Ahmed: I have a few!
Ahmed: Probably my first and favorite is the battle scene... I got to do a lot of running, jumping and slipping. My next favorite scene is probably when I first meet Qui-Gon Jinn. When I first meet him and Obi Wan in the forest? that's probably my favorite!
Rick: I love him in every scene! Check out the tongue action! ;-)
AskLucasfilm: Senator-Greystoke says: Mr. McCallum how does your way of shooting a movie differ from the Hollywood system? How can you do it so cheaply?
Rick: That could take a long time to answer.
Rick: We do shoot it in a different way, because we structure the film differently from the very beginning. We spend a great deal of time and preparation and we used very sophisticated animatics which allows us to have up to 60-70 minutes of this film completed before we even begin shooting.
Rick: I wish I could answer this succinctly...but it would take me an hour to do it... maybe we could do that next week. Stay tuned.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-DarkKnight1138 says: FOR AHMED BEST? Mr. Best? I'm finding Jar Jar to be very funny. Do you act as zany as he comes across on the screen?
Ahmed: I am zany! I'm wacky and all those other adjectives...that's me... It was kind of hard for the Jedi's though? they couldn't stop laughing!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-JaredRAC says: What do you think about people waiting in line a month to see the phantom menace?
Ahmed: I think it's fantastic! The more fans of something fun and positive, the better! I think it's great!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-LeviathanX says: Ahmed, what was the inspiration you used to portray Jar Jar, or was George Lucas very specific in what he wanted to see
Ahmed: George Lucas was not specific. This character had never been done before, so it was pretty much brand new for everybody. The beauty behind George Lucas the director is he allows everyone to assist in creating a world and a universe with believable characters.
AskLucasfilm: Queen-Lita says: Do you think that this film will appeal even more widely to world audiences than the first Star Wars? The story line has such a universal appeal but still it amazes me that so many people can connect with it. Will it be the same with this story line even though it is more about a tragic downfall then the rise of a hero?
Ahmed: I think it will definitely have a world wide appeal. Star Wars is mythology... Star Wars is storytelling...and this is a story that everybody can identify with.
AskLucasfilm: Queen-LadeeT says: There are so much stress on technology and effects, how much freedom do the excellent assemble of actors has on developing their roles?
Ahmed: They have every freedom on developing their roles. As much as every actor has. It's not all about technology... even though technology plays a really important part. It's really about the story.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-CareBear says: I hear that the weather in Tunisia was horrible. How did that effect your film-making?
Ahmed: The only thing that was affected the film-making was the storm and even that didn't slow us down. I don't know.
AskLucasfilm: Viceroy-Chris says: Mr. Ahmed, your role in the movie is comical in nature, why do you suppose that Mr. Lucas choose to add a comical character in such a non-comical movie?
Ahmed: That's a good question for George. I'm just glad I got the job! ;-)
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Vain says: Ahmed, Do you know if you will be playing in any of the other episodes as Jar JAR?
Ahmed: I don't know yet.
AskLucasfilm: R2-Dylan says: I have read that Brian Blessed was very pleased with how his body movements and
expressions were translated onto the CG character of Boss Nass. Do you feel that your shaping of Jar Jar was also fully realized in the CG character?
Ahmed: Yes, definitely. The most interesting is probably how they captured how I did more precisely. It's amazing to do a performance and then to think that the computer just copies it perfectly. It's an incredible testimony to technology.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Obi_Rhon says: Ahmed - You gave a great presentation at the SW Celebration in Denver. Who was your favorite person to work with in the whole Star Wars saga?
Ahmed: Everybody! LOL
AskLucasfilm: Senator-StoneTable says: Ahmed, how much is your voice enhanced as Jar Jar? P.S. My 18-month old son is already a Jar Jar fan... it's a name he can say!
Ahmed: Not at all. My voice was not enhanced at all. It was always my voice... at all times. I've been getting very favorable remarks about what I did. I'm glad what I did came across; there were a lot of skeptics out there...and a lot of people wanted this movie to be horrible. I don't know why.
Ahmed: I'm glad what I did got such a great response.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Wizard says: Ahmed - how do you like being an action figure now that they are out in stores?
Ahmed: I like it! I just wish they looked more like ME! :-)
AskLucasfilm: Queen-jaxx says: Mark Hamill once joked that if George Lucas could make movies without actors, he'd do it. Has he done it? Ahmed, given all the animation, did you and your fellow actors worry about your future in the business after seeing the finished product?! :-)
Ahmed: Nope, not at all. You need actors and I think I'm very much living proof of that fact. Although Jar Jar was enhanced, they still needed me to play the part.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Ki-Yun_Kenobi says: Hi Ahmed. How do you think audiences will act to Jar-Jar? Children to adults?
Ahmed: I think the kids will absolutely love it! I think the fans will love it!
Ahmed: I know there will be people out there that will want to discredit George for putting Jar Jar in the movie...and I think those people should go see something else!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-EZGuest says: how long did it take to get into the jar jar costume and was it uncomfortable?
Ahmed: 20 minutes to get into it. It was hot in Tunisia and with the costume and outdoors it was about 200 degrees.
I took a few minute breaks? but I had to probably stay in it for an hour at a time.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Adam says: Did you watch Star Wars when it first came to the screen?
Ahmed: Yes I did ...that was the first movie I ever saw.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-fsyoung says: Have you done any other voice work?
Ahmed: No... I've done commercials...but nothing like Jar Jar.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-maulo says: when you shot the film did you have to wear a jar jar binks costume and if so how difficult was it to act under all the heat
Ahmed: Yeah, I had to wear a costume. It wasn't that difficult. You don't get hired to play Star Wars everyday. And it was kind of fun? and a level of stress goes along with that.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-cameron says: Mr. Best, what were your inspirations and influences while making Phantom Menace? Were you aiming toward a specific goal?
Ahmed: The only goal would probably be to finish without being kicked out. A lot of the inspiration came from Buster Keaton.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-IloveNatPortman says: what was it like working with the actors of episode 1? Natalie Portman? Jake Lloyd? Ewan Macgregor? Liam Neeson?
Ahmed: Everybody was so fantastic! It was like a little family and everyone was fantastic to be around everyday.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-luke says: Is Jar Jar kind of like Yoda? That, is he a teacher of Jedi Knights?
Ahmed: Not at all. Jar Jar is nothing like Yoda. I'd probably say that Jar Jar is exactly the opposite of Yoda.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-cameron says: Ahmed, is there anything in particular that you are proud of in your character or anything that we should really be looking out for?
Ahmed: Just look for the fact that Jar Jar is definitely computer enhanced... and there is somebody behind the curtain and coming up with alot of ideas. Don't take the CG for granted.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-sean42 says: did you actually give any dialogue during filming or was it all done after in a recording studio
Ahmed: Everything was done on set and in post-production.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-Parrott says: I hear that George Lucas is very comical on the set. I was curious to hear how he was during the filming of this movie, even in the severe heat of Tunisia?
Ahmed: He was great! Great spirited, great energy. Everything you could possibly want.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-cameron says: Mr. Best, are you satisfied with the outcome of your character with the added effects? How do you feel about the final product of Jar Jar?
Ahmed: I'm more than satisfied.. I'm ecstatic. Jar Jar looks fantastic!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Sazerac says: Is your family nuts about Star Wars?
Ahmed: Yeah, they're all crazy Star Wars fans.
AskLucasfilm: Darth-CareBear says: How heavy was your costume?
Ahmed: It's probably about 10 pounds.
AskLucasfilm: Viceroy-FittenTrim says: Ahmed, how much improvisation was done on the set, ie. how much did Lucas allow?
Ahmed: Lucas allowed everything... any kind of improv I had, he wanted.
AskLucasfilm: Queen-LadeeT says: Hey Ahmed, I understand u were the joker on the set :) What's your fondest memory making the film involving a practical joke, and can you tell us about it_
Ahmed: There were really no practical jokes...all the jokes were very much in the moment. I'd say the funniest one is probably the submarine scene with me and Liam and Ewen and I think that everyone was on the verge of losing it.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Leia says: How old were you when you first watched the Star Wars trilogy, and did you ever dream that you would one day be in a Star Wars film?
Ahmed: I was 4 years old. And of course everybody dreams that they're going to be in Star Wars, I had no idea it was going to be for real.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Mecandes says: Hi Ahmed! I read that they used Brian Blessed's facial features and expressions for the computer generated Boss Nass. Did they also incorporate your facial features and expressions in the computer generated Jar Jar?
Ahmed: Yeah, very much so.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Trinity_Saber14078 says: Ahmed, what was the most difficult part of being an alien who talks in half-stutter, half-another language?
Ahmed: Not laughing every time I said something!
AskLucasfilm: movitz says: a little non star wars question, what's your band called Ahmed?
Ahmed: Just my name... it's a solo project. It's hip hop oriented... there are going to be a lot of great songs ...it' s all about music I've been working on it for years... I just need the right label to put it out.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-Rental says: Ahmed, will you be watching the film in the theatres with the rest of us on the 19th?
Ahmed: Rental: Yeah, I'll be there! I've seen it twice. It's great!! It's better than expected!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-fibroblast says: Is Jar Jar another "emerging character" in the Star Wars universe?
Ahmed: I hope so!
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-LeviathanX says: Do you feel that Jar Jar is intended only for comic relief, or does he play a more significant role in the motion picture?
Ahmed: I think he represents the balance to Darth Maul? where Darth Maul is very menacing and serious, and Jar Jar is the exact opposite. He's the Yin to Darth Maul's Yang.
AskLucasfilm: Jedi-jindo says: what do you think people will like most about jar-jar?
Ahmed: They will like the fact that he's easy to love. Just like me. :-)
AskLucasfilm: TalkCity says: Ahmed, our time is growing short. Thank you for a fun and exciting hour. Is there something you would like to say before we sign off for the night?
Ahmed: Yeah! Above everything... go out, see the movie, enjoy yourself and love it because it's Star Wars!Don't listen to what everybody else has to say, just love it for yourself!
StarWars: Thank you for joining us.
StarWars: .
StarWars: A special Thank You to Rich McCallum and Ahmed Best for chatting with us!
StarWars: .
StarWars: Please join us tomorrow to chat with producer Rick McCallum
StarWars: and actor Jake Lloyd, 5:30PM PST.
StarWars: .
StarWars: The Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" novel
StarWars: is available at http://shop.starwars.com.
StarWars: .
StarWars: All of us wish you a fantastic evening and we look forward to
StarWars: seeing you soon!
StarWars: .
StarWars: Copyright (c) Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.
StarWars: All rights reserved.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Good Night!
