StarWars: Hello and welcome to the seventh 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
StarWars: history. This series of chats is designed to gain insight
StarWars: into the production of the newest of the "Star Wars"
StarWars: movies - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Our special guest today is Robin Gurland, the casting
StarWars: director of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Robin worked closely with writer-director George Lucas
StarWars: and producer Rick McCallum to find the right actors to
StarWars: populate the spectacular worlds of the first of the three
StarWars: "Star Wars" prequels.
StarWars: .
StarWars: Robin will join us in about 30 minutes, but until then,
StarWars: please welcome producer Rick McCallum!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-ObiWanJakobi says: Rick, I am a slow one. What exactly does the producer do? I know producing is an important aspect to films, but I still couldn't find out what it is the producer does. Help, please?
RickMcCallum: Basically, I do all the catering! *grin* It changes on every film, but basically, my job is to make sure the writer and director get to make the film they want, on schedule and on budget, and in an atmosphere where everyone can do their best work. That's only a small part of it, but the part I enjoy the most.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-anakinmaui says: When does casting and production begin for Episode II?
RickMcCallum: We start casting in September, and we begin shooting production in June 2000.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-N-I-G-H-T says: Mr. McCallum, do you think George will ever make a third trilogy, one having to do with things happening after the first trilogy? I heard that it was supposed to be a nine-episode saga at first, but then I heard that Lucas would probably stop after the second trilogy. Will there ever be episodes 7, 8, and 9?
RickMcCallum: Doubtful... certainly not in OUR lifetime. I think everything George wants to say will be completed with the third episode of this trilogy.
ASKLucasfilm: Belander says: Hey Rick, I read that Nick Gillard had to invent a fighting style for the lightsaber sequences. What are the chances of seeing an "Art of Jedi Fighting" Instructional Book?
RickMcCallum: Nick is a very creative stunt arranger and coordinator. I have no idea where he gets his ideas. But I'll ask him if he is interested in an instructional video.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-john says: Mr. McCallum, on a web page it states that Senator Palpatine is Darth Sidious. I think they are. Is that true?
RickMcCallum: Don't ever believe ANYTHING you read in the press. But, as a side note, (sounding sinister) go see the film again!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-fran says: About how many new human characters will be introduced in Episode II ?
RickMcCallum: Still too early to say. I won't have the completed script until September. But don't worry, there will be lots of new characters introduced.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-WookieMonster says: Liam Neeson said "The Phantom Menace" is the kind of movie you have to see two or three times. I agree. It seems you have to take in both the plot and the special effects. Maybe this is why critics are so hard on it (they only see it once). Do you agree, and do you think it's a weakness of the movie that it requires two go-arounds?
RickMcCallum: That's an interesting question. First of all, I do agree, the film is very dense, and one does need to see it a couple of times to take on board all the images. On your other point regarding critics, I think they are pretty dense also. They should go out and see a movie with the audience that we made the film for.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-LordMaul says: How far along is Mr. Lucas on the script?
RickMcCallum: He's about 1/2 done, and I am hoping it will be finished by September.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-LordMaul says: Has pre-production started for Episode II?
RickMcCallum: Yes. The art department has started in the U.S., and the production designer will start scouting locations in July.
ASKLucasfilm: R2-C9 says: What's it like working with Lucas?
RickMcCallum: Sheer bliss. We have a really good time. He understands everything everyone has to do, and is very supportive, very loyal, yet very demanding!
ASKLucasfilm: Senator_Flippy says: Mr. McCallum, is there another working title to Episode II other than...well, the obvious?
RickMcCallum: No, right now it's only Episode II -- stay tuned!
RickMcCallum: By the way, in case you've wondered, I've probably seen "The Phantom Menace" about 100 times while finishing the film, but I've seen the completed film, in part or whole, about 25 times.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Kun says: Rick, is there going to be another major villain in Episode II like Maul? (Aside from Sidious, of course.)
RickMcCallum: I think I can tentatively say, yes....most definitely!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-keyser says: I was wondering what kind of advice you would give someone interested in becoming an actor. What would be some of things they should first do in pursuing an acting career?
RickMcCallum: Robin is probably more qualified to answer that, but I suggest you see as many films as possible, try and take acting lessons, and to work in theatre as much as you can. Basically, work as hard and long and as much as you possibly can.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-cb42998 says: Mr. McCallum, will all of Episodes II and III be shot in Australia? Will all of the other production still take place in the USA, or at Fox in Australia?
RickMcCallum: For Episode II, we're looking at Tunisia and Italy again. Portugal and other interesting locations are being considered also, as well as Australia. We will definitely be around the world.
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-Cyradis says: Did you *know* you wanted to be a producer, or did you just stumble across it?
RickMcCallum: No, actually I wanted to be a director, but when I got my first opportunity to direct a short film, I single-handedly destroyed everything that D. W. Griffith set out to do when he tried to create the language of cinema. I kind of got a clue then that it would be better to use my skills, what little they were, to produce rather than direct.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Al says: Rick, was it a separate actress that played the "fake" queen, when Natalie was Padme on screen? I didn't see her name in the credits.
RickMcCallum: No, it's Natalie that plays both parts.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Sabe says: Rick, what was your favorite weapon on the set?
RickMcCallum: Basically, they use a lightsaber handle, with a green rod that comes out, so that the actors have something to physically have contact with. After each take, these rods are replaced, because they bend easily. And then, in post-production, we paint out the green rod and add our special effects.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-tones says: Do you have an idea between the time span between "The Phantom Menace" and Episode II?
RickMcCallum: In story terms, it will be 10 or 12 years after "The Phantom Menace. In film terms, Episode II will come out in the summer of 2002.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-JFF says: Mr. McCallum, is there anything, now that you look back on the whole production, that you or Mr. Lucas should have done or changed about "The Phantom Menace"?
RickMcCallum: I should have lost more weight, worked out more. As you can imagine, that's a hard question to answer.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-NormMcCay says: To be quite honest, I really thought the original trilogy was meant for a much older audience than Mr. Lucas had indicated, but it is quite obvious that "The Phantom Menace" is appealing to the younger audience, and apparently so will the rest of the new trilogy. Why was there such a sudden change in the targeting of audience?
RickMcCallum: Basically, by the sheer amount of people who have seen the film, it isn't targeted at an older or younger audience: George just made the film he wanted to make. And all ages seem to be enjoying and responding to the film. Not just young kids, but it's really cross-generational.
RickMcCallum: Now I would like to take the opportunity to introduce one of the most important people on the film, who worked on "The Phantom Menace" for over 3 1/2 years, and who I personally adore -- Robin Gurland, our casting director!
RobinGurland: Thank you, and your check is in the mail, Rick! Hi, everyone! I would like to thank Rick, and the only reason I was part of this wonderful experience was because of Rick. He brought me into the group, and as you can see, he is nothing but supportive. Awfully trite, but really truthful!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Dawn says: When you began casting for "The Phantom Menace," did you go into the process deliberately looking solely for actors who fit the specifications, the qualities of the role, or were your perceptions of the role itself shaped or affected by the energy and qualities of the people you auditioned for it?
RobinGurland: It's a little of all those. It's so much one's own interpretation of the character, merged with the writers and director's view, and it's also shaped by the actors you meet. I often met people who changed my view of the character, through temperament. I would then see how they could add something to the roles.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Teeoonchi says: Ms. Gurland, I greatly enjoyed the new movie. What was your favorite memory in making it?
RobinGurland: I think my favorite memory was the first day of shooting. Especially when Ewan McGregor was on the set. What everyone was bringing to the roles stood out, and everyone seemed so pleased to be part of the project. And I think it shows in the work.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Sax says: Which of the actors will come back in the next movie?
RobinGurland: Well, we know for a fact Obi-Wan and Queen Amidala, and after that, it's up to George! He's writing the script. (And, of course, Anakin will be back, but will be re-cast, since it will be 10-12 years later.)
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-anakinmaui says: Do you decide who's in the movies or just set up the choices for the director or someone else to choose?
RobinGurland: It's a cooperative effort between the director and myself, as to which actors would work best for which roles.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Xeno says: Will you be working on Episodes II and III?
RobinGurland: Yes.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Teeoonchi says: Ms. Gurland, would you do anything differently in making Episode II now that you have "The Phantom Menace" under your belt?
RobinGurland: Quite frankly, no. I was very happy with all the casting choices, and the freedom I was given to make them, and what I was given that in regard, to who was right for the part, not just if they had a big name. I am sure that will continue into Episode II and III.
ASKLucasfilm: Belander says: What do you look for in an actor? Do you look for specific things? If so, do you look to see if the actor fits the part physically or personality- wise?
RobinGurland: Again, it's a combination of all that. You look to see how the actor would fit in relation to the part, how he works, his technique, his experience. His physicality and personality also then are considered. This is where it is hard to pin down why one actor is right for the part, and another doesn't bring to the role what you are looking for. It's very subjective, and you go by gut-feeling to a great degree. You hope you satisfy everyone.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Obi-Wan says: How long did it take to cast all the actors and actresses for "The Phantom Menace"?
RobinGurland: For me, it was a unique situation. I was brought on board early, in June 1995, due to Rick bringing me in. He wanted someone who would work well within the team, long-term, through all three episodes. So he brought me in early to introduce me to the crew, and to George. We knew also the search for Anakin would be different. We weren't going to use open calls in cities for a thousand kids for a "needle in a haystack," so to speak. I had to go out to the kids individually, and that was going to take much more time.
ASKLucasfilm: Viceroy-Shinma says: What is the process you go through to cast an actor in a role?
RobinGurland: Initially, you interview them, see if they have any past work, which you review. You'll do readings with them on portions of the script, and in a major role, it would proceed to a screen test, and then the selections would be made. You narrow down the choices as you go, using reading, assessing, testing.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-LordMaul says: Will Anakin's role in the next movie be very physically demanding?
RobinGurland: Since George is still working on the script, we don't know.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Lelila says: Robin, why were "known" actors and actresses chosen for the main roles, and not "unknown" ones, as for Episodes IV, V and VI?
RobinGurland: For "The Phantom Menace," I was given the freedom to choose actors that were right for the roles, known or unknown. It wasn't a consideration. When I met Ewan, Jake Lloyd, and Natalie Portman, they weren't big names. Each had done one major film. Once they actually came in to shoot, they had progressed to other roles and were better known. I chose Ewan because I thought he was the best choice for Qui-Gon Jinn.
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-Padme says: Did you decide on who was playing Jar Jar? And did you decide on the accent, or did George Lucas already have that in mind?
RobinGurland: Yes, I decided on the Ahmed Best, who portrayed both the physical movement, and the voice. And it was Ahmed who came up with the accent.
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-Lelila says: Robin, how many actors and actresses were auditioned for the main roles?
RobinGurland: For the role of Anakin, I interviewed a little over 3000 boys. For the role of Queen Amidala, probably about 200 girls. I met approximately 100-150 actors for Obi-Wan, and for Qui-Gon Jinn, about 30 actors were considered.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-annticki says: I was amazed and delighted to watch Ewan MacGregor play Obi-Wan. He made me believe that he would grow up to be Sir Alec Guinness. How did you find him?
RobinGurland: I saw his past work, and we met. I thought he was perfect for the role.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-sonicboar says: What characteristics or traits is the actor of Anakin going to need?
RobinGurland: He's already been introduced, so thus will have the same one's you see in Anakin now, just 10 years later.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-LEEthal says: What was the most difficult part of picking the right actor and actresses?
RobinGurland: I think the most difficult depends on each role's challenges. I would have to say Jar Jar was hardest, because it was so undefined. He was the comic relief, sort of a Clouseau-type character. But after that, he was open on how Jar Jar would be created, and that really came out of the genius of Ahmed Best.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-cabowhay says: How does a casting director for such films deal with the fears of the prospective cast that they will be typecast because of their prominent roles?
RobinGurland: I think typecasting is a choice an actor makes after the fact. A lot of it is their choice of the path they take with future roles. I don't think any of the actors in "The Phantom Menace "will have that problem, because they are so strong in background in theatre. There, they have a huge diversity of roles behind them, so I don't think they had any fear of that part, but rather, that it would be a great adventure.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-pesto says: Robin, did you plan on early in your education that you would be a casting director?
RobinGurland: No, I was kind of pushed into it. I was doing something completely different, as a caterer, when a friend was starting to produce for the Francis Ford Coppola company. They knew I was getting tired of catering, but in what capacity would it be? They suggested I try casting, and I just progressed up within the discipline of casting.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Jonathan says: Will James Earl Jones do Vader's voice again in the next episode?
RobinGurland: Not in Episode II as far as I know. And Episode III is too far on the horizon.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Max says: Robin, thanks for everything you did to get Liam Neeson on board for "The Phantom Menace." He was the anchor of the film, the most complete actor I've seen in any "Star Wars" episode. Will we see him back as a spirit guide, sort of like Obi-Wan was?
RobinGurland: That is a question only George can ultimately answer, but as far as I know, no.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-gel says: Robin, do you think that "The Phantom Menace" is too technologically advanced in comparison with the original "Star Wars" trilogy?
RobinGurland: No.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-SenseiJJ says: After seeing the movie in its completed form, do you see anything you could have done differently?
RobinGurland: I'm very happy with my choices, and most happy with what the actors have given, so I would say no.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-GUYBRUSH says: When casting for a "Star Wars" movie, do your choices in actors have to have more of a background in stage acting or film acting?
RobinGurland: Not so much more one than the other, but the way they approach the work. It's if they are more intuitive, rather than worrying about motivation.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Phantom says: Did you know right when you saw the actors ,who are now in the movie, that they were perfect for the part or did you have to think about it for a while?
RobinGurland: For Amidala, I knew immediately that Natalie Portman was right. That's just based on what I saw for the character. For the other roles, after we decided for the actors, they were perfect, but we had to do some research to make the decisions.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Diziet says: Can you tell what is behind this enthusiasm to cast British/European actors?
RobinGurland: Shooting in London. It was practical and sensible.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Gor says: Who was the hardest character to cast for "The Phantom Menace"?
RobinGurland: Jar Jar was the most complicated, because the character was so undefined, and we also needed the physicality added. It was also a major role, not just a background character.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-SenseiJJ says: When did your job end on "The Phantom Menace"? After filming started?
RobinGurland: I was with the production through all the shooting, and I also participated in pickup shots and post-production audio, so I was with it right up to April of this year.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-gel says: What is Brian Blessed like to work with? I think he is a great actor.
RobinGurland: He's a complete and utter joy! So effusive, so ebullient. And an utter professional, and incredibly creative. The warbling he gives through the mask is all him, and has become the signature of the character.
ASKLucasfilm: R2-emmy122327636 says: How many times did you read the script before casting the actors?
RobinGurland: I had the script all along as a reference, so I would constantly be reviewing it. I read it initially, got a take on the characters, then met with George to narrow it down and find out who was within the realm of possibilities. It was a sort of a bible for me to go by.
ASKLucasfilm: Solid_Snake_ says: Did anyone except Lucas and yourself have a major role in deciding who played what part?
RobinGurland: Rick, of course, as producer had input, but otherwise, no.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-MAULER says: Robin, do you cast from one central location, or do you go all over looking for people?
RobinGurland: I was a roaming, kind of kamikaze casting director on this one. I would do a route of London, New York, and L.A. In the search for Anakin, it included most of North America, and see as many as I could in different geographical locations.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Prodigy says: How may we get casting info for episode II?
RobinGurland: The best way to handle it is to look at the website (http://www.starwars.com) which will tell you when casting calls will be out.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Kat says: At the "Star Wars" celebration, Rick hinted that there might be a female Jedi in the works for Episode II -- any ideas on who would be cast?
RobinGurland: Not until I see a script.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-factorx says: What did Natalie Portman have that was the extra little "something" that made you give her the part?
RobinGurland: I think she had the inner and outer intelligence and beauty that the role required. And she's an amazing young actress. She can do more with one look than others can do with pages of dialogue. She can harness an energy, one that I was looking for. Queen Amidala's character will bloom further in Episodes II and III, and you will understand why such a strong presence was desired from the actress.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Willw says: Did Mark Hamill or any other actors from the first trilogy express interest in being in the new trilogy?
RobinGurland: It was impossible for them to be in the film with the framework of the film. We're going back 30 years in time, so it wasn't even asked or considered.
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-Pooksha says: Who is the character you liked best? And why?
RobinGurland: I love Watto - he makes me laugh!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-AnakinII says: Do you have assistants or do you actually make all of the work by yourself?
RobinGurland: I had an assistant in the states, and I have one in London (Sally Millson). She brought so much to helping the look of the background characters, which is usually done by the assistant directors, but she ended up taking charge of all the specialty backgrounds. It helped the film so much. She made sure the background characters fit into the film so well. She works in London with real people casting, so she came to the project with that eye.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Dan says: Robin, do you prefer on-line interviews such as this one with tens or hundreds of people all asking you questions , or normal TV interviews ?
RobinGurland: As the casting director, one doesn't normally get interviewed! LOL So this is quite lovely!
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Skinner says: You mentioned that you interviewed 3000 Anakin prospects. How did you find so many ?
RobinGurland: It was very easy, considering I had about 100,000 submissions, and it was over a two-year period, too. I was going to see all potential candidates in both the U.S. and Great Britain. So I had a large number to choose from.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-NEO316 says: Has this been your hardest casting job?
RobinGurland: I wouldn't say hardest, but it was the most interesting. Traditionally, you work in pre-production, and then, you're just a consultant. In this one, the role expanded into principal photography and post-production. It's been interesting and educational for me on that level, as I entered levels casting directors usually don't go to.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-factorx says: What advice would you give to people hoping to follow in your line of work?
RobinGurland: Go see movies. See what performances are, what is good versus bad, and the styles. There is no one way to act, and different movies call for different styles. It depends on types of scripts, type of movies, and the director's view. You then learn to decide what kind of actor a role needs. I have cast people off the street just because they had a quality that would work with a character. With casting, while film school is helpful or drama school, you learn much of this as you go, apprenticing within the ranks. You would start as an intern, than an assistant, then an associate, then a local casting director, then finally a principal casting director. You also see both sides, the celebrity and the business side. You negotiate the contracts, too. I like that part a lot. I have a very analytical side that doesn't mind it. Many forget film is many sides, not just the production side. And that business decisions are as important as creative decisions. They just think it is glamour, glamour, glamour.
ASKLucasfilm: Darth-Phantom says: What do you think of all the hype built around the movie?
RobinGurland: Personally, I divorced myself from the hype. Being a part of this for so long, it's become like a family. You get very attached. I had a tough time getting a handle on both the positive and negative sides of the hype. I was in the wilds of Canada after completion of the film, taking some time off, so I avoided much of the hype, thankfully.
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-satori says: How did Ewan MacGregor and Liam Neeson react when they found they were cast for "The Phantom Menace"?
RobinGurland: Ewan was overjoyed. He quite literally exclaimed out loud. Liam also was quite pleased.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Eleanor says: Since we know Darth Vader is very tall, will you look for someone particularly tall to play the adult Anakin?
RobinGurland: We don't know that for sure. He was tall IN the costume - so who knows?
ASKLucasfilm: Viceroy-Shinma says: Have you ever cast yourself in a part, or at least wanted to be in a film yourself?
RobinGurland: No, no, no, no! I can barely stand to see a picture of myself, much less see it projected on a screen!
ASKLucasfilm: Queen-Zaleta says: Will there be any "signing" or public appearances of the cast anywhere?
RobinGurland: I haven't any information on that. Check the Star Wars web site for information about that.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-Benson says: How do you cast the minor characters? Through the same process?
RobinGurland: Yes.
ASKLucasfilm: Jedi-scottbraddock says: What was the deciding factor that made you say, "Yes, I want to be a part of the making of the new 'Star Wars' trilogy"?
RobinGurland: It was kind of a no-brainer. I'd love to say I had a great epiphany, but after meeting Rick and George, there wasn't even a question about doing it.
ASKLucasfilm: KatCCC1 says: Robin, thank you so much for being with us today! Is there something you would like to say before we sign off for the evening?
RobinGurland: Thank you, and remember, keep checking the website for all casting information! (http://www.starwars.com) And don't believe what you hear always -- there are so many rumors. There's so much misinformation and speculation concerning Episode II (as there was for Episode I). For real insider's information, check the website, the rest is just speculation and rumor.
StarWars: Thank you all for joining us.
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StarWars: A special "Thank You" to Robin Gurland for chatting with us!
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