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Archive for ‘Celebration V’

Suffering from Star Wars Celebration V Withdrawal?

August 20, 2010

words: Bonnie Burton

Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Florida is over. And quite frankly many of us are depressed and going through withdrawal.

Here’s some ways on how to lessen your sadness now that you can’t look over your shoulder and see a giant AT-AT lurking behind you.

1. Have a Star Wars film marathon at home. Crank up your heater and humidifier to simulate Orlando weather.

2. Go on a Star Wars Celebration V shopping spree! Check out all the stuff you can buy like men’s Eau Lando Cologne, women’s “I Heart Scoundrels” T-shirt, Classic Yoda Ears Retro Cap and more!

3. Dress up as an Ewok and head to your local park for a picnic. It might not relieve you of all your depression, but it sure will entertain the squirrels.

4. Call up all your friends that have remote control R2-D2 toys, meet up at the mall, and have a DIY droid parade!

5. Put on the Lando mustache from the Celebration V Disguise Kit and wear it all week. Prepare to be flirted with non-stop.

Be sure to post your own ideas on how to deal with Star Wars Celebration V withdrawal symptoms — in the comments below.

Or share your tips on Twitter, using the hashtag #swcvwithdrawal. Follow us at @starwars

11 Comments » | Celebration V, fan fun | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Fan Movie Winner Profile: Makazie One

August 20, 2010

Words: Bonnie Burton

At this year’s Star Wars Fan Movie Awards presented by Lucasfilm and Atom at Celebration V in Orlando, Florida, Makazie One won Best Cinematography.

The impressive fan film is set in the Star Wars universe during the time period between Episodes III and IV. An elite soldier has been sent to track down and destroy a known threat to the Empire through intense ground battles and haunting imagery of death that surround the environment. The unsuspecting enemy to the new Imperial order has no idea what he is up against when the two finally meet for an action packed surprise ending.

Starwars.com chats with Florida-based filmmaker Clutch about his award-winning film.

What is your background in film? Did you study it in college? Did you make films as a youngster/teen?

My only formal education that relates to film was attending Full Sail University that specialized in Digital Media, Film and Audio at the time. They’ve really expanded a great deal since then to include 3-D animation which I taught there for a number of years. I went through the digital media course which had classes covering a broad range of subjects like 3-D animation, composting, audio, cameras and 2-D graphics but no, I’ve never attended any kind of formal film school and Makazie One was my first film altogether. As a young boy I was inspired by Star Wars as many were and would make home movies with some of the toys while desperately trying not to burn down the garage in the process.

What prompted you to make a Star Wars fan film? How has George Lucas and his films influenced your work?

I’ve been a member of the 501st since 2001 as well as a former Marine so I always wanted to try to bridge the two worlds and make a Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers-type movie but with stormtroopers. I also wanted to twist our perspectives around and make a film from the Empire’s point of view where the Jedi were the bad guys. That’s just me though, I’ve always been partial to the villains. George Lucas created this great universe to explore and expand so as far as him influencing the project, it wouldn’t have been possible had he not created the environment to work with.

(more…)

No Comments » | Celebration V, Fan Films, Fan Movie Challenge | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Romancing the Droid: Why I Married R2-D2

August 18, 2010

words: Bonnie Burton
photos: Amanda Jean Camarillo & Jenny Elwick

Sometimes a girl just has to follow her heart no matter where it may lead.

After suffering through too many broken hearts thanks to dating boys who never quite appreciated my geek girl ways, I made a vow never to give my heart to anyone ever again who rolled their eyes when I attempted a Wookiee roar. I guess you could say I was looking for love in Alderaan places.

There’s nothing wrong with humans. I just find them to be a bit boring. They rarely have a screwdriver handy when you need it. They never seem interested in listening about your day. They always get lost on trips. They refuse to go out dancing. They hate relaying complicated messages to your friends. They’re so insecure with who they are; they never know what they want or how to express their true feelings.

R2-D2 puts all you human boys to shame. He’s got a built-in GPS (so says Uncle George) so he never gets lost. Plus you should see Artoo’s dance moves! And yes, he’s got more gadgets and charm than James Bond himself.

I’ve always had a secret crush on Artoo ever since I first saw him in A New Hope. Granted, I was just a kid then. What did I know about astromech love? But I kept a special place in my heart for him, fully knowing I may never meet him face to dome. It wasn’t until many years later when I landed a job as Lucasfilm that I took my chance and made the first move.

(more…)

25 Comments » | Celebration V, R2 Builders, fan fun | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Speed Dating at Star Wars Celebration V

August 15, 2010

Words by Bonnie Burton
Photo by Liz Lee

“Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So you might say, that we are encouraged to love.” – Anakin Skywalker

On Thursday and Saturday at Star Wars Celebration V fans (and droids) had the chance to talk to a wide assortment of potential “love connections” all assembled in Orlando to express their love for Star Wars.

While fans agree on who shot first or whether Jar Jar should have been thrown in carbonite, they can at least find out whether the have the that certain chemistry that brings two hearts together.

On Thursday and Saturday at Star Wars Celebration fans (and droids!) were able to break the ice with potential suitors. StarWars.com chats with host Ryan Glitch about the ins and outs of speed dating and whether or not cupid took a break from the madness to bring fans looking for love together.

Why did you decide to have a Speed Dating event at Celebration V?

I submitted the idea on the Celebration website, and a few emails later between Mary Franklin, Lauren Sadowski, and Peter Tatarra, I was given a contract to run the event! I just thought it could be a great a great way give a little push to those who were looking for love in all the wrong cantinas!

How did this speed dating event work? What are the rules?

The speed dating event worked phenomenally! The rules are simple, you date as fast you as you can, get to know as much as you can, if you like them, you write down the dater’s ID number, and at the end, you will head to the tables and leave your contact info with only people that you liked, and you will get the lists of contact info that has been left for you! The rules are that during the date you cannot give
out personal contact info to the dater directly, you can’t give our your name during the dates.

Did anyone make a love connection?

I was told that 2 couples did commitment ceremonies after meeting at my event, and I
have seen 9 couples out and about that met at my event.

What tips do you have for fans who want to try speed dating
post-Celebration?

Be yourself!

Additional comments about the event?

It has been an absolute blast to run this event at CV and I Just want to thank Reed Exhibitions and Lucasfilm for allowing me to play in their sandbox.

5 Comments » | Celebration V, fan fun | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Fan Movie Winner Profile: The Notebook Strikes Back

August 13, 2010

Words: Bonnie Burton

As the winner for the Best Sequel presented by Lucasfilm and Atom at this year’s Star Wars Fan Movie Awards at Celebration V in Orlando, Florida, The Notebook Strikes Back captured the imagination of what The Empire Strikes Back would look like recreated with paper cut-outs in a notebook, much like last year’s winner Star Wars in a Notebook by the same filmmaker.

Starwars.com chats with Columbia-based filmmaker Oscar Fabián Triana Méndez.

What prompted you to make a Star Wars fan film sequel? How has George Lucas and his films influenced your work?

The first part had a really nice reception — lots of positive comments and reviews! I watch the film featured in blogs and sites from everywhere: obviously the USA but also France, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Perú, Australia, Russia, Spain even Thailand. People seem to love it! So I thought a sequel should be a nice gift for all of them (and for me).

Also I have a fun time doing it so. Plus everything has a sequel now doesn’t it? I don’t know if I should credit Mr. Lucas for that, but I hope mine it’s one of the good ones like Empire!

What is the back story regarding your film?

To sum things up, it’s the film that plays in the head of a little kid that is shocked discovering the Star Wars movies. You know, your memory isn’t perfect so you skip scenes, swap characters, and distort some other parts, but you really capture the essence of that story. I visualize that naive feeling with the tools you have at the moment in your house or school: paper, cloth, scissors, glue.

Back then you give life to your drawings or cutouts in your head, now thanks to a computer. I love the handmade look, I’m a big fan of the sweded/indie/low budget filmmaking that is flooding Internet.

(more…)

2 Comments » | Celebration V, Fan Movie Challenge | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Star Wars Celebration V: Fans in Costume

August 13, 2010

(MTV’s Liz Lee smooches a lucky Gamorrean Guard guard)

words: Bonnie Burton
photos: Bonnie Burton & Jenny Elwick

It wouldn’t be Star Wars Celebration without seeing a Gamorrean Guard guard wandering through the crowds or a tiny Jawa waiting in line for nachos.

The beginning of Star Wars Celebration already seems like giant photo op with all our favorite characters. Here’s a roundup of some of the coolest costumes we’ve already seen in Orlando.

The cutest Jedi you’ll see all day.

In a parallel galaxy, Darth Vader fears these two.

Bossk would like a word with you!

Han Solo, Chewbacca and Slave Leia = 3 x the cool!

A clone trooper rainbow!

Utini!

Thirst first. Empire second.

(more…)

5 Comments » | Celebration V, costumes | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Five Clubs, Five Patches for Celebration V

July 28, 2010

Five of the largest Star Wars collecting clubs in the US are pleased to announce a set of five themed patches for Star Wars Celebration V. The participating clubs are The Washington DC Area Star Wars Collecting Club (DCSWCC), The Kentucky Star Wars Collectors Club (KSWCC), The Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club (OSWCC), The Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society (PSWCS), and the Star Wars Grand Florida Alliance (SWGFA). The five triangular embroidered patches, each sponsored by one of the clubs, fit together like a puzzle to form a larger image of Boba Fett, the show’s de facto mascot. Design and artwork for the patches was provided by long-time web cartoonist Bill Cable.

All five patches will be available exclusively at Star Wars Celebration V and free to attendees, but quantities are extremely limited. Each club will be distributing their sponsored patch in a different way, which will be announced separately.

For more information on the five collecting clubs, check out their official websites:

DCSWCC
KSWCC
OSWCC
PSWCS
SWGFA

10 Comments » | Celebration V, Collecting, conventions, fan fun | Permalink
Posted by pvilmur

Exclusive PSWCS Medallions at Celebration V

July 20, 2010

For those fans attending Celebration V and keeping a list of cool exclusives to pick up at the show, here’s one you’ll definitely want to add:

The Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society will be selling Lucasfilm approved, 1.75” medallions featuring an image of Chewbacca for $10 each at their booth at Celebraion V with all proceeds benefiting Canine Corps.

Canine Corps is an organization that cares for the dogs of US military personnel deployed overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan or Africa. They provide this service free of charge to soldiers who would otherwise be forced to give up their companions for adoption. PSWCS is thrilled to have the opportunity to support our American servicemen through this worthy charity.

This medallion is the second PSWCS has produced and sold for charitable efforts. In 2009 PSWCS sold medallions featuring an image of Obi-Wan Kenobi to benefit Operation Ward 57.

The medallions are a one-time, limited run of 1000.

Learn more about The Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society at their website here.

4 Comments » | Celebration V, Collecting, charity | Permalink
Posted by pvilmur

Florida Mayor Welcomes Fans for Celebration V

December 4, 2009

Orange County Florida Mayor Richard Crotty, along with some Imperial forces and R2-D2, filmed this Force-tastic greeting to fans excited about Star Wars Celebration V coming to his neck of the woods in Aug. 2010.

WATCH VIDEO: Mayor Richard Crotty Welcomes CV

Mayor Richard Crotty is proud to announce the landing of another major convention for Orange County, Florida. Star Wars Celebration V will feature cast & crew, celebrities, fans, costumes, music, autographs and collectibles. We expect up to 35,000 people to attend.

The Force must be with us, said Mayor Crotty, this could be the largest Star Wars fan event ever, with a positive economic impact of $36 million.

The four-day celebration will run from August 12 – August 15, 2010.

More info on the official website:
Starwarscelebration.com

2 Comments » | Celebration V | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl

Lucasfilm’s Steve Sansweet Talks Celebration V

December 3, 2009

As we announced earlier today, Star Wars Celebration V will take place in Orlando, Florida on August 12-15, 2010; Registration goes live Thursday, Dec. 10.

Our friends over at TheForce.Net chatted with Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations (and Collecting Guru & Author) Steve Sansweet about the news and what fans can expect.

Steve said first that the new partnership with show producer Reed Exhibitions gives them exclusive rights to do celebration events, and with his experience doing seven celebrations, and their massive experience producing shows, it took a long time to get everything about this partnership perfect. But along the way, Lucasfilm and Reed were working on venues, and that in itself is a big project, starting with 10 – 12 possible cities.

With Steve’s desire to continue to move the Celebrations around the country geographically, the west was pretty quickly ruled out, while cities like Baltimore, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Chicago and others were considered, some dropped out because they just didn’t have appropriate facilities or dates that worked. The long period spent finalizing a producing contract did affect the final date because Steve and Reed want this to be the best celebration yet and we all know that does take time to plan for them and for fans.

And as for if the Maker himself will show…

I had to ask whether Steve thought George Lucas would attend to which he couldn’t give a commitment, but that George always gets an invite, in fact, many people that fans would want to see get invites, but schedules and commitments often get in the way. My guess is if enough fans make it known they want to see George at the show, that will do more to get him there than anything. We’ll help, stay tuned.

More info here:
Official Star Wars Celebration V site

3 Comments » | Celebration V | Permalink
Posted by bonniegrrl