Behind the Scenes of Star Wars: A Puppeteer's Journey at ILM

Join us in this fascinating interview as we delve into the career of a former ILM puppeteer who played a vital role in creating the creatures for the iconic Jabba's Palace scene in 'Return of the Jedi.' Hear firsthand experiences of working in the Creature Shop, including specialized tasks like skinning characters and ensuring costumes were both functional and flexible. Discover the passion behind the craft, the fun camaraderie among the crew, and the meticulous work that went into some of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe. Also, learn about the evolution of special effects from practical costumes to digital renderings, and ponder the future of handmade costumes now sitting in storage, waiting for new life in exhibitions or conventions.

00:00 Introduction to ILM Career
00:25 Joining the Creature Shop
02:22 Background in Puppetry and Dance
03:35 Costume Creation and Challenges
04:33 Working with Anthony Daniels
05:39 Evolution of Costume Design
06:57 Early Career and Puppet Making
08:07 Corporate Mascots and Costumes
09:27 Storing and Preserving Costumes
12:25 Specialization at ILM
17:06 Daily Life at ILM
19:44 Creating Creatures from Maquettes
21:19 Cosplay and Costume Quality
25:42 Social Life and Swag at ILM
27:08 Nostalgia and Early Influences
28:04 Performing Behind the Scenes
29:40 Creative Outlets and Autographs
31:26 Memories of Carrie Fisher
33:13 Interacting with George Lucas
34:54 Reflecting on Return of the Jedi
36:57 Collectibles and Memorabilia
43:14 Future Plans and Legacy
50:11 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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