Keith De'Winter | Goss Toowers | Star Wars

In The Force Awakens the Resistance base on the planet D’Qar was visited for the first time. On this base one of the technicians is Goss Toowers, played by creature performer Keith De’Winter. In late March 2016 he did the following interview, exclusively for this site and StarWarsAwakens.nl.

Mr. De’Winter, my first question: How did you get into the movie business?

The movies are the reason I wanted to become an actor when I was a child. I worked for many years in theatre and had done some independent films. The Force Awakens is the first Blockbuster I’ve worked on.

In The Force Awakens you play the part of Goss Toowers. Could you tell how you got this role?

Actually it was through theatre work that I was recommended for this role. The year before filming began I was touring in Dubai for a show there. I worked with a great choreographer who the following year was the creature co-ordinator for The Force Awakens. He remembered me and, when asked who he’d like to work with, he recommended me. This is an example of there being no small jobs. As an actor you must treat every job with the same level of professionalism, as you never know what other work it will lead to.

On your site I saw you’re also credited as a droid puppeteer for The Force Awakens. Can you tell something more about this? 

My role in The Force Awakens was as a creature performer, not a puppeteer. A creature performer is inside the costume with an earpiece linked to the puppeteer. Because vision is limited inside the costume, whilst filming, the puppeteer passes information to the creature actor so they know what’s happening around them. The communication between puppeteer and actor is vital with so much going on during the filming of the scene. The puppeteer works the animatronics whilst the actor brings the character to life. The credit listing in the film is ‘Creature and Droid Puppeteers’, there wasn’t an individual listing.

You officially announced that you played Goss Toowers last month (February 2016). Was there a specific reason you couldn’t say that before the movie was released or shortly after the release?

Before the release of the film any information that can be classed as a “spoiler” cannot be released. This includes anything about any possible creatures. In the case of The Force Awakens we waited for official notification that we could release this news. I worked on the film 18 months before it was released but any creature or character information was a closely guarded secret. Everyone working on the film wanted the fans to be surprised and excited on seeing the film, and this is the best way of ensuring that.

There’s a Goss Toowers action figure and even a LEGO minifigure (I proudly admit I have the LEGO one!). When did you find out you were ‘immortalized’ as toys and what was your feeling then?

When filming The Force Awakens I did get told that there was a possibility of a LEGO figure, of course the idea was very exciting but once again I couldn’t share that information with anyone. Besides, working on the film was already a surreal experience, so the idea of a toy was incredible to me. It was before the film was released when the first wave of toys came out in stores and I got to see my character as a LEGO figure. That blew me away! Then along came the action figure…Goss Toowers…I couldn’t believe it, and yes, I also own each one.

What was the first time you saw a Star Wars movie and were you a fan before you got cast?

I first saw Star Wars a long time ago, in a cinema, far, far away…sorry, couldn’t resist! Being into film I went to the cinema a lot as a child, which again is the reason I wanted to become an actor. I had no idea what the film was about, I just knew I had to watch it as it was some kind of futuristic space adventure. I remember queuing up with my friends, in a very long queue, and hoping we’d get in to see it. The moment arrived and as I watched the title scrawl across the screen I knew this was going to be something special. After the film finished, we made our way home playing at being in Star Wars. It’s one thing to play at being Han Solo, but another to actually working with him!

Could you share some stories regarding the filming of your scenes?

A remarkable thing was being directed by J.J. Abrams. He made sure he knew everyone’s name, and came in everyday with a real passion for the work we were all doing.
Another quite funny story, regarding my costume, I wear some padding underneath my clothes to give Goss his cute rotundness. Once the flesh coloured padding is on, one being his tummy and one being his bottom, people would often catch site of it at the corner of their eye and think it was real. The looks and gasps and laughter as they then realised the flesh coloured bottom was not my own but a false one! That was the same reaction every day!

Could you describe an average day on the set of The Force Awakens?

Working on any film set you have to have the 2 P’s…Passion and Patience! As glamourous as it can seem, working on a film set can also mean lots of waiting around while scenes you aren’t in are filmed or while new shots are set up. Whilst waiting you have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Episode VIII is currently filming. Any chance we’ll see you as Goss Toowers (or another character) again?

Episode VIII is out in December 2017, so I guess you’ll have to wait and see.

Are there other new projects or movies you’re currently working on (or will start working on soon)?

I have a few projects currently in the pipeline but nothing I can disclose at this time.

Hopefully one of them is a Star Wars movie! Thank you for your time and this interview!

Charlie Akin | Stormtrooper | Star Wars

In The Force Awakens the new First Order Stormtroopers were introduced. There was a small select group of actors who portrayed them in most scenes and actor Charlie Akin was one of them. Besides this he was also the stand-in of Captain Phasma! In late March 2016 he did the following interview for StarWarsAwakens.nl and StarWarsInterviews!

Mr. Akin, let’s start at the beginning: How did you get started in the movie business?

I had just come back from university and not sure what I was going to do next. I heard that there was an open casting for supporting artistes (extras) for Wrath of the Titans in Wales. I was selected, and worked on the film for the Wales location of the filming. I enjoyed it so decided to sign up with more of the major agencies that supplied extras to film industry.

How did you get cast for Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a Stormtrooper and as the stand-in of Captain Phasma?

I was signed up with the agency that supplied the extras and was put forward based on the 5ft10″ – 6ft2″ brief. Myself, along with circa 80 others, attended an assessment day and were graded on the way the outfit fitted and looked on us as well as how we performed in basic military tasks and manoeuvres e.g. marching, standing in ranks and responding to orders, left/right turns, walking up/down stairs. It was narrowed down to about 12 core Stormtroopers that were used constantly throughout UK filming. Thankfully I was one of them!
As for Captain Phasma stand-in, I only stood in for her for 2 days. She would have had a regular stand-in that for whatever reason wasn’t there those days so I filled in based on similar attributes. Despite her being a female and myself a male, these were height/build/hair colour similarities.

In which scenes can we see you as a Stormtrooper and what was your exact task as Phasma’s stand-in? Are there scenes in which you are Phasma?

The most obvious time you see me as a Stormtrooper is in the opening scene on Jakku walking down the ship on the right behind Kylo Ren. I’m also amongst all of the Stormtroopers in the ship as its travelling to Jakku. All command centre scenes I was in but quite hard to accurately point out where exactly because you never know which take is used in post-production and often things are changed in between takes. Any scene with heavy usage of Stormtroopers I’ll be in and amongst it. You do see me walk across screen as part of the Rebel Alliance at the base. I was multiple characters.
So as the title name suggests, I would literally be standing in front of the camera in a replica Phasma costume whilst the camera/lighting crew and others are setting themselves up around me ready for when Gwendoline steps in and gives her performance. It’s a more efficient way of using the actors time. So no I’m in not in any scenes as Phasma, because stand-ins are used for off camera purposes.

Did you talk with Gwendoline Christie about the part of Phasma? How was it working with her?

No. Generally speaking it’s not common practice to speak to the actors and instructions are passed on by assistant directors. We only shared a brief personal hello together. She was very enthusiastic about being there and part of the production.

Were you a Star Wars fan before you got cast? What was the first time you saw a Star Wars movie and what is your personal favorite?

I was a mild fan yes. As a youngster (about 11 or 12) I was fascinated by the imagery and had some of the various merchandise like the flickout lightsaber! My favourite from a nostalgic perspective would have to be Return of the Jedi, but because I was part of it, The Force Awakens as it holds sentimental value.

Regarding your time on the set of Star Wars: were there extraordinary or funny things that happened on and off the set?

Yes. It was funny when we were running down the ship’s ramp after landing on Jakku, many Stormtroopers were falling over due to sight being very limited in the helmet and the un-evenness of the sand’s terrain. Seeing explosions go off and stunt men flying in the air is always an extraordinary sight!

Did you get to interact with the main cast like Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley? How were they?

No. Unfortunately there weren’t any scenes where I interacted with the main cast. I was close to them at points and everyone seemed very happy to be there.

 

Besides the movie you also did a couple of promotional events dressed as a Stormtrooper. I saw a photo of Carrie Fisher holding your hand (while you’re dressed as a Stormtrooper). What was it like doing these events?

Great! That photo you’re referring to is from the European premiere in London, UK. It was a very exciting event to do. We walked down the red carpet in ranks and then myself and a few others were standing at the press area where celebrities have their pictures taken. A few pictures of myself and Carrie were in some of the UK’s nation press! They’re available online.

Episode VIII is currently filming and Rogue One will be released in December. Will we see you again in one of these?

Yes!….Well hopefully! Because the original Stormtrooper design costumes were used for Rogue One, I didn’t fit into it thus couldn’t be a Stormtrooper. But I was a marine soldier as part of the resistance.

As for Episode VIII, I’ll be returning as a Stormtrooper and will be filming soon!!

My final question: please finish the following sentence: “Looking back at working on Star Wars: The Force Awakens…”

Looking back at working on Star Wars: The Force Awakens I’d like to thank everyone that made it possible for me to work on such an exhilarating project. Bring on the next one!

Thanks for the interview…and, since you’re in Rogue One, see you in December!

Arti Shah | Maz Kanata | Star Wars

One of the most mysterious new characters in The Force Awakens is without a doubt Maz Kanata. This orange skinned female pirate is played by two actresses: Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o was responsible for the voice and facial expressions (Maz is a CGI character) and actress Arti Shah did all the motion capture. In early February 2016 I interviewed Arti (who also starred in movies like Hary Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy) exclusively for this website.

Ms. Shah, what or who made you decide to become an actress?

When I was at school, I very much enjoyed drama and always enjoyed watching films, however I ended up studying business. It was when I graduated from my degree, my year tutor said to me “Arti, I can see you working in the media industry”, which gave me the encouragement to go back to what I enjoyed. So, I moved to London and started to follow my passion.

How did you get cast for The Force Awakens?

I was recommended to do some puppeteering on the film which then lead to a meeting with JJ Abrams about Maz, where I would also motion capture this wonderful character with Lupita Nyong’o.

Were you a Star Wars fan before you got cast?

I suppose my relationship with Star Wars while growing up was on and off. When I was a kid, I’d obviously seen the film and was blown away by it. But as I grew older my interests changed. I was very much aware of Star Wars during the prequel era, but my focus at that point in my life was on other things so it was more about nostalgia for me back then, rather than full on fandom. But, when I was asked to come in to meet with creatures about Episode VII, I went back and saw the films again. Marathon sessions, although for me I feel it’s better to do marathons of each trilogy rather than attempting all 6 in one go! There’s just too much to take in! My superfan boyfriend, Rutvig, has helped me gain new insights into the films as well. Now I’m hooked again!

Do you recall the first time you saw a Star Wars movie?

I hope I’m not showing my age here now but, here goes. The first time I saw Star Wars was on television at Christmas in the early 80’s. Replete with adverts! I was very young but I recall feeling completely exhilarated by the experience. I’d never seen anything like it and as you can imagine, for a child to see such fantastical things on screen; it just made me feel so happy and opened up my imagination. I think it turned me on to what film and moving images could be. And to be honest, that’s probably where my interest in filmmaking and wanting to be an actress started.

At San Diego Comic Con a special behind the scenes reel was released. Millions saw you in your Gonk droid outfit -with a huge smile- (of course because you’re in Star Wars). I’d like to know what you felt when you saw this clip for the first time. Was it a surprise they included you?

So, the clip was shown on a Friday evening in San Diego and in London we’re 8 hours ahead. I was asleep when it was shown. When I woke, I went on my Facebook page and saw that I had been tagged in a YouTube clip and that there were a couple of screen shots of me in the Gonk. I was super happy and so surprised at the same time.

In The Force Awakens you performed as the body double for Maz Kanata. Did you get to play Maz in all her scenes in the movie? In other words: every time we see Maz we see you (with added CGI effects)?

Yes, I did get to play Maz in all the scenes with Lupita, so you see both of us with the added CGI effects every time.

The voice and facial expressions of Maz were done by Lupita Nyong’o. Did you meet her and talked about Maz and this role?

I was very lucky to have met Lupita, she was such a pleasure to work with. She would tell me how she wanted Maz to come across and also she would ask my perspective with regards to Maz’s height and how quickly she would walk. As a small person, I tend to take small but quick steps.

Can you share some of your memories regarding the time you worked on The Force Awakens?

I played a character which was nicknamed a “Fueller”, I don’t know the official name for this just yet, as soon as I do, I’ll put it onto social media. This character can be seen in D’Qar, near the Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing. I’m wearing a mustard cloak and have a gas mask on my face. I had to wear a fat suit to make this character look unique. Every day after lunch, everyone would say to me “Arti, you’ve had a big lunch”. I found this to be very funny!

Talking about other characters: Gwellis Bagnoro was also played by you. I’ve seen the costume and headgear, this character doesn’t appear to have a mouth! How could you breathe and perform in that costume?

Ah Gwellis…The creature creators, who are all very talented, do take into consideration breathing and air. So I had little holes that I could breathe out of. It was a very comfortable costume to wear.

How was JJ Abrams to work with?

JJ was such a nice director to work with, he spoke to and treated everyone equally. He was always so encouraging and you could definitely see his passion for the film come across when he was directing.

The big question everyone wants to know: will we see you again in Episode VIII and/or Rogue One?

All I can say is maybe, as I am not sure. Sorry!

Ms. Shah, many thanks for this interview. Hopefully we’ll see you again in a Star Wars movie.

Mark Alec Rutter | Stormtrooper | Star Wars

In The Force Awakens we met the new First Order Stormtroopers. One of them was played by British actor Mark Alec Rutter. In 2014 Mark was cast as a core Stormtrooper in The Force Awakens and was also seen in a scene helping Chewbacca carry Finn off the Millennium Falcon. In late january 2016 I had an interview with him in which he went into GREAT detail about his Star Wars experiences. If you like Behind-the-scenes stories and want to know what it's like to be in a Star Wars movie you should continue reading...

Mr. Rutter, my first question: What or who made you want to become an actor?

From an early age I was subjected to film by my mother and was brought up on all the Hollywood movies from musicals to Westerns. At school I always wanted to join in the plays but was so shy and it was not until I was in my late teens that I had the courage to perform. I had a very Victorian upbringing and was told that I needed to get a proper job so it was not until I was 34 that I did a two year Drama course and passed with distinction. The acting business is very hard to get into as you know, but I am fortunate enough now to pursue what I love.

How did you get cast as a Stormtrooper and resistance Soldier for The Force Awakens?

I was put up for the role by my agent and went along for the screen test and boot camp. The role of a Stormtrooper is actually quite demanding and your measurements are quite important for the suit. When I got to Pinewood Studios I was slightly dismayed that 98 % of the guys were under 25, ‘No pressure then!’  I am 53, the oldest Stormtrooper on The Force Awakens, but just got on with it and as always did my best. After two days of being tested for various different assessments , including stair walking in suit, weapon maneuvers, marching and running in formation, the 100 or so Troopers were split into three groups, A, B and C group. I had made it into a group! And later told I was to be in the core 8, which would be used for all close work on camera. I was told I looked good in the costume but it is actually very uncomfortable to wear and after a short time it becomes evident that the day is going to be tough…but we are on the set of Star Wars! Right? So man up. The part of Resistance Soldier was cast at Pinewood and by now we were all known for our reliability so it was a case of being chosen for our look and ability I guess. I feel very lucky to have got on this iconic movie.

Were you a Star Wars fan before you got cast?

No, I must admit I was not to be honest I was not blown away with Sci-fi and at the time more into Rocky and such like, it was not until the arrival of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, I was well into the whole Star Wars thing. There is nothing like it and I don’t think there ever will be anything to top Star Wars.

 

Back to The Force Awakens: In which specific scenes can we see you as a Stormtrooper?

Well, being one of the Core 8 I was in most of the scenes. In fact being very close to camera and as with all films what you see on screen they get cut or manipulated in some way. In opening scene invading the village, coming off the landing ship and running down ramp, holding prisoners and sweeping thru village. The scene where Finn gets the blood on his helmet from his fellow trooper, I can be seen walking past behind. This was a night shoot, one of nearly two weeks’ worth of village scenes.
The scene they used for the trailer, I am seen in this. It’s a widely published photo, where troopers are all ready for attack on the village looking for Lor San Tekka in the landing craft. I remember it very well as it was amazing…I had one of those moments standing on this craft. I will always remember thinking: ‘wow, this is Star Wars Mark!’ I remember saying they would use this scene for the trailer and they did!
The scene when Finn and Poe steal the Tie fighter, I am on ground firing at the ship as it tries to break free. This was a massive scene and filmed over several days, lots of different shots and we were used for many camera angles. The scene had a lot of pyro going off and I remember the set actually catching fire for a brief second but the fire support was awesome. I am also scene here walking up 30 steps at the back of the set to the right, a very small trooper. What people don’t realize is I had to go up 30 steps for each take and then walk back down, 29 takes! During the two day boot camp we were told that they would need someone to walk up stairs and we all had to try and do this and look as natural as possible, many did not try as the steps were shallow and visibility was very poor with those helmets on. I must have done something right because I was chosen. When the day came the set was awesome and I saw the steps and remember thinking, ‘Heck’, help me through this!’ each time I passed a steam exhaust, this was one of the hardest days for me on set but all part of the job.
In the corridor scenes with Adam Driver, I am marching back and forth and in corridors while Daniel Craig was doing his mind games with Daisy Ridley.
In the scene with the landing craft where the Stormtroopers are running towards the village I run to the right. In this scene I and several others fell on hitting the sand in first couple of takes, vision was very bad and as there was a trooper right in front of us made it worse.
As I said, many scenes and many amazing memories to share, just a few here.

Besides playing a First Order Stormtrooper you’re also the resistance soldier who helps Chewbacca carry a wounded Finn off the Millennium Falcon. What can you tell about filming this scene?

This scene was filmed at RAF Greenham Common, and the weather was good. The production had a lot of trouble keeping it secret and there were many days when filming had to stop or wait because planes, helicopters, or drones were overhead trying to get a glimpse of what was going on. Some photos were leaked to the press of X-Wings and sets. Production covered X-Wings up to hide them and it was quite stressful for JJ I believe.
On one of the days JJ had his own drone up in the air with camera on board so he could view the scene from the helicopters point of view but obviously a lot less expensive. When he was happy with everything he would bring in the chopper. I remember us all watching him maneuver it and we all applauded when he did a faultless landing.
On the day of the Falcon scene I turned up and was sent straight into makeup, so knew it was going to be a special day, and it was. The AD said to me: ‘ remember me when you’re famous!’, I remember laughing. This specific scene where I help Chewie carry Finn off the Millennium Falcon was considerably longer than what you see. Initially I run up to Chewie from camera left and help him down the ramp to a sort of first aid wagon. The camera pans round and I turn to camera, -face clearly seen- and then we were filmed travelling away through the crowd who had turned up to see the arrival of Han Solo off the falcon.
Poe (Oscar Isaac) was on the wagon and they drive off slowly with me running alongside holding Finn on the back. I had a trouble keeping a straight face as Poe was making fun of Finn and cracking jokes, it made a hot day much more fun.

Can you share more of your memories regarding the time you worked on The Force Awakens?

I have many amazing memories from this particular film, so many days on different sets, some nights, and many days in studios. Some in the rain and some in extreme heat but here are just two or three for now.
What people do not necessarily know about big major Studios it that other stuff is going on in other sets and films and many actors are massive fans of Star Wars and the actors themselves have families.
On one of the days I was standing in for Harrison Ford. It was in fact the scene where he and his son Kylo Ren are walking on the bridge just before Solo gets struck down and I was just relaxing there off set with a coffee and someone walked in and stood beside me. It was Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and he just wanted to have a look and say hi I guess, he turned to me and said hi, I returned the compliment and he walked off and had a chat with JJ, all part of filming I guess.
Another great day was actually the scene where all the troopers turn to see the planet explode. This was a really long day, 13 hours in costume I believe and such a scorcher. Troopers were passing out from heat and sweat constantly running down our backs into our boots, so glamorous! Continuous running day so no break for dinner as such. Anyway the day had come to an end and we were tired, waiting for the word,” wrap” but an AD came over to us troopers and said: ‘I need two troopers’, one guy said ok and the next made up an excuse that his helmet was missing, so I said: ‘OK, I’m in’. We were taken out past set and behind an easy-up, and there waiting and looking was Mark Hamill himself, with his wife and two children. We walked up and he approached me and said: ‘Hi, pleased to meet you, I would shake your hand but you’re carrying a gun and helmet’, I instantly replied with: ‘I can put the helmet down’, smiled and introduced myself.  We were photographed with Mr. Hamill, me to his left pointing my gun at him and he is looking at me. I guess this was just a personal photograph but it might come out somewhere later. Again he was very humble and thanked me for my time, true gent. Great day for me.
And finally for me, for now was the day when we got to set and the trooper costumes had been cleaned and polished. We were told that Annie Leibovitz (editor’s note: a very famous photographer who did a Star Wars photoshoot for Vanity Fair) was here to photograph us, wow, this was awesome. We were taken down to ‘The Paddock’ area of rough ground at back of Pinewood Studio where many outdoor scenes are done. Here we posed with Gwendoline Christie in full silver suit! I stood directly behind her right with a red captain flash on my shoulder…this photo has yet to emerge.
Then we were asked to pose in the mud for more photos, there were only about 5, 6 troopers used for this shoot which was to be used for the magazine Vanity Fair, she is a total perfectionist and people were running about after her every whim. She was not happy with the suits being so clean, and we were all splashed with mud to give the shots more realism. Much to the disgust of the costume department, who would have to clean them all off again.
Finally a great group shot with crew, great day.

I bet strange or funny things have happened during the making of the movie.

One of the strange days was the day when Harrison Ford had the accident (editor’s note: he broke his leg on the set), I had in fact just got to set that day only to be told to go home…at this point no one knew what had happened and it was not till I got home that I found out about his accident. I won’t go into it any more as it’s not my place but the whole set was shut down. That was an easy short day. On return to set I had decided to get him a get well card with Darth Vader on the front, I got several troopers to sign it and wrote, “Get well soon, from the enemy”. I  hope it made him chuckle.

You mentioned JJ Abrams earlier in this interview. What do you think of him as a director?

JJ is very calm and focused on what he wants, on the rare occasion that he does speak he commands the set and speaks with a controlled voice that only comes from experience. Most of the time the producer Tommy Harper runs the show to be honest and JJ is there behind the screens making sure everything is the way he wants. Tommy is a well-loved character on set and could always be heard shouting, “Energy Energy”, with every take, with his broad Scottish accent. The main impression I got from JJ is that he was honored to be directing The Force Awakens and loved every minute of it.

Besides acting you’ve also worked as a voiceover. Which of these two do you prefer?

Yes, I have been heavily involved in two voiceover projects, which not only had me doing voiceover but also on location in Finland in winter and summer. I was involved in production also but I have to say acting is what I love; becoming someone else for the day has its appeal.

Last question: what do you regard as the highlight of your career?

Well I have done a lot in my life but I have to say that being involved in something as awesome as Star Wars has to be right at the top of the list of achievements.

Thank you for this interview! You surely had a lot of interesting things to say!

Rony Bridges interview | First Order Admiral | Star Wars

One of the most memorable scenes in The Force Awakens was General Hux' speech at Starkiller Base. Many Stormtroopers and First Order officers witnessed this including the First Order admiral played by actor Rony Bridges. In the following interview he shares some of his experiences including the moment when JJ Abrams called him the new Peter Cushing, and the answer he got from Gwendoline Christie when he asked her a funy question!

How did you get started in the movie business?

I had a prop hire company about 15 years ago, supplying props for TV and films including Trainspotting. A Casting Director asked to take my photograph and that evening I was asked if I would like to be in Peter Capaldi’s new film, Strictly Sinatra playing a gangster which I agreed to.I remember Peter giving me my very first direction, he called out on set, “Hey you, what’s your name?” I answered “Rony” and he replied, “Move out of shot Rony, you’re too tall!” Subsequently I went on to work in other TV Dramas and Films such as Rebus, Garrows Law, Eagle, Valhalla Rising and Outlander to name a few.

Rony Bridges (right) with Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, Rogue One) behind the scenes at Valhalla Rising

How did you get cast for The Force Awakens? And what was your reaction when you heard you got the part of a First Order officer?

I was in London playing a butcher on Tulip Fever I knew they were filming Star Wars VII and a friend of mine was 1st Assistant Director so he suggested I send my CV to the Casting Director and I got the call to go to Pinewood for costume fitting. I was absolutely over the moon when I found out the part I was playing was a First Order Officer.

Were you a Star Wars fan before you got cast?  

Not really a big fan but I am now and feel that I owe a responsibility to the diehard fans.

You are in the scene in which Domhnall Gleeson’s character General Hux gives that memorable speech, standing next to Gwendoline Christie’s character. What can you tell about your experiences being in that scene?

Well I couldn’t resist asking Gwendoline how she managed to pee wearing her costume and she said if she told me she would have to kill me! Also J.J. kept thinking there was something wrong with the scene then he got “Get a box for Rony!” I’m 6’1″ and I had to stand on a box next to Gwendoline who is even taller with her Captain Phasma helmet on.

In which other scenes can we see you?

No other scenes that I can see.

Can you share some of your other memories regarding the time you worked on The Force Awakens?

At the end of the first day all 6 First Order officers were lined up, one of the ADs started going down the line telling each one they were no longer required, which met with some grief as some of the guys thought they had been booked for 5 days. I was thinking, “Oh well, that’s it then.” When she got to me she said, “You’re staying” she turned to the others and said “It’s because he is an Admiral you were all Generals.”

Rony Bridges (middle) with General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson, left) and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie, right)

I read that JJ Abrams called you the new Peter Cushing! Can you tell something more about this moment? 

It happened when I walked on set for the first time, he called out “We have the new Peter Cushing”. All I could think of as a response was “I wish!”

The big question: will we see you again in Episode VIII and/or Rogue One? 

I’m penciled in for Star Wars VIII so hope and pray.

Of all the things you have done so far…what do you regard as the highlight of your career?

I would say Star Wars VII was a career highlight although I’ve been more prominent in other things but when 2 minute trailers for a movie get over 65 million views you know it’s kind of special and being asked to join Sci-Fi Signers United and realize your autographed photograph is in demand…Now that’s cool.

Bill Hargreaves interview | Prop Master | IG-88 | Star Wars

Bill Hargreaves

Supervising Prop Maker (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi)

Interview: January 2016

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You have worked as a prop maker on two Star Wars movies: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. How did you get hired for these two productions?

Yes, that is true, I was supervising prop maker on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. I was working on Alien as a prop maker when the Star Wars prop master Frank Burton came over with some pieces for me to look at and improve. I think Frank was ok with what I had done since he offered me to work on The Empire Strikes Back. After that I did Raiders of the Lost Ark for the same team and  I was asked back to do Return of the Jedi.

My personal favourites of all your creations are IG-88 and EV-9D9. Could you tell how the construction of these two droids went? Did you have to create them ‘from scratch’ or were there designs to had to base your work on?

I’m glad you like them. IG-88 was made from scratch using aircraft parts sourced from a Hayes breaker. So I had a free hand to make it how I thought it would be. Not everyone liked it but I did and so IG-88 was born. EV-9D9 started with a sculpted head and chest piece. The rest, it’s arms, legs, body and neck for head movement was built by me. Everything moved so it could be animated as it was in the torture scene. I was quite involved with that scene, it was great fun.

Over 35 years after you created IG-88 he’s still popular. Last year he was released as an expansion pack for a board game (and I proudly admit I immediately bought that). What do you think of this continuing popularity and how does that make you feel?

So, they have a board game with IG-88 in it, that is fantastic! It makes me so proud to think there is still a following for IG-88. I guess that will keep an interest in the original films, wonderful such an honour.

Other really memorable creations of you are the B’omarr droid from Return of the Jedi and the Probe droid and FX-7 from The Empire Strikes Back. First the B’omarr droid: was that a remote controlled machine? How did you make it move and where did you get the inspiration from (besides spiders)?

The B’omarr monk was built from scratch, a gear box housing was the first piece, and to me it looked like a spiders body. What’s wrong with spiders? They are clever and menacing at the same time. They tend to make everyone jump when you first see them so a good start. I made it with six legs as that looked right, it was made with all the legs independent so you could move them easily. The B’omarr was basically a puppet. I had a rig made by Bill Welch and his construction team, there was a hanging boat (box) on the irons (metal girders at the top of the stage) and an endless line to pull it backward and forward. Three men in the boat would operate the legs and it was pulled across the stage, a very big rig for a big droid.

Regarding the Probe droid and FX-7: what can you tell about these two creations?

FX-7 came to me as a sculpted piece like a big post box. I then set to making some 20 arms right round the droid and 2 arms for the front. There were lots and lots of small inserts to give it the feel of a real medical droid. I could do with one now to sort me out! It was operated by wires and I think it looked OK in the film. I was pleased with it.

I only did some cosmetics on the Probe droid. The basic droid was there I just added things to make it look like it would work.

Were there things (constructions, props, droids) made for The Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi but later dropped?

Not in my shop. We used everything, even prototypes were used as set dressing. I did build a flying lizard that never was used flying but was dressed in the background on Hoth. I think I am sure some sets must have been dropped as in filming things change, but I can’t remember any and of course things do end up on the editors floor.

Besides many droids you also created the Mynocks! I believe it was you who operated the Mynock that scares C-3PO? Can you share some memories regarding the Mynocks?

Yes, the Mynocks! The main body was built in Stuart Freeborns shop by Nick Maley I believe. I built the wings and the mechanics for the fluid that melts metal and glass. I did operate it on set one day and was told hit the screen as hard as you can without breaking anything, this I did with great relish.

I’d like to ask you what your favourite and your least favourite creations for Star Wars are, and what the specific reason is.

My favourite is IG-88 as I had to stand my corner to get it made. Some people just didn’t think it was right, but I guess history has proven me to be right and to persuade them to use him on set.

I really don’t have a least favourite they are all great in their own way, and how can anything be wrong on a spaceship or on an undiscovered planet, well can it?

Final question: I read that you once taught Harrison Ford how to play darts in your workshop at ILM! Can you tell something more about this fun fact?

No, I didn’t teach him. He was a good dart player, unorthodox, but good. He would come in for a rest from filming and a cup of something. It’s a great thing to tell the grandchildren and showed what a down to earth person he is, and of course a fantastic actor.

He surely is, but you’re a fantastic prop maker! Thanks for this taking your time and this interview!

Clem So interview | Resistance Fighter | Star Wars

Over the last couple of years Clem So has been in a lot of popular series and movies: Spectre, Skyfall, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Who, Sherlock and Star Wars: The Force Awakens! In January 2016, just a few weeks after the premiere of The Force Awakens I had the following interview with him.

What, or who, made you decide to enter the movie business?


My brother Tom had an acting role in the James Bond movie Casino Royale, he played Mr. Fukutu and encouraged me to join some casting agencies for film extras. I have a similar look to him, so I thought, why not. I now do a lot of extra work as a supporting artist on many productions and I am also beginning to branch out into acting.

How did you get cast for The Force Awakens?

The Force Awakens was cast solely through one agency and through what is the normal procedure for a extras agency, production will send a criteria for what sort of characters they are looking for and the agency will then send back suggestions based on this, then they let you know if you are picked providing that you are available for the filming dates. I had to turn The Force Awakens down first time around because I was already working on another movie called Pan. Fortunately for me, I was asked back later on for a second round of filming with The Force Awakens. This may have been due to slight filming delays during the time that Harrison Ford was recovering from his foot injury. In the end you don’t get into these things because you’re a fan, everyone who clocks in is turning up to work.

 

Were you a Star Wars fan before you got cast?  Do you recall the first time you saw a Star Wars movie?

I am a big fan of science fiction and comic books. I saw Star Wars: A New Hope when it first came out in the cinema in 1977. I was 16, there was such a buzz around it and it was like nothing I had seen before, you really felt like you were along for the ride, there was robots, big furry creatures, laser swords, what’s not to like? And of course the sound track was epic, who could forget the theme music now? I was at University when Return of the Jedi was first released and I remember the excitement of watching the trilogy back to back in Leicester Square and I also took all my kids to see the prequels which was a joy to share that with them.

I know you played a Resistance Fighter in The Force Awakens. I was wondering if you played more roles in this movie?

My role was as a Resistance Fighter and I played no other role.

In which specific scenes can we see you?

My scenes were shot at the RAF base at Greenham Common and I think it was widely publicized that filming was taking place there when a drone accidently stumbled upon it and published pictures revealing X-Wings and the Millennium Falcon. So I might be seen in the background at the air base. We also filmed at Pinewood Studios where all the internal Resistance base scenes were shot. I am clearly seen standing next to Finn in one scene where everyone is discussion the plan of attack on the StarKiller base.

Can you share some of your memories regarding the time you worked on The Force Awakens?

Walking pass a life size Millennium Falcon, that will stay with me forever. A lot of effects were hands on, so most of the droids and creatures were real not CGI. You did feel like you were living in a real Star Wars world where people are X-Wing pilots, droids are running about all over the place. I could almost hear the John Williams theme music in my head.

Did any strange, weird or remarkable things happen during the making of the movie?

A funny thing happened during a over head shot of the air force base. I don’t think this shot was used in the movie. For the shot I adopted a near by R2 unit, it was rather peculiar looking because it was pink. I later found out that it was called R2-KT and named after some ones daughter Katie. (editors note: for more about R2-KT visit her website) During the shot I help the R2 unit across the runway, it is of course done via remote control. I started to get into character and began talking to the R2 unit while walking. We did this for several takes, but during one of the breaks between takes I am still habitually talking to the droid like it’s my little pet and as I look up, of all the people to be standing there is Anthony Daniels looking at me as if I am raving mad.

Did you get to interact with some of the big stars of this movie like Harrison Ford, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver? How were they?

There is a chain of command during filming and it is understood by all involved that you don’t ever talk to main cast unless they are speaking to you. These actors are under tremendous pressure with a lot riding on them, so their focus is everything. Apart from Adam Driver and Mark Hamill, all the main cast were present during my scenes, but no interaction other than reaction for a scene.

How did JJ Abrams direct you? And what impression did he make on you?

What came across to me is how much J.J really cares about the franchise, I think he had an almost impossible task to fulfill the expectations of nearly 40 years of dedicated fan base, but I think he pulled it off.

The big question: will we see you again in Episode VIII and/or Rogue One? And if so: can you tell something more about this?

I think you will agree that Disney/Lucas Films has done a terrific job keeping The Force Awakens spoiler free, everyone involved in these films has to sign a non disclosure agreement before starting work on these projects, so even if I was involved, I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to.

You have worked on other big productions like Spectre, Skyfall, Guardians of the Galaxy and TV shows like Sherlock and Doctor Who. Quite a list! Is there a difference in working on Star Wars and these other productions?

There’s a certain gravitas in the undertaking and making. Star Wars has prestige and you sense that when you are on set. It’s steeped in movie history. Star Wars is just like that Imperial Star Destroyer that you see looming into shot in the opening scene of A New Hope. It is just simply massive. Of course Doctor Who and James Bond are also iconic characters but Star Wars is the grand daddy of them all. Regarding whether there is a difference in working on Star Wars and these other shows. For me there is no difference other than scale and budget and I treat them all with the same work ethic with respect and professionalism.

Top: Clem So in Doctor Who. Bottom: Spectre, with Daniel Craig as James Bond in the middle

Of all the things you have done so far…what do you regard as the highlight of your career?

I feel very grateful for all the wonderful films and TV shows that I have worked on so far and I value every experience equally. Achievement doesn’t interest me so much but when I am working, that is the highlight for me.

Many thanks to Mr. So and to my friend Rick from Sci-Fi signers united for making this interview possible!