Paul Duncan / Writer / Editor / Films / Books / Comics

July 31–August 1, 1978: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Ralph McQuarrie said “Dawn Greeting” was his favorite painting for the movie.
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youtu.be/fgKQaRMBuVs

Made this in 2005: www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Verhoev...

I saw the archive, but the book was scuppered by rights issues.

This would be good.

Many years ago I made an Avengers photo book that was never finished/published. At least I got the chance to watch all the episodes while making it...

I have edited or written 6 of these enormous books on directors and franchises. Which director or franchise would you like me to do next? (Not that I have a choice but we can always dream...)

In Hollywood no one can hear you Scream.
ALIEN: EARTH is coming

At Sony Studios: hanging out with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

July 31, 1997: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: Rehearsals for the Qui-Gon/Darth Maul fight at Chott el Gharsa, Tozeur. Liam Neeson, Rob Inch (doubling for Qui-Gon), and Ray Park fought so vigorously that the aluminum lightsaber blades bent.
#StarWarsArchives19992005
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In the Sony Archives: Here's one for film fans—Frank Capra's GRISWOLD R-3 film splicer! Just imagine him editing IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, LOST HORIZON, MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, IT'S A WONDERFUL IFE and many others on this.

July 30, 1997: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: George Lucas and Rick McCallum assess the extensive damage to Anakin’s pod engines following the storm in Tunisia the previous night. The same thing happened in March 1976 on the first movie.
#StarWarsArchives19992005
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I am happy to announce that the Trade Edition of THE STAR WARS ARCHIVES EPS I-III 1999-2005 will be published November. This is ALL the content of the XXL edition only a little smaller and a lot cheaper. Register your interest here: www.taschen.com/en/books/fil...

Happy to hear that!

July 27, 1979: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: OTD The shot of Luke’s right hand being cut off was filmed in three takes and with two cameras.
#StarWarsArchives19771983
youtu.be/fgKQaRMBuVs

I think the idea is that the children learn to be independent and self-sufficient, and learn to be "attached to"/be one with the Force. It is a existential idea told in a story as a physchological lesson. I don't think anyone thinks that George is proposing this to be executed in real life.

In the Sony Pictures Archive: On the right is a staff ornament, and on the left a photo showing its appearance in the original KING KONG (1933). It is incredible that this has survived! And look how colorful it is!

From my conversation with George Lucas: "You can love people, but you can't want to possess them. They are not yours. Accept that they have a fate. Those that cannot let go become miserable. That's the lonely place."
#StarWarsArchives19771983
youtu.be/fgKQaRMBuVs

Correction: This is Carnage from the Venom movies...

In the Sony Archive: This is a fantastic study model of Venom, full of movement. This is kept in a cold room for perservation, but that doesn't stop it from decaying over time. Also it is too delicate to put in an exhibition. Enjoy it while you can!

I visited the @amoebamusic.bsky.social store in Hollywood and was happy to see several of my books on sale there. Great to be in such illustrious company.

July 24, 2002: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: George Lucas told Erik Tiemens to turn his floating gun station concept upside down. Erik later used them for his Polis Mazta concept.
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In the Sony Pictures Archive: the Mysterio costume worn by Jake Gyllenhaal in Spider-Man: Far From Home

July 23, 2002: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Erik Tiemens’s concept for a rotorship. Later used to great effect as the Malevolence in The Clone Wars animated show.
#StarWarsArchives19992005
youtu.be/Ocm__ZQTZVk

Here I am "Putting on the Ritz" at Stage 5 at Fox Studios, where Young Frankenstein was shot, as well as John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath, noirs Nightmare Alley and Niagara (with Marilyn Monroe), Fantastic Voyage (Raquel Welch), and the TV series Lost in Space. What a place!

July 22, 1997: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: This Naboo air force concept art took Doug Chiang 1.5 days to complete.
#StarWarsArchives19992005
youtu.be/Ocm__ZQTZVk

In the Sony Pictures Archive: A full-size baby Zilla head from Godzilla (1998). I'm amazed that this still exists, 27 years later.

July 21, 1976: Star Wars: Howard Chaykin drew this poster, based on Ralph McQuarrie’s designs, in time for the San Diego Comic Convention #OTD.
#StarWarsArchives19771983
youtu.be/fgKQaRMBuVs

More cool stuff from the Sony Pictures Archive: This is a model concept for Doc Ock / Doctor Octopus, played by Alfred Molina in Spider-Man 2. The tentacles have a more organic look than in the movie.

Just read: Science is Fiction : The Films of Jean Painleve. A fascinating book about a French filmmaker who made poetic scientific films and hung out with the Surrealists.
You can watch some of his films here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTpg...

July 2001: Star Wars: Attack of the Clones: Erik Tiemens’s exquisite concept for the picturesque Naboo lake retreat exterior.
#StarWarsArchives19992005
youtu.be/Ocm__ZQTZVk