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Why won't you make the Sequel Trilogy (Ep 7 - Ep 9)?
To complete a trilogy, I have to dedicate about 10 years of my life to the effort. While I enjoy making Star Wars films, there are other movie ideas I would like to direct after I complete the prequels . . . The last three episodes don't really add to the overall "Skywalker" story arc. Those episodes are just sort of out there in my mind. I don't really have any idea what happens in those episodes except that the Republic and the Jedi are re-established . . . As old as I am now, I don't really want to invest another decade making the films. I would like to direct some non-Star Wars films for a change.
Why did TPM's budget escalate from about $ 65 million to over $ 115 million?
The technology we're using to make this film is experimental, revolutionary and very, very expensive. By the time we're done, we will have created over 2,000 FX sequences . . . To get the computer animation as photo-realistic as possible with current technology, we've had to spend a lot more money than I had hoped. Early on, we faced certain limitations that could not be overcome without a dramatic increase in the production budget . . . Hopefully, the extra money that we have invested in the first film will make the other two cheaper to produce. With this film, we've really pushed the envelope of digital effects like never before. Episode 2 will be even more fantastic in the area of photo-realism.
How did you select which scenes to include in the trailers?
We wanted to give a taste of what the film will be like without giving any important details away. You were given a brief glimpse of what we have been working on for four years. No matter how fantastic a trailer is, it cannot do this film justice. ILM has been able to perfectly translate my vision from paper to the silver screen. I am amazed. Truly amazed at what we have accomplished. This film is revolutionary on many fronts.
How much has the story of Episode 2 changed since you've worked on TPM?
The overall story arc, the basic story of Episode 2 is about 80% the same as I envisioned 20 or so years ago. The story has changed somewhat over the years as I came up with new story ideas. Originally, Boba Fett did not have a prominent role in the prequels, but I decided that Fett should be a significant player in the next two episodes.
What scene from the prequels do you most want to direct for yourself?
The duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin and the first appearance of Vader are the two scenes I most look forward to directing. I've enjoyed directing the first one so much that I really have no reasons not to direct the next two episodes. By directing the next two, I can make sure that my vision is captured exactly as I imagine it to be. If I let someone else direct, then I have to give them some degree of latitude in directing. Consequently, some of my vision becomes compromised. I really want to direct the next two just to make sure everything is done right.