Liveblog – Kathleen Kennedy Panel At Star Wars Celebration Europe 2013

Kathleen Kennedy

 

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:28 am

I will hopefully be back for the Star Wars Rebels panel. See you then.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:28 am

And that’s it. The big news is Williams, of course. http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/07/27/confirmed-john-williams-on-board-for-the-next-three-star-wars-films/

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:27 am

The video they played is now live on Bleeding Cool – http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/07/27/confirmed-john-williams-on-board-for-the-next-three-star-wars-films/

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:25 am

Kennedy will be going round Celebration and filming videos to show JJ Abrams, because he’s never been.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:22 am

Video from Williams talking about how he’s going to be working on the scores.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:20 am

Kennedy says that John Williams has committed to the next three films.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:17 am

Kennedy is referring to the Star Wars franchise as the “empire” that Lucas created. Maybe not the best choice of words.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:16 am

Davis telling a story about how he once wore the Wicket costume and was force fed chocolate cake until he couldn’t see anymore.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:14 am

Stressing the importance of having Lawrence Kasdan involved in the creative group. Someone with a lot of knowledge that they can turn to.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:13 am

Asked about what her favourite project is, she diplomatically replied EP 7.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:11 am

George is still at the ranch but Kennedy is in the main office.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:10 am

Davis has a drawing of some concept art he did for EP 7. Said that it’s interesting to note that the character is quite small. It’s turned into Davis trying to get a job. He just gave her a plush Ewok.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:08 am

“The things that we can eventually do online, the games that we’re talking about… the spin-off movies we’re talking about…We’re incredibly excited”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:06 am

It’s clear that the fans here see Kathleen Kennedy as something of a saviour of the Star Wars franchise and she seems to be saying all the right things. Just said that the fans “control everything”… “We are in service to you”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:04 am

“If we don’t have a great story and great characters then the effects mean nothing” Lots of applause.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:04 am

“We have the opportunity to create some amazing new characters”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:03 am

“George kept saying over and over again… these stories are fun. He wanted to make sure we kept a sense of humour”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:03 am

They immersed themselves with George. He “downloaded” all the ideas he had to them. “It’s a huge responsibility and they’re all taking it very seriously”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:02 am

Honouring the originals – “It is a daunting exercise”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:01 am

“JJ embodies many of the qualities of George and Steven”… “He understands how to use effects”

Craig Skinner July 27, 20134:00 am

Kennedy has known JJ Abrams and Matt Reeves since they were 15. When her and Spielberg hired them to clean some of Spielberg’s early films.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:58 am

Davis asking if George told her that she’d have to wear a plaid shirt and grow a beard.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:56 am

Combination of real props and CGI. Real droids, for instance.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:55 am

Going to find some “really cool locations” for ep 7 and also intending to use everything “in the toolbox” too.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:55 am

Looking very seriously at the way in which the films have always combined real location and visual effects

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:54 am

Talking about the “game changing” experience of watching a computer generated wire frame dinosaur on screen.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:50 am

Kennedy talking about being surrounded by “powerful men” in the early days. And how much support she found.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:47 am

She says that she sees what it means to the fans and that’s what they “want to protect”.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:46 am

“A daunting proposition… overwhelmed by what she was looking at [when she arrived at Celebration]“

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:46 am

She wishes she had a lightsaber after seeing all the lightsabers in the crowd.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:45 am

Kennedy now on stage. Everyone on their feet.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:44 am

“Best producers in the business, she also supports creatives” – George Lucas in the the intro video.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:42 am

Harrison Ford praising Kathleen Kennedy met with huge cheers.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:41 am

Amy Poehler joking about how Kennedy makes small independent films that no-one ever sees.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:41 am

Frank Marshall, Lawrence Kasdan, Dennis Muren, Tom Cruise. Cheers for most but Cruise got none and one boo.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:39 am

Far too many films to mention. Lucas on screen talking about Kennedy. Spielberg now.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:39 am

Retrospective video for Kathleen Kennedy. Beginning with a Lucasfilm logo.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:38 am

Reminder from Davis about Tweeting questions with #AskKathy and a reminder not to Tweet Episode VII questions.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:37 am

The fan is in a Wookie costume, which he says is very hot. It’s over 30 degrees here in Essen. The fan just said that Anthony Daniels talks too much. Lots of laughter.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:35 am

Davis is going to chat to a fan. This didn’t go so well on the first day…

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:34 am

The host, Warwick Davis, is now out on stage. Lots of cheering and lightsabers in the air.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:32 am

Everyone is up on their feet and dancing. I think they’re quite excited about this panel.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:29 am

The pre-show presenters are asking the fans about what they’re looking forward to from the new ships in Episode VII.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:27 am

We’re being told that they don’t want any questions about Episode VII but she will be talking about it.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:26 am

If you want to ask Kathleen Kennedy a question Tweet #AskKathy and they may read it out on stage.

Craig Skinner July 27, 20133:25 am

Craig here by the way, not Brendon.