The Bearded Trio

We are roughly 18 months away before we get to see the first of the new Star Wars trilogy hit the big screen.  With the lack of official news on Star Wars VII coming our way I thought it would be interesting to compare what we knew at around the same time in October 1997 on Episode One, roughly 18 months before its release. My source comes from the official Star Wars magazine from February 1997 to November 1997. As with 2013 the rumours in 1997 on the upcoming Star Wars movie were ridiculous and mostly made up.  Some of the rumours that were doing the rounds at the time were Episode One was to be completely CGI. The name of the movie will be called "Fall of the Republic." The movie will only consist of four actors, the rest will be computer generated. Alec Guiness performance as a young Obi-Wan will comprise edited out-takes from 1950's Ealing comedies. Kenneth Branagh had signed, Macauley Culkin was in talks. There will be no sets. Charlton Heston will p

D o you ever wonder if we'll ever see the good old days when quality Sci-fi was all over TV?  DS9, Voyager, SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, BSG.  Remember when we were spoiled with these quality shows?  What happened?  Did you get frustrated when big TV studios would cancel your favourite space opera show after just twelve episodes?  Or cancel the new Stargate after two seasons just when it was getting good?  What would they replace it with?  Wrestling or some poorly made Megashark movie. SOS (Space Opera Society) are trying to bring back the glory days.  A non profit production studio which will produce original and quality science fiction for the web and possibly more. Now don't be put off thinking that this is a bunch of guys with a camera and a green screen.  SOS is a collaboration of writers, producers, SFX gurus and more who love the genre and worked on some of the top sci-fi show ever made.  Don't believe me?  Check out the video below to see the quality that can be e

W ith a galaxy as massive as Star Wars it's easy - all too easy - to be known only for that one thing and as a long-time inhabitant of the galaxy far, far away I'm cool with that. But my love of sci-fi and fantasy bleeds beyond the SWG and into other regions of the universe.  Star Trek, Marvel and DC and the many and various projects Stephen Spielberg has touched. One of those magical projects is 1985's Back to the Future, a timeless (pun intended) classic executive produced by Spielberg that in its 116 minute running time manages to create a world that we would want to live in, with tips of the hat to classic sci-fi, framed around the year 1985 which is now almost as long ago to us as 1955 was to the makers of the film back in the mid 80's.  As it gets older, the nostalgia factor increases year on year (and don't forget, in 2 years time we arrive at 2015 with Jaws 17 and hoverboards.  Can't wait!) So, here's my list of the 5 things I learned fro

Kotaku have released a very interesting article on the demise of Lucasarts.  Having many sources who was at Lucasarts final days, speak out about the numerous games that was in production but ultimately cancelled.  No doubt the biggest disappointment from the article reveals that a special edition of the 90's point n click adventure The Day of the Tentacle was rumoured to be 80% finished. If this is true then the fact the game got cancelled is more of a crime than the cancelled Star Wars 1313 or any of the other Star Wars games mentioned in the article. Kotaku write: In news that will certainly crush anyone who enjoyed LucasArts-branded adventure games, the team at LucasArts Singapore was working on a remastered version of the classic point-and-click game Day of the Tentacle, according to three people familiar with that project. Like the special editions of the first two Monkey Island games, released in 2009 and 2010, the remastered Day of the Tentacle would be pseudo-3D, wit

According to The Wrap , Rush star Bryce Dallas Howard is in 'early negotiations' to be in Jurassic World (the new name for Jurassic Park 4.)  The rumours have been surfacing for some time that the actress from Los Angeles California will be on board the Colin Trevorrow directed movie. Although the negotiations may be at their early stage it seems that Howard's track record with big budget movies may be in her favour as she has appeared in Spiderman 3, Apollo 13, Terminator Salvation and Twilight 2. Stay tuned for more news on Jurassic World. THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

Jurassic Park star Joseph Mazzello is set to get behind the camera for the first time with Undrafted, a baseball drama starring a young cast including Aaron Tveit, Matt Barr, Chase Crawford, Tyler Hoechlin, Manny Montana, Philip Winchester, Billy Gardell and James Belushi (son of comedian Jim Belushi). Mazzello wrote the script based on his brother's experiences as a college baseball player who ended up being skipped over for a chance to play in the major leagues. Mazzello says, "I watched for 15 years as my brother worked tirelessly to make his dream come true only to see it never happen and it was heartbreaking. During that time I saw the love he and his teammates had for each other and for the game that is the heart of our story." http://www.firstshowing.net/2013/jurassic-park-star-joseph-mazzello-moves-to-directing-with-undrafted/ THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

"Lucasfilm is currently prototyping the combining of video game engines with film-making to eliminate the post-production process in movies. 'Speaking at the Technology Strategy Board event at BAFTA in London this week, the company's chief technology strategy officer, Kim Libreri, announced that the developments in computer graphics have meant Lucasfilm has been able to transfer its techniques to film-making, shifting video game assets into movie production. Real-time motion capture and the graphics of video game engines, Libreri claimed, will increasingly be used in movie creation, allowing post-production effects to be overlayed in real time. "We think that computer graphics are going to be so realistic in real time computer graphics that, over the next decade, we'll start to be able to take the post out of post-production; where you'll leave a movie set and the shot is pretty much complete," Libreri said.'" Check out the concept video b

JJ Abrams has been chatting about Star Wars VII, whilst promoting his new TV show, Almost Human. In Abrams typical fashion he wasn't giving anything away but what he did say was his intention to get the new movie's tone closer to the original trilogy. He told EW that it was "Impossible for me to say because it’s going to be an evolving thing. I would say we are working really hard to make a movie that feels as emotional and authentic and exciting as possible. Whatever your favourite Star Wars movie is and how to compare it is really sort of subjective.” "I remember reading a thing somewhere, someone wrote about just wanting [the new film] to feel real; to feel authentic. I remember I felt that way when I was 11 years old when I saw the first one. As much of a fairy tale as it was, it felt real. And to me, that is exactly right". His Star Trek legacy has left a lot of Star Trek fans feeling a little disgruntled after changing the face and look of the fran

A penthouse apartment in Richmond, Virginia, that Steven Spielberg used while filming Lincoln has gone on the market for $1.3 million. The residence is a 2600 square feet place comprising of two bedrooms and two full and one half bathroom. Interiors feature beautiful hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer beautiful views of the city. " SIMPLY the MOST SPECTACULAR HOME in RICHMOND. The Scudder Residence is well known within Metro Richmond as one of the most important and well executed design-build creations of its kind. Featured on the Downtown Loft Tours and in multiple publications, this loft served as home to Steven Spielberg during the filming of ""Lincoln"" and truly represents the new 'Best of Richmond'. A combination of two units merged seamlessly through the diligent efforts of the owners, architects, contractors and designers. The resulting 2600 SF open floor plan balances comfort with elegance to highlight the sp

Here's a funny story regarding Harrison Ford I found today from Hollywood.com Actor Harrison Ford was recently threatened with deportation from Indonesia after a climate change interview went awry. The Indiana Jones star had scheduled an interview with forestry minister Zulkifli Hasan in Jakarta, but, according to presidential adviser Andi Arief, the politician was not properly briefed beforehand, and he took exception to Ford's film crew. He says, "(I was) shocked that as (Ford's) crew came in, they started filming and interviewing him... and attacking him with questions. There's no privilege for him although he is a great actor. "His crew and those who were helping him in Indonesia must be questioned to find out their motives for harassing a state institution. If necessary, we will deport him." However, Ford and his crew left on Tuesday night (10Sep13), after wrapping up interviews for Ford's new climate change documentary Years of Living Dang

With Star Wars fever increasing daily the closer we get to 2015 you may be wondering how to keep up to date on the latest Star Wars news.  You may be new to the Star Wars universe and want to get up to speed before the big day arrives in 2015.  We've put together seven tips to make sure you're on the same page as every other Star Wars fan by the time Star Wars VII comes out. 7 - Expanded Universe At the time of writing this there was no confirmation whether Star Wars VII would follow the expanded universe or not.  But one thing is for certain it will have a few nods here and there and for EU fans that will make them smile.  It will also introduce you to characters such as Mara Jade and give you some insight into what happens between Leia and Solo after Return of the Jedi. 6 - Star Wars Insider There is nothing like getting the latest news on Star Wars and what better way than with the official Star Wars magazine, Star Wars Insider.   You can subscribe here and get t

M ost people know me as an unabashed Star Wars fangirl, but I do have other passions. The Indiana Jones franchise is one of those things I love. So much so that I convinced my parents on a trip to Hawaii that we needed to take a specific excursion for the sole reason of visiting one of the filming locations. As a writer you learn to draw from your favorites. Reviewing my manuscript for my first novel Wynde, I realized stories and characters that made the biggest impression on me personally show up in unique ways. In Wynde, I have a character who has the look of an “adventuresome archaeologist” – which he’s not. Still, I imagine many of my readers will catch the reference and draw a similar imagery – a Doctor Jones-ish fellow – in their mind’s eye. Tying your own imagery to something familiar to the audience is one of the things I learned from George Lucas. When I watched the Indiana Jones marathon over the weekend, I was reminded that I had taken a few lessons from the Lucas-Spiel

The original Trailer to the 1995 adventure game by LucasArts, Full Throttle.  Wouldn't it be great to see a HD remake of this classic?  - You know what would look better on your nose? - No, What?  - The Bar! Full Throttle Rob @welshslider THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

Steven Spielberg is set to receive an award at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The Oscar-winning director will receive the 2013 Records of Achievement Award in recognition of his film work. The award is presented by the Foundation of the National Archives and is intended to honour an individual whose work has bolstered awareness of the history and identity of the United States through the use of original records. Spielberg is expected to be receiving the award in person on Nov. 19 gala in Washington, D.C. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is chairing the event. Read more here THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

At the Blu-ray and DVD release party for Paramount Home Entertainment's Star Trek Into Darkness, director JJ Abrams opens up about the failed Star Trek video game and reveals he's working with Valve on several new projects in this exclusive interview. THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

Harrison Ford will be given the career achievement award at the Hollywood Film Awards in an Oct. 21 ceremony at the Beverly Hilton. "It is a great honor to celebrate Harrison Ford's extraordinary talent and remarkable career with our Hollywood Career Achievement Award," said Carlos Abreu, the founder and executive producer of the awards show. Read more at  http://hollywood.patch.com/groups/arts-and-entertainment/p/harrison-ford-to-be-given-career-achievement-award THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

www.randymartinez.net It's time for another quick fire questions.  This week we are honoured to be joined by official Star Wars artist Randy Martinez.  Randy has done plenty of work for the Star Wars universe including covers for Celebration Europe and Celebration IV.  If you've read the Star Wars Rebel Force books then you'll be familiar with his work as he did the covers for all the books in the series.  He's also worked for Marvel, Topps, Scholastic and Acme Archives to name but a few. Randy's work You're stuck in a swamp on Dagobah.  What one movie, TV show, album and book would you take? So we are to assume that Yoda has a decent entertainment center in his hut? Something we don’t see in the movies, I’m sure.  After all, he did land on Dagobah via that pretty nice escape pod, it’s pretty easy to imagine the pod was equipped with a THX system.  Now the question is, why is Yoda’s escape pod so much better equipped with entertainment, than what e

As an avid Star Trek fan since the Eighties I have enjoyed some of the greatest moments of the franchise, from the classic episodes of Star Trek The Next Generation such as Best of Both Worlds and Chain of Command, to Deep Space Nine and the Dominion War.  It's safe to say that Star Trek has produced some of the finest science fiction I have ever seen. Not only have I used Star Trek, and in particular Deep Space Nine, as my virtual comfort blanket. The series has seen me through some difficult times over the past few years as its served as my go-to escapism if I need to unwind the world around me for an hour or two. So I care very much about Star Trek and where its headed and is heading.  I remember being incredibly disappointed when I learnt that Enterprise was to finish after season four back in 2005, just when most people thought it was getting good and finding it's feet.  I, for one, thought the series was good from the start and could easily see the potential of th

J.J. Abrams confirmed to Collider  at a party for the release of Star Trek Into Darkness on Blu-ray that he will not be directing the third Star Trek movie since it's reboot in 2009.  Although he will be on board as producer and consultant for the story.  J.J. Abrams said: "Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands," Abrams said at the event. "I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing. I certainly don't want someone to come in and try to do what I would have done. We want to hire someone who's gonna come in and bring their own sensibility. I'm very excited to see what comes next, despite feeling jealous of whomever that person is." Read more at  http://collider.com/j-j-abrams-simon-pegg-star-trek-into-darkness-interview/ THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER T

You know that scene in The Simpsons where Homer imagines a world made completely of chocolate and candy?  You seem him running through the hills and a town made of all your favourite sweets and chocolate with the biggest smile on his face.  That's how I would imagine myself visiting Rancho Obi-Wan.  The place is full of Star Wars goodness every where you look and now they are officially record holders.  They must have everything from the Star Wars Galaxy all in one place.  Saying that I wonder if they have these trolley plastic advert plates I have which advertise Episode One and Frosties?  Hmmm.  (Well if you work at Rancho Obi-Wan and are reading this let me know if you're missing them and I will send them across - Rob) Check out the official video below Steve Sansweet (USA) has amassed an estimated 300,000 unique items at Rancho Obi-Wan in northern California, USA. As of 15 May 2013, only 90,546 items have been accurately audited and catalogued -- a number suff

C3P0 from Star Wars thanks John Williams for the oxygen of the movies.  The soundtrack. THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+

Take a look at the end credits of Star Trek Into Darkness.  Just after Chris Pine's name swishes up.  Is that a Tardis from Doctor Who?  Or is a trick of the light? What do you think? Rob @welshslider THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+