Variety talked to “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, who says that Lucasfilm is getting out of the movie business. “We don’t want to make movies. We’re about to get into television. As far as Lucasfilm is concerned, we’ve moved away from the feature film thing, because it’s too expensive and it’s too risky. I think the secret to the future is quantity. Because that’s where it’s going to end up.”
Having said that, Lucasfilm’s exit from feature films is not instant or absolute. Indiana Jones 4 is still in development. “Steve (Spielberg) and I are still working away, trying to come up with something we’re happy with. Hopefully in a short time we will come to an agreement. Or something,” Lucas said.
He is also working on a film about the Tuskegee airmen of World War II called Red Tails. “I’ve been working on that for about 15 years,” he said, adding he’s also been working on “Indy 4″ for 15 years.
And Lucas Animation does plan to start making feature films — eventually. “Right now we’re doing television, which looks great. I’m very very happy with it,” he said of his animation division. “And out of doing the animation, we’re getting the skill set and the people and putting the studio in place so we can do a feature. But it’s probably going to be another year before we have the people and the systems in place to do a feature film.”
Lucas calls himself “semi-retired” but reiterated his plans to direct, “small movies, esoteric in nature,” after his other projects are launched. He expects to serve as executive producer on the two features and the TV shows, including the live-action “Star Wars” series.
In related news, the trade also reported that Joe Johnston will return to direct Jurassic Park 4, written by The Departed screenwriter William Monahan. Johnston helmed the third installment of the franchise.
Sources: Variety and ComingSoon.net
posted on 12:49 am 10/05/2006Movies, News | |
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