9 behind-the-scenes Star Wars photos you have to see

The Star Wars Archives uncovers fascinating behind-the-scenes material from the original trilogy Few film franchises have achieved such adoration and obsession as George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy. Subsequent sequels, prequels and spin-offs have ensured a new generation of fans are as hooked on the adventures of Luke Skywalker and the freedom-flighting Rebel Alliance as their parents. In this new supersize book, film historian Paul Duncan delves into the archives to uncover on-set photography, storyboards and concept art from the original trilogy. This comprehensive volume of archive material presents a fascinating insight into the creation of the Star Wars universe before modern CGI advancements. Vast 3-D models are shown being painstakingly constructed by the unmistakably Seventies bearded and flare-wearing crew. Lucas created the visual effects studio Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) specifically to negotiate the complex demands of the films, as he explains to Paul Duncan in the book: “What was needed was a rebirth of visual effects. I’d already convinced Fox I was going to do the movie. They asked, ‘How are you going to do this?’ I said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ve put together a visual effects company.’ We were inventing as we went. My driving issue was: ‘I need it to pan with these ships in space.’ I wanted short shots with pans. I want it to be kinetic. Nobody knew how to do that. So, when I interviewed John Dykstra, who said, ‘I know how to do that. Let’s take an animation crane and turn it on its side,’ I said, ‘That sounds like a good idea.’”