Michael Kaplan Reveals Behind The Scenes Photos & Info About The Costumes Of 'The Force Awakens'

By: Benjamin Hart

It seems you can't swing a Lightsaber these days without hitting a brand new piece of info relating to Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Even though all will be revealed in just a few weeks, it's still fun to dig into this movie and learn more about the nearly finished production. Today Wired released an interview with The Force Awakens' costume designer Michael Kaplan where they discussed the development of some of the costumes in the film. In addition, they revealed a collection of behind the scenes photographs showcasing some of the now iconic helmets and armor of First Order, such as the Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, Flametroopers and Captain Phasma. You can see highlights from the interview and some the photos below.

First off, Kaplan discusses designing the new Stormtroopers and mentions that, as many fans have jokingly pointed out already, the sleek design draws inspiration from Apple products. He went on to discuss how the new armor differs from Stormtrooper costumes of the Original Trilogy:

"The original stormtroopers were vacuum-formed. That process required a much thinner plastic to be heated and molded. These are much harder [cast in polyurethane], so they don't crack. They're much tougher materials, plus they have more flexibility."

He also mentioned Kylo Ren, adding that Dark sider's mask is meant to emulate the character's apparent idol, Darth Vader, while also appealing to children, by request of director J.J. Abrams. He also discussed fellow baddie Captain Phasma, whose design almost didn't make it into the movie at all:

"I loved the idea of taking a stormtrooper into the world of armour, It was just something I had in my head. The concept artist took my sketch and came up with a really beautiful illustration. I loved it and I hung it on the wall of our design room... One afternoon [producer] Kathy Kennedy came by and pointed at it and exclaimed, 'That is fantastic.' JJ loved it as well, so he created the role of Captain Phasma to wear it."

Be sure to head over to Wired to read the full interview and the rest of the awesome photos!

Source: Wired

Read more...

San Diego Big Balloon Parade

 

By Kat Kiele

The traffic of downtown San Diego was hectic as the parade was getting ready to start.Roads were blocked off, people were scrambling to reach the parade on time. The participants were hidden away behind the portable lavatories. The sun was beating down on the costumers, marching bands, and the spectators. Being in full gear, trying not to run into people, was like juggling chainsaws and eggs at the same time. The crowds of people were crowding around me as I was trying to meet up with my crew, Haran'galaar Aliit, San Diego Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Chapter

 
 

The San Diego Star Wars Society was the group that organized this event. They are an organization that accepts any kind of Star Wars fan. Unlike the Mandalorian Mercs, the Rebel Legion, and The 501st Legion, The SDSWS doesn't require a costume. As long as you are a big Star Wars fan, they allow you to troop with them. For more information about the San Diego Star Wars Society, check out their website at:http://www.sandiegostarwars.com/

As someone who was participating in the parade, it was an amazing experience. The ver'alor, who is the Lieutenant of the local clan, Eerbes Semaj, explains why he likes to do these events.

Left (Kat Kiele.) Right (Eerbes Semaj)

"I love doing these parades because you get to see how people respond to see you in your Costume. You see the people you recognize what you are and their faces light up with excitement, or they kind of know and then watch them try to figure it what you are, it's really fun, and funny at the same time." -Eerbes Semaj 




The Mandalorian Mercs, The 501st Legion, The Rebel Legion, along with any other costumers who were there as apart of the San Diego Star Wars Society, were bringing smiles upon children's faces. 

 Most of the kids were waiting for hi fives. Because of the mass amount of kids in the front row, it was almost impossible to hi-five all of them. However, we all tried our best to bring bigger smiles on their faces.

Costumer, Andrew Clark, was reaching out towards the crowd, hi-fiving the kids and adults in the stands. Cheers were erupting and calling out for a small touch of Star Wars characters in real life.

Chewbacca was also joining us during the parade, walking on stilts and trying to not trip. Imagine being in that costume in 70 degree Fahrenheit heat. 

"This community does so much to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike through parades and helping with fundraisers, that it's hard to stay away. I love the events we do like Alex's Lemonade Stand or Touch a Truck. Parades are ways for us to say, 'HEY! We are in your community! How can we help you?' " -Lon'Di Mdej
The Star Wars Community is always here to make a change in the world around us. Whether it is to make a child happy, or to bring smiles on families' faces. We are here to help.

This is Kat Kiele reporting from San Diego. Until next time, Happy Hunting.

For more pictures, check out: www.facebook.com/jeditography

Read more...

Caption Contest Results | 10/10/13

By: Benjamin Hart

This week our Facebook fans took to captioning this photo of a tricked out Stormtrooper! The hilarious winners, whom you the fans picked, are below:

1st Place | By: Bruce Mayn

2nd Place

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good ghetto blaster at your side, kid! Now I'm off to hit on that slave girl!

By: Paddy O'Hare

Hey it's me!! Good luck everybody!!

By: Stryder TheBigjean Brown

I find your lack of SWAG disturbing.

By: Mario Guagliardo

TK421 is now DJ421 Yo!

By: Brian Ailport

3rd Place

All the troopers crazy for a sharp dressed man.

By: Jacob McElroy

I've got 99 problems, but an old Jedi ain't one.

By: Dominic Scott

I met this little girly..

her hair was kind of curly..

went to Alderaan and killed her mom..

brothers attack was not too early. 

the rebels are really sneaky..

all they just do is escape me..

i'll spend some time..

and track the Jedi..

but its not that easy!

By: Tracy Buster Hayes

If you're havin' Darth problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a Sith ain't one!

By: Chris Ellison

TK421 on a mission to find the Imperial bass.

By: Just Carl

Call me Darth fader for your lack of bass is disturbing.

By: Chris Britcher

They see me troopin´.. they hatin´.

By: Juliuz Czar Briseño

Run D.M.Clone

By: Brian Frazier


Once again, congrats to the winners and thanks to all who took part this week! Look for more caption contests (almost)every Wednesday on our Facebook page.

Read more...

The 501st Singapore Garrison Invades Pathlight Headquarters.

By Kat Kiele

The 501st Legion’s Singapore Garrison is in action, at Pathlight School.  This is the first autism-focused school in Singapore, teaching mainstream academic content and life-readiness skills to children from 7 to 18. The 501st Legion has been known for their charity efforts all around the world, along with being children-friendly. Today at Pathlight School, the 501st Legion’s Singapore Garrison was there in force, with 6 troopers and a smaller number of handlers. They posed with kids, teens, and adults alike, placing smiles on everyone's faces.

During my time there, I was able to chat with Dominic Zou, TR 7248, who is the CO (Commanding Officer) of the Singapore Garrison. He explains, "The 501st has always been here to place smiles on children's faces. This outing isn't our usual type of event, but one of those easier ones because we are just walking around and taking pictures. We also don't have as many handlers (who are people who watch out for the men and women in costume) as costumed troopers. We usually have one handler for every two costumed troopers. It is a security reason along with making sure that each trooper is hydrated and safe."

We have many reasons to recognize this amazing costuming group. Not only for their dedication for charity, but also for bringing smiles to children with facing illnesses or other challenges, or even just regular kids who love to see real-life Stormtroopers, clone troopers, or even bounty hunters. To many children, this could be a dream come true. Many of us Star Wars fans live in a world, where lightsabers are real, Han Solo shot first, and the Stormtroopers are the villains in the galaxy. In reality, the 501st aren't the villains, but the heroes from a dream, coming alive.

One of the 501st banners, featuring a Stormtrooper, member TK-9061, says, "I have defended Imperial Battle stations, occupied hostile systems, and learned the meaning of hope from a child with cancer."

That was one of many publicity items from the 501st Legion, which is one of the worldwide costuming organizations here to bring smiles upon children's faces.

According to Alfred Lim (Jango Fett), BH-7535, from the Singapore Garrison, "[The] Singapore Garrison is a part [of] the worldwide 501st Legion movement. It is a place where Star Wars fans can dress up as their favourite character (screen accurate) and appear for charity or community events. So we all gather for the love of Star Wars, charity, and bringing smiles to people around us."

BH-7535 is one of the costumers there at the invasion of Pathlight School.

Not only were the 501st at this event at Pathlight School, so were a few other costumers playing characters from unrelated universes. One character which I believe everyone will recognize is Thor. Come on... Thor just has to lighten up... just a bit... does everyone agree?

 

There were also some other exciting events, such as a Transformer (Optimus Prime) arresting a Stormtrooper, TK-8315. The caption: "Trooper, you are under arrest for consorting with the Decepticons. We are taking you back to the Headquarters, where you will be questioned about your loyalty. If you prove that you are really a Decepticon Spy, you will be sent back to the Emperor to face punishment."

 

According to Dominic Zou, TR-2748, "like most Singaporeans, our members have diverse backgrounds and motivations, but we all have enough love for Star Wars to put our time and effort in helping out charities -- while drenched in sweat, costuming as plastic spacemen."

Costuming is not all fun and games. Being a part of the 501st is also about helping kids feel comfortable in the environment. This is a picture of a trooper, trying to shake the hand of a terrified kid who kept running away.  They eventually got the better of him by doffing their helmets to show real human faces.

To conclude, the 501st has been there for many events. They are able to connect with the adolescents, act as bodyguards to celebrities, and make a child's wish come true.
 

Its a confirmed head shot, sir.

   

hands up trooper

If you wish to find out more information about the 501st , check out their website at 501st

For more pictures, check out: Jeditography

Read more...