Making Star Wars: Webdocs

Making Episode I Webdocs was a series of videos released on StarWars.com featuring behind-the-scenes looks at the production of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace during the build-up to the film's release. There were a total of twelve episodes, released from June 22, 1998 to May 20, 1999.

Making Star Wars: Webdocs Season 1 release dates →

1. E12

   12. Movie Music

   27 years ago
2. E11

   11. Bad Droid Karma

   27 years ago
3. E10

   10. Costume Drama

   27 years ago
4. E9

   9. It's Like War Now

   27 years ago
5. E8

   8. Three Thousand Anakins

   27 years ago
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   7. Assistant Directors

   27 years ago
7. E6

   6. Prime of the Jedi

   27 years ago
8. E5

   5. This is a Creature Film

   28 years ago
9. E4

   4. Boys in Paradise

   28 years ago
10. E3

    3. Home Sweet Home

    28 years ago

    Anakin's hovel was the first set completed at Leavesden Studios in England, where most of the shooting for Star Wars: Episode I took place. A total of 55 sets were built and decorated under the direction of Production Designer Gavin Bocquet and Set Decorator Peter Walpole. Gavin is an alumnus of the original Star Wars trilogy - he worked as an art department draftsman on Return of the Jedi.

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    2. Thousands of Things

    28 years ago

    The walls of the Skywalker Ranch art department are papered with sketches and the tables are littered with sculptures of the objects and bizarre creatures that inhabit the worlds of Episode I.

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    1. All I Need is an Idea

    28 years ago

Making Episode II Webdocs was a series of videos released on StarWars.com featuring behind-the-scenes looks at the production of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones during the build-up to the film's release. There were a total of twelve episodes, released from March 29 2001 to May 22 2002, the last premiering one week after the film was released in theaters.

Making Star Wars: Webdocs Season 2 release dates →

1. E12

   12. Reel 6

   24 years ago

   Star Wars movies end in a big fashion, and Attack of the Clones is no different. The last 45 minutes of the movie are a visual feast of incredible detail. Sandwiched between the droid factory and the battles of the Clone War is the centerpiece of the sixth reel, the massive Geonosian arena, and the incredible confrontations that occur there.

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   11. P-19

   24 years ago

   She is Padmé Amidala, now 24 years old, and Senator of Naboo. To demonstrate her change in role and age, Writer/Director George Lucas tasked the Art Department and Costume Designer Trisha Biggar to develop a new style that embodied femininity, sensuality, and yet still retained the sensibilities of Star Wars.

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   10. Good to G.O.

   24 years ago

   It's an image fans have been waiting decades for: a harsh battlefield on a distant world abuzz with the glow and sound of hundreds of lightsabers. Episode II will finally make this vision a reality. To deliver this on screen, Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard worked with Jedi actors Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen and dozens of extras to create a diversity of fighting styles fit for the Jedi order.

4. E9

   9. Bucket Head

   24 years ago

   History has a way of repeating itself. With a few scant months to go before the premiere of Attack of the Clones, there's a new bounty hunter who's the talk of the town.

5. E8

   8. A Jigsaw Puzzle

   24 years ago

   As with The Phantom Menace, Episode II is keeping ILM's model shop busier than ever. They're putting together environments and objects that digital cannot yet recreate efficiently. These hands-on modelmakers work in tandem with digital artists to create an entire imagined world. In the finished film, their miniatures will be augmented with digital embellishments for added realism. Often, the term "miniature" just doesn't apply -- especially to these huge models of a rain-buffeted hermetically sealed city or an immense coliseum seemingly carved out of the living rock.

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   7. Revvin' It To The Next Level

   25 years ago

   The usefulness of this plane lay not in its looks, but in its sounds. The Star Wars films are always rich in aural phenomena. Sound experts like Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood are tasked with collecting real-world sounds to double as otherworldly noises. In doing this, they have traveled all over the world and recorded all manner of bizarre things.

7. E6

   6. It's All Magic

   25 years ago

   This documentary takes a look at ILM's role on set, and what happens before the digital creations are built in the computer, or the miniatures are constructed.

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   5. A Twinkle Beyond Pluto

   25 years ago

   The sense of scope found in scenes of Mos Eisley, Mos Espa, Theed and Coruscant would not nearly be so impressive without its bustling crowds. This documentary celebrates those much-needed bodies that fill out the frames of the Star Wars films. Most are likely to get more screen time in this documentary than they do in the movie. The background players can now become the stars.

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   4. Trying to Do My Thing

   25 years ago

   Having completed the bulk of photography required for Episode II, Hayden can now reflect on the experience. Here's a look at this talented new star, including an exclusive glimpse at his winning screen test performance.

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    3. We Didn't Go to the Desert to Get a Suntan

    25 years ago

    Location, location, location -- while the Star Wars movies travel from one side of the galaxy to the other to showcase a lot of strange things, to get that onto film (or the digital equivalent) requires the crew to travel from one side of the planet to the other. Finse, Caserta, Tozeur, Seville -- a Star Wars crewer's passport is stamped with countries from around the world.

11. E2

    2. Wedgie 'Em Out

    25 years ago

    This documentary looks at the design origins of the Jedi vessel, from concept sketch to maquette to full-sized prop. This Episode II starship continues to bridge the design styles of the prequel and original films.

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    1. Here We Go Again

    25 years ago

    This documentary - the first in an ongoing Episode II series - explores the road taken by George Lucas and his trailblazing crew. From the first digital babysteps in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Radioland Murders, to the cutting-edge techniques in The Phantom Menace, to the latest breakthrough of an all-digital Episode II, here is a look at uncommon innovative spirit that seems so common in Star Wars filmmaking.

Making Episode III Webdocs was a feature on the Star Wars Hyperspace fan club website. It showcased eighteen web-based documentaries covering the production of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

Making Star Wars: Webdocs Season 3 release dates →

1. E18

   18. Becoming Sidious

   21 years ago

   pisode III is the story of Darth Vader and the emergence of the classic villain from a fallen hero. But the mastermind of this dark plot also finally comes to the forefront, as Darth Sidious reveals his ultimate plan to rule the galaxy. Critics and filmgoers alike have been universal in their praise of Ian McDiarmid's performance in Episode III -- some contend that he steals the show. In this webdoc, witness the transformation of McDiarmid into Palpatine, and the transformation from seemingly humble politician to the ultimate face of evil.

2. E17

   17. The Music of Episode III

   21 years ago

   One of only a few to contribute to all six Star Wars films, famous composer John Williams returns for Revenge of the Sith. Combining and twisting the established melodic phrases with all new tunes, the music in the final chapter serves to propel the audience through an emotional ride toward the dark side.

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   E16

   16. Going to the Dark Side

   21 years ago

   When Anakin Skywalker first stood before the Jedi Council as a nine-year old boy, Yoda laid out his future in a progression that began with fear and ended with suffering. The final steps of that journey will take place in Revenge of the Sith, with Hayden Christensen playing Anakin at the most important juncture in his life. George Lucas selected Christensen for his ability to play dark, and in this episode, the darkness will consume Skywalker as he becomes Darth Vader. Hear from Christensen as he undertakes this journey, with insights from crew and co-stars.

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   15. The Creatures of Episode III

   21 years ago

   There's a galaxy full of fascinating life-forms filling out the frames of Revenge of the Sith. Some will be realized digitally, while others major beings and species will be brought to life on the screen by the Creature Shop. The art of practical creature crafting is also an advanced one, benefiting from the latest innovations. In this video, visit the Creature Shop and have a glimpse of what went into the creation of Utapauns, Neimoidians and more to be seen in Episode III.

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   14. B-107: The Life of an HD Tape

   21 years ago

   Not bound to the limitations and time-intensive processes associated with traditional film, the all-digital Episode III still has an elaborate production process spanning continents and disciplines. Follow the life of "tape B-107" as it begins its Sith journey on a soundstage in Sydney and ultimately delivers a big-screen battle that once again pits Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker against the evil Count Dooku.

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   13. Ten Gallons of Buildings

   21 years ago

   To capture the enormous trees of Kashyyyk, the sinkhole cities of Utapau, or the lava rivers of Mustafar on HD, George Lucas could not rely on exotic locales on this planet. Instead, he tasked the Model Shop at Industrial Light & Magic to create these new worlds for Episode III. The results are some of the largest, most intricate miniatures ever constructed for a Star Wars film. Here's a tour of these new planets-in-the-making, featuring exclusive test footage of Mustafar's lava flows in action.

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   12. The Wookiees Are Back!

   21 years ago

   As glimpsed in the Episode III teaser trailer, the mighty Wookiees of Kashyyyk return to the silver screen in force. Not only is Peter Mayhew once again donning the shaggy costume of Chewbacca, but he'll be joined by a fierce Wookiee army defending the shores of a lagoon village on their arboreal homeworld.

8. E11

   11. Becoming Obi-Wan

   21 years ago

   With the prequel trilogy, Ewan McGregor stepped in to fill the role of a younger Kenobi. In Episodes I through III, audiences have watched Obi-Wan mature from a fresh-faced Padawan learner to a seasoned General in the Clone Wars. With Revenge of the Sith, McGregor comes closest to the Kenobi that Guinness portrayed. In doing, McGregor -- a life-long Star Wars fan -- completes his journey as the greatest Jedi Knight of the saga.

9. E10

   10. Pickups & Reshoots

   21 years ago

   Pick-up photography has become an increasingly common tool in filmmaking. It is a way to add to and refine the growing story during a very organic production process. Here's a look at what it means to Episode III, and how the edit shapes production and vice-versa in the very malleable world of Star Wars filmmaking.

10. E9

    9. C-3PO: His Moment to Shine

    21 years ago

    C-3PO has been an integral part of Star Wars since the earliest concept sketches, and has lent considerable humor and humanity to the saga for twenty-seven years. As filming completes on the final big-screen Star Wars adventure, the familiar protocol droid enters his role in the darkest chapter outfitted in his shiniest body.

11. E8

    8. Behind the Curtain

    22 years ago

    The cables that snake along the stage floor of Episode III's shooting environment form an intricate web connecting key players of the production. George Lucas directs the actors on stage, but behind the curtain of blue and greenscreen is an entire world literally working behind-the-scenes. From the tent that contains the vital HD recording gear, to the soundboard that gathers production dialogue -- this documentary peeks behind the curtain to see just who lurks in the shadows.

12. E7

    7. Epic Designs for an Expanding Universe

    22 years ago

    See how the span between Episodes II and III have transformed Padmé Amidala, how stately Bail Organa addresses the Senate, how Chancellor Palpatine starts to show his true hue -- all told wordlessly through costume design. And see the first look at the mysterious alien species represented by Tion Meddon in this new installment of Making Episode III.

13. E6

    6. Video Village

    22 years ago

    While digital cameras have helped the amateur photographer, they've radically upended the guesswork of modern moviemaking. Gone is the alchemy and photochemical uncertainties of shooting film that would not be developed for hours -- or even days. Thanks to the precision HD cameras and their big-screen plasma feeds, the director and everyone on the crew could see Episode III as it happened.

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    5. This Weapon Is Your Life

    22 years ago

    Prop Master Ty Teiger returns to make real the carried weapons seen in the final film. This documentary explores the design of new weapons, some from familiar cultures, and some from totally alien worlds. Also, see the development of new and returning laser swords and a new device that can counter the elegant weapon of the Jedi order.

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    4. Creating General Grievous

    22 years ago

    The introduction of this new villain in Episode III accompanies the closing battles of the Clone Wars, when both Republic and the Separatist forces have a chance to stab at the very heart of their enemy. While Count Dooku acts as the political leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, it is General Grievous who commands the endless ranks of soulless droid soldiers.

16. E3

    3. We Still Do A Little Bit

    22 years ago

    Special Effects are different than Visual Effects. Though both are illusions, Special Effects (SFX) happen in front of the camera, in real time during production, while Visual Effects (VFX) are done by ILM during postproduction, after shooting has wrapped.

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    E2

    2. ...One World, Two Movies

    22 years ago

    Among the challenges to be juggled by the various departments are cementing the connections between this film and the rest of the saga. Episode III is two movies in many ways. It has its own identity and story, but must also bridge the generational gap to Episode IV. From props to costumes to makeup and more, this production is the missing puzzle piece of the entire saga.

18. E1

    1. Two Worlds, One Movie

    22 years ago

    Director George Lucas finalizes the script and develops the look of Episode III with his team at Skywalker Ranch. Meanwhile, Producer Rick McCallum leads his crew at Fox Studios in Sydney in preparation for Lucas' arrival and the start of principal photography. The latest in telecommunications link the two teams working in tandem, putting all the pieces in place for the last chapter of the Star Wars saga.