Rolling back the years once again we present Danny’s Diary, a series of articles written back in 2007 – 2008 and originally posted on Lightsabre.co.uk by ILM and Kerner Optical multi-tasker Danny Wagner.
Tuesday 20th November 2007
Dear Diary,
The Star Wars Experience – Return of the Jedi – Special Edition 1997
For Return of the Jedi we did costumes for the dancers. The Jedi Rock scene in Jabba’s Palace was the major part of our contribution. I sculpted some creature hands and make-up appliances and Richard Miller sculpted a cool Greedo mask. I also was involved building the Rappertunie Frog creature that played a mumanicca during the scene. I was on the sculpting and fabrication team. When it came to painting it, I was all over it. I wanted to do so much on it but the paint scheme was on a tight schedule. I only had a day and a half, but it looked great. I painted the costumes and the masks we made. We also built a wookiee suit for the appearances and I think it was used in background scenes in the film. I even had the original Chewbacca mask in my hands for reference to sculpt Chewie’s new face!
I was able to help on set and be a Rappertunie puppeteer. This is where I met George Lucas for the first time and shook his hand. It was nice being able to work on set with George and not be there as a fan for an autograph. Being there on a professional level is always the best.
