To celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the second feature film directed by George Lucas, American Graffiti – Soundstage will be hosting a special screening of the film followed by an interview with its co-producer Gary Kurtz.
Following a screening of AMERICAN GRAFFITI, Gary Kurtz, its co-producer, will be interviewed by renowned film producer Nik Powell. There’ll also be a chance for audience members to ask questions.
AMERICAN GRAFFITI is the second feature film directed by George Lucas. It was released in August 1973 and the cast includes Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss and Cindy Williams. The coming-of-age comedy drama, set in Modesto, Lucas’s Californian hometown, tells the story of a group of teenagers during one night in 1962. It includes a mix of fast cars and romance. Rock and roll songs, such as many classics, dominate the film, providing musical backgrounds to each scene and helping to create the moods. It was a highly acclaimed film and received five Oscar nominations.
GARY KURTZ is the co-producer of AMERICAN GRAFFITI. He worked closely with George Lucas on all aspects of it, from pitching the treatment to many Hollywood studios and companies to coordinating the late night filming, as well as securing music rights. He went on to produce STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, also THE DARK CRYSTAL, RETURN TO OZ and SLIPSTREAM.
NIK POWELL produced many acclaimed British films of the 1980s and 1990s. These include ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, MONA LISA, SCANDAL, SHAG, THE CRYING GAME, BACKBEAT, FEVER PITCH, LITTLE VOICE and THE COMPANY OF WOLVES. Music, including rock and roll, played a key part in many of these. He was the director of the National Film and Television School for 14 years.
The event will be held on Sunday June 17th from 3.30pm to approx 6.30pm at the Picturehouse Central, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. Tickets cost £18.
