I don't normally cover animated movies or television, but I broke that rule once before with Star Wars: The Clone Wars so I figure it's safe to do it again. This is mainly because the concept art for Clone Wars and Rebels are based on the art of the late concept illustrator master Ralph McQuarrie.


"For me I wanted to develop a style different from Clone Wars," said Star Wars Rebels Executive Producer Dave Filoni. "This show is going to be different from Clone Wars; it's intentionally going to look different. We're not proceeding with the same style. We wanted to give it its own look and feel. For me, that always goes back to Ralph McQuarrie, and that's a name you're going to hear over and over again. Star Wars owes so much to Ralph, and I'm very dedicated to the history of Star Wars and of Lucasfilm. We need to maintain and respect that history but also do what made it great it always leapt forward."

The show will be animated and is set in the 19-year gap between the Star Wars films Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith and the original 1977 film, Episode IV: A New Hope. It will air in autumn 2014 on the Disney channel before moving to a regular slot on Disney XD.


Find out more about the upcoming show and see more images after the jump (click to enlarge).


Lucasfilm described the show this way:

Star Wars Rebels Executive Producer Dave Filoni pulled back the curtain on Lucasfilm's highly anticipated animated series for Star Wars Celebration Europe attendees today, discussing the huge influence of original Star Wars concept artist Ralph McQuarrie on the look and feel of the show, and revealing the series' unique logo and select designs.

Filoni talked at length about the use of McQuarrie art as a springboard for the series, showcasing many works from the original trilogy, including landscapes and characters, and detailing how they inform the visual identity of Star Wars Rebels.

For Star Wars Rebels, fans were given their first look at the Ghost, which will be the main character's ship and play a big part in the series, as well as a computer rendering of a very McQuarrie-esque Stormtrooper, the interior of a Star Destroyer, and more. The show's logo, a minimalist yet powerful design, is notable for its orange and black color scheme, which recalls the flight suit colors of Rebel pilots in the original Star Wars trilogy.

While unable to attend in person, Executive Producers Simon Kinberg and Greg Weisman shared their excitement for the series in a video message recorded specifically for Celebration attendees.

The series is set between the events of Episode III and IV -- an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen. It takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.

Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, and will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

One of the key designs in the show is the Rebel ship called "The Ghost."

"It's actually a pretty big centerpiece for the show," said Filoni. "We all like the sense in the classic films that the Millennium Falcon that was a ship but it was also a place it was like a home. We wanted to give this new generation of kids a place they could go feel safe when they were running from the Empire. And I'm really excited about that. We're on the run again. The Empire is controlling the whole galaxy, so we needed a home and a ship."

The Star Wars Rebels CEII Pins revealed the Rebel Ship Schematics.

In case you can't read the Star Wars writing called Aurebesh, here's what it says according to TheForce.net:

Modified VCX-100 light freighter, Corellian Engineering Corporation,
Metrics: length: 43.9 meters, width: 34.2 meters, height: 14.5 meters,
1. nose turret's gunner position,
2. forward floodlights,
3. main cockpit,
4 crew quarters,
5 port docking ring,
6. starboard docking ring,
7. dorsal laser cannon turret,
8. main cargo hold,
9. engine assembly.

Here's some more concept art.

Finally, here's a description from StarWars.com

Production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animated television series based on one of the greatest entertainment franchises of all time. Scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) is one of the executive producers on Star Wars Rebels and will write the premiere episode. He is joined by Dave Filoni as executive producer, who served as supervising director of the Emmy nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars since 2008.

Executive producer Greg Weisman brings with him a wealth of animation experience with credits such as Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, "The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we're thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD's viewers."

"I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe," said Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm. "I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."

The action-filled series is set between the events of Episode III and IV -- an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen. Star Wars Rebels takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape. Details about the show are a closely guarded secret at this point.

Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Some of the artists that we know about are Andre Kirk (http://bunsenbrown.blogspot.com) and Amy Beth Christiansen (http://artbyabc.com/).

You can see more concept art by Ralph McQuarrie on my blog and see more of his work at RalphMcQuarrie.com. 

Visit the official Star Wars Blog for a full recap of this panel and other Star Wars Celebration Europe events!

More information about this developing project will be found on StarWars.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/starwarsrebels.

Thanks to Idle Hands for images

What do you think of the illustrations?
 
© Copyright 2014 Lucasfilm Animation. All rights reserved

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The Trade Federation droids were pretty stupid, but made up for it in numbers and loyalty. Professional concept artist Stephan Martiniere helped design some amazing droids and robots that never made it to the screen.

Martiniere is an internationally acclaimed Science Fiction and Fantasy artist who has worked on big budget films like I, Robot (2004), Total Recall (2012) and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002).

Check out the rest of the images after the jump and click to enlarge. Roger, Roger.


Trade Federation Droids

 Crystal Planet

 Coruscant

See more of Stephan Martiniere portfolio at martiniere.com

Official Synopsis:
Ten years after the ‘Phantom Menace’ threatened the planet Naboo, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) is now a Senator representing her homeworld. A faction of political separatists, led by Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), attempts to assassinate her. There are not enough Jedi to defend the Republic against the threat, so Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) enlists the aid of Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison), who promises that his army of clones will handle the situation. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) continues to train the young Jedi Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), who fears that the Jedi code will forbid his growing romance with Amidala.

Directed by George Lucas
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson

What do you think of the illustrations?

@ Copyright 2002 LucasFilm, Stephan Martiniere. All rights reserved

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In celebration of the 33rd Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) I'm hosting the entire book of photos and descriptions from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Portfolio  by Ralph McQuarrie.

I do not own these images, but eskimio on Imgur posted them.

There are better scans and better images, but I've never seen a more loving tribute to the book. It really gives you the feel of thumbing through this old art book.

Check out the rest of the images after the jump.




I gotta say the book is pretty cheap, so if you're interested you should pick up a copy.



See more of Ralph McQuarrie's portfolio at RalphMcQuarrie.com

What do you think of the illustrations and the book?

Wikipedia Synopsis:
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (also known as The Empire Strikes Back) is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner, produced by Gary Kurtz, and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, with George Lucas writing the film's story and serving as executive producer. Of the six main Star Wars films, it was the second to be released and the fifth in terms of internal chronology.

The film is set three years after Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The Galactic Empire, under the leadership of the villainous Darth Vader, is in pursuit of Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. While Vader chases a small band of Luke's friends—Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, and others—across the galaxy, Luke studies the Force under Jedi Master Yoda. But when Vader captures Luke's friends, Luke must decide whether to complete his training and become a full Jedi Knight or to confront Vader and save his comrades. - Source

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz

© Copyright 1980 LucasFilm. All rights reserved

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TRON Legacy Producer Sean Bailey called Ed Natividad a "design superstar." and many in the industry agree. A professional concept designer who's worked on films like The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones(2002) and Transformers(2007), Ed combines real world skills with an amazing imagination.

In my exclusive interview with Ed Natividad, he talks about designing the unique world of Oblivion (2013), the "obscure" book that inspired him and how GM helped his career.

Check out the rest of the interview after the jump and click to enlarge. By the way, there's a spoiler for Oblivion that I obscured.



You studied transportation design in Detroit, Michigan, but an internship in California convinced you to work in films. What made you switch careers?

Total Recall by Ed Natividad

While still in college, I interned at both Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Advanced Concept Center in Thousand Oaks, CA which allowed me to experience exactly what that industry entailed.

I felt through this experience I needed to exercise a wider range of subject matter such as figure drawing, architecture, composition, storytelling in addition to industrial design. However, had it not been for GM, I would not be doing what I am today.

The processes involved in Industrial Design helped develop the ability to problem solve through quick ideation sketches and generate forms indicative to automotive surfaces. This does help in conceptualizing in 3D and adapting to the progressive nature of ID.

What did you work on in Oblivion?
I was involved in Oblivion at it's infant stages, primarily visualizing the inhabitants known as "Scavs," [Scavengers] which Joseph Kosinski described as an alien race when initially perceived, but [ were indeed the last human survivors on earth.] (Spoiler hidden. Highlight text to reveal.)

Images via Comic Book Movie

You've worked with director Joseph Kosinski twice now. He said, "I believe form follows function. I’m not a fan of excessive decoration, of putting fins on something because it looks cool." How did his style influence your work on Tron: Legacy and Oblivion?

Working with Joseph on TRONallowed me to focus on a specific aesthetic language involving corner radiuses and bold linear graphics which were a stark contrast to a form of "anti-design" implemented by the Scavs in Oblivion.

Kosinski said he wanted his film to "bringing science fiction out into the daylight again" to contrast with the darker feel of modern science-fiction. What was it like working with Darren Gilford?
As Production Designer, Darren Gilford was superb in urging the artists to communicate advancement, both technological and chronological. This was a result of research on current product design trends and the plausibility of the concept. Being a conceptual artist as well, he was able to provide us with drawings of his own vision as well as those expressed by Joe.

You've worked with killer robots on Transformers and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Is there a key to storyboarding these types of scenes? 

Transformers Storyboards by Ed Natividad source

When working on Transformers, I try to be creative with camera angles,composition and action sequences, some of which are specific to the director's requests.

As a general rule on the Transformers films, the more extravagant, the better.

I worked in conjunction with Michael Bay's previsualization team, Unit 11, who are responsible for some of the most spectacular sequences in these films.

Your storyboards for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacewere recently released in the book "Star Wars Storyboards: The Prequel Trilogy." What was it like storyboarding for the biggest franchise in science-fiction history? 
While working on the Star Wars, the Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, it was apparent that VFX intensive sequences were hardly effected by budget limitations. As a matter of fact, a good majority of the shots contained some element of VFX. It was easier to count the shots that were devoid of a digital element.

What's been the high-point of your career?

Star Wars Episode Istoryboards by Ed Natividad source

If I had to identify a high point in my career, it wouldn't be a specific project, but rather the relationship you build with certain directors and production designers which make the the experience enjoyable.

Which artists do you admire the most and how have they shaped your view of art?
When asked which artists influenced me the most, it may very well be Joe Johnston. I say this because after picking up an obscure book called "The Star Wars Sketchbook" when it first came out, it informed me that there was a "job" in drawing for the movies. This was also my first exposure to the industrial design style of drawing.

Where can we see your work next?
I am looking forward to seeing Man of Steel in which I was involved in the development of the main villain, General Zod and company. My good friend, Warren Manser, was responsible for the design of Superman's costume.

See more of Ed Natividad's work at EdNatividad.com

Click on the links if you want to see more of Ed Natividad's work and Star Wars designs.
Click to see more of my exclusive interviews with artists

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 This piece combines two concept artists I respect: David Yee and Ralph McQuarrie. Yee took some of McQuarrie's most iconic illustrations from Star Wars films and put then into one awesome tribute to the late concept artist.

He's a professional concept artist who's worked on blockbuster films like Star Trek (2009), Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

See the full piece and learn the artist's vision after the break. Click the image to enlarge.
Here's how he described it on his blog:
"A sketch I did as a tribute to Ralph McQuarrie for the display window at ILM. At first I had a really hard time deciding what to do. Eventually, I ended up pulling up images of my favorite Ralph paintings on my computer as inspiration. I started sketching in my sketchbook with the hopes of clearing my head and coming up with a good idea. But I had so much fun sketching, I just kept going and going and ended up with this..."

It would be awesome if someone could find a picture of the finished version.

See more of David Yee's work, including personal work, at his blog http://daveyee.blogspot.com. Ralph McQuarrie's official site is http://ralphmcquarrie.com.


Y is for Yee
This post is part of the month long "A-Z Challenge." For 26 days, I'll be choosing a letter from the alphabet and featuring one favorite arts or properties. To read more of the posts in the series click here. To find out more about the challenge go here. Check the Facebook page and follow on Twitterusing the hashtag #AtoZChallenge.

Hosted by The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers), Tossing it Out(Arlee Bird), Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas), Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh), Life is Good (Tina Downey), Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons), Retro-Zombie(Jeremy Hawkins), The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence), The QQQE (Matthew MacNish), Leave it to Livia(Livia Peterson), No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow), Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp) and Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)

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Ralph McQuarrie was the most influential concept artist ever. His work on the original Star Wars films were so iconic that they've been used in the prequel films and Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series.

Concept designs for the icy Hoth planet in Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) were used in The Clone Wars for the planet Orto Plutonia in the episode "Trespass"

Check out some of the illustrations of Hoth and a fascinating behind-the-scenes video by Dave Folini after the jump and click to enlarge.

Director Dave Filoni discusses the design origins of the planet Orto Plutonia, and how Ralph McQuarrie's original visions of Hoth are now finally realized.

Official Synopsis:
While investigating the disappearance of a clone security force, Anakin and Obi-Wan get caught in the middle of an escalating conflict between the furry territorial inhabitants of a desolate ice world and the greedy representatives of a nearby moon.

See more of Ralph McQuarrie's work at RalphMcQuarrie.com

What do you think of the illustrations?


Q is for McQuarrie
This post is part of the month long "A-Z Challenge." For 26 days, I'll be choosing a letter from the alphabet and featuring one favorite arts or properties. To read more of the posts in the series click here. To find out more about the challenge go here. Check the Facebook page and follow on Twitterusing the hashtag #AtoZChallenge.

Hosted by The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers), Tossing it Out(Arlee Bird), Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas), Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh), Life is Good (Tina Downey), Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons), Retro-Zombie(Jeremy Hawkins), The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence), The QQQE (Matthew MacNish), Leave it to Livia(Livia Peterson), No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow), Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp) and Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)

@ Copyright LucasFilm. All rights reserved

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