TRASH COMPACTOR: A (Mostly) Star Wars Podcast B90 Productions

Josh, Jonny, and special guest Ro from The Scarif Scuttlebutt Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/c/ScarifScuttlebuttPodcast) dive deep into George Lucas's 1971 feature film debut, THX 1138. We talk about the film's themes, its relevance today, and how it laid the groundwork for Lucas's later work, including Star Wars. We discuss:


How THX 1138 offers a unique insight into George Lucas's artistic vision and themes that would later be explored in his Star Wars films.
How the movie remains relevant today, as it examines the dehumanizing effects of technology and the struggle against oppressive systems.
While the CGI additions in the 2004 Director's Cut are controversial, the original film remains a stunning example of low-budget, avant-garde science fiction filmmaking.
THX 1138 can be seen as the first part of an informal trilogy, alongside American Graffiti and Star Wars, that explores the idea of leaving a small world to enter a larger one.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions
00:03:02 - Overall thoughts on THX 1138 and its insights into George Lucas as a filmmaker
00:18:19 - Relevance of THX 1138 in the age of AI and dehumanization through technology
00:23:07 - Comparison between the feature film and Lucas's original student short
00:30:06 - The character of SEN 5241 (Donald Pleasence) and his role in the story
00:34:19 - The music of THX 1138, composed by Lalo Schifrin
00:35:37 - Thoughts on the controversial CGI additions in the 2004 Director's Cut
00:42:48 - Parallels between THX 1138 and the Andor prison arc in Star Wars
00:45:41 - The relationship between humans and technology in George Lucas's films
00:52:53 - THX 1138's stunning visuals and low-budget filmmaking
00:56:47 - Closing thoughts on THX 1138 and its place in George Lucas's filmography

WATCH THX 1138 on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/49Pcq4D
BUY THX 1138 on Bluray: https://amzn.to/3w8NQ0U
BUY THX 1138 on DVD: https://amzn.to/4dpcICz

(Purchasing through these affiliate links will earn us a very small commission. Thanks for supporting the show!)

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Join us for a special bonus episode celebrating the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace! We've compiled highlights from past episodes where we discussed topics related to this groundbreaking film. Hear insights from Dan Madsen, former head of the Lucasfilm fan club, and Dr. David West Reynolds, co-editor of the Episode 1 teaser trailer, as they share their experiences and perspectives on the hype and excitement leading up to the movie's release. Plus, hosts Josh and Chris reminisce about their own memories of seeing The Phantom Menace for the first time.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Josh: Introduction
00:01:32 - Dan Madsen: Experience at Lucasfilm
00:04:21 - Dr. David West Reynolds: Crafting the Episode 1 Teaser Trailer
00:05:52 - Dan Madsen: Reaction to the Final Trailer
00:06:57 - Dr. David West Reynolds: Debating Reveals and Spoilers in the Trailer
00:07:47 - Dan Madsen: The Excitement and Anticipation Leading Up to Episode 1
00:09:38 - Dr. David West Reynolds: George Lucas's Vision for the Prequels
00:10:24 - Dan Madsen: The Legacy of The Phantom Menace
00:11:06 - Dr. David West Reynolds: George Lucas's Foresight and Long-Term Storytelling
00:12:14 - Dan Madsen: The Changing Perception of the Prequels
00:13:31 - Dr. David West Reynolds: Vindication of George Lucas's Vision
00:14:16 - Dan Madsen: George Lucas Having the Last Laugh
00:14:52 - Dr. David West Reynolds: Letting Go of Expectations
00:15:31 - Josh: Difficulty in Being Objective About the Movie
00:15:46 - Chris: Memories of Seeing Episode 1
00:23:31 - Josh: Conclusion

Don't miss our next full episode, where we'll be discussing George Lucas's first feature film, THX 1138, dropping on Tuesday, May 7th. Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @TrashComPod for more Star Wars content and updates!

StarWars #ThePhantomMenace #Lucasfilm #MayTheFourth
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Josh is joined by the hosts of THE YOUNG INDIANA JONES CHRONICLERS Podcast: Peter Holmstrom, and Daniel Noa, and delve into the eponymous TV series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Discover the groundbreaking production techniques, the educational value, and the passion that George Lucas poured into the often overlooked series. Learn how the series served as a testing ground for the digital technology and production techniques that would later be used in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Explore the themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence that are present in both The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Lucas's later work. Whether you're a die-hard Indiana Jones fan or simply interested in the history of film and television, this episode is a fascinating look at a lost relic of George Lucas's filmography.

Chapters:


[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:55] The origins of The Young Indy Chroniclers podcast
[00:04:53] Young Indy's role in pushing filmmaking technology forward
[00:11:53] The educational goals of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
[00:16:59] How George Lucas almost revolutionized television in 1992
[00:21:43] The cinematic scope and ambition of Young Indy
[00:24:27] George Lucas's hands-on involvement in the series
[00:28:37] Young Indy as a fusion of Lucas's interests and passions
[00:33:18] The connection between Young Indy's cancellation and the Star Wars prequels
[00:38:43] Recommended episodes for new viewers
[00:42:35] Young Indy as an entry point for Indiana Jones fans
[00:50:24] The groundbreaking nature of Young Indy for a TV series
[00:54:01] Young Indy as George Lucas's passion project
[00:58:08] The hosts' growing appreciation for the series
[01:02:54] Thematic connections between Young Indy and the Star Wars prequels
[01:06:37] The hosts' hopes for the podcast's impact
[01:09:41] Conclusion

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In this episode, Josh interviews Dr. David West Reynolds about his unbelievable journey from archaeologist to editing the hugely-anticipated teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999).
Show Notes:


Learn how Dr. Reynolds went from earning his PhD researching ancient sites to launching an expedition in Tunisia to uncover forgotten Star Wars filming locations from the first movie.
Hear the serendipitous story behind producer Rick McCallum connecting with Dr. Reynolds' work and bringing him on board to help scout new desert planets for the prequels.
Get a peek inside Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm during the production of The Phantom Menace leading up to the trailer's debut.
Find out what it was like collaborating with "the best trailer editor in Hollywood" to shape two minutes that would preview this new era of Star Wars to anxious fans everywhere.
Listen as Dr. Reynolds details the conversations and debates that determined which Phantom Menace scenes and surprises to tease or preserve for theaters.
Discover why choices for the trailer were so complex given filmmaker George Lucas' wildly different vision for the prequels compared to what adult fans may have hoped for.

Whether you were one of those avid fans who watched the trailer frame-by-frame in '98 or simply want an insider's look at this seminal pop culture event, join Josh for a compelling chat with Dr. David West Reynolds!

For more about Dr. Reynolds, visit www.DavidWestReynolds.com

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Welcome to a special episode of Trash Compactor, part of the Star Wars Podcast Day 2024 celebration! This year, we're not only joining forces with podcasts around the galaxy to honor #StarWarsPodcastDay2024, but we're also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the pioneering Star Wars podcast, Jedi Talk, which debuted on this very day in 1999. For those tuning in for the first time, we're a group of cinephiles and pop culture enthusiasts who dive deep into the realms of filmmaking, technology, and, of course, all things Star Wars. Our discussions range from in-depth analyses of the Star Wars saga and explorations of how Star Wars intersects with other elements of (pop) culture.

In this episode, we delve into a question that's been sparking curiosity across the galaxy: "What Does George Lucas Think About AI in Filmmaking?" As the visionary behind the Star Wars universe and a trailblazer in digital cinema, George Lucas's perspective on the rise of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and MidJourney is a topic ripe for exploration. Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the potential implications, challenges, and opportunities that AI presents to the creative process in filmmaking.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

George Lucas's Legacy: Reflecting on Lucas's pioneering role in integrating digital tech into filmmaking.

AI in Creativity: Delving into the capabilities and implications of generative AI for artists and creators.

Expert Insights: John and Bracey share their perspectives on how Lucas might view AI's role in both enhancing and potentially undermining the creative process.

Human vs. AI Creativity: Discussing the balance between technological innovation and the intrinsic human touch in storytelling.

The Future of Creativity: Speculating on the evolving relationship between creators and AI tools in shaping the narratives of tomorrow.

Whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time on this special occasion, we invite you to engage with us in this fascinating discussion. How do you think the integration of AI in filmmaking aligns with the visionary spirit of George Lucas and the Star Wars saga? 🔔 Subscribe to Trash Compactor to stay updated on our latest episodes, and don't forget to like and share if you enjoy our journey through cinema and beyond!

GeorgeLucas #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeTechnology #FilmMaking #TrashCompactorPodcast #StarWars #DigitalArt #GenerativeAI #CinemaTech #StarWarsPodcastDay2024 #SWPD2024
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We're joined by editors Dr. Emily Strand and Dr. Amy H. Sturgis to discuss their new essay collection "STAR WARS: ESSAYS FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY." From in-universe lore to real-world influences, this compilation of academic analysis reveals new depths even diehard fans may have missed.

Guest Info:
Dr. Emily Strand
Website: www.emilystrand.com
& liturgyandlife.com
Co-host of podcasts "Potterversity” and “Meet Father Rivers"

Dr. Amy H. Sturgis
Website: www.amyhsturgis.com
Professor of intellectual history and speculative fiction

Book Info:
"STAR WARS: ESSAYS FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY" Available via Vernon Press: https://vernonpress.com/book/1751

OR request it from your local library!

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