The Incredible Sets of Star Wars: Episode VIII

It's another galaxy of brilliance in detail, the set scale is incredible.

 

For me it's interesting that it's worth building the whole Ach-to environment at Pinewood. It's certainly spectacular, but the I think the landscape (the plants, the structure of the ground) is not so special, that they couldn't find a similar, natural place somewhere.
Maybe the cost of building the sets at the studio is lower than sending the whole crew and equipment to a distant place and provide them accomodation, also it's easier to take care of the sets at Pinewood.
And from the director point of view it's comfortable, they can align the objects (the force tree, the rocks and the steps around it) on the scene as they want to, as it is most convenient for the dramaturgy. They can set the tone, make the scene more dramatic.

 

The real magic, as always, is the one of the mind, Whether it be CGI, or classic set-design, or something entirely new, like a fully functional BB-8, I think we should all be grateful for having Star Wars revolutionize and continue to revolutionize film as we know it. BUT, what makes the ST amazing already is the great balance between CGI and physical sets. Thank you JJ for your beginning vision!

 

Actually the real magic is not being able to find the distinction of cgi and this level...it's cool and all but with today's cgi ILM could easily push the envelope and remain at the top of experimental CGI (besides Maz Kanata & Supreme Leader Snoke) and save costs while adhering to why George chose the tech he did for the prequels.

 

Great post and nice pics of Jabba's barge! And I agree, the sets for Episode 8 are looking amazing. A lot of thought and detail going into them!

 

Great Pics!

 

these sets look amazing

 

This is one of my favorites of all saga:



And the set of starkiller base when we see Finn, Kylo and Rey figth is pretty impressive too.

 

Wait was that X-Wing actually built to scale ? !

 

Yep, mostly wood like today, but it was very real.

 

Anyone know what the overall budget for Episode VIII is?

--- Double Post Merged, May 15, 2016, Original Post Date: May 15, 2016 ---

I think one of the reasons a lot of people dislike the prequels is not so much the use of CGI, but the fact that at the time the CGI did not look as realistic as it does today. When I watch the PT today (and I actually like Episodes 2 and 3), I think that the CGI looks cartoonish in a lot of places. This really detracts from the overall experience of watching the films. I don't think the heavy use of CGI in the PT would be such a big issue if the CGI were of the quality that is possible today. The CGI in TFA is amazing! When I watched some of the behind the scenes footage, I was amazed that some of the things I thought were physical effects turned out to be CGI. That is impressive!

 

I think most block busters the budget is around 150-300 million...

 

Well the CGI was considered state-of-the-art back then.

 

The set building that has gone on so far in the sequel trilogy and Rogue One rivals that of the OT. Nothing will ever compare to the entire soundstage that was converted to a swamp in ESB though. The pictures of that set are amazing. I love how they had the wrap party on that stage.

 

Nothing special, but atleast it is Official.
Rian Johnson's instagram.

 

Another one from RJ..

 

so they are back at pinewood studios now ??? something tells me that they are filming that rumored fight scene with Luke and The Knights Of Ren and Rey and Kylo Ren on the cliff.

 

You're welcome.

LOL.