Helicopter Pilots Share Their Experience While Filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with TheNational, helicopter pilots Andy Nettleton and Andrew Masterson shared their experience of working in the Abu Dhabi desert on the most anticipated Star Wars movie ever. Both pilots revealed very interesting bits about the movie, that were only rumored by now. Read more on Chewbacca, Jawas, Simon Pegg, J.J. Abrams, The Millennium Falcon, Tie Fighters and more after the break.
From TheNational (Andy Nettleton interview):
Can you explain the procedure you go through on a movie?
There are strict roll calls to discuss what’s to be done on a particular flight. It’s got to be absolutely crystal clear so there’s no time wasted. They’ll show you very detailed CGI [computer-generated imagery] of the scene they’re wanting and how the finished scene needs to look. So we see a pre-CGI computer generated image of the scene we’re doing on that particular flight, done many months previously by people in the States.
After the flight you talk about whether it was successful. You look at raw footage on the monitors and actually see how it’s done. We flew through the desert in different locations for Star Wars, and they computer-generated a chase scene with starships superimposed. They show you a clip of what the finished movie will look like.
We also get many pages of storyboards, with writing and dialogue. The actors read a script, and we see and fly the script
Between Andrew and myself, it took probably 30 hours of flight time to make a minute and a half of actual footage. As soon as the footage is shot, it’s put in a very secure safe or box, then carried by hand and flown back to the States for editing. It’s not let out of anybody’s sight.
What was it like working with the film’s director, JJ Abrams?
He’s a real perfectionist. Some directors might shoot the end of the movie first because they’re in a certain country, then they move on to another country. JJ Abrams shoots in sequence. I heard on set that he travels from one side of the planet to the other if he needs to, because he doesn’t like to shoot out of sequence with all his movies.
Which celebs did you see on set?
We sat on the next table to JJ Abrams and [British actor] Simon Pegg. I was standing at the salad counter getting my lettuce and cucumber, and Simon Pegg was standing next to me. It’s a strange experience – they look like normal human beings then in the movies they’re put under this spotlight.
What were the costumes like?
There were big fairy things, sasquatch [Chewbacca] and dwarfs dressed in ragged clothes, just like you see in other Star Wars movies. Between filming, you’d see Stormtroopers in white with the guns and helmets on. Then you go in the mess for dinner alongside extras with their headgear off but their lower bodies covered in stuff they’re wearing for the movie. They’re sat at the same table and everybody just mingles.
How was security?
Very strict, with a boundary well away from the actual scenes we were shooting miles into the desert. We heard rumours about journalists travelling from the UK and Australia trying to get through the boundaries. Apparently, they were seen hiding behind palm trees and dunes with their long lenses.
For one scene, we drove through a security gate for a good 15 minutes into the dunes so there was no way people could get onto the set and take sneaky pictures. Nobody could walk in or out without their security badge, even in uniform.
What’s your best memory of being involved in Star Wars?
The excitement of flying through the dunes fast, at low level, knowing that what you’re doing at that particular time will be seen by millions – or billions – of people and will stay on record forever. [Probably speaking about the scene with the Falcon and the Ties from the first teaser trailer]
From TheNational (Andrew Masterson interview):
What did you fly?
We were flying the Millennium Falcon, the X Wings and the TIE fighters and they did CGI over that – all the dramatic opening scenes. All the desert chases with the fighters were very exciting. And the explosions!
But you didn’t really fly the Millennium Falcon, did you?
We set the helicopter up in a position where it simulates where the start and finish points are. In the case of the Millennium Falcon, there was a mock up of part of the ship and I had to then simulate a departure from the ground behind it, while being CGI shot at and with real explosions going off around me – all at safe distances. The camera angles compress the shots to make them look closer than they are, and the explosives are actually minimal charges with very little actual explosive quality. They are directed charges so all of the energy in the explosions is actually sent in a particular direction and so contained.
On the “action” call, we go flying through the scene. The Millennium Falcon will be put in using CGI, but all of the actual flying on camera is real.
Where did you fly?
We shot Star Wars in Liwa, down at Qasr Al Sarab, and the Empty Quarter, down towards the Saudi border.
What were the crew like?
The Star Wars crew were all super. I didn’t get to meet Harrison Ford because he was in a different area. I met (director) JJ Abrams, most of the producers and the cameraman, a guy called Adam Dale, who has also done most of the Harry Potter films, and I also worked with him on Mission Impossible 4 [in Dubai]. A good mix.
These two interviews revealed more official information about the movie, than Lucasfilm did in the last few months. From the above we can conclude that:
- The desert planet sequence (presumably Tatooine) will be in the beginning of the movie
- Simon Pegg do have a role in the movie (we heard he is an alien in a Cantina scene)
- Harrison Ford was present at Abu Dhabi during the filming (first rumored HERE)
- Apart from The Falcon and the Tie Fighters we also have X-Wings in the desert chase sequence
- Chewbacca and other dwarf – like creatures were on set (probably Jawas?)
Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.
Born on April 24, 1980.
“Andy & Andy: We’ll never work for JJ Abrams again!”
Harrison Ford was in Abu Dhabi…
Well, I think this debunks MSW “freighter scene” rumor (it sounded pretty cool though), since that involves Rey and Finn escaping Tatooine without the help of Solo. If Ford was filmed in the desert, that means he obviously appears on the planet, instead of on a giant freighter.
Well I think the most interesting piece of news here is that the millennium falcon in the desert shot was actually filmed and wasn’t entirely cgi, as everyone assumed. Not that it entirely matters, but it means it’ll look cool in the final movie.
I know our eyes become ultra critic when watching such a thing like a teaser trailer for Star Wars, but I just wish they refine the CG of the millenium falcon (specially when we get very close to it). Thing is: I was watching a new hope yesterday and the shot where the CG Falcon leaves Tatooine looks pretty real for being 1997! I’d say even better than JJ one. For the rest, I’m so happy about it being shot real and adding CG after, the scene is AWESOME.
Um, that was added in the 90’s. It wasn’t an original shot.
Yeah, “1997” the poster says, I know, at a glance it looks like ’70, but there’s nothing to correct here
If they are correct it also means that the scene on Skellig is not in the end of the movie. Keep in mind though that Ford’s injury would have altered the shooting schedule.
It kinda does on that face of it. But also keep in mind that Ford’s injury necessitated scheduling changes long after these guys being interviewed left the production.
Edit: Lol, for some reason I didn’t process your second sentence.
“He was in a different area” isn’t exactly concrete evidence that Harrison was there. By “area” he could have meant “the U.S.”
Or region of the galaxy.
These helicoptor pilots pretty much confirm that Chewbacca is Fulcrum.
If they run Chewie through whatever weird, fake-wookie-plastic-thing filter they’re using in Rebels, i will be TRAUMATIZED
Chewie was in The Clone Wars
“We were flying the Millennium Falcon, the X Wings and the TIE fighters and they did CGI over that – all the dramatic opening scenes.”
Sounds like one HELL of an opening!
Actual real info about TFA beats rumors and leaks from Jason Ward.
With a name like that are we supposed to take you seriously?
What difference does his name make tho??
Say it fast…
Yup. Name checks out. Source confirmed credible.
What’s wrong with his name?
I don’t get it either.
Apparently not ….
…and the joke’s on you.
Now THAT I get!
Now that you bring it up it has the makings of the ultimate prank-call that would put Bart to shame.
What I find interesting is how quickly you spotted it out… -_-
“Hunglo Phucwell” <— Now that's funny and ACTUALLY clever. Nimrods didn't seem to catch it…smh
Awesome details but I suspect they are officially fired from all future Star Wars movies for not respecting the NDA.
Maybe the money they were offered was too good to turn down for the interviews?
Maybe their NDA was up at the end of February which would have been pretty standard for what they are and when they were involved.
Why would they be fired? I thought the NDA’S expired in February?
I pretty sure the NDA will expired after the movie is released, or else they would be a lot more info coming out today.
You should never use a helicopter company called “bothan spy helicopters”
Many pilots dies to bring us this information
I think he said big furry things…not fairy…if this was a spoken word interview. Especially since right after he’s talking about Chewbacca. #LLAP
Big fairy things could be Toydarians. If we want to revisit all that madness.
But yeah, he probably said furry. Banthas. I mean, technically they’re hairy not furry, but like he would have a clue.
No, if there was any doubt, the reporter would assume the obvious, furry. The reporter did not, so I doubt it’s a slur of speech.
Just watched the stunts BTS for the Indiana Jones movies today. It’s really cool to read they did the falcon, tie fighter, x wing shots with a real helicopter. Love real stunts! Can’t wait for the BTS of TFA.
Simon Pegg. Why not have cast Steve Martin or Bill Murray in The Empire Strikes Back. Takes all the magic away. (Not that Pegg is as funny as Martin or Murray). Surprised Mickey Mouse ain’t making a cameo.
What’s the betting Pegg does something ‘funny’ like trips/stumbles, or spills a drink on someone? Oh how we will laugh. Or get’s a limb sliced off by a lightsaber…
At the end of the trailer we see the falcon fly upside down and the camera follows. I would love to think the helicopter did as well 🙂
But I imagine it was a camera trick in which the camera man just turned the camera upside down 🙂
Have you never watched Airwolf?
… or the end of “Blue Thunder”?
Google it.
Why would they be fired?? They’ve hardly given away the plot! The Falcon and Tie fighters are in the teaser flying over the desert anyway
Actual facts are being reported. Dislike x 1
Spoilers.
I was on set for the filming in pinewood. I won’t give up my job title for obvious reasons but I can promise you I was there for the whole shoot.
Things I saw were
1. Gleeson is Luke’s son
2. “Kylo” is a solo
3. There is no “rebel alliance” any more they are going by “new republic” but are struggling to get on their feet.
4. Leia is head of the Republic, but she’s become a little twisted in the head.
5. Luke tried to rebuild the jedi order but that plan went to waste after an ancient sith came out from the shadows (plagueis)
6. Plagueis did not die, he was watching from afar while his apprentice (palpatine/sidious) ran the galaxy into a state of turmoil.
7. Plagueis has taken on a new apprentice (kylo)
8. Kylo has been given the mission to hunt down Luke Skywalker for he is the only one standing in Plagueis way.
9. Luke hasn’t been guarding some tomb, but instead living in isolation and has gone completely sideways. He lost his wife and presumed his son to be dead, all the padawans he trained where killed. He’s lost all hope. He’s completely thrown away the life of a Jedi.
10. Han Solo had a falling out with Leia, he’s still a smuggler and the only friend he has left is chewy.
11. “Rey, Finn, Poe” are related to OT characters.
12. The final battle scene, which was so fun to watch being shot is major battle involving Luke and Kylo. Kylo gets badly wounded and Luke has to flee cause a whole army of stormtroopers are running towards him shooting.
13. The final shot of the film is Kylo holding Darth Vaders mask with Plagueis voice in the background “your hatred makes you strong,but you will never be Vader” Plagueis kills Kylo.
Obviously I’ve left alot out but I wanted to share the main gist of it.
I just want to say that being on set at pinewood was magical. We Used the green screen a total of maybe 6 times. Everything was built. In all my years of filming I’ve never seem anything like it. Truly. We are all in for a special treat Dec. 18
It’s “Chewie” not “chewy”. So you pass! What else do you have for us?
My apologies. And if there’s anything specific you would like to know feel free to ask. I’m open to any questions.
Can you tell us about the chrome troopers and what they do?
Does Luke do anything else significant in the movie aside from fighting Kylo Ren?
The chrome troopers are a special forces unit like the navy seals. They’re highly trained and the best of the best. I only saw three on set, that’s not to say they weren’t at other locations. They accompany Kylo in the opening sequences of the movie.
As for Luke, I was not at the Skellig location so I can’t give any insight as to what happened there. But Skellig is the ice planet. Luke’s show down with Kylo is on the ice planet. (Which was shot at pinewood.)
I do know however “Rey” finds Luke at Skellig and that’s how Kylo is able to track them down. What interaction she has with Luke I am not sure.
Luke does have more screen time than people think but doesn’t come into play until the latter part of the film.
I will say Mark Hamill knocked it out of the park. Phenomenal acting. He’s a “crazy old wizard”
TELL ME ABOUT BANE!
WHY DOES HE WEAR THE MASK?
Of all the plots this sounds the best.
Fake or not
I agree! Feed me more Bothanspi!
I lIke this as well. My only problem is killing off Kylo. I thought Lucas made a grave error making Maul a one movie bad guy. Hate to see the same mistake being made with Kylo.
I can assure you Kylo isn’t a pointless character who looks cool. He has alot of depth to his character. His death serves as a stepping stone for one of the main characters turn towards the Dark Side.
Plagueis is a master of the Force, not just the Dark side, but the Light also.
Also I can say for a fact that Han Solo does NOT die
Your description of the movie sounds very plausible, and I think people will enjoy it if everything you say about it ultimately comes to fruition.
So if Han Solo doesn’t die, what actually happened in the scene described by Making Star Wars which supposedly involves his death? Is Jason Ward misinterpreting the information he has? Or is the stuff he’s getting just completely false?
What does he describe that happens? I apologize I’m not aware of what he has said.
Ward claims that Han Solo gets killed by Kylo Ren at the “evil castle.”
That “evil castle” is actually Darth Vader’s home. I should say was his home. This is where Luke is in isolation. Now I wasn’t at Skellig but I can confirm Harrison Ford wasn’t either. And the fight scene on Skellig with Kylo and Luke was shot at pinewood which is where I was. Han was not involved and is scheduled to be in episode 8.
I hope that answered your question.
ok thanks, do you know what gwendolin christie is doing? is she a chrometrooper or a Republic officer?
You just said he was wounded before. Oh well…I’m still a sucker. Tell me everything you know!
Yes Kylo gets wounded after his fight with Luke. Then Plagueis kills Kylo.
Picture Revenge of the Sith, instead of Vader being allowed to live by Sidious, Sidious kills Vader.
Same concept basically.
Gwendolyn Christie is an Imperial officer in charge of the Chrome Troopers, she’s does have an action scene involving Finn.
She’s a major harda** and related to Tarkin. She absolutely despises the Republic.
Why don’t you just make a Cantina account? It would be much easier than replying to the comments section.
thanks, if you wanna join us here, you are welcome in the cantina
What about Rey/Kira? Is she Han’s daughter? Also who are Poe and Finn related to? Is Plaugeis a muun? You rock bothanspi! Give us more…
I don’t wanna give too much away but Rey’s identity doesn’t come out till the 8th film. It’s believed she is Luke’s daughter. She’s with Han the majority of the film and doesn’t know him or Leia, but is constantly wondering who her parents are.
Plagueis was mocap played by Serkis, I am not sure what the finished product looks like. (I’m not post production) But from the concept art he does look like an aged Muun.
Poe is related to Antilles. And Finn becomes on board with the republic when he finds out his father was Lando Calrissian.
I’ve heard a buzz that Billy D Williams will be in episode 8 but he is presumed dead in episode 7.
Thanks!!!
What about the superweapons? Apparently both sides have them. It comes down to Leia vs. Gleeson for firing them off?
Gleeson has gone rogue. He was apart of the new republic but detoured once he found out Leia has gone mad and power crazy. He’s gone under cover to work with the Empire to stop the super weapon Leia has built.
Gleeson has a hard time trying to figure out where is allegiance lies. He hates the empire but hates what the republic has turned into. He has taken it upon himself to stop both sides.
It was truly great to watch. Gleeson puts on a great performance. (From what I saw in person obviously)
Does Luke’s son (Gleeson) survive the film or go down with the ship?
Is Luke’s wife given a name?
I did not hear a name for Luke’s wife at pinewood.
I do know she died very early on in their Marriage. Luke has been in isolation for the last 20 plus years.
Any idea what ” Seven” are?
I’m sorry I do not. That doesn’t ring a bell.
But like I said before I was only at pinewood, “the seven” could of taken place at a location where I wasn’t present.
80% of the movie was shot at pinewood. Most of the other locations were used for back drop and or small quick sequences.
great thanks again, who is lupita s character?
Lupita was not at the pinewood set. However I have heard from the time I was on set that she is playing a mocap character on Tatooine.
Let me refraise, Lupita was at pinewood just didn’t have any scenes there. Her scenes where in abu dabi
what is chewie doing, does he get a action scene?
Chewbacca is with Han the whole time. They have several sequences where the action gets intense! The rumors are true, he does pull the arm out of Peggs socket! Now I didn’t film it personally but have seen it on the monitor. Was very cool!!
thanks, does he have a weapon?
How is Adam Driver’s performance? Is he a credible villain a la Palpatine/ Vader/ Maul? And why does everybody want this lightsaber so bad?? What’s so special about it?
Thanks again , you’re doing God’s work 🙂
Chewbacca still has his trusty crossbow blaster.
And Adam Driver. He does amazing. Not enough can be said. Nicest guy you’ll meet in person but once the cameras roll he flips the switch. Everyone is in for a real treat.
His lightsaber is a gift from Plagueis. It is one of the first lightsabers ever constructed by the Sith. He’s excellent at wielding his weapon and is a great pilot like his dad and grandfather (Vader)
Awesome!!!
It’s a pity Kylo dies. The character seems like some kind of cool combination of Vader, Boba Fett, and an ancient Samurai. I’d have liked to see him go on.
Does Plaugeis take a new apprentice? And if so, whom?
I’m gonna reply at the bottom. So my paragraphs have room to breathe lol
http://thecantina.starwarsnewsnet.com/index.php?threads/bothanspi-leaks.1952/
Create an account and go here to reply. It would make things a lot easier man.
Wait, so what is the order of their filming locations again?
Abu Dhabi,
then Greenham Common,
then Skellig island,
do I have that right?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/locations
Cool insight
Someone might read that and get them jobs. Just because they they have been mentioned next to the name of Star Wars, which is hefty billion heavy brand. While it is absolutely no guarantee for any quality. It works like that.. And it stinks..
“In the case of the Millennium Falcon, there was a mock up of part of the ship and I had to then simulate a departure from the ground behind it, while being CGI shot at and with real explosions going off around me – all at safe distances.”
This sounds pretty cool. In my mind, I can picture one continuous shot of the characters scrambling up the ramp of the full-sized (partially-built) Falcon that was on location, and the ILM wizards seamlessly transition to the cg Falcon as the ship lifts off and blasts away, with the helicopter camera following close behind.
In addition to some of the ideas above for external flyover shots, it’s also possible that the helicopter shots would be superimposed onto the green screen outside the Falcon cockpit set for the internal shots where the camera is behind the characters looking out.
Warning.
Take everything I have said with a grain of salt. Post production could edit out scenes we filmed. But the overall story will not change.
What was the fate of GC’s character? Is she leading the chrome troopers at the end of the film where Luke gets chased off?
Amazing insights bothanspi:} – do any of the main characters die? – & does the story centre around Rey?
Any news about lukes lighsaber? the one we hear in the end of the teaser trailer?
@ anonymous I was upset to see Kylo die aswell. But like I said it opens the door for Plagueis to have the apprentice he truly wants. This takes place in episode 8.
No OT characters die in this film. And yes the story is focused on Rey and Finn and Poe. Put we do see plenty of OT characters and new characters. JJ really handled it well in my opinion.
Does Gleeson have any scenes with Christie, Driver?
How does Serkis’ character interact with Driver? Does he interact with anyone else in the galaxy or does he stay away completely, never revealing himself??
Thanks!
Thanks!
When you say main characters to be potentially be Plaugeis’ apprentice in Episode VIII, do you mean classic or new main characters.
Is it Kira? Or maybe Leia? Thanks again for all your info!
What about Max von Sydow?
I made an account in the cantina for those asking questions. Thanks for the support. I was hoping I wouldn’t catch a lot of flack but you guys have been so amazing. Your enthusiasm is humbling. Can’t wait for you to see this movie. Was a joy to work on 🙂
Thanks for all your info!!! Much appreciated.
If you get overwhelmed in the Cantina, feel free to keep posting here. A bunch of us would love it.
Or the bunch of you could make Cantina accounts too and stop being anoymous 😉
How do you know I don’t…
So the legacy of the OT characters is…
Leia – Becoming what she fought against.
Luke- Giving up, even though his belief in the Force saved his father.
Han- Going back to where he started.
Seriously?
Hope not lol.
Movies don’t end at 7 lol
While true, doesn’t change my basic point.
The OT character development is kind of stepped all over. Not the best plot direction (if true) imo.
Didn’t Anakin become the thing he fought to destroy?
Didn’t Obi Wan live isolation?
None of that ruined their legacy lol
Their character paths and development were different.
If the above info is true it is basically resetting them on the same paths we saw them take with a different back drop.
It’s not really a step forward just a rehash. Shallow story telling imo.
In the OT we see:
Han go from someone who is “only in it for the money” to someone willing join a cause and risk his life for more.
Leia looses everything but keeps fighting to free the Galaxy.
Luke faces the dark side and refuses to fall and redeems his father.
To fast forward 30 some years and have of all of that be flipped is either to have them retake their paths or just stepping on the character development.
Either way it doesn’t sound like the best path. My opinion only but not a fan of it.