UPDATE! Small Update on the Additional Filming on Skellig Michael

Skellig 01

Back in July we reported on potential additional filming occurring at Skellig Michael, the island off the coast of Ireland that was reportedly used to film the final scene of The Force Awakens. On Saturday, The Irish Times dug a little deeper into the rumored shoot scheduled for September as well as the surrounding controversy.

 

 

The article has Star Wars filming slated for 4 days, starting September 13th, with the possibility of additional contingency days which are presumably reserved in case filming can’t be completed in the allotted time for whatever reason.

 

From The Irish Times:

Plans for further filming of Star Wars on Skellig Michael, 12km off the coast of southwest Kerry, are at an advanced stage.

 

Boatmen who were contracted for a three-day shoot for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens last summer have been asked to provide transport for another four days, from September 13th to 16th, with a possibility of further “contingency days”.

 

Skellig 02

 

As we speculated when the initial report broke, it would seem likely that this is to be used either for pick-ups on The Force Awakens or for early shooting on Star Wars Episode VIII. The Episode VIII filming still seems the most likely scenario considering the close proximity to release for The Force Awakens and the timeline and logistics for Rian Johnson’s Episode VIII. It will be interesting to keep a look out for spy reports in early September to see if a director is spotted near or on the Skellig Micahel. A Rian Johnson Sighting would likely put to be any speculation on secret last minute additions for The Force Awakens.

 

All of this is assuming that filming is actually allowed to take place. As the Irish Times article discusses, there are complicated issues surrounding the filming at Skellig Michael. Firstly, Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island contains a preserved early Christian monastery. As the UNESCO  site describes it:

This monastic complex, perched since about the 7th century on the steep sides of the rocky island of Skellig Michael, some 12 km off the coast of south-west Ireland, illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.

 

As the UNESCO description states, the site has been preserved as well as it has because of its remoteness and lack of widespread access. Opponents of the filming there are worried that the destructive presence of a major film production will put the site at risk. Until recently, large film crews were not allowed to film on Skellig Michael, restricting any filming to crews of 8 or less and with only battery powered equipment. Star Wars shooting is obviously far more invasive than that.

 

Another potential hurdle, Skellig Michael is home to a number of species of seabirds. The filming for The Force Awakens was heavily criticized by Birdwatch Ireland, a conservation group, because of its potential impacts on the animal life on the island. In order to offset fears of conservation groups on the initial shoot the production sponsored a survey of breeding birds on the island. As the additional filming will take place outside of nesting season, whether there are significant issues around the seabirds this time is still an unknown.

 

 

Skellig

 

Whether protests have any impact remains to be seen. Outside of those protesting for cultural and conservation issues, many hope the filming will proceed as planned. The additional tourism dollars, promotion for the preserved site, and the additional income for ferry captains and local merchants may outweigh the concerns of those who are against the filming in the eyes of local officials.

 

From a Star Wars standpoint, it would seem unlikely that Disney and Lucasfilm would back out of filming at the location now as they are already tied to it by the continuity of the previously shot scenes. If The Force Awakens ends with some main characters on Skellig Michael as is rumored and Episode VIII is intended to pick up the action from the same location, I’m sure they will have no choice but to find a compromise that will allow them to finish what is needed on the site; hopefully with a minimum of damage to the location or its feathered inhabitants.

 

 

UPDATE!

 

Jedi News had a great piece this week about their own tour of Skellig Michael. It contains a some great descriptions and video of the island and their experiences touring it.

 

Of note from a news standpoint, they heard from locals two important bits.

 

First, that weather hampered some shooting on TFA in their first go round and that they expect the upcoming filming next month to be pick ups for TFA after all.

 

From Jedi News:

We also learnt during our trip that the crew of The Force Awakens would be returning to Skellig Michael in mid September for pickup shots, apparantly owing to the fact that the weather was not perfect for them during the original shoot. Four days of filming are planned, from the 14th September, but they have until the end of the season on the 30th to get the required shots. The island will be closed to everyone from October due to the nesting season of the birds.

 

And they seem to have pinned down some of the exact shooting locations that were used on the island including a possible landing spot for a certain Iconic ship as well as a cave that could serve as home to an old Jedi warrior.

 

Naturally, the conversation turned to Star Wars, and more specifically The Force Awakens. That’s when he revealed that the area where we sat was actually the main focus of the shoot on the island, and presumed to be the landing area of the Falcon. They have set up on the island for a month prior to a two-day shoot, shooting around the island by helicopter, flying over and between the two peaks that overshadowed this valley.
In terms of shooting on the island, it focused around the final climb on the steps towards the flat area known as Christ’s Saddle and in a small cave at the base of the South Peak often used by the monks. It was not clear if the South Peak was used in the shoot. At its peak is a hermitage built by the monks on the steep slopes and narrow ledges. It is not open to the public, nor is the north steps that are closed off by a wooden fence. We had found our shooting location, the wide-open space of the valley, in the shadow of the South Peak and a small cave at the base of the mountain overlooking the steps below and the steep slopes of the cliff face. I was told that “art work” was taken to the island. I have to assume this was in fact a matte painting, most probably used to obscure “human elements” such as the above mentioned fences. They could of course have been used to create more striking environment. The cave we encountered was very discreet and did not stand out, maybe this is the intention of the film – but perhaps grander plans are afoot, and required a little aid to visualize it.
“Luke’s Cave?”

 

Skellig

 

It was a stunning location, haunting, and visually unique. You could understand why they would want to shoot here. By this point I had began to shoot and photo the area, and was soon re-joined by Matt who had garnered the same information that this area was the shooting location. There was no doubt that we were in a world from The Force Awakens, as we began to explore the area.

 

 

Check out the full story HERE and their complete video walk through here:

+ posts

94 thoughts on “UPDATE! Small Update on the Additional Filming on Skellig Michael

  • August 3, 2015 at 10:45 pm
    Permalink

    I am first and that’s what’s important here.

    • August 3, 2015 at 11:45 pm
      Permalink

      Ok, winner, and now go to bed, tomorrow we have to paint the garden shed…

      • August 4, 2015 at 2:49 am
        Permalink

        But I don’t wanna

        • August 4, 2015 at 4:30 am
          Permalink

          Go to bed now!!! Otherwise you won’t play with your Princess Leia figure tomorrow!

          • August 4, 2015 at 8:20 am
            Permalink

            But daaaaaddddddd!!!! I wanna go to Tosche Station so I can pick up some power converters! And maybe some fine desert wenches!

          • August 5, 2015 at 7:00 am
            Permalink

            Is’a good all, first somebody. meesa take care of yer Leia doll, okie-day?

          • August 8, 2015 at 10:07 pm
            Permalink

            That Tosche Station line in ANH is positive proof that the OT dialogue was never any better than the PT.

          • August 8, 2015 at 10:26 pm
            Permalink

            Apart from it was said with conviction.

          • August 8, 2015 at 10:29 pm
            Permalink

            That’s a stretch.

          • August 11, 2015 at 3:09 pm
            Permalink

            Mark really did appear upset that he couldn’t go with his mates to get power converters, just like any 10 year old… that little punk that played little Anakin just looked like a spoilt little brat.

  • August 3, 2015 at 10:51 pm
    Permalink

    I take it that this is the water-esque planet that we see Poe fly through in the trailer with his X-Wing?

    • August 3, 2015 at 11:11 pm
      Permalink

      Since when ?

      • August 3, 2015 at 11:22 pm
        Permalink

        I’m thinking the same thing actually… unless if the planet that Star Killer base is located on might have more temperate zones. Or maybe all 3 places are on the same planet.

    • August 9, 2015 at 2:10 am
      Permalink

      It is the planet “Mortis” , yes.

  • August 3, 2015 at 11:01 pm
    Permalink

    ??

    • August 4, 2015 at 11:08 pm
      Permalink

      Son, I have to tell you a secret. I am NOT your father.

  • August 3, 2015 at 11:23 pm
    Permalink

    d23 in 10 more days. poster trailer games toys better be there

    • August 3, 2015 at 11:35 pm
      Permalink

      When is d23 again?

      • August 3, 2015 at 11:52 pm
        Permalink

        Apparently in 10 days :-p

        • August 3, 2015 at 11:55 pm
          Permalink

          D23: that Disney convention where we will all get slammed over the heads with Marvel, and when fans beg for something Star Wars VII related, they’ll sneer and pull out Babajoe.

          • August 4, 2015 at 12:28 am
            Permalink

            They are releasing the trailers every 6 months. November, April and September. New trailer in September.

          • August 4, 2015 at 12:49 am
            Permalink

            nah i think the next trailer is this month and maybe a something else for force friday.

          • August 4, 2015 at 2:05 am
            Permalink

            What is force friday?

          • August 4, 2015 at 4:14 am
            Permalink

            Friday September 4th, 2015. The day when all TFA merchandise will be unveilled. At least ,that’s Disney’s plan.

          • August 4, 2015 at 4:39 am
            Permalink

            Ahh, many thanks Captain!

          • August 4, 2015 at 3:08 am
            Permalink

            Ehm what? 6+6=12. That would mean a year from first to third trailer.

          • August 4, 2015 at 4:44 am
            Permalink

            So let’s hope that August is the new September!

      • August 4, 2015 at 12:17 am
        Permalink

        Let’s see… he said it’s in 10 more days…today is August 3…can you add 3+10? 🙂

        • August 4, 2015 at 12:24 am
          Permalink

          30? Who the hell can count that high. I mean come on -_-

          • August 4, 2015 at 3:57 am
            Permalink

            Not 30! 3 plus 10! That is 310.
            Wait…
            F… Nearly a year!!!

    • August 4, 2015 at 5:53 am
      Permalink

      Got that right. Damm well better be a poster.

    • August 8, 2015 at 10:08 pm
      Permalink

      10 days till we hear more confirmation that the movie is going to use real sets and practical effects! can’t wait!

      • August 9, 2015 at 12:25 am
        Permalink

        Dude, at the last event we got a video documenting the progress of the film, which is is certainly more than practical effects talk.Who cares if they talk about practical effects as long as we get to see some cool stuff?
        I would watch JJ rant for a couple hours just to see a short clip of this film.

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:26 am
    Permalink

    Disney has announced at the D23 Expo they will clarify whether the fact TFA is a sequel to Episode 6, or a prequel to episode 8.

    More to come soon.

    • August 4, 2015 at 12:44 am
      Permalink

      JJ already confirmed its neither but both at the same time.

    • August 4, 2015 at 1:11 am
      Permalink

      It all depends on a certain point of view…

    • August 8, 2015 at 10:09 pm
      Permalink

      I better be making an appearance at D23.

    • August 9, 2015 at 12:47 am
      Permalink

      By it’s very nature it has to be both.

      • August 10, 2015 at 7:51 pm
        Permalink

        Thanks, Drax the Destroyer.

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:34 am
    Permalink

    D23 will be held on August 14 – 16 of this year. Book your tickets now for the event, it’s going to be a wild ride!

    • August 4, 2015 at 2:14 am
      Permalink

      That’s what they told me on the superman ride at six flags, then I ended up dead. So we’ll see.

      • August 10, 2015 at 7:53 pm
        Permalink

        Dude, that was Darth Vader’s lightsaber.

        Don’t accept random rides from cantina smugglers.

    • August 4, 2015 at 4:20 am
      Permalink

      So exciting. Representatives are here. 🙂
      Can’t wait, my bones are dancing.
      And there’s going to be a wild Ridley there.

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:45 am
    Permalink

    If all else fails, build a replica on an island somewhere else and combine it with miniatures.

    • August 4, 2015 at 2:16 am
      Permalink

      That’s not true, that’s too practical!

    • August 9, 2015 at 12:48 am
      Permalink

      CG would be easier.

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:47 am
    Permalink

    I messed up. oops.

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:52 am
    Permalink

    we will see a trailer for star wars episode VIII: salacious crumbs rancor revenge.

  • August 4, 2015 at 1:13 am
    Permalink

    it could be a re-shoot and they thought **** it, we’ll nail it if we go back and do this and this instead of or as well that and that. Big enough film budget and ambition wise if the new shoot would seal the aceness of it.

  • August 4, 2015 at 1:53 am
    Permalink

    Skellig Michael is for the birds.

    • August 9, 2015 at 1:06 am
      Permalink

      Yes Daisy Ridley is a fine bird indeed

  • August 4, 2015 at 2:10 am
    Permalink

    I think Skellig Michael is so unique that it has to have special significance in TFA.
    A Jedi or Sith temple; a resting place of some powerful force user; or/and Luke’s retreat.

    • August 4, 2015 at 4:27 am
      Permalink

      Mortis. Ya don’t have to believe this or even like it BUT this is happening…

      • August 4, 2015 at 4:43 am
        Permalink

        You’ll be fired.

        • August 4, 2015 at 7:44 am
          Permalink

          Kylo Ren IS a relic/artifact seeker. He believes that he needs to acquire certain items in order to gain the power necessary to bring *proper order* to the galaxy while cementing himself as it’s greatest hero and savior. He doesn’t quite realize nor comprehend the actual “spiritual” influence that he is truly under and doesn’t know the full ends to which he is being used for. You all have already seen a brief glimpse in the first trailer of a fight that he is walking into. It is NOT with a Light Side user of the Force….

          BONUS: He is not under the influence of Sidious, Plagueis, Bane nor even Revan (yet, look at his mask very closely- it IS a “familiar” relic that will finally be truly canonized due to this film/story). However, he IS under the influence of something much more powerful and sinister than all of them, and you’re already familiar with this entity if you’ve seen a certain story arc in the TCW cartoon.

          • August 4, 2015 at 6:38 pm
            Permalink

            Sith witches parsnips? I wondered what happened about them. The first pic I saw of this film was a character that looked very much like one,but male?

        • August 4, 2015 at 5:14 pm
          Permalink

          To Lucasfilm Rep. Why? For being an avid fan and having read every book and watched every film/TV show that I can get my hand on??? You sir, you suck to the nth degree…

      • August 4, 2015 at 5:03 pm
        Permalink

        Hooray! Someone has really paid attention! Thank you my friend, Disney is now on continuity notice…

  • August 4, 2015 at 2:38 am
    Permalink

    Not sure why people think this may be a little close to the release date for episode 7. Many films are in the editorial stage up until a month before release. Some even a couple weeks out.

  • August 4, 2015 at 3:57 am
    Permalink

    Hopefully that will mean that ancient Jedi ruins play some part in this movie. Ive always been a fan of sci fi and archaeology. Combining the two would be awesome. Storylines including the Massassi Temples, Valley of the Jedi, Korriban etc

    • August 4, 2015 at 4:34 am
      Permalink

      And YES this location will be in this Trilogy.

      • August 4, 2015 at 4:42 am
        Permalink

        You’ll be fired, too.

        • August 4, 2015 at 7:51 am
          Permalink

          Remember Yoda’s Dagobah teachings….

          “Through the Force, things you will see; different places. The future, the past; old friends- long gone.” You will see just how much Luke took this training to heart, and, in doing so, over time, learned of certain *entities* of the Force and how to locate hidden *special* places. This is why he is seemingly missing and difficult to locate. Luke is determined to keep certain knowledge and locations away from prying eyes with evil intentions but it does a number on his own psyche in the process- however, he is NOT evil by any means.

          Snoke is highly interested in making certain discoveries and thus Kylo is a pawn in helping him to do so. Most of these revelations are what will drive the story into Episode VIII.

          • August 4, 2015 at 8:21 am
            Permalink

            Has someone been violating their NDA? If so, more news has reached the comment section of this particular post than actual news blog posts in the past week! Do you have any evidence of these accusations?

          • August 4, 2015 at 9:25 am
            Permalink

            Let’s just put it like this: I’m not concerned with the NDA policy(s) at this point in time. Just know that only a handful of insiders have actually seen the full rough cut of the film (this would include the “executive suits”, JJ, KK, the senior post-stitching [editing] staff, and some of the LFL story group and content integrity team- although they did most of their work prior to the actual filming) You can barely count on two hands the number of folks that have been privy to a full knowledge and viewing of the film, but people “talk” and those same people do have lives and social circles (you needn’t worry if this is secondhand info or not- it doesn’t make a difference). The film will be a feast to the eyes and senses- way beyond anything that the prior six films displayed, and part of this has to do with the notion that Disney, as well as, JJ were determined to completely out-shine everything that has come before this. The Original Trilogy, Prequel Trilogy, Legends-branded material and the TCW were indeed mined for ideas and concepts in order to acheive this goal (-this was the primary source of conflict between Arndt’s work and what Disney wanted and ended up going with). This is where Mortis and Moraband enter the picture. Technically speaking, they were of natural intrigue.

            All I can and will say at this point is the ‘evidence’ that you’re asking for will be seen on screen in December.

            BONUS: The way that Moraband amplifies the use of the Dark Side of the Force is simply incredible.

          • August 4, 2015 at 11:26 am
            Permalink

            This is glorious! Do you have any other awesome tidbits of info for us that we’ve been looking forward to? Is Morriban portrayed as Korriban is on KOTOR? What role does anakins lightsaber play in TFA? Is it really like an “Excalibur” that can help destroy a certain evil? How does Luke fit into all this? Is it true Finn is related to Lando?

            Oh, and last question, can you get me in working with the episode VIII team, whoever you are? 😉

          • August 4, 2015 at 5:10 pm
            Permalink

            The ultimate number is 12. Once this number has been exceeded, then the secret is guaranteed to be exposed…

          • August 9, 2015 at 1:18 am
            Permalink

            So sure are you?

          • August 9, 2015 at 2:18 am
            Permalink

            Hi jj

  • August 4, 2015 at 5:06 am
    Permalink

    They said that the new trailer would be in the fall, so more likely September than August. That said they have already done teasers, cast, music, behind the scenes so a trailer seems like a no-brainer. We better get at least an official poster at d23!

  • August 4, 2015 at 6:17 am
    Permalink

    Wooow, sloooow news week 🙁

  • August 4, 2015 at 7:01 am
    Permalink

    Can we expect a movie poster by Drew?

  • August 4, 2015 at 8:27 am
    Permalink

    If they can’t shoot on Skellig, they can always build sets. It will cost them more and take way more time to prep but it’s not like they don’t have there resources and tools to do it. Obviously they prefer a real location whenever possible, which is good, but this is Star Wars after all – the films are full of sets of every kind.

  • August 4, 2015 at 10:24 am
    Permalink

    This is clearly fake, you can see that the stormtrooper is simply pasted into the image and that the stormtrooper is from the second teaser, same pose and everything. There will be no stormtroopers on Luke’s island

  • August 4, 2015 at 12:53 pm
    Permalink

    I’ve heard that the Millennium Falcon is gonna crash into the island. Since they use practical effects they will have to dig it all up. Also the First Order attacks the island later on. So there will be a lot of practical fire and explosions used.

  • August 4, 2015 at 3:36 pm
    Permalink

    and that’s why they should have released it in may… then May 4th would have worked even better..
    september the 4th be with you doesn’t really work..

  • August 4, 2015 at 7:11 pm
    Permalink

    Why not film all exterior shots for the island early? Get it out of the way before the politics change, while they still have solid access. It’s smart, and if they are as minimal as I’m suspecting, they could get ANYONE as director, like Andy Serkis to direct the island landscape shots. That’s what he did for some of the scenes in the Hobbit Trilogy.

    But what really intrigues me is the potential for awesome Easter Eggs.
    It IS an old Christian church –

    Are we going to see wall-carvings of Nazi Treasure hunters getting their heads melted by the wrath of God? a la C3PO and R2’s “Indiana Jones” cameo?

    I’m holding my breath.

    PS this is the second time my comment was put in the middle. Not complaining, but it is unusual, heads up to the Staff if this is a Bug.

  • August 4, 2015 at 7:52 pm
    Permalink

    one more month for force friday!!!!!

  • August 5, 2015 at 12:26 pm
    Permalink

    PLEASE don’t put spoilers on the front page ! “_final_ scene”

    Thank you

    • August 8, 2015 at 9:22 pm
      Permalink

      Very cool! Palm trees in SW!

    • August 8, 2015 at 9:58 pm
      Permalink

      nice original stormtroopers not the crappy clone troopers.
      But why is stormtroopers on a visit to hawaii´? maybe lilo and stitch will make it and be in a shot

      LOBOT will be master skywalker

  • August 8, 2015 at 9:48 pm
    Permalink

    in a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit!!!!!!!!!!!! agggghhhh wrong movie

    in a hole in the ground there lived a old Jedi.

  • August 8, 2015 at 9:53 pm
    Permalink

    Cool Luke Jedi figure in the clip, the molded head variation. Nice.

  • August 8, 2015 at 10:33 pm
    Permalink

    Awesome video. Thanks to everyone involved. Good to see that I’m not the only freak who brings his toys to TFA filming locations. I went to the lake district earlier this year, where they allegedly shot the X-wing scenes…and of course I brought my X-wing and took some photos 😉

  • August 9, 2015 at 12:16 am
    Permalink

    Fuck these birds and the religion as well. Shoot the scene with whatever gas powered generators you need and go!

  • August 9, 2015 at 12:17 am
    Permalink

    Last time I looked 6 months from April is October.

  • August 9, 2015 at 12:22 am
    Permalink

    Wow, awesome scenery. Hope this spot doesn’t get thrashed by SW fans. What if we see Luke enter that small cave entrance, then cut to him inside that massive Vietnamese cave reported here months ago. Classic “it’s bigger in here than it appears from outside” moment.

    • August 9, 2015 at 3:49 pm
      Permalink

      I think you are right.

  • August 9, 2015 at 12:59 am
    Permalink

    Maybe Luke really WAS only going to be in a cameo and someone at Lucasfilm saw all the negative fan reaction so they are doing some extended scenes now?

    xD

  • August 9, 2015 at 3:02 am
    Permalink

    I feel sorry for George Lucas, Star Wars was his creation, his characters, and he had a vision that was to span many years,now he has to sit back and see what other people do with his invention.
    I just hope that when he watches the TFA that he actually likes the movie and what they have done with his characters and universe….but some how i doubt it.
    If the film is really bad he won,t voice his disappointment.

  • August 9, 2015 at 3:51 am
    Permalink

    Meesa called Jar-Jar Binks. Meesa your humble servant

Comments are closed.

LATEST POSTS ON MOVIE NEWS NET