How Star Wars created its visual effects — and opened the door for more cinematic magic
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Learning the tricks of the movie magic trade: A six-part documentary series on the history of Industrial Light & Magic is now streaming on Disney+. When American visual effects artist Dennis Muren was first tasked with making the Star Wars script come to life by director George Lucas, “I just thought, ‘This is impossible,’” he said. The technology required to do so had not yet been developed. Lucasfilm’s special visual effects, animation, and virtual production division went on to make strides in the industry through innovative technical advancements, earning Muren nine Oscars. The documentary features interviews with iconic filmmakers including Lucas, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and exclusive behind the scenes footage from the unit's early days working on Star Wars. Industrial Light & Magic went on to make beloved blockbusters including Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Star Wars sequels and Jurassic Park.