Talking Bay 94: Star Wars Interviews – Details, episodes & analysis

Today is a very special roundtable interview with the cast and crew of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Pieces of the Past, now streaming on Disney+

First up, we have Gaten Matarazzo, also known as Dustin from Stranger Things, and Tony Revolori, from Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, the most recent Spider-man movies, and the Willow TV show. Just incredible talents, and a really fun interview.  

Then we have Pieces of the Past's writers and showrunners, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit. The audio quality is a little distorted, but it's still a really great chat. (They're working on the new Spaceballs sequel right now, hence my question.)

Thank you again to Gaten, Tony, Dan, and Benji for their time, as well as my fellow roundtable members, including Father. Son. Galaxy., Friends of the Force, Star Wars Explained, Geeky Waffle, Jedi News, and Art of Dad. And thank you to Disney PR for letting me be a part of it! These are always so much fun, and it's always great to bring these chats to my listeners. Thank you for listening!

Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is out and can be ordered now. And my newest book, The Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles can be ordered now, as well, and is the perfect gift for the ten-year-old who loves spaceships in your life … or for yourself.

If you're enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world.

Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

This is a very special sit-down interview with best-selling Star Wars author Charles Soule, going in-depth into the end of The High Republic and his latest novel, Trials of the Jedi ... all recorded live from his hotel lobby during Fan Expo Dallas last month.

Charles and I first spoke back in 2023 at Star Wars Celebration London and a LOT has happened in the past two years. We try to cover as much as possible, but just a note: this episode WILL contain major spoilers about Trials, but I will have a moment in the episode where I call out the spoiler section, right before the 34 minute mark.

I always walk away incredibly inspired by one of our chats. He was very generous with his time during a very busy weekend, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

Trials of the Jedi, the grand finale of the fantastic High Republic Initiative is out now, and I cannot recommend highly enough. It is antastic Star Wars storytelling by Charles, and the rest of Project Luminous.

To see what else Charles is working on, head to his website where there is SO much information and great stuff, including some killer store exclusives.

Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is out and can be ordered now. My next book, The Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles can be pre-ordered now, coming out this fall!

If you're enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world.

Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is an interview with the legendary Dr. David West Reynolds.

This is such an incredible conversation, delving into Dr. Reynold's iconic film archaeology work in Tunisia, as well as the creation of the original DK Visual Dictionaries, The Phantom Menace teaser trailer, and so much more. It's a real thrill of an episode for me.

So thank you so much again to Dr. Reynolds for taking the time to tell his stories and impart incredible advice. His kickstarter for Chasing Raiders is live until December 27, 2024. I have donated, and I encourage you to do the same: support here.

In other news … I co-wrote an official Star Wars book. I cannot believe it. Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is out and can be ordered now.

If you're enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world.

Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Dave Dorman is one of the greatest Star Wars artists of all time.

Since the early days of the Expanded Universe, Mr. Dorman's art has been some of the most iconic images of a galaxy far far away. From Dark Empire to Tales of the Jedi, Dark Forces and beyond, it was a real treat getting to dive in a little bit more into his process.

As you know, we don't typically release episodes on Saturdays ... but this is a special episode, brought to you by our friends at Coolwaters Productions, who are currently doing an autograph signing with Harrison Ford. After the interview, we are then joined by Coolwaters President Derek Maki for about 15 minutes worth of a Ford Signing Q&A.

(And there probably won't be an episode this Wednesday, just knowing what Tuesday night has in store and my mental headspace, so I wanted to make sure this at least was published now!)

Here's a direct link to the exclusive Indiana Jones print we were talking about, as well as a ton of other options for the Harrison Ford signing: https://coolwatersprods.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=2158

Our live rewatch last night of The Mandalorian Chapter 9 was a ton of fun on Scener. Thanks to all who joined us. We'll be back again with a couple of special guests for Chapter 10 this next Friday, so we'll see you then. Head to scener.com/talkingbay94 to set a reminder and I'll see you there.

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

BLIND LTD's work as a London-based creative studio designing user interfaces for movies, whether it is for James Bond or The Dark Knight Trilogy (or, especially, Star Wars) is simply incredible.

What makes Star Wars feel like Star Wars? This episode dives deep into that question and I enjoyed it so, so much.

Thank you again to Mr. Booth, as well as Helen Baker from BLIND LTD for the time, the patience and the coordination it took to come on the show. For more examples of the incredible work, just open one of your Phil Szostak art books, or head to www.blindltd.com

This Friday, at 7:30 PM Central, I will be live on Scener.com, breaking down Episode 1 of The Mandalorian Season 2. This will be every Friday night this season, with me and special guests pausing rewinding and analyzing every shot and, thanks to Scener's technology, you'll be able to watch seamlessly alongside us!

Head to scener.com/talkingbay94 to set a reminder for this Friday and I'll see you there!

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

SHE has spoken: Misty Rosas, performance artist for Kuiil the Ugnaught, from The Mandalorian, is on the show today.

Misty's story is incredible and her talent is unmatched, so I hope you enjoy her stories about getting the role, working on set, and listening to Nick Nolte's lines every night, as much as I did. More topics include:

- Her first professional role … at Disneyland!

- Working with Stan Winston Studios on Congo as a Gorilla Artist.

- Stunt work on movies like Hunger Games - Catching Fire and Van Helsing

- The audition process for Kuiil, as well as the costume built by Legacy Effects

- Working within The Volume, especially with each director (Dave Filoni, Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa)

Make sure you are following her on Instagram, @MissMistyRosas

Upcoming interviews include pre-pro legend David Dozoretz, the geniuses at BLIND Limited, and author of the Glove of Darth Vader series: Paul Davids.

And, this was a secret, but starting next week, we'll be doing live video recap shows for The Mandalorian every Friday night, partnering with our friends at Scener. More info to come, but I cannot wait.

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

The first time anyone caught a glimpse of the now infamous bounty hunter was in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special.

Yep. That one.

We talk to Boba Fett's animator, the great John Celestri all about it: how Lucas got involved, what their inspirations were, and just a ton of great stories. Some other topics include:

- Growing up wanting to be an animator (and being self-taught)

- Getting involved with Nelvana (known for Ewoks and Droids), as well as how George Lucas first heard about the studio through Cosmic Christmas

- Inspirations for the short ranging from Heavy Metal magazine and Moebius to Clint Eastwood

You have a week, as of this publishing, to help with Mr. Celestri's Kickstarter and get that Boba Fett sketch for yourself: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johncelestri/john-the-animator-comicx

For even more Lucasfilm animation stories, check out Skytalkers' incredible 3-part deep dive about animation: https://skytalkers.com/2020/07/25/star-wars-animation-1978-2012/

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

For the rest of October, we have some incredible guests lined up: pre-production wizard David Dozoretz, the geniuses at BLIND LTD, and author of the infamous but beloved Glove of Darth Vader series: Paul Davids. As well as a few Mandalorian-related surprises.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

The Armorer herself, the great Emily Swallow, from The Mandalorian, is on the show today. "This is the way."

It was so great to be able to dive deep into her instantly iconic performance. We talk all about what it was like to work in The Volume, be directed by Dave Filoni, Deborah Chow and Taika Waititi, and the influences and experiences she brought to her portrayal. More topics include:

- Bringing the Armorer to life with previous mask work / mime work experience

- Kurosawa's influence on both her character and the Mando set

- Breaking the news to her about the Armorer's Black Series toy

- The (surprise) Season 2 trailer voiceover

- And what exactly a blacksmith advisor was doing on on set!

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

For the rest of October, we have some incredible guests lined up: pre-production wizard David Dozoretz, the geniuses at BLIND LTD, and author of the infamous but beloved Glove of Darth Vader series: Paul Davids.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

The incredible work that Gavin Bocquet did with his team to bring worlds like Naboo, Coruscant and Geonosis to life in The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, cannot go unsaid.

This is a really rare interview with someone who made an indelible mark on the saga, as well as things like Young Indiana Jones, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and so many more … and I don't think he's talked in-depth about Star Wars in nearly a decade.

It was a huge honor and a really great conversation. Some topics discussed:

- His early mentorship with Stuart Craig (Saturn 3, Harry Potter) as well as working of Return of the Jedi with Norman Reynolds, as a Draftsman (Speeder bikes and Greeblies)

- Working with Steven Soderbergh on Kafka, his second ever film

- Walking over to his neighbor's house, Rick McCallum, on Christmas Eve  to inquire about working on Young Indiana Jones (later with David Tattersall and Trisha Biggar)

- Of course, the Prequels: collaborating with Doug Chiang and John Knoll, location scouting with McCallum (who wanted to shoot in the Vatican), the Pink / Yellow highlighters

- And wrapping with some serious Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance talk that no Henson fan will want to miss.

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource.

Thank you all for making September the most-listened-to month we've ever had.

And, for October, we have some incredible guests lined up, including Emily Swallow (The Armorer from The Mandalorian), pre-production wizard David Dozoretz, the geniuses at BLIND LTD, and author of the infamous but beloved Glove of Darth Vader series: Paul Davids.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

We're LIVE and talking to Teek herself, Niki Botelho from The Battle for Endor.

This is a pretty short, fairly rare look inside making the second Ewok film, as well as Niki's return as an Offworld Jawa in The Mandalorian ... and if that was her as Teek in the Star Tours boarding video. (And, of course, since this was recorded live, some of our audio is not as crisp as other episodes, but you'll get over it.)

If you want even more Teek stories, head on over to the most recent episode of Blast Points, where there is almost 5 extra minutes of this interview, which I recorded to help celebrate their Ewok Movie Month.

And, of course, this episode would not be possible without our friends at Galactic Productions. Head to their website for future appearances, as well as a really great stock of online autographs: galacticproductionsevents.com

Next week: my very rare conversation with prequel production designer Gavin Bouquet, who I don't think has talked about Star Wars in nearly 20 years. Wild stuff.

It is always so appreciated if you can leave a 5-star review of the show right here on your favorite podcast app, or on Podchaser: podchaser.com/TalkingBay94

Transcripts of previous episodes are starting to become available over at talkingbay94.com, which I hope will serve as a resource for you all.

For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out:

Website: www.TalkingBay94.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingBay94

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94