Born on 14 May 1944, Modesto, California, United States. George Lucas is considered a powerful film mogul in Hollywood for his amazing creations that amass billions of fans worldwide. With a net worth of around USD 5 billion, Lucas is one of the richest and most recognized film personalities in the world. He’s not only a director but a creator and an entrepreneur.
Star Wars trilogy and Raiders of the Lost Ark are two of the most recognized film franchises in the world that have die-hard fans who rush to the cinemas and sell out the halls when the films open with the tag LucasFilm.
George never thought of wanting to be a director. He always wanted to be a race car driver and after surviving a car accident that nearly killed him, he decided to abandon it for good.
You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. You were to bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness
He took a graduate degree in film from the University of Southern California and went to Hollywood to test his fate. His THX 1138 was a box office bomb. Despite facing loss, Lucas was not deterred, rather he came again with his next project ‘American Graffiti’, which earned his popularity and credibility in Hollywood and the film was a financial success at the box office.
But this wasn’t enough for him to pitch something big to major studios. He pitched his next project ‘Star Wars’, which United Artists and Universal Studios rejected without an iota of thought about the possibility and potential it holds for the future.
This didn’t dishearten Lucas and he believed in his creation and his vision. Finally, 20th Century Fox Studio picked up his script saying, “I don’t understand this, but I loved ‘American Graffiti’ and whatever you do is okay with me.”
Little did anyone know that Star Wars would turn out to be the biggest blockbuster of that time. Even George Lucas was assured that the film would be a massive flop and he went on a holiday to Hawaii on the first day of the movie premiered.
May the Force be with you
Fox Studio was reluctant to $8 million budget for the movie and was doubtful that if science fiction movie could sell out movie tickets. The studio negotiated with cinema owners and placated them to run the film.
To make the movie, Lucas agreed to a low salary but took all the merchandising rights to the movie and any sequels.
Before the release of the movie, a private screening was held for near and dears of the film industry and almost all gave it a thumbs down. However, Steven Spielberg predicted that the movie would be a smashing hit and would shatter the records.
It was the time for the movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” to screen in the cinemas on May 25, 1977. The movie continuously ran in the cinemas for one full year, selling houseful shows after shows. Star Wars earned $775 million at the box office and won 6 Oscars (The Academy Awards).
The second instalment of the movie “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” was released on May 21, 1980, and on May 25, 1983, the third and final instalment of the trilogy was released titled ” Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”.
Voxcel aims to impart not only world-class IELTS coaching but also we look forward to develop the overall personality of our students.