Growing up in the 1980s, George Lucas became a significant influence on my understanding of storytelling and imagination. Films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones not only entertained me but also shaped my perception of cinematic language. Living in the Bay Area, with Lucasfilm and ILM nearby, made this influence feel tangible and real.

 

In 1994, while working at a Chili Cook-off promotion for a San Francisco radio station, I had the opportunity to meet the fire chief of Skywalker Ranch. I introduced him to my father, who was also a fire chief, and a few months later, my dad and I toured Skywalker Ranch. As we were leaving, my father jokingly said, “Someday, you might work here with George Lucas.” At the time, it seemed like an impossible dream.

 

Fifteen years later, in 2010, I returned to the Bay Area and joined Lucasfilm Animation, 5 miles down the road from Skywalker Ranch. The studio was in the process of producing an animated musical that George Lucas had been developing for some time. From 2010 to 2012, I served as Supervising Editor on the project, which was initially titled, ‘Primrose.’

 

Working closely with George in the editing room was an incredible experience. We collaborated to shape the story, and it was both surreal and grounding. Since I had always loved musicals, I immersed myself in the genre, studying its structure, rhythm, and nuances. George generously shared his insights on filmmaking, visual storytelling, and his early years as a filmmaker, even before the success of Star Wars. Our conversations revolved around story, sequence, and editorial intent.

 

During this period, it felt less like a job and more like an educational journey. I approached it with humility and curiosity, treating it as a practical master’s program in filmmaking. The lessons I learned continue to shape my approach to storytelling and collaboration.

 

In 2012, George Lucas retired, and I returned to Los Angeles. The film, ultimately completed under Disney’s ownership, was released in 2015 as ‘Strange Magic.' 

 

Looking back, the title is fitting, as it encapsulates a rare and meaningful chapter of my career that I carry forward with pride.