Tossing Restraints And Creating Great Stories

“When I was making ‘Star Wars’ I wasn’t restrained by any kind of science.  I simply said, ‘I’m going to create a world that’s fun and interesting, makes sense, and seems to have a reality to it.’” – George Lucas

Born in California on May 14, 1944, Lucas is one of America’s greatest filmmakers.  But long before he became obsessed with filmmaking, Lucas first wanted to be a racecar driver, then obsessed about anthropology, sociology and archaeology (all passions that might have influenced the creation of his flamboyant character Indiana Jones).     Fortunately for film lovers everywhere, Lucas next thought he'd become an illustrator, which led to courses in photography, including one in film.   “Little did I know that it was a program that taught you how to make movies,” he said.   “It never occurred to me that I would have an interest in filmmaking.” 

For Lucas, filmmaking included writing entertaining scripts and creating great characters, like Indiana Jones.   He also learned how to incorporate "real life" experiences, leading to the semi-autobiographical and award-winning American Graffiti. That 1960s coming of age film was deemed by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” and has been preserved in the National Film Registry. 

Of his many story creations, Lucas said, “Writing a good story is simply the process of creating good characters and putting them into a good plot.” 

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