July 2015 Newsletter - Brian Muir Edition

[Holnave (evan_loh)[TK]]

 

In Memoriam

From the PRO

Around the Detachment

Notable Troops

Celebrity Q&A with Brian Muir
Memoirs of a Stormtrooper

FISD Website What's Up
Advanced Tactics Awards
Follow FISD

 

 

The 70th Explorers Garrison lost a valued member on July 12, 2015. Charlie "SnoopyTrooper" Brown was a long-time member of the 501st Legion, since 2008, and has been involved in hundreds of events since joining us. He showed great courage despite his personal illness, and continued trooping until his last few months with us. His loyalty, devotion, and friendship will always be remembered.
Here's to you, TK-5648, who joins the ranks of our Eternal Legionnaires. Buckets off to a steadfast friend and valued member of the Legion family.

 

It is with great pride that we enter Charlie Brown into the Hall of Eternal Legionaries.

 

Buckets off troopers.

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

Clint
TK-16311 "cm325i"
FISD Imperial Propaganda Department

 

 

 

 

Hi all! For this month's newsletter the Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM) has packed in a Brian Muir Edition Newsletter for you loyal Imperial Citizens. In this issue the IPM has managed to contact sculptor Brian Muir to share with us his experiences sculpting iconic figures like Darth Vader and the Stormtrooper. The Canadian Garrison has also sent out an invitation for a massive Stormtrooper convention meetup. This newsletter also features a trooper testimony on how meeting young cancer survivors can change one's outlook on life. We've also put up a teaser for an E-11 Blaster build reference guide that is soon to launch! We would also like to thank Clint TK-16311 for producing the awesome special edition banner for this issue. We hope you enjoy this special edition as much as we have enjoyed making it!

 

Update on Roger Christian's Black Angel

 

 

Concept art of Black Angel by Martina Pilcerova

 

Remember when we did a Q&A with Roger Christian and discussed his film Black Angel which accompanied the screening of Empire Strikes Back? Well as of 17th July 146% of the original target was funded for the re-release of the film. Looks like things are going well and more goodies are annouced as the funding gets higher.

 

Excerpt of Black Angel from website:

 

35 years ago, Star Wars Set Designer Roger Christian came to George Lucas with a script called Black Angel. Lucas commissioned it on the spot. 

That 25 minute short, made with a tiny budget and an even smaller crew, played in front of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back screenings in England, Scotland and Australia. It went on to inspire a host of fantasy cinema classics, from Star Wars itself to John Boorman's Excalibur. And then it was lost.

Having been

to a fantastic reception, we’re bringing Black Angel back as a feature film. 

Think Game of Thrones meets Valhalla Rising, Excalibur meets Lord of the Rings. A powerful tale of ancient Celtic magic and Nordic Paganism, it’ll be gritty, dirty and heroic – everything great fantasy should be.

 

To find out more about this film and see updates from Roger Christian, visit this link: https://www.indiegog...ure-film#/story

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Evan Loh
TK-24127 "evan_loh"
FISD Public Relations Officer

 

 

 

Hi Troopers, greetings from the Canadian Garrison!

This year is going to be an exciting one for all of us who love STAR WARS!  Not only are we getting a new season of Rebels, we get to see the next chapter in the story that happened a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away!  Oh, and I’d like to take this opportunity to bring up another exciting event. FAN EXPO!

Fan Expo Canada is an annual comic convention that occurs in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It’s more than a comic book convention; it’s a celebration of all kinds of things; Sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay all come together for four days in the third largest fan celebration in North America.  Over 120,000 people attend the con that takes place across TWO full sized convention hall sized buildings.

This fantastic event happens September 3rd through 6th.  We’d love to have as many Troopers join us as possible, and we’re after TKs in a BIG way.  The Stormtrooper March on Saturday is the thing to behold, and we’d like to see as many TKs as possible.
 


From YouTube, here is a great snapshot of the 501st Experience.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the cost…for only $25.00CAD and a commitment to “work†two hours per day of attendance at the 501st booth, you get a pass for all four days of the event.  Have questions?  We have answers!

Nothing would make us happier than to have to ask to get additional passes from the event staff!  Let us know if you can make the trip.

Thanks,
Roy Mitchell - Commanding Officer, Canadian Garrison
Charles “Clamps†Bowes – Executive Officer, Canadian Garrison
 
With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Andrea Loar
TK-6093 "Pickles"
Imperial Attache & Canadian Garrison PR Minion

 

 

This month's Troop of the Month goes to Montreal Comic Con 2015. Thank you to Pickles (Andrea) for the initial post, Spycee (Alex) for additional photos and Tolo (Eric) for the group shot.


$4229 was raised for Make-A-Wish, well done troopers!

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

Glen Rhodes
TK-85421 "gmrhodes13"
Imperial Attache

 

http://whitearmor.net/images/newsletter2015/celebrityqa.png

 

Citizens and denizens of the Empire, in this issue we have been given the honour to interview the man who brought to life the likes of Darth Vader and the Stormtrooper from the concept drawings of Ralph McQuarrie. His name is Brian Muir. He was tasked to sculpt the mask, helmet and armour pieces of Darth Vader, the Stormtrooper armour, Death Star Droid and more. Brian's works were not exclusive exclusive to Star Wars; Brian also sculpted the Space Jockey in Alien and multiple sculptures and backdrops in James Bond films, Harry Potter, Gaurdians of the Galaxy and many more! Going back to Star Wars, let's find out what went through his mind during the creation of the movie we've come to know and love so much!

 

http://www.brianmuirvadersculptor.com/uploads/1/8/5/7/1857711/1325852564.jpg

Early prototype Stormtrooper for test shots.

 

IPM: How did you get into sculpting? 

 

Brian: I found I had a flair for art at school. Then I was lucky enough to be offered a 4 year sculpting apprenticeship at Elstree Studios ( then ABPC Studios).

IPM: How were you first contacted to work for Star Wars? And at a time where nobody knew how big a hit Star Wars would be what were your first impressions on this space movie? 

 

Brian: I received a phone call at the beginning of January 1976 from my old mentor, Arthur Healey. He asked me if I would like a start on a sci-fi film to sculpt some strange futuristic characters. 

My first impressions, which were also many of the crew, were that it wouldn't be very successful. As it turns out we couldn't have been more wrong. We were astounded when we saw the finished film at the crew showing and showed our appreciation with a standing ovation. 

 

IPM: You had to bring to life McQuarrie's concept sketches into something wearable and used practically on set. Could you talk us through your thoughts and intentions as you were fleshing out the likes of Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, CZ3 and Death Star Droid.

 

http://www.brianmuirvadersculptor.com/uploads/1/8/5/7/1857711/6898924.jpg?295

CZ3 in Sandcrawler

 

Brian: I used Ralph McQuarrie's concept paintings for Darth Vader's body armour. But the mask and helmet design evolved from discussions with George Lucas, John Barry and John Mollo. I was given a small lined drawing of the mask and helmet at a three quarter angle. Being told the character was a villain I knew he had to look menacing. My job as a sculptor was to make  the design work in 3D from the 2D drawing. 

The main aim was how it all looked aesthetically rather than built for comfort. 

The Stormtrooper armour was sculpted to look as though it was a suit of armour. But it was modelled in sections so that it was practical for extras of varying sizes to wear. As 50 suits were required it was decided to use vacuum forming to produce the suits in the allotted timeframe. 

The Death Star droid was one of my favourite sculpts and although he only appears briefly on screen it seems many fans also like the character.

 

 

 

IPM: When compared to the concept drawings, Darth Vader and the Stormtrooper armour look slightly different. Were these designs decisions or practical reasons? 

 

Brian: Yes I think the changes to the design of Darth Vader's mask and helmet were to suit the powerful presence required of this villainous dominant character. With the Stormtrooper the main changes were made for practical purposes. 

 

 

 

IPM: Did you work closely with George Lucas or did he give you free reign on sculpting the moulds?

 

Brian: No although George Lucas gave the final approval, I worked closely with the production designer, John Barry. 

Just to clarify a point - I sculpted the armour in clay which was then moulded and cast in plaster. I carved the plaster to sharpen the details. It was then remoulded and cast in fibreglass which were used as the moulds for vacuum forming. 

 

IPM: Liz Moore sculpted the Stormtrooper helmet. Did you work with her as well? And what are your impressions on her interpretation of the concept drawings into the moulds?

 

Brian: Yes I worked with Liz for the month of January 1976 until she left the film. My impressions are that she did a very professional job in the clay sculpt and made the helmet the iconic piece it is today.

 

IPM: You also had to sculpt parts of C3P0 and get them to correct size they were sculpted on Anthony Daniels. Was it more difficult or any different sculpting on a human being compared to what you were used to?

 

Brian: It was very unusual, in fact unique, to sculpt directly onto a human being. All of C3P0 was sculpted onto the plaster cast made of Anthony Daniels by Liz Moore. At a very late stage, after Liz had left the film, it was arranged for me to sculpt the details of the hands directly on the back of Anthony Daniel's hands. 

 

IPM: You were contracted to work on Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well. Only if you're allowed to mention, what did you work on in the film. If not what are your thoughts on all the sets and props given that they moved back to more practical and physical objects in the film just like the Original Trilogy?

 

Brian: Unfortunately, due to contractual restrictions, I can't talk about the work I did on the new film. But I'm sure the fans are going to be very pleased that they have gone back to the more realistic visuals of built sets and props. I feel sure the film will be a huge success. 

 

IPM: What are your thoughts on the new The Force Awakens Stormtroopers? Do you consider it a sensible evolution from your iconic design and a worthy successor to the Stormtroopers of 30 years ago? Or is the new design way off base?

 

Brian: It's early days to have strong opinions and preferences. I will reserve judgement until I see them in action on the big screen. But obviously the original Stormtrooper is always going to be close to my heart for so many reasons.

 

IPM: Since you are the "Creator", would you ever consider working with someone to develop your own line of armour based off your ANH sculpts? 

 

Brian: I am already endorsing RS Prop Master's armour that is directly from my original ANH sculpt, which fans are excited to own.

 

The FISD greatly appreciates Brian for sharing his experience with us and we look forward to meeting him in conventions and seeing his upcoming works in Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

The Imperial Propaganda Machine
 

 

 

For this month's edition of Memoirs, I am stepping up and sharing with all of you what I imagine will be one of the most emotionally charged Troops that I will ever be a part of.  I can't say for certain though because, well...Read on, you'll see.
 

Memoirs of a Stormtrooper Dark CMF - Dallas/Fort Worth CureSearch Walk

April 25, 2015, Texas Motor Speedway

 

I learned about the 501^st a long time before I joined, as I˜m sure many of you did also.  We all have our reasons for joining.  Naturally, a love of Star Wars or at the very least a love of the Imperial costumes seen in Star Wars is more than likely on everyone's list.  For me, a major part of the appeal and what ultimately convinced me to go down this road were the pictures that I'd constantly see of Troopers interacting with children, particularly those with illnesses or disabilities, and the sheer joy that those children experienced during those moments.  From the moment I started on my TK journey.  I'd hoped that one day, I would have one of those moments.  Let's face it, every day of every troop is different, and you never know what's going to happen when you put on your armor, and head out to meet the Empire's adoring citizens.

On the morning of Saturday, April 25^th, like every other Troop I've attended, I had no idea what was in store for me, but I wouldn't trade that day for anything.

The event was the Dallas/Fort Worth CureSearch Walk, an event that raised $45,527 for children's cancer funding, and took place at the Texas Motor Speedway.  When the event began, it was much like any other.  Music playing, people taking pictures with us.  A group of people were being led in warm-ups which included dancing, was joined by a TI (TIE Pilot) and a TK.  It was a tremendous scene and all in attendance were having a great time.  Then, then came the moments that typically cause Troopers to remark "I was glad I was wearing a helmet."  Believe me; I was glad to be wearing my helmet. 

The official program began with an introduction to the event lineup for the day, followed by a bit of information about the CureSearch Walk program.  Immediately following that introduction, family members and friends of children who had lost their battles with cancer during the previous year made their way to the stage and the area in front of it to release balloons in memory of those precious children.  The number of balloons was simply staggering to see, and to hear one of the mothers get up, and with a beaming smile, thank everyone for attending after a moment of silence was heart-breaking.

The event, however, was not going to linger on the losses, as the next group called to the stage was nearly as large as the group of family and friends who had just been there.  This group was children who had beaten their various cancers and were in remission.  There were boys and girls of all races and ethnicities, ranging in age from probably four years old to early teens.  Each of these amazing children was presented with a golden medal that read simply "Hero."  If the moment of silence for the lost children was deafening, the round of applause for these children is perhaps best described as Earth-shattering. 
 
TK-76626 (Left), and TK-51878 (Right) of the Star Garrison, at the Texas Motor Speedway shortly after completing the CureSearch Walk.

Shortly after that, everyone gathered up in groups of people wearing different colored t-shirts (depicting which child's "team" they were a part of) in preparation for the walk.  When the walk began, the Imperial delegation lined both sides of the start line, and high-fived everyone as they began their (approximately) 2.5 mile walk.  At this point in time, we had the option of leaving for the day, or taking part in the walk.  Both myself (TK-51878) and TK-76626 (Darth Dadio) chose to take part in the walk.  We were joined by two Cadets who were attending their first event as handlers.  During the walk, we had several great interactions with many children, holding hands with two young girls (probably about five years old each) for about a quarter mile while we walked, many high-fives, and photos taken with the walkers, and a lot of "thank yous" from participants.  With about a quarter of a mile to go, we had nearly caught up to a group of young walkers wearing the bright yellow shirts of Team Olivia.  As we closed to within about 90 feet of them, three little girls with their faces painted (about 7 years old, I'd say) saw us, turned around, and ran towards us.  I happened to be a few steps out in front, so they approached me first.  As they approached, one of them asked "Can we have a hug?"  I immediately saw the sun glinting off of a small golden medal hanging from her neck.  There was no way that she wasn't getting that hug, if it meant breaking some part of my armor in the process.  I thought quickly that I should kneel on my right (non-sniper plate) knee, to hopefully minimize any possible damage, and stepped forward with my left leg so that I could get my right knee to the ground, and it worked.  All three of them ran right to me, and the one in the middle asked if I liked their masks.  I told them that they were the coolest masks I'd ever seen.  The one on my left (wearing the medal) said that my mask was the coolest mask she'd ever seen.  I told her that her medal was the best thing that I'd ever seen at which point in time, the girl to my right finally spoke.  She rather quietly said "I gave her my medal, because when I was sick she was still one of my friends, so she is my hero."  It was at that moment that I choked back a few tears and said "didn't you ask for a hug?" At that point in time John Simpson (one of the first-time handlers) managed to capture a photo that was shared by the FISD and the 501^st Legion on their Facebook pages.
 
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia survivor Olivia (yellow shirt on the left) and friends pause during the CureSearch Walk for a quick TK Hug.
 
You never know what is going to happen when you put on your armor and go out into the public eye, but I'm willing to bet that for every photo you've seen of a Trooper interacting with a child, there is a story very similar to this one to be shared.  Always be ready for a significant emotional event to happen for you when you attend a charity based event Troopers.  


With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Tim Waychoff
TK-51878 (Dark CMF)
FISD Ambassador

 

 

While perusing the FISD forums some of you more observant readers may have noticed a “Temporary Forum†that is visible, but inaccessible in the Weapons Locker section.  That thread will become accessible to you soon.  What it contains is a reference file which is the result of a global collaboration by several FISD members to compile a Reference thread for use by all prospective ANH E-11 builders.  Keep your eyes open for it as it will go live in the very near future, and the FISD E-11 Reference Team hopes that it fulfills your blaster building needs.

 

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Tim Waychoff
TK-51878 (Dark CMF)
FISD Ambassador

This month the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate:

Expert Infantry Badge Award:
 

 

Markus Warda "Captain_Wordo" TK-28873

Mathias Müller "Clint666" TK-27577

Todd Murray "devilmaan" TK-92912

Oscar Suarez "0skar" TK-60571

Tomas Martin "jariche" TK-61164

Andres Gonzalez "anderche" TK-50541

Todd Weishaar "iceman25c" TK-22237

Lucho Quiroz Saravia "Luchoimperial" TK-10953

Tim Magoolaghan "JoblessPunk" TK-31689

Christopher Hills "Chills" TK-51114

Kyle Fisher "Zarlon" TK-26113

Russell Rucker "russellr2d2" TK-20017

Stephane Verreault "Somatophylax" TK-15359

 

Centurion Award:

 

Danny Steinberg "MechaPumpkin" TK-66668

Joseph Pedigo "justjoseph63" TK-10963

Ben Rigas "bearings" TK-65535

Rid Irnaldi "riddeth" TK-14014

Markus Warda "Captain_Wordo" TK-28873

Kyle Morrow "Stormy1992" TK-33092

Todd Weishaar "iceman25c" TK-22237

Alex "Spycee" TK-42178

Christopher Hills "Chills" TK-51114

 

Stand tall and be proud of what you have achieved troopers. You will now be deployed into the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Advanced Tactics Roster. Make us proud troopers!

The FISD is always looking for new applicants for our Advanced Tactics program so please do not hesitate to apply if you meet the standards! Our Deployment Officer and armorers are here to help and guide you through to success!

Feel like your armor is up to standards and worth of recognition? Apply for the Expert Infantry Badge Program now!

Want to go the extra mile, raise the standards of Stormtrooper armor, and be the envy of your peers? Apply for the Centurion Program now!

Note: Applicants need to be EIB approved before applying for Centurion.

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Evan Loh
TK-24127 "evan_loh"
FISD Public Relations Officer

Don't Forget We're on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor
If you're on FB, stop by and say hi, ask questions, and share stories!

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st
follow FISD on Twitter!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/501stfisd

With Unquestioned Loyalty,

 

Evan Loh
TK-24127 "evan_loh"
FISD Public Relations Officer

On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department,

<End Transmission>

[Pickles[TK]]

Awesome newsletter all!

 

Tim - I seemed to have got something in my eye when reading your memoirs. 

[MinionTK[TK]]

What an great newsletter. Defiantly looking forward to being a part of FanExpo and the Stormtroopers march. Great troop story Tim, can't wait to have one of those moments myself. Well done everyone!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Congratulations to all of the Advanced Tactics Awardees! Thank you for representing the Detachment so honorably and well!

 

Excellent work, team!

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Nice work troops

[LoveMonkey[501st]]

This is fantastic.  Thank you!

[Sly11[Admin]]

These things just keep getting better and better. Fantastic work by all that are involved in brining us these newsletters. Great read.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Chills[TK]]

Wonderful newsletter. I especially liked the interview with Mr. Muir

 

Thanks for all the work that goes into these posts.

[Tolo[TK]]

Nice work team. Great newsletter!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[Somatophylax[501st]]

Woo hoo! 

[Zarlon[TK]]

Another great newsletter! You guys do and awesome job and I look forward to each new issue!

[DroidHunter]

Excellent work all! Another great newsletter.

[StriderX[501st]]

Great Interview with Brian Muir - keep up the good work!

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Just a friendly reminder:  Any of you who is an approved TK can feel free to submit a Memoir for future newsletters!  

[EJGreen]

Awesome, Newsletter!  Buckets off to Tim for writing such an incredible memoir!  It solidifies most of the reasons why we all do what we do here!

[Jackburton]

Merci Beaucoup / Thank you very much  great newsletter

Edited July 23, 2015 by Jackburton

[Bulldog44[TK]]

Thanks for an amazing newsletter. Great work on this edition!

[riddeth]

love the Brian Muir interview...great job guys 

[Spycee[TK]]

Great issue, thanks !

[Darth Havoc[TK]]

Great issue !!! Amazing job Tim !!!

[VulpX[TK]]

Great read! Looking forward to the reference library! 

[Darth Aloha[Admin]]

Wow all. The newsletter keeps getting better and better this year. Thank you one and all for all your hard work. 

These newsletters take up a great deal of their personal time. Please be sure to thank your local PR and IPM team members. 

 

-Eric

[gazmosis[501st]]

Thanks to everyone involved not only in the making of the newsletter, but to those making the news!

[Barcode]

Awesome!

[PGHtrooper21]

Great Read!!! Enjoyed the Brian Muir article. At first I thought the TK on the left  for the Cancer walk was George Lucas.

 

Andy