Wondering who Kathleen Kennedy is? She may not be in front of the camera of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a movie that is expected to be the highest grossing film of all time but she is just as important. Kathleen Kennedy is not only the Producer of iconic movies like E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Gremlins, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit but she is also the President of Lucasfilms. Her career arc is so interesting and provides inspiration for those who start from a humble place and then end up running a movie studio. She actually started as Stephen Spielberg’s secretary, this after she attended Film School. It has to be said that Stephen Spielberg obviously recognizes talent when he sees it. During the interview, she provided some great insights in to the making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Photo Credit: Louise Manning Bishop
Importance of Casting A Female Lead
Much has been written about the diversity of the lead actors in the film and for women who grew up with Star Wars and are now parents, this has struck a chord with them. It was extremely important to hear Ms. Kennedy comment on the decision to cast a female lead and was it early or later the process of the development of the movie. “No, it was right from the beginning. It’s something that J.J. (J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens director) and I started talking about it day one. It was really important to us. We both have daughters, so, very important.” I loved that she called Daisy Ridley who plays Rey, the lead character “this generation’s Luke Skywalker.”
George Lucas’ Involvement With the Making of the Movie
Ms. Kennedy discussed how she met with George Lucas early in the process. “You know, so there’s a lot to absorb here, George.” Wondering if George Lucas had a written playbook of “Star Wars'” history. Lucas told her no, it was all in his head which led to a lot of discussion at the beginning. From there, a brain trust was created with people (including I.L.M, production design) within Lucasfilm who had worked with George on the earlier films. She indicated that they really needed to get as much information from George (or should I say George’s head) before he retired.
On Choosing J.J. Abrams as The Director
For Ms. Kennedy, J.J. was so much like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas in that they all have that understanding of being able to entertain and tell a story. “…he’s (J.J. Abrams) always connected to the audience, whether they’re seven or 700. He just has that unique ability.”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens..L to R: Director/Producer/Screenwriter J.J. Abrams and Producer Kathleen Kennedy..Ph: David James..? 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.
“And I remember all the years I worked with Steven (Spielberg), he used to always say that that kind of energy in the creative process gets translated to the screen. And I think that’s very much what J.J. does as well.”
A CEO Gets Involved In the Moving Making Process
It’s pretty rare that the CEO of an entertainment company gets involved in the making of the movie but Walt Disney Co. chairman and CEO Bob Iger was super involved and he is usually not. I can imagine that if you buy Lucasfilms and the Star Wars franchise for billions you are heavily invested in the first movie made without it’s creator.
Kennedy explained that “he’s (Walt Disney Co. chairman and CEO Bob Iger) really involved which he is usually not.” Because she was in London working on the film, she noted that around 2:30pm, L.A. is just waking up and her day would start over again. And her phone would ring and often times it was Bob (Iger.) “He’d look at dailies. He just wanted to check in. They (CEOs) see bits and pieces because they sit at 30,000 feet most of the time and I think it has been really wonderful experience for him. And for us by the way. He’s had lots of contributions that have been great.”
Her Star Wars Memories
“I was actually in film school when I saw Star Wars for the first time. So as you can imagine, it was just jaw-dropping, mind-blowing. Everybody in film school was talking about it. You realize that there was so much possible beyond anything you could imagine once we all saw that movie. It was sort of perfectly timed.”
Photo Credit: Louise Manning Bishop
Meeting Kathleen Kennedy was an honor. For someone at her level who has worked with some of the biggest directors and actors on this planet and has shepherded what I know is going to be an amazing addition to the most storied franchise in movie history, I was so impressed with her grace under pressure (we interviewed her on the same day as the Star Wars Global Press Event so we were one of many interviews that day) and candor. This interview just offered those behind the scenes tidbits that I love. Just an mind-blowing and inspirational experience. I will definitely be talking about this interview for years to come especially when the movie opens this week.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event Coverage
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STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the Star Wars: The Force Awakens and ABC TV Event were covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
