A CONVERSATION WITH OSCAR-WINNING PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROGER CHRISTIAN

In this special bumper-length episode of the Silver Screen Podcast, we’re joined by the legendary Oscar-winning production designer, Roger Christian, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic visuals in cinematic history. Prepare to journey back to the origins of the Star Wars and Alien franchises as Roger opens up about his groundbreaking work on these sci-fi classics. From designing and building the very first lightsaber to crafting the gritty, "used-universe" aesthetic that has become a hallmark of Star Wars, Roger shares behind-the-scenes stories that will thrill any fan. Listen in as he recounts the challenges of bringing the Millennium Falcon to life, creating futuristic blasters from unlikely materials, and working alongside visionaries like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and HR Giger. He also reveals the untold story of building a set for Sigourney Weaver’s screen test, defying studio executives to bring his vision for the Nostromo cryo chambers to the screen, and so much more. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Roger reflects on his early life, the spark that ignited his passion for film, and his formative years working on various UK-based productions. He also shares his experience as one of the few who believed in Star Wars from the very beginning. As if that weren’t enough, Roger dives into the making of his almost mythic short film, the fantasy adventure that tantalized audiences before The Empire Strikes Back. And for all the aspiring filmmakers out there, he offers words of wisdom that are sure to inspire. Tune in for an episode that’s as epic as the films Roger helped create. Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or simply curious about the magic of movie-making, this conversation is not to be missed!

Watch 'Black Angel', Roger's legendary short film here: https://youtu.be/5L8pHKP-vv4?si=5uVC17kBUJcNHRaw

Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479

Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Hosted and written by Michael Wilson & DK.

Edited by Michael Wilson.

Produced by Mike Wilson.

"McVities chocolate biscuits. The UK film industry runs on them."

D.K's Cult Classics Episode 30 - "There can be only one!"

Cult Classics brings its 2024 season to a close with a fantasy epic from the eighties. DK is joined by returnees Ian, Angela and Gavin to discuss beheadings, rock music, trenchcoats and accents as they take a deep dive into the original (and only ahem) 'Highlander'. Join them as they battle it out to see just who will win the prize...

Links:

Angela:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rammst3infurimmer

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rammstein4immer

Instagram: @rammstein4immer

Tumblr: ClockworkAnge

TikTok: @clockworkangela

Ian:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ISknne3D?si=WM8b...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanS.3D

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sknne?utm_sourc...

Find the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV

Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61

Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share

E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com

Cult Classic Opening Music/Closing Credits music by Timeless Journey, for more information, go to: https://soundcloud.com/timelessjourney

Created & Hosted by DK.

Written by DK.

Edited by Nick.

Produced by Mike Wilson.

"It's good to see you again. It seems like a hundred years."

EPISODE 100 - "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope."

For the big 100th episode of the Silver Screen Podcast, Mike and D.K. are going all-out with one of the most legendary cinematic icons of all time. We had to pick a big movie to celebrate this milestone. Something that fits all three of our Silver Screen shows. A cinematic and cult classic, which also has massive mainstream popularity. Some may call it "Episode 4", or "A New Hope", but to us it will always be simply "Star Wars". Join us as we dive into the magic of George Lucas’ epic space opera with a star-studded crew of contributors chiming in on everything from the Force to the Falcon. Plus, we’re thrilled to feature an exclusive chat with production design legend Roger Christian—the visionary who created the first lightsaber, the Millennium Falcon cockpit, and more.

This episode also serves as Cult Classics Episode 29, and Cinema Classics Number 11.

Help support the podcast and show your appreciation by "tipping" or "buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mikespodcasts

Music by Kenny Denton & Nostromo

Links -

- Purchase Kenny's book 'There Ain't No Rules in Rock 'n' Roll': https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D3D5VMPR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_G03GT90NW14THF2Y517G&language=en-GB

- Kenny's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/denton115/videos?app=desktop

- https://kennydenton.com/

Mark from Fantha Tracks:

- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FanthaTracksTV

- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/fanthatracks

Ashly from The Mandalorian & Star Wars Universe:

- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2522150834559755

- Habitual Cinema Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@HabitualCinema

Paul Kane.

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.kane.376

- IG: @paul.kane.376

- Mastodon: @paulkane@mastodon.

- Bluesky: paulkane.bsky.social

R.W. Martin.

- IMDB Page: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm2780605

- R.W.'s book: https://a.co/d/7h28hxV

Michael Whaley.

- Tik Tok: @alwaysmichaelwhaley

- Instagram: @alwaysmichaelwhaley

- Website: Turnaphrasefilms.com

- https://linktr.ee/mikespods

"The Force will be with you, always."