PRODUCTION THE ACOLYTE
elements,” continues Teague. “With the forest set in episode 4 – there is a massive painted backdrop behind most of that set.” Because Star Wars is a world entirely its own, “there are elements you won’t be able to recreate on-set,” admits Teague. “We found a way to work with visual effects which was mutually beneficial,” he adds. “Whenever we came up with a problem to solve, our first approach was: how can we do this in camera? If we can’t, how can we do most of it in camera, then have visual effects help us out with the rest?” WE FOUND A WAY TO WORK WITH visual effects WHICH WAS mutually beneficial ”
ACTION-PACKED Unlike most Star Wars films and spin- offs, The Acolyte doesn’t include a major war, with the action mostly contained in one-to-one fight sequences. “We looked at martial arts films such as Come Drink with Me and Lady Snowblood ,” Teague reveals, also citing Kill Bill and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as key influences. “The camera moved with a sense of
intention; it didn’t move any more than it needed to. This tied in nicely with the classic aesthetic we were after.” Chris Cowan served as the series’ action designer, but also doubled as an additional camera operator, filming certain segments himself. “As we worked well in our planning, his moves would cut seamlessly with many of the moves we were doing in our unit,” shares Teague. “There was a real harmony in that.” Akin to the original trilogy, The Acolyte follows a more leisurely tempo. “It’s not just non-stop fighting,” claims Teague. “There’s a musical rhythm where there’s a slow build and then a burst of action. Things settle for a moment, then there’s another burst of action. It’s what draws you and keeps you engaged.” the world, Teague feels ‘fortunate’ to have contributed to such a ‘massive piece of IP’. “I believe the show reflects an exceptional collaboration between all departments,” he beams. “That is something you can’t take for granted on any show; you have various people coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It’s incredible that on a show of this scale, everyone gelled beautifully and there was a consistency of vision.” Star Wars: The Acolyte is now streaming on Disney+ A SERIES OF SCALE Now that The Acolyte is out in
USE THE SOURCE Teague (top right) honoured the original films while adding a fresh visual slant
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