ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: CHESS-MANIPULATORS

With the films effects post production period gearing up for completion in early 1977, animators/effects artists Jon Berg and Phil Tippett, last minute hired helps on the original STAR WARS, work hard in a small alcove corner of the original ILM facility in Van Nuys to complete the famous creature holo-chess sequence between Chewbacca and the droids on the Millennium Falcon-a classic scene from the original movie handled via the legendary process known as Stop Motion Animation, pioneered and enjoyed by the likes of effects legends like Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen.

The completed sequence wold be loved by generations of STAR WARS fans for years to come, lead Tippett and Jon Berg to further work on the Classic Trilogy and beyond, and inspire a loving tribute scene in THE CLONE WARS Season Three episode Assassin.

Thanks to Chris Baker for the above image.