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| Irvin Kershner preparing to direct a scene on the Carbon Freezing Chamber set - Summer 1979. |
An accomplished and acclaimed directing choice, with an intelligent if eclectic mix of films and TV movie credentials under his belt, Irvin Kershner, who had known producer Gary Kurtz and especially George Lucas since his film school days (via the latter's original award-winning short film of Electronic Labyrinth: THX-1138 4EB), was an inspired choice to handle the first Star Wars sequel. Lucas knew that Kershner had a great visual style and was also very good at bringing necessary depth and dimensions to his storytelling and characters- factors vital to the success of the upcoming The Empire Strikes Back. Though not having much experience in the realms of visual effects, Lucas would be present in his Executive Producer capacity to help Kershner with the new adventure's heavy- duty ILM camera magic requirements.
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| Kershner with George Lucas on the Rebel base corridor set- Spring 1979. |
Though a big responsibility in the acceptance of such a project (especially as Lucas wanted Empire to launch further sequels), Kershner, having at first turned down the directing offer (worried about the quality of a potentially inferior sequel), but encouraged by his eager son and even more eager agent, would ultimately rise to the challenge, knowing that he would be capably supported by Lucasfilm. After nearly one month of pondering the offer, he'd finally agree to direct,
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