When the 2016 smash hit Rogue One ended with the entire principle cast being killed one-by-one, it seemed like it the book was pretty definitively closed on these characters, yet two years later Lucasfilm announced that Diego Luna would be returning to the role of Cassian Andor for a prequel series leading up to the events of that film and exploring his life during the early days of the Rebel Alliance. Helmed by Rogue One co-writer and Michael Clayton director Tony Gilroy, the series portrays the Star Wars galaxy from a slightly different perspective—away from mythic spectacle of Jedi Knights and evil emperors, instead focusing on what it takes for ordinary people to survive under the thumb of a fascist regime.
In this Camera Operator video interview, we talk with Andor’s A camera team of operator Chris Bain, 1st AC Sam Barnes, and 2nd AC Adrian Stephens about their time working on this show. From shooting in the Scottish highlands to massive backlot sets made to look like alien towns, Andor contrasts with other Star Wars series by primarily utilizing physical sets rather than Industrial Light & Magic’s StageCraft virtual environments. We discuss what went into shooting at these various sites and how the crew adapted to the needs of each location, as well as the partnership between operator and 1st and 2nd AC.
Set five years prior to Rogue One, Andor follows the man who would one day aid in destroying the Death Star as he is recruited by the fledgling rebellion to fight back against the oppressive might of the Galactic Empire. Created by Tony Gilroy, the series stars Diego Luna alongside Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, and Kyle Soller.
Watch the conversation here on SOC.org
David Daut 