The 16th edition of theStar Wars Celebrationhappened in mid-April, and Collider had a front row seat to the latest announcements made about the galaxy far, far away. From sharing exclusive glimpses of all the action taking place at the convention to conducting interviews on the ground, the team ensured fans who couldn’t make it to Japan were well-informed. Weeks after theStar Warsevent, we are letting you in on our outlet’s behind-the-scenes work, preparing to cover the largest international celebration to date.
As part of our series focusing on the voices behind Collider, we detail the research that went into finding the right partnership to build our media studio, the collaborative effort between Collider and its Valnet sister sites, and the differences betweenourThe Mandalorian and Groguinterviewsin the studio and on the red carpet. In addition, find out how each team member became a fan of the franchise, and why covering the convention felt extra special to them this year.
For Deputy Editor Joe Schmidt, Planning For This Year’s Star Wars Celebration Came With Its Own Set of Challenges
Star Wars Celebration takes place in a different city every other year. This time around, the ultimate fan experience was held in Tokyo and, although Collider has covered previous editions, preparing for an event in Japan was a first. Especially given that the site had never set up a studio for Star Wars Celebration before. Typically, a few members of the team would be on the ground to do red carpet interviews and write up news stories about the announcements being made. This time around, Disney approached Collider,Screen Rant, andCBR— all outlets that arepart of Valnet’s screen portfolio— to build a studio at the convention. Although the site has set up media studios at festivals like SXSW or TIFF, having to organize the logistics based on a space that the team had never been to in-person presented its own set of challenges.
Deputy EditorJoe Schmidtstarted looking into what it would take to make it work and relied on colleaguesKevin Budzynski,Ewgeniya Lyras,Tiffany Loving, andLaura Watsonto come up with a game plan for the busy weekend ahead. “We did a lot of research into what it would take to rent the equipment that we would need and to hire the crew,” he says. With the assistance ofa Tokyo-based production company called Virgin Earth, the team was able to get everything set up the day before the event began. The studio, located at the upper end of the Makuhari Messe Convention Center, was adorned withStar Warsmemorabilia. Many of the items came from Schmidt’s own home collection.
“I’m a hugeStar Warsfan, so I had a second suitcase that I checked in that was full ofStar Warstoys. Kevin also brought a bunch of stuff so we could decorate the studio and make it look authentic.”
Collider Partnered With Its Valnet Sister Sites to Set Up a Studio at the Convention
It isn’t always that Collider has a chance to collaborate with the Valnet sister sites. Typically, each website plans their own studio at conventions and festivals, but having the three outlets work together in the same space came as a bonding opportunity.Maggie Lovitt, Collider’s Deputy News Editor, had a blast getting to work alongside Screen Rant and CBR staff at the Star Wars Celebration.
“We benefit from the fact that there is some great synergy between the teams. Being flexible was also something that we’re all quite good at.”
Lovitt notes that one of the tricky aspects of studio interviews at an event like this is that the schedule will often shift throughout the day. At any moment, actors, directors, orStar Warscreatives could walk in earlier or later than planned. Adaptability is key in a scenario like this, where you often have to work around talent’s availability. Gladly, there weren’t too many switch-ups, and Collider was able to deliver insightful, sit-downconversations with the likes ofSigourney Weaver,Hayden Christensen,Rosario Dawson, and more.
Maggie Lovitt and Steve Weintraub Did Sit-Down Interviews and Red Carpet Coverage
Both Lovitt andSteve Weintraubtook turns interviewing in the studio, and the latter even went on to do some red carpet interviews. Collider’s Editor-in-Chief has done enough red carpet coverage in the past to know that surprises are bound to happen, and that is part of the thrill.
“You never know if there’s going to be someone who shows up that you didn’t know was going to be there in advance, so in the moment, you sometimes have to come up with questions without any prep. It’s just using your knowledge of who the person is. Another thing about a red carpet is that you sometimes only get one question with someone.”
Pedro Pascalwas doing limited pressforThe Mandelorian and Grogu, which meant that multiple news outlets were vying for the chance to speak with him in Japan. Weintraub was limited to two questions for Pascal, but given the red carpet’s unpredictability, he was granted aninterview withJon Favreauthat surpassed eight minutes (which is typically unheard of in this setting). He then spoke with Favreau and Sigourney Weaver in the studio later that day, leading to even more coverage opportunities for the site.
With several back-to-back interviews and a 14+ time difference from the rest of the editorial team, Collider’s Star Wars Celebration coverage depended on an all-hands-on-deck approach. While the videos were being edited on a whim, writers were on call to transcribe and break out news stories. Lovitt credits News EditorSamantha Coleyand Authority EditorTamera Jonesfor content being published in a timely manner.
“I could not do anything without Sam. She is the Riker to my Picard. It’s always fun to use aStar Trekreference when talking about aStar Warsconvention. But you know, she worked her butt off to cover for me being 14 hours ahead, and Tamera, who does our transcripts, worked very hard on getting all of that together for us and making sure we had the processes in place so that if we did have any surprise interviews or anything that needed to be rushed, that we were completely covered.”
Working at the Star Wars Celebration Felt Like a Dream Come True For Collider’s Staff
Looking back at it now, Schmidt, Lovitt, and Weintraub think fondly about their chaotic trip to Tokyo to cover a franchise they are all fans of. Each of them has vivid memories of their first-ever interaction withStar Wars, which informed some of their personal highlights at the convention. Lovitt, who prides herself on makingStar Warsher niche, experienced a full-circle moment at this year’s celebration whenshe hosted a Lucasfilm Publishing panel. The conversation, which was broadcast live from the official Star Wars YouTube channel, had her talking with writers about the saga’s upcoming books. While hosting the panel, she was reminded of her firstStar Warsreading venture.
“I still remember coming out ofThePhantom Menacescreening when I was six and my mom was next door at the bookstore. It was Borders, which is now long gone, and I was like, I need to buy whatever books there are for this movie.”
As for Weintraub, who founded Collider with the intent of it being a hub for fandoms and cinephiles, he creditsGeorge Lucasfor the lasting impact his movies continue to have on people who work in the film industry or write about them for a living. From collectingStar Warstoys when he was younger to now interviewing the creatives that are keeping the franchise’s legacy alive, Weintraub is grateful to have seen his passion for this universe evolve over time.
“Not to go random, butAndoris such an incredible series, and it re-energized my love ofStar Warsin a way that’s been great.”
Lastly, to Schmidt, there is no better feeling than interacting with the cast and crew responsible for furthering a saga that has been part of his entire life. For someone who used to sneak out of bed early in the morning to watch his VHS tape ofReturn of the Jediat the age of four, went to see the prequels in theaters, and got to experienceThe Force Awakenswith his son upon release, traveling to Tokyo forStar Wars Celebrationfelt like a dream.
“This opportunity was a career milestone that will be very hard to top.”
