Doug Chiang: The Evolution of Star Wars Design - Designing Episode I Live Panel at SWCC 2019

Episode I Design Director - and Lucasfilm's VP and Executive Creative Director for Star Wars - Doug Chiang is joining the 20th anniversary celebration of The Phantom Menace with an in-depth look at the film's conceptual designs. Doug will showcase rare artwork with insights into his creative process and share memories of working alongside director George Lucas.

[@Maddow01]

"Prequels are only CG, that sucks nananananana" ahah MR CHIANG HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THAT : 1 hour of proof that prequels are geniusly built, with love and talent. This guy is my hero. Thank you for everything

The Mamadou Word. “The prequels are all CG gnananana” is one of the most misguided, lame canards about the movies out there.

[@AzayBae]

To be fair even the CGI in the prequels is amazing. If you ask me Grievous could be thrown in a MCU movie with a tad more detail in bis textures and he’d fit right in. The way the battle droids, arena creature and even the Jedi when they are CG animated look great almost two decades later.

[@89kaese]

Give Doug Chiang a Disney +-series on Star Wars Design!

[@FPdesignfab]

Andreas Österberg Yes!!

[@gregbanks5624]

YES, YES, YES....!!!! If it was a Kickstarter I'd say take all my money!!!

[@samba1367]

That would be incredible!

[@mvunit3]

As a Conceptual Designer, who became one because of McQuarrie & Johnston in 1977 seeing their work as a 14 year old - THAT is a great idea! Btw - I have a "Rejection Letter" from Chiang in 1999, as I was too late in submitting my portfolio as they were already fully staffed (for Ep. III I believe). I had talked to him on the phone, and as in the letter, he was a super friendly guy :).

[@MrTony-rx7tk]

YES YES YES

[@Brook11223]

Doug Chiang is so humble and respects Ralph McQuarrie's original concept art and uses that has the blueprint, standard when it comes to creating new concept art in 2D or 3D style. Doug really honor's Ralph's art but also puts his own spin by giving a new look and aesthetic and it has evolved over the years for the Star Wars films.

[@beefknuckles]

Hearing him talk about Ralph the way he did was so respectful and, in a way, heartwarming. I was a big fan of Doug's work before this panel, but now I'm also a fan of him as a person.

[@Khultan]

But he doesn't respect the genuine source material: *George Lucas* You don't seem to understand this and you're not the only one.

[@gokinsmen]

This was one of the best Celebration panels ever -- a master class (and crash course!) in design. Doug Chiang is an amazing artist and great at explaining his craft.

[@DocFlint]

My parents gave me the "Making of Episode 1" book as a present when I was a kid, which shows many of the artworks and set photos Doug Chiang talks about here. Watching this presentation took me back to my childhood. My personal highlight of this years Celebration.

[@80MWH]

One booth had an Art of Episode I book for $5. It was one of the only impulse buys I made, largely due to getting to see and chat with Doug.

[@beefknuckles]

To me, this was the best panel of Celebration so far. This man is a delight to listen to an just so incredibly talented in so many ways. I could listen to this Master talk about this stuff for hours on end. Whether you loved or hated the prequels, I don't think there's a person on earth who can deny that his designs were instantly iconic and perfectly fit into a younger, cleaner corner of the Star Wars galaxy. I picked up his book "Mechanika" immediately after listening to this! Thanks Doug!

[@Hazzard65]

This guy inspired me to become a concept artist 20 years ago

[@xSuperFryx]

This man looks amazing for being 57.

[@uselessunits]

Such an amazing man. The Phantom Menace is so underrated and underappreciated. Look at the amount of practical effects! Look at the amazing CGI effects! Can't wait to see his works in the upcoming The Mandalorian TV series. ^^

[@cunxu2697]

It is underapriciated but I wouldn't say underrated

[@thebendu33]

It's my favorite prequal movie.

[@elisabethlewitzki3394]

I sincerely hope non of you ever become writers if you think TPM is "underrated".

[@eb.1]

I remember seeing Doug appear a lot in the Phantom Menace behind the scenes documentary. I love the design and style in the prequels! Even though some of the CGI has dated - honestly though, the Phantom Menace has held up really really well - the prequels are still the most visually appealing of the movies.

[@TheMarcelodacruz]

Oh yes man! I love him in all the Prequels DVD. So glad that he is now a VP!

[@zachsquach]

this man deigned so much of my childhood I have always loved the prequel art books and the visual direction of the movies and then the Clone Wars show. Very cool to hear his point of view.

[@blueroninstudios]

One of the best concept artists at Lucasfilm. Second only to Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston, the godfathers of Star Wars design. Nice to know he respects the ones who came beofre and daws inspiration ot only from what they did, but also puts his own original and unique spin on the classic designs. I LOVED the visual look of the prequels, there's so much to see!

[@Daniel-Strain]

Great guy. George's instincts were right on. Now when you watch the movies in order, you get this feel of a romantic glorious time for the Republic, and then it descends into this cold utilitarian and run-down look later on in the original trilogy. Because of the sleek, beautiful, colorful designs early on, you get the visual feel later that something has gone wrong with the galaxy - perfect.

[@commie12akk44]

''They didn't play it safe.'' These are very true words.

[@EricDBruce]

"That’s the great lesson to learn - you don’t have to change things that much to make them fantastic, you just put it into a new context" - Doug Chiang on design (specifically the podracers)

[@oleksiispitsyn7139]

The best panel on the celebration, massive amounts of inspiration and information for aspiring artists

[@joefilmco]

I’ve always loved listening to him talk. Amazing artist and seems like a genuinely nice guy.

[@burntbanana747]

This was A really great panel!

[@uphero5872]

This is so wonderful. B1 Battle Droids are one of my favorite aspects of TPM. I'm glad Doug Chiang got to help in the creation of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.

[@MrDarth0]

Doug Chiang is simply amazing! His panels are always the highlight!

[@Gigaamped]

This is the best panel I've seen so far from Celebration. I'm not a graphic artist but I feel true star wars fans should appreciate this man the most out of everyone in attendance this year. Incredible (unfathomable) work, Doug!

[@goliatart2321]

This man explains everything in a simple way. I could be listening him hours and hours. This is the man

[@Ruleof2Review]

Literally the best panel of the convention. Hearing Doug y’all about his journey and hearing stories of the brilliance of George Lucas gives me all the feels. And it solidifies why star wars without George, while good, can never contain or capture that same magic. Amazing job.

[@lauragenevieve5646]

Another awesome panel! Doug Chiang is so humble and respects the work of others so much. And man, he works so hard. It was so cool to hear about his work in Phantom Menace.

[@theadamfontana]

Excellent! Love Doug Chiang's work, great to hear him talk about it.

[@JediKnight207]

And people complaining about the lack of practical effects in the prequels.

[@lukaschapman9594]

@Michael McGrath Real intellectual perspective you've got there Mike, thanks for sharing

[@mikeT1100]

Episode 1 had a ton. 2 and 3 is where they entered in a toxic relationship with green screen

[@JediKnight207]

The lava scene in Revenge of the Sith used miniatures, including the lava and the background scene use a footage from real filmed volcano.

[@borisfrlic]

This a man who is secure in his work. Hats off to Doug.

[@stewtheman2]

I could listen to Doug Chiang all day. His enthusiasm and love for the universe is captivating.

[@twstf8905]

His unintentional humor makes him exceptionally charming lol I could watch him all day. 👍

[@tobytopaz]

As an artist, I really appreciate listening to his process and history. So thankful Star Wars Celebration gave him the stage to share!!

[@rootieboy]

I met Dough Chiang on a flight to San Francisco last week. He is the nicest and most humble person you'll ever meet.

[@BruceKenobi]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU Star Wars! thank you for uploading this piece as a stand alone video! I love Doug's panels, I attended his 2017 panel about design, and this one is the perfect complement for my Episode I Library, I could hear him talk about design, composition, and shapes for hours on end. Great idea to post the panels as individual videos!!

[@marygoodrich4]

He actually studied Industrial Design at the College for Creative Studies as well, where I now study illustration!

[@owenparris7490]

May the Force be with everyone!

[@AUMOTmusic]

I didn't really "get" the design philosophy of the prequels fully til this video - love the comparison of streamlined steam locomotives to angular diesel locomotives

[@yeahimageek6090]

Wow! What a presentation and panel! Really REALLY inspiring me! Mr Chiang needs his own Disney + series!

[@beardedjb2273]

What really stands out to me (other than this mans immense talent and career!) is how fondly he speaks about George Lucas, even when thinking back to the criticisms. That speaks to me like a really healthy and productive working relationship - which is probably helped make designs that much better!

[@BucketheadStudios]

Lucky enough to see Doug talk at Celebration London 3 years ago!

[@condeuiosandilixtos7858]

It's cute how Doug ended up reinforcing Yoda's final lesson: «The greatest teacher, failure is».

[@dougchiang8127]

An obligation of appreciation is all together for your comments and support,you can send me a private message on WhatsApp[phone])

[@MANIAKRA]

One of the best design videos out there. True master.

[@Dohsoda]

The creative visions behind Episode I is really outstanding. 20 years later, it may be the most visually striking Episode in the entire saga.

[@kaicheng6471]

Love Doug’s design and I use Procreate too!

[@lansvsion9543]

One of the great artist of Lucas Film.

[@tkprtyrhd]

Doug is almost 60 years old! He's looking so good

[@patricknzengu8869]

Great Video ! Thank you Doug Chiang and Star Wars !

[@EricTheKartoonKing]

This man is a genius.

[@Warlord2029]

Been a fan if his since the early days of Mcquarrie! Great concept artist!😁

[@AngelaSealana]

Doug is the man.

[@XJMX]

Such a great guy. Essential viewing.

Doug Chiang rules, man. Great, great panel. Very cool inside look.

[@minervszombies]

Man, this was great! Doug and George are geniuses!

[@j.moon98]

This is so inspiring. Time to go sketching.

[@gridcoregilry666]

Thank you sooooo much for this! I adore this kind of behind the scenes info.

[@eleasarsilvamarins6604]

Such an amazing man! This was a great panel!

[@deadstar44]

I spent my whole high school years drawing Naboo fighters because of Doug Chiang. McQuarrie and Chiang triggered my drawing virus.

[@DAVIJJN]

Ralph McQuarrie is a legend but now will Doug Chiang, both will be remembered for generations.

[@joebrennan230]

You definitely ought to bring Doug back in 2022 and 2025 to talk about the other prequels

[@gridcoregilry666]

Joe Brennan why not each year?

[@doomboogie315]

One of my favorite panels of 2019. Would love a Composer panel, next time.

[@koopanique]

So he is the guy who made the drawings for The Essential Guide to Vehicle and Vessels! I knew his style was familiar. Awesome presentation

[@martindirkzimmer]

Love Doug Chiang!

[@JamieB67]

This man’s impact on Star Wars can not be understated

[@Caracalaba]

In terms of design the prequels are totally up to the level of the originals. The fact that they created something that different with more of a fantasy and classical style yet fitting in the starwars world and with the weight of the originals hanging upon their heads is simply astonishing

[@GhibliNova]

the quality dips are like water torture

[@benjaminwigley4132]

please let tis man direct a series

[@zh7334]

Amazing video!

[@j3kfd9j]

What's with the weird render artifacts(?) in this video? Doug Chaing's a childhood hero of mine, cool to hear from him!

[@laspector]

This is more interesting than the movie itself.

[@JesusGonzalez-me5lh]

Awesome, Just Awesome.

[@MCLegoboy]

I think this was the best panel at Celebration, even better than Clone Wars and Mandalorian. Doug absolutely destroyed at this panel.

[@xKobiee]

So good!

[@quatz1981]

I prefer some of his early drawings of the Battle Droids, never really liked how they turned out. Great panel by the way, very interesting.

[@reedfish99]

The flying elevators that inspired the pod racer engines, were they from the Malaysia airlines advert? That was a cool ad!

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

he got a decade on me and I look 2 decs older at least and feel (physically) 80

[@martenj94]

Absolute hero.

[@mrdrbll]

Really enjoyed this. Is there any other videos similar?

[@thebendu33]

This guy is fascinating

[@Noon_00Nz]

I wanna see episode 2!!!

[@dougchiang8127]

An obligation of appreciation is all together for your comments and support,you can send me a private message on WhatsApp[phone])

[@DarkForcesStudio]

Only George Lucas could make a beautifully built real-life set look like CGI.

[@itsatrap1017]

42:36 That figure on the left looks like HK-47. Just saying it’s coincidental.

[@dapencilshinobi]

40:16 isn’t that the guy in myth busters ? Grant

[@Germania9]

Yo, Doug, you owe us *ROBOTA.*

[@fragwagon]

I love Robota!

[@45krojax]

Doug Chiang should update his website. :)

[@juliendufourd5388]

Where The Clone Wars Season 7 Trailer 2 on Star Wars KZbin ???

[@franciscomenano9900]

The ones he drew by hand are incomparably better

[@punkfunkyeahstudios1718]

Who else went to the panel?

[@jonathanstubbs8158]

Yep.

[@mahdis7393]

🌙🎬

[@SeandeDios]

That's what's really missing from the new trilogy for me. There are no new novel ships and planets like in ep 1-3. It's all rehashed from the OT. Sad.

[@Cutoverfour58]

Like This

[@georgecampbell9638]

Make this guy the president of Lucasfilm! He is currently vice president

[@nicholashughes4342]

Coolness,thanx,be blessed,saved and all in Jesus shalom

[@dougieladd]

Is that Doug Chaing... or the Chinese Steve Jobs??

[@zihhuanlin8389]

台灣之光

[@TomtensKanal]

This was great. much better than the IX panel which was a whole lot of nothing.

[@christopherstein2024]

3:41 Did apple pay for this?^^

[@AzayBae]

I say the B1s in the Naboo field look more realistic and have more style than the outriders in Infinity War. The way the B1s look and move show they were careful to make them seem like real constructs. Modern films lack a visual language imo.

[@dougchiang8127]

An obligation of appreciation is all together for your comments and support,you can send me a private message on WhatsApp[phone])

[@joshmorgod]

I like the more sinister idea behind the droids. I think that would've been cooler.

[@sam2066]

I know his nephew😩

[@thestarkknightreturns]

After watching this video, I suddenly came to the realization that, to this day and age, we still didn't see a Chinese Jedi in live action format. The closest we got was Chirrut Imwe, but even so, how come we never had a lightsaber-wielding character with Chinese features. These guys should be 1st option for at least one character in a Jedi Team from now on. And this comes from a Caucasian male, so I have no stake here.

[@thestarkknightreturns]

@@dougchiang8127 I'm sorry, are you THE Doug Chiang? I highly doubt it.

[@dougchiang8127]

@@thestarkknightreturns why are you doubting, I'm my dear how are you doing and your family?

[@thestarkknightreturns]

@@dougchiang8127 because your channel is too recent. And because your writing doesn't pass as American just enough.

[@lenircotia]

Prequels have no practical effects. NOOOO!!! They have more than the old star wars films!!!

[@sidpirate8570]

Hello Doug Chiang, I have RECENTLY WROTE the STORYBOARD for a STAR WARS MOVIE called Star Wars 10: A Lost Jedi in which I would like to start FILMING. . . I would ALSO like to PLAY the CHARACTER of ↖️SID PIRATE ALSO the EMPEROR of HEAVEN. . . But ALSO the INFAMOUS SPACE ROCK STAR with the STAR MUSICAL and the STAR QUEST MUSICAL. . . I REALLY enjoy your FINE WORK HERE. I would like to USE IT in HEAVEN COUNTRY🏴‍☠️