Joe Johnston

Biography

Johnston studied at California State University, Long Beach, and the Art Center College of Design. While in college, he answered an advertisement seeking a storyboard artist, which proved to be for George Lucas's Lucasfilm company. He joined the company and was eventually promoted to head storyboard artist, a position that often brought him together with Lucas in the editing room. Johnston later described working for Lucas as the best film school he could have had, having watched Lucas edit the original trilogy. Eventually, Johnston grew disillusioned with his work and decided to leave Lucasfilm, use his earnings to travel the world, and give notice. Lucas, however, had other plans. He told Johnston that he would place him at the front of the applicant pool for his alma mater, the University of Southern California's Film School, pay his tuition, and retain him at half salary. Johnston said he accepted Lucas' proposal without hesitation, doing so in 1984.

During pre-production for Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Johnston designed Boba Fett's distinctive armor and equipment. Working with artist Ralph McQuarrie, he developed the bounty hunter's distinctive appearance, which was actually based on early concepts for Darth Vader.

Johnston on the set of Star Wars: A New Hope being directed by George Lucas.

Works

Filmography

• Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977) (uncredited role as an Imperial gunner, effects illustrator and designer in the miniature and optical effects unit)
• Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (1980) (uncredited role as Shawn Valdez, art director for visual effects)
• Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi (1983) (art director for visual effects)
• Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) (production designer)
• Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985) (production designer)
• Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO — "Coby and the Starhunters" (1985) (co-writer)
• From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga (1985) (interviewed)
• Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO — "The Great Heep" (1986) (design consultant)
• Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004) (interviewed)
• The 100 Greatest Family Films (2005) (interviewed)

Bibliography

• The Adventures of Teebo: A Tale of Magic and Suspense (1984) (writer)
• The Star Wars Sketchbook (writer & illustrator)
• The Empire Strikes Back Sketchbook (writer & illustrator)
• Return of the Jedi Sketchbook (writer & illustrator)