With the release of Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life, a book written by the late Jonathan Rinzler looking at the career of The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Return of the Jedi producer Howard Kazanjian, we had the opportunity to put some questions to Howard about his incredible journey in film.
FT: Many of your early films saw you as an assistant director or a 1st or 2nd AD, but with Rollercoaster in 1977 onwards you became a producer. What initiated the switch?
HK: I was ready and had an outstanding work record. Universal noticed my work and promoted me up.
FT: You were the Vice President of Production for Lucasfilm from 1977 through to the mid 80’s. What did that role entail, and was it as fascinating and frenetic as we might imagine?
HK: As Vice President of Production, I was involved in every aspect of production working with all divisions of Lucasfilm. I was in charge of all films, working with agents, union representatives, international entities, and cast and crew. My position included meeting or speaking with George Lucas every day. At that time, we were cultivating a new type of movie genre. We were also building Skywalker Ranch.
FT: You served as Executive Producer on Raiders of the Lost Ark, a legendary shoot that restored and cemented Spielberg’s position in the Hollywood hierarchy. What are your abiding memories of that shoot?
HK: Raiders of the Lost Ark was a very enjoyable film to produce and the most fun of all the movies I’ve made. I love period pictures that are a greater challenge to make as you are creating a genre that no longer exists. Work was hard, yet fun for the cast and our incredible team.
FT: How did you convince Harrison Ford, who only had a two film deal, to come back to do Revenge/Return of the Jedi?
HK: Harrison had been frozen in The Empire Strikes Back as production felt he would not return for the third episode. I had worked with Harrison prior to Jedi on Raiders and enjoyed working with him. I asked George Lucas if we could bring him back. George felt he wouldn’t return, but I could ask him. If he did return, we’d unfreeze him in Jedi. I did and he accepted. So, the saga continued.
FT: You came up with the idea of shooting Return of the Jedi under the false name of Blue Harvest. What initiated that idea, and how was it initially received?
HK: We shot More American Graffiti under the title Purple Rain because American Graffiti had been a huge success with a strong following. We wanted secrecy and not to be disturbed during filming. Return of the Jedi was not only shot in London, but in Crescent City, California, and Buttercup Valley, California. Secrecy and privacy was the reason. George and the entire team liked secrecy.
FT: You suggested that the Force ghost of Anakin Skywalker should appear at the end of Return of the Jedi. What prompted that suggestion?
HK: I had mixed feelings about this when I suggested it to George. But when Anakin saves Luke from the Emperors lightning bolts, and dies, Luke forgives his father as does Anakin in the dying scene. You might even call it redemption. George and I thought this was the best way to end the film.
FT: You returned to television in 2016 to Executive Produce Mark Hamill’s Pop Culture Quest. What do you make of the world of fandom, specifically the Star Wars fandom that has thrived in the years between and during trilogies?
HK: I love fandom, I love pop culture. Mark Hamill is super knowledgeable on pop culture and super heroes. Star Wars fandom has thrived years because of story, story, story, and characters like Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill is an incredible icon the world has ever known. Mark deserves every accolade possible for continuing the Luke Skywalker image.
FT: Explain to us your work with Occidental Entertainment and how streaming services are changing Hollywood.
HK: My role with Occidental will be to help with in house productions whether streaming, animation, TV or theatrical productions. Without question, streaming has changed our industry. Every studio and entity is deep into streaming. I personally don’t believe streaming is the demise of theaters. Streaming will be around for a very long time, but is it a fad?
- Hardcover Book
- Rinzler, J. W. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 408 Pages - 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) - Harry N. Abrams (Publisher)
Price incl. tax, excl. shipping. Details correct as at: 2024-06-02
