Computing power, ever faster Internet speeds, better compression, and web sites like YouTube are allowing more people to emulate George Lucas and produce and share their own films.  This is truly a great time for individuals interested in making films, creating special effects, and sharing their work.

While in college around 1988 my friends Todd Gaul, Doug Sweeney, David Hawkins, Mark French and myself made our own short action films using models loaded with Estes rocket engines, gunpowder, and analog A-B roll video editing systems.  Sadly, little remains of those videos as the VHS tapes degraded over the years.

Below are some Lucasfilm and Skywalker Ranch related videos I have found on the net:

• Bobby Goes to Skywalker Ranch - No, I don't have delusions of grandeur, but I believe these guys may be poking fun at this site and others who have won trips inside Skywalker Ranch.  Parts of this video are laugh out loud funny!
• Lucasfilm Archives - Actually located on Skywalker Ranch, here's a rare video inside showing some of the models, creatures, and other props from the films
• MadTV spoof of an Interview with George Lucas - Some funny moments here.  Actually friends encouraged George Lucas to start a religion based on Star Wars.  He refused to take this idea seriously.
• Fanboys Trailer - A comedy feature film by the Weinstein Company (think Clerks fame) will cover a group of Star Wars fans (fanboys) who journey across the country to break into Skywalker Ranch and score a copy of Episode I to show their dying friend.  Since this site is dedicated to my deceased best friend, this film hits surprisingly close to home.  Patrick, would have loved this film, however.
• Lucas Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award and is serenaded by William Shatner