The Ranch

Melissa asked me about my visits to George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch in Northern California. Always happy to oblige.

About a dozen years ago I was project manager of a 3rd-party Star Wars game, and we made a few trips to the Ranch to discuss the project, show sketches and peruse their resources. I'm probably not supposed to talk about it, but what the heck. I crossed my fingers during the Oath of Secrecy.

The location of the Ranch was once a closely guarded secret, but I saw it casually discussed on a TV show last week. Nothing is secret that will not become known. Skywalker Ranch is a large compound in a lush canyon, nestled against foothills north of San Rafael. It has its own fire department. The sister of one of my co-workers was a member of the fire department.

All you can see from the road is the gate, which has the address and nothing more. Like a Hollywood mansion in the movies, one must use the intercom to gain admittance, and then stop at a guard shack once past the gate.

The Main House is a beautiful Victorian home with etched glass and redwood construction. Just inside the foyer is a wood and glass curio cabinet with mementos from their big movies. I saw an Indiana Jones hat and bullwhip, a light saber and C3PO's hand, among the other relics. What I wouldn't give to have any one of those!

To the left of the foyer is a library featuring a large wooden conference table. It feels as if you have been transported in space and time to an Adventurers Club. One can imagine a group of explorers sitting around the table, poring over maps and planning their next exploit. Or, in our case, lawyers and executives. At the touch of a button, a large wooden panel slid silently across the opening from the foyer, sealing the room. I half expected to hear the whir and thump sounds of a Star Trek turbo lift door.

During our tour we were shown the private theater in the building, which I understand is suspended to improve the acoustic properties. Skywalker Sound was also based there.

A short walk from the main building is a large warehouse with rows of racks like a Costco, with toys and props where you would find sacks of rice and cases of cereal boxes. We plundered the shelves like children, bringing back to our office various Star Wars toys, art books and little Yodas. Sadly, we had to return them at the end of the project.

We never got to meet George. I've seen him several times at the local mall, however, just sitting there eating lunch in the food court. I had the strongest urge to introduce myself, talk to him about the later Star Wars movies, and ask him, "What in the name of all that is holy were you thinking???"

But I never did.


Posted by Dave    Blog Tag: Chatter