Interview/meeting with Ian Liston 9.7.2002 Greetings, I wish to announce that Ian Liston (Wes Janson) did arrive and we had an interview/meeting in #Emperor's_Hammer. Attached is the log of the meeting. He did well despite IRC lag and the moderator (who was inexperienced, FA Brad). SO-DIS/FA Brad/CS-9/SSSD Sovereign, MoH/HoI/IC/GOE/GMoF/FoEWx2/BS/PCx6/IMC/ISMx5/MoC-7BoC-5SoC/OV-6E [HUSS], {IWATS-AIM-ASP-CBX-IIC/1/2/3-M/1/2-RT-SM/2-TT-VBS}, SBL(Sith), (BN) [15:04] let's start this--people with questions, /msg me [15:04] * FA_Brad sets mode: +m [15:04] * Anthol has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:04] first of all, Welcome to this Interview with the Emperor's Hammer [15:04] I'm sure that Keiran Idanian would give you a warm welcome (if he could stay) [15:05] do you prefer we call you Mr. Liston or Ian? [15:05] * FA_Brad sets mode: +v HM-Liston [15:05] oops-- you can reply now.. [15:05] It's Ian. It seems he thought I'd been miffed by soemone earler when I made a test connection. Not true. [15:06] Not miffed, that i! [15:06] is [15:06] * Obi-Wan is now known as `007 [15:06] oh ok, I'm sorry about that [15:06] * Krayt has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:06] before we go with questions, I'll mention who we are talking to... [15:06] * Howlader has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:06] * X sets mode: +o Howlader [15:06] Ian played Wes Janson on the Empire Strikes Back [15:07] was the gunner for Wedge Antilies, correct? [15:07] * X sets mode: +o DeathFyre [15:07] and the AT-AT Driver. I shot myself down. [15:07] ok cool [15:07] * TheSylus has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:07] I didn't know that [15:08] It's only come to light since I started getting involved with conventions etc [15:08] ah [15:08] if you're ready we will begin with questions [15:08] ok [15:08] * Dae has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:09] * `007 is now known as Obi-Wan [15:09] * Dae has left #emperor's_hammer [15:09] Darksaber asks: Why did you want to become an Actor? [15:10] * Tron- is now known as AD_Tron [15:10] * Mike^brb is now known as AD_Mike [15:10] I'd worked a lot on the production side of things and done some amateur work and I liked it. It was a challenge as I hadn't ben to Drama School. [15:11] * COLJanson has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:11] Ah.. the namesake arrives [15:11] * Obi-Wan is now known as `Zoidberg [15:11] oh.. when you are done answering a question you may type "fin" [15:11] fin [15:12] * `Messiah` has quit IRC (Read error: EOF from client) [15:12] How did you get involved in Star Wars, mainly when did you first see it or know about it? [15:12] * Kweeky has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:12] * `Zoidberg is now known as Obi-Wan [15:13] I knew about the first film and then I was called to do a day (as the AT AT driver) at Elstree. At the end of the day as I was leaving I was aked if I could play another part (my face hadn't been seen) for a few more days. I was still there nearly 12 weeks later! [15:13] * MarkXWA has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:15] * Wes-Ian has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:15] * HM-Liston has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer) [15:15] argh! [15:15] * Raith has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:16] * FA_Brad sets mode: +v Wes-Ian [15:16] <`Kumba> well, at least he gets to meet everyone's favourite friend on IRC, peer :P [15:16] Poor Bradly. [15:16] welcome back Ian [15:16] * Avenegro has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:16] ta. fin. [15:16] * `Halc has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:16] RogueWing asks: Do you keep up with the adventures of Wes Janson in the new star wars books, and how do you feel about how you are portrayed? [15:17] * `D2 has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:18] Yes, it's great un. I've met Aaron Alston a few times and enjoy his writing. Wes is a character with a lot of fun. Like me in real life, I think! [15:18] * `Halc has left #emperor's_hammer [15:19] * Kweeky is now known as Kweeky|aw [15:19] * Kweeky|aw has left #emperor's_hammer [15:19] * VA|Kano has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:19] * Mal|away has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [15:19] * LC_Sarin has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:20] oops!fin [15:20] heh [15:20] TheSylus asks: Do you think there should be a Starwars movies that follows the lives of Starfighter pilots? [15:20] * `D2 is now known as `D [15:21] Yes most certainly but as I am now 25 years older than I was when we first made the movie I would expect a very high rank - and salary to match!fin [15:21] * Mara^Jade has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:21] * AD_Mike is now known as Mike^brb [15:21] * VarConcer has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:21] * Mike^brb has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer) [15:22] When was the first time you saw Star Wars? [15:23] I saw the first film just before I was asked to work on "Empire" and I was like a small boy who had been given the keys to the toy shop! I was so pleased to be part of it and still am! fin [15:23] `M asks: Which of the two roles in The Empire Strikes Back did you like more? [15:23] * `Malik has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:24] Wes - without a doubt as I was seen as myself and not lurking behind a mask.fin [15:24] * `D has quit IRC (Signed off) [15:24] you only had lines in the role of Wes, correct? [15:24] Yes.fin [15:25] Mike asks: How was it to work under George Lucas? [15:25] * Firefox_ is now known as Firefox [15:26] He was very demanding and wanted to be sure that everything was right. I worked with Irvin Winkler as the Director but George was there most of the time. We shot the scenes at least 3 times until they were happy with the quality of the film because it was all shot against "blue screen".fin [15:26] * `Dave` has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [15:26] * DanBeGone is now known as Malaktos [15:26] Darksaber asks: As an Honorary Member of the Emperor's Hammer would you like to actually have a position and rank in the TieCorps/Dark Jedi Bortherhood/or any other subgroup? [15:28] I am quite happy to talk about the films and the Star Wars universe with any groups as long as they respect the integrity behind the films.fin [15:28] Kronar asks: Do you feel that since you were only a gunner and not a pilot you weren't appreciated enough in the Rebellion? :) [15:29] * `StriAway is now known as `Striker [15:29] Surely in any war anyone from the humblest private to the most exalted general plays an equally important part?fin [15:30] * X sets mode: +o `Striker [15:30] COLJanson asks: What was it like to work with people like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford? [15:31] * The_Ford has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:31] * FA_Brad changes topic to 'Emperor's Hammer Welcomes Ian Liston (Wes Janson) | If you want to ask Ian a question, /msg FA_Brad' [15:32] I remember Carrie on set more than the others but there was always a great cammaraderie amongst all the actors on the early films. There still is to this day. I have known Kenny Baker for nearly 40 years, long before Star Wars started, and always look forward to seeing him and people like Peter Mayhew, Jeremy Bullock, Julian Glover and many others at conventions and fan meetings all over the world.fin [15:32] * The_Ford is now known as ford-tv [15:33] Malaktos asks: If you had the chance, would you like to go back and be another character in any of the Star Wars films? If so, who, why? If not, why? [15:33] * Gryffon has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:34] * X sets mode: +o Gryffon [15:34] * CPT_Auto is now known as Auto-brb [15:36] * LCM_Ace is now known as Ace^away [15:36] * Snij has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:37] * HM-Liston has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:37] * FA_Brad sets mode: +v HM-Liston [15:37] * AD_Mike has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:37] welcome back again, I apologise for the problems that are occuring [15:37] Back again. Sorry about that. I just wish Wes's part had been bigger and in more films! [15:37] fin. [15:38] What are you working on now? Any more films? or other? [15:38] * Ace^away has quit IRC (Read error: EOF from client) [15:38] * Wes-Ian has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [15:40] * `Horn is now known as `H-[AFK] [15:40] * RogueWing has quit IRC (Signed off) [15:41] * Auto-brb is now known as CPT_Auto [15:41] * Wes-Ian has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:41] * FA_Brad sets mode: +v Wes-Ian [15:41] I'm back...I think! [15:42] all right. [15:42] * CPT_Auto is now known as Auto-XWA [15:42] I don't know what Keiran instructed you to do, but I am using the Undernet: EU, NL, Diemen server. [15:42] did you get this question: What are you working on now? Any more films? or other? [15:43] This is the first time I have ever been in a chat room so bear with me ... ! fin [15:43] It is hardly your problem, there are times when things don't work very well. [15:44] * ZF_[Away] is now known as LC_ZysF [15:44] Other films? Not at the moment. Most of my time is now occupied as a producer in British theatre but I am always open to offers! and still go up for parts when asked by casting directors.fin [15:44] Darksaber asks: Have you done anything for any games for Star Wars? [15:46] No that's been a source of some contention because they have used our images in various games and we have not paid anything. All the actors in all the films received one fee and that was it. We don't get residuals or repeat fees or any extra for merchandising.fin [15:46] * HM-Liston has quit IRC (Broken pipe) [15:46] on a lighter note, Malaktos asks: Do you have any pets? [15:47] * Howlader has quit IRC (Read error: EOF from client) [15:47] Yes, Oscar the pussy cat step forward and take a bow! And we have a pond full of very sexually active goldfish!fin [15:47] * Raith has quit IRC (Signed off) [15:48] hah! [15:48] * WolvAWAY has quit IRC (Signed off) [15:48] most of us have the advantage of beginning to use these chats without answering any questions like this, you are doing well. [15:49] Keep 'em coming, I'll keep talking!fin [15:49] * haste has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:49] ford-tv asks: What are you wearing right now? (he wanted to know if you're wearing pants) :P [15:49] * haste has left #emperor's_hammer [15:50] Tell ford-tv to get a life!fin [15:50] hah, we tell him that also [15:50] COLJanson asks: In terms of the expanded universe (ie - the books), is there anything specific you'd like to see Wes Janson try, or do, or even become? [15:50] * AD_Mike has quit IRC (Signed off) [15:50] * |Frodo has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:52] He's gone very high up the ladder promotion-wise. I just hope that neither Aaron Alston Alston or Michael Stackpole kill him off. If they do it's been a good life and fun to be featured in about 10 books!fin [15:52] Obi-Wan asks: Do you know about Star Wars Galaxies, and if yes - what do you think about it? will he maybe even play it? [15:53] * `Trow has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:53] Ah, Obi-Wan - he of the identity crisis - there are so many games and I like to try all and any when I get a chance.fin [15:54] * Jack|JKII has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [15:54] * `M is now known as Mark-ToD [15:54] * Phennir has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:54] Kronar asks: Are you one of the AT-AT "drivers" in front of General Veers? If yes: to the left or the right? (looking in the front window) [15:56] Yes. Oddly enough after 25 years I really can't remember which one I was! It was so long ago and at that time I never for one second dreamed that 25 years later I would still be talking about it.fin [15:57] if I remember correctly, the only AT-AT where you saw the interior was where General Veers was. [15:57] some of us probably have seen the movie more than you [15:57] :-) [15:57] Would you want to see Star Wars go beyond the six episodes? [15:58] like Episode VII, VIII and IX? [15:58] I hardly think the AT-AT driver is likely to become one of the legendary characters of cinematic history.fin [15:58] * Bear`` has joined #emperor's_hammer [15:59] * Auto-XWA is now known as CPT_Auto [16:00] Beyond VI, yes definitely. The original story arc from day 1 was for nine films and I think it's a mistake not to make the final 3. The stories and the plot exist after all.fin [16:00] * Hizzybsy has quit IRC (Signed off) [16:00] |Frodo asks: what is your favorite Star Wars fighter? [16:00] * AD_Mike has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:01] * Phennir is now known as Phen_away [16:01] * TheSylus is now known as GAOFIF_Sa [16:01] It's hard to beat the machines we flew in the Tierfon Yellow Aces.fin [16:01] * Rakhai has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:01] * GAOFIF_Sa is now known as TheSylus [16:02] * `Trow has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer) [16:03] Who would you like to see appear in future films (episodes VII+) out of Harrison, Mark, or Carrie? [16:04] * Phen_away is now known as Phennir [16:04] * HM-Liston has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:04] Anthol asked that btw. [16:04] * FA_Brad sets mode: +v HM-Liston [16:04] * Wes-Ian has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [16:04] * Loor has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:04] Welcome back.. Did you see the question? [16:05] Best machine was in the Tierfon Yellow Aces! fin [16:05] Who would you like to see appear in future films (episodes VII+) out of Harrison, Mark, or Carrie? [16:05] (Anthol asked that question) [16:05] * COL`somaR has quit IRC (Signed off) [16:05] * haste has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:06] Without a doubt, Carrie. I do think the original Star Wars stars had a lot more going for them.fin [16:06] Who would you like to see appear in future films (episodes VII+) out of Harrison, Mark, or Carrie? [16:06] arghh [16:06] Bear`` asks: When acting, did you actually get a sense that you were immersed in the SW world? Or was it only apparent when you watched the movie after it had been made? [16:06] * Bograt has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:07] * Mara^Jade has quit IRC (Ping timeout) [16:07] * Bograt has left #emperor's_hammer [16:07] * Avenegro is now known as AveAway [16:07] * Mara^Jade has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:07] Only after the movie was made did it really dawn that we were part of something very special. Something almost unrepeatable in movie history.fin [16:09] Kronar asks: What is your oppinion on The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones? [16:09] * `Striker is away -( auto-away after 20 minutes idle )- at 11:07p -( P:On / L:On )- [16:09] * `Striker is now known as `StriAway [16:09] * CM_Drak has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:10] * LC_ZysF is now known as ZF_[Away] [16:10] Tact is called for - I prefer the first three and even if I wasn't in it Empire would be my favourite. If I wasn't an actor - or even in show business - I think Empire is one of the ten greatest films of all time.fin [16:10] Obi-Wan asks: Will you be attending the Star Wars convention in Hamburg at the end of the year? [16:10] * |Frodo has quit IRC (Signed off) [16:11] * AD_XGZ has quit IRC (Signed off) [16:11] * `JK_Rich has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:12] I haven't been invited as yet but I am open to offers - as indeed I am for conventions, etc any place, any time, anywhere.fin [16:12] * Lara_York has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:12] * Bograt has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:13] CM Drak asks: How do you feel about the SW universe and how has it affected you personally? [16:13] * CM_Goad has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:13] * Quickslvr has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:15] I think it is a lot of fun. I think the whole thing is a terrific adventure story which has been very well told. Personally it has given me the opportunity to meet a huge number of people who think the same way and I am very grateful for the travel opportunities I have had. fin [16:15] last question: ford-tv asks: Mr. Liston, being in on so many of the intimate details of the movies as you must be, tell us, which is longer? Mark Hamill's lightsaber or Harrison Ford's blaster? [16:16] It all depends on the weather conditions ... fin [16:16] heh [16:17] thank you for coming... I apologize for the problems you had with connections [16:17] the Emperor's Hammer thanks you for being here, and thanks to people with questions [16:17] * Bear| has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:17] Ian, you may stay in an unmoderated format if you wish. [16:17] * RA_Ekim has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:18] I'll warn you now.. heh [16:18] :-) [16:19] Thanks for a lot of fun. Bst wishes to everyone at Emperor's Hammer. p.s. does this mean I get promoted to Falg rank? [16:19] Flag Rank!! [16:19] * RogueWing has joined #emperor's_hammer [16:19] depends upon what Ronin will say [16:19] let's open the flood gates! [16:20] Let 'em come! [16:20] * FA_Brad changes topic to 'Emperor's Hammer Welcomes Ian Liston (Wes Janson) ' [16:20] * FA_Brad sets mode: -m