Millennium Falcon's hyperdrive malfunction SFX demonstrated by Sound Designer Ben Burtt

From lightsabers, to Chewbacca's growl, or Stormtroopers blasters missing their targets, the Star Wars saga is full of countless iconic and instantly recognizable sound effects. Many of these effects were created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who’s classic footage of creating the sound of the Millennium Falcon malfunctioning just went viral. It’s a great reminder of how important Sound Design is in the process of telling a great story.

How Star Wars Was Saved in the Edit Suite

Here's a fantastic video essay exploring how Star Wars' editors recut and rearranged Star Wars: A New Hope to create the cinematic classic it became.

Extras

Think of all the people you see in the background at the diner in Seinfeld, Cheers, or even the Stormtroopers in Star Wars.

They say nothing, or pantomime gibberish to each other to make it look like they’re having a conversation.

Famous Extra Fact: James Michael Tyler was a ‘background’ actor in NBC‘s Friend’s café, Central Perk, when one day in the second season he was given a line, and suddenly he was the character Gunther on the show... for ten seasons!

The Assistant Director usually corrals and directs the background actors.

If you're interested in becoming an extra, there are many websites (try this one!) and resources out there. Remember that this is a profession, and the days can often be long, and in the elements. It's not for tourists. And also note that asking for autographs is extremely unprofessional and might get you tossed off the set.