AHSOKA Archives -

Digital Domain and PRG announce partnership for high-end VFX and virtual production services

Digital Domain, renowned for its iconic visual effects for industry titans, is delighted to introduce a first-of-its-kind co-brand partnership with global leader in entertainment and live event solutions PRG (Production Resource Group). Together, they will provide their extensive network and beyond with an unprecedented all-in-one solution for high-end visual effects, holograms, virtual production, and content creation services.

As the film and television industries embrace innovative storytelling methodologies, this partnership arrives at a pivotal juncture, poised to meet the surging demand for cost-effective sustainable solutions that do not sacrifice quality. Digital Domain and PRG are now able to offer seamless end-to-end service covering ideation to execution, all under one roof.

“Our co-branding partnership has a clear objective: to retain and expand market share, foster innovative trends, and explore pioneering technologies that redefine the art of storytelling,” said Digital Domain president and COO Lala Gavgavian.

“Through our partnership with Digital Domain, virtual production redefines creative boundaries,” said PRG Production Services vice president Jeroen Hallaert. “It empowers brands in cost-conscious markets and studios catering to diverse consumer preferences. This innovation streamlines workflows, reshaping collaboration dynamics and enabling real-time creative refinement, from ‘prep’ to ‘post’.”

This partnership enables clients to shape their vision from inception while also granting access to Digital Domain and PRG’s highly-skilled talent pool, levelling the playing field for smaller teams to participate in ambitious projects. PRG’s Enhanced Environments and simulcam services allow creatives to plan shots and immerse themselves in the virtual world without the need to ever go on location. This fosters a more dynamic and inclusive creative landscape industry-wide.

Digital Domain boasts an impressive portfolio of VFX work, collaborating with industry giants such as Disney/Marvel, Warner Bros./Discovery, Sony Pictures, Universal, Netflix, HBO, Amazon Studios, and many others. Meanwhile, PRG has been instrumental in providing the essential technological and infrastructural support to realise iconic scenes from productions like Ahsoka, Joker, The Mandalorian, Law & Order and more.

‘Ahsoka’ on Disney+ garners 14 million views for first episode

Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company announced that part one of Ahsoka, Master and Apprentice, was the most-watched title on Disney+ this past week.

The debut episode garnered 14 million views, making the series number one globally on the streaming platform. A view is defined as total stream time divided by runtime available.

“Ahsoka has become a fan favourite with people of all ages and it’s wonderful to see her continue to resonate with viewers in her very own headlining series,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “I want to recognise the fantastic work done by our creative team, led by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, the incredible cast led by Rosario Dawson, and our talented crew — and on behalf of the team and all of Lucasfilm, we give our thanks to all the fans who have been with Ahsoka on every step of her journey and to all those who are just learning about her now in Ahsoka on Disney+.”

Set after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: Ahsoka follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Ahsoka stars Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, David Tennant, Lars Mikkelsen and Eman Esfandi. The episodes are directed by Dave Filoni, Steph Green, Peter Ramsey, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Vasant Patel and Rick Famuyiwa. Dave Filoni is the head writer and executive producer along with Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist serves as co-executive producer.

New episodes of Ahsoka arrive every Tuesday at 6 pm PT, on Disney+.

Disney+ celebrates ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ premiere with special access to merchandise and new featurette

Disney+ shared Rebel Crew, an exciting new featurette, to celebrate the launch of Lucasfilm’s newest series Star Wars: Ahsoka, which began streaming recently with the first two episodes, exclusively on Disney+. Joining the celebration, The Walt Disney Company is launching a lineup of early access Ahsoka shopDisney products for US Disney+ subscribers, which are also now available.

Starting 22 August, US-based Disney+ subscribers can purchase select Ahsoka franchise products prior to sales to the general public on 1 September 2023. Apparel, pin trading, and more encompass the early access products, which feature items such as:

Ahsoka Legacy Saber Set
Ahsoka Soft Doll plush
Star Wars Chopper (C1-10P) Interactive Remote Control Astromech Droid toy
Ahsoka fleece and t-shirts
Ahsoka collectibles, including a bust, pin, mug and more.

During this special window, eligible subscribers can visit the shopDisney website or navigate to the Shop tab within the details pages of the series on Disney+ to scan QR codes or click on a link that will take users directly to the merchandise on shopDisney. The Shop tab will be available to Disney+ primary profiles in the US.

Set after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: Ahsoka follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Dave Filoni is the head writer and executive producer along with Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist serves as co-executive producer.

‘Ahsoka’ Trailer reveals former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano gearing up to save the Empire

At Star Wars Celebration in London, Disney+ and Lucasfilm unveiled the thrilling teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Disney+ original series Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson in the title role. Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

In addition to Dawson, Ahsoka stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla.

Ahsoka Tano, follows her debut as the character in season two of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. As a spinoff, Ahsoka is set during the events that follow the film Return of the Jedi.

The teaser trailer reveals that Ahsoka Tano senses a looming threat that could destroy the galaxy. It shows an ancient temple which could be an old Jedi building. The teaser gives a glimpse of the ‘rebel’ characters Sabine Wren and Hera Syndulla.

The fans get to know about another character named Baylan played by Ray Stevenson. The teaser trailer only shows Grand Admiral Thrawn from behind, not revealing who the actor is.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who has also executive produced it alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is the co-executive producer.

Ahsoka will debut exclusively on Disney+ in August 2023.

D23 Expo 2022 unveils exciting slate of Lucasfilm’s animated and live-action series

The D23 Expo continues to excite fans by announcing the upcoming slate of Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and more animated adventures of the Star Wars franchise.

Lucasfilm revealed new looks at several of its next releases, along with premiere dates, never-before-seen images, and more. In a special showcase led by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, fans were treated to sneak peeks at everything from Andor to the Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, with appearances from cast and creators, as well as a few surprises.

Andor

Following a special in-room recap video and chat about the series, Andor star Diego Luna revealed a new trailer for the highly-anticipated show, arriving 21 September on Disney+ with a three-episode premiere.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Clone Force 99 is back. Executive producer Dave Filoni confirmed that the second season of the animated series will arrive on 4 January 2023, with a two-episode premiere on Disney+.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi

Announced at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi is a six-part animated short series coming to Disney+. Dave Filoni confirmed at D23 that the series will arrive 26 October 2022, and debuted its first trailer, featuring looks at young Ahsoka Tano, an early Qui-Gon Jinn tale, and more.

The Mandalorian

Our favorite clan of two will return! The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau, executive producer Dave Filoni, star Pedro Pascal, and more talked about the Disney+ series, premiering a teaser trailer for the long-awaited season three, premiering in 2023.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

In a separate panel, Jamaal Avery Jr. and Emma Berman were announced to voice Kai Brightsar and Nash Durango in the upcoming series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. Kai Brightstar is a Jedi youngling who hopes to grow in the ways of the Force and follow in the footsteps of Master Yoda. Nash Durango is a pilot who befriends Kai and company, joining them on adventures across the galaxy. The animated series, set during the High Republic era, will arrive in 2023.

The studio also unveiled the trailer of a new Disney original documentary featuring Mickey Mouse.

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse will premiere globally on Disney+ on 18 November, Mickey Mouse’s birthday. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Malmberg and produced by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, Meghan Walsh and Chris Shellen.

The documentary was executive produced by Caitrin Rogers, edited by Jake Hostetter, Aaron Wickenden, cinematography by Antonio Cisneros, sound design by Lawrence Everson and music by Daniel Wohl.

The film had its World Premiere at SXSW earlier this year and also screened at the Sun Valley Film Festival and Newport Summer Film Series.