Actor Mark Hamill spoke to students at Cal State Long Beach on Thursday evening about his experience in the film industry and the challenges one encounters.
“You might have your own plans,” Hamill said. “But there are twists and turns along the road.”
Hamill used his graphic novel, “The Black Pearl,” as an example of how projects can change directions. Written with screenwriter Eric Johnson, this story of a masked vigilante in a realistic world was originally written as a script. Hamill planned to direct the film in order to keep his creativity in the piece. As Rehme Productions considered the script, an agreement was not met where Hamill could direct the film.
Dark Horse Comics later picked up the comic strips Hamill and Johnson made. The strip was intended to illustrate how Hamill wanted the film to be. They released a five-part series that was gathered together into a graphic novel. Ten years after the completion of the script, Hamill still has the ambition to make “The Black Pearl” into a film he can direct.
Hamill also talked about his off-camera work. He has done work as a producer for “Watchers Reborn” and director for “Comic Book: The Movie,” as well voice acting for many animated series, such as Joker in the Batman television series. He was happy to talk about his experience with character voice-overs.
“What I like the most is the liberation of not being self-conscious of how I look,” Hamill said. “It’s like telling a story in the dark. You get to create your own atmosphere.”
Afterward, students asked questions relating to the film industry. Some questions asked were regarding how much knowledge one needs to know about the business. Hamill noted that he lacked knowledge of the industry but emphasized the importance of doing different things that will teach you.
“Get all the knowledge you can and do things that are good to put on a resume,” Hamill advise. “Learn everything you can.”
Concerns were also discussed about how pressure from film productions can lead to directors creating a film that appeals to the company. For the sake of “selling out,” Hamill said people have a better chance to call the shots once they have made a reputation among executives.
“Get the money and get the credit,” Hamill said. “When the next thing you have to offer is up, you get more power in deciding how to direct it.”
The event brought in a huge group of students, the majority being film majors, with some students sitting on the floor. Others were left outside the door, attentively trying to listen to Hamill. CSULB alumni John E. Walker heard about the event, as he helps students in the department. Walker said that prior to the event, he was not sure what to expect from the “Star Wars” actor.
“Before coming here, I went to check on his background,” Walker said. “I was surprised to see he’s done some voiceover in his career.”
Anne Ward, a senior film major, said the event was very pleasing and insightful.
“I thought it was very informative,” Ward said. “It was also fun to hear some of the inside stories he told.”
Senior creative writing major Kyle Clark said his reason for coming was not as much for his acting career but for Hamill’s off-camera work.
“I’m a big fan of animation,” Clark said. “I’m glad to have heard about his story in transitioning to voiceover.”
Other students came for the sheer excitement to see Hamill up-close. Third-year music major Erika Olsen found the event very enjoyable.
“I wanted to be in [Hamill’s] presence,” said Olsen. “The event was very entertaining for me.”
Hamill emphasized that students should take on different aspects that are teachable.
“Don’t look down on something. Do everything,” Hamill said. “Everything is experience, take everything.”
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