The Time I "Stormed" the Star Wars Set in Caserta at 20

There are moments that define a "before" and an "after" in a director's life. For me, that moment smells like early morning coffee in Caserta and sounds like the crackle of walkie-talkies echoing my name through the halls of a Royal Palace transformed into the Naboo Parliament. The year was 1998. I was 20, hungry to learn, and buzzing with a piece of news that felt like a lightning bolt: George Lucas was in Italy to film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Back then, the internet wasn't what it is today. To figure out my move, I did the only thing I could: I bought every single national newspaper. I studied the articles, searching between the lines for names of producers, managers, or anyone part of the organizational machine. Armed with a name, a line producer I’d spotted in the press, and a train ticket, I arrived in Caserta at dawn. I headed straight for the most prestigious hotel in the city. I felt they were there. With the bold confidence of my twenty-something self, I asked to speak with that producer. Minutes later, I found myself in the breakfast room, surrounded by the massive film crew. It was there that I met an Italian guy on the production team. I asked him, as naturally as I could, if I could shadow the set for a sort of "masterclass." To my absolute amazement, he said yes.

The real thrill came at the gates of the Reggia. As I climbed the monumental staircase, I heard the security guards communicating via radio:

"Let Manuel de Teffé through, let Manuel de Teffé through."

Hearing your own name bouncing across the security network of a Hollywood production is a sensation you never forget. Once inside, the wonder began: watching George Lucas at work. I wasn't there for the glamour; I was there for the technique. I watched how he positioned the lights and how he moved the cameras. It was an absolute revelation in terms of visual strategy and efficiency. During a break, I even crossed paths with the very young lead (Natalie Portman). I felt like a giant next to such a tiny but immense talent, but my focus remained on the craft. I wanted to observe every professional "secret" with my eyes.

After lunch, I had the luck of briefly shaking hands with George Lucas. A quick greeting, a sincere congratulation. What struck me deeply, and what I still carry with me, was his humility. At that time, I was discovering a paradox: while many Italian directors and producers seemed unapproachable, distant, or constantly competitive, the American giants proved to be natural mentors, open to dialogue and ready to inspire the next generation.

That day in Caserta wasn't just a great memory; it was my true film school. Years later, when I founded my production company, Shineout, I applied every single lesson I learned on that set. The ability to manage light like a strategist, the fluid problem-solving, and the speed of execution in the many music videos I’ve directed all stem also from those hours spent observing Lucas. Thank you, George. For the involuntary masterclass and for showing me that, in cinema, greatness goes hand in hand with generosity. 

Manuel de Teffé