Life Lessons: How Oscar Award Winning Producer Charles B Wessler got started

Q: QUESTION
A: 

Q: How did you initially get involved with the Star Wars franchise, particularly with Empire Strikes Back?
A: When Star Wars came out, it was a revolution. I was 24 at the time, and Carrie kept saying it was gonna be humiliating with a thing called a wookie, and R2-D2, and your are flying through space in your underwear. She made it sound pretty horrible, but after seeing it, I was blown away. I knew I wanted to work on the next one. I started writing letters to the producer, Gary Kurtz, but initially got no response. I didn't want to mention Carrie's name as I didn't want to take advantage - which I should have. Finally I got a letter back, and I was told they can't hire me because I wasn't a British citizen, nor do they fly PA's over seas.

Q: What was the turning point that got you a role in Empire Strikes Back?
A: About six weeks before production started, Carrie Fisher unexpectedly told me I had a job on the film. I was confused wondering how that was possible (she didn't know I had written Gary) I was flown over on the concord, which I thought was strange but figured it was because I was Carrie's friend. Turns out, though, it was as her companion, not in production. I was furious as I had left another movie as a PA, which was a big deal so I yelled at her and told her I needed to leave immediately. She convinced me to stay for a few days since I was already there.

Q: How did you end up contributing to the film despite the initial setback?
A: Determined to make the most of the situation, I volunteered my help around the studio. Eventually, I found myself assisting Stuart Freeborn, who was creating a peculiar metal creature with moving eyes and a small mouth. That turned out to be Yoda.

Q: What was your experience like working on Empire Strikes Back?
A: It was initially unpaid, but incredibly rewarding. I took on various tasks, impressed the team, and eventually Gary Kurtz offered me a position as a Production Assistant, which I gladly accepted and worked on the movie for 6 months.

Q: How did this opportunity shape your career moving forward?
A: Working on Empire Strikes Back was an incredible opportunity, and I had the time of my life. When the movie ended I worked at the Allan Lad Junior company for about a year, then they invited me back to work on Jedi. It was an incredible experience, and he whole time you keep learning things.