(Note that until further notice, this section is currently not being updated. Sorry for any inconvenience.)

F/X:The Series
F/X: The Series is based on the two popular theatrical films from Orion Pictures that starred Brian Dennehy and Bryan Brown. The show follows Rollie Tyler, one of the best special effects artists in the movie business, and his best friend, NYPD detective Leo McCarthy. For more information, check http://www.rysher.com/fxseries/. You can download quicktime movies and photos, contact Rysher Entertainment, post to their bulletin board or get information about the show, episodes, and the cast. F/X has just started its Second Season. Check local listings and expect some suprises. This season, Rollie teams up with a new detective. (no spoilers here!)

Star Wars: The Magic of Myth Oct. 31, 1997 - Nov. 1, 1998. On Friday, Oct. 31, 1997, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will open its exhibit, "Star Wars: The Magic of Myth." The exhibition examines the impact of the film "Star Wars" on world culture of the late 20th century and how the George Lucas film trilogy has touched people of all ages through its use of classical mythology.

More than 200 original props, models, costumes, characters, and artwork from the Star Wars trilogy will be on exhibit. The exhibition commemorates the20th anniversary of the Star Wars trilogy. Objects include the characters Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and Jabba the Hutt; production models of a X-Wing, the Millennium Falcon, a TIE Fighter, the AT-AT Walkers, and an Imperial Star Destroyer; and Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, Han Solo's figure frozen in carbonite, Princess Leia's slave girl costume, and a Speeder Bike. Several costumes and props from the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition (1997) are also on view. For more information, go to The Smithsonian Associates Web page or the National Air and Space Museum home page Special thanks to Manuel Alducin and the unofficial ILM home page for bringing this to our attention. Two related events are listed below.

A Smithsonian Tribute to George Lucas and Lucasfilm. On Oct. 29, 1997, George Lucas will make a special appearance when he accepts the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal. Lucas will be joined by a panel of speakers, including ILM senior visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, Lucasfilm sound effects director Ben Burtt, and producer Rick McCallum (Star Wars: Special Edition). Lucas will share some of his insights on the cultural phenomenon known as Star Wars and will discuss the making of the original Star Wars film trilogy with the panel. The program also includes the world premiere screening of Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, the 26-minute documentary video created by the National Air and Space Museum in cooperation with Lucasfilm for the new Star Wars: The Magic of Myth exhibition at NASM. The lecture begins at 3 PM at Lisner Aud., George Washington University, (located at 730 21st St., NW). Ticket rates are: Smithsonian Resident Members $25; Senior Members $22.50; Gen. Admission $35. For more information, go to The Smithsonian Associates Web page

The Star Wars Trilogy: The Mythic Journey, the Cultural Artifact. On Nov. 16, 1997, Mary Henderson, curator of the National Air and Space Museum exhibition, Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, will examine the classic mythic patterns, cultural influences, and historical and religious references underlying the universal appeal of this modern classic. Illustrations include video clips and some never-before-published photographs from the behind-the-scenes creation of the Star Wars Trilogy. This all-day Seminar will be held on Sun., Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket rates are: Smithsonian Resident Members $45; Senior Members $40.50; Gen. Admission $60 For more information, go to The Smithsonian Associates website

"Special Effects: Anything Can Happen"
The Special Effects IMAX show is currently running in IMAX theatres around the world.The show was directed by acclaimed sound designer Ben Burtt and discusses Lucasarts and ILM and covers the following movies: Star Wars: Special Edition, Jumanji, Independence Day and Disney's Kazaam (Shaq's movie) I have stopped updating the list of IMAX theatres that are showing this movie, since Nova is maintaining this list at its site. Check http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/nova/specialfx/sfxhome.html for complete information and theatre listings. You can even buy merchandise!