Over the past several decades filmmaker George Lucas has become legendary for his groundbreaking work in beloved films such as the "Star Wars" saga and the "Indiana Jones" trilogy.
Although Lucas was at the helm of these technological masterpieces, there was a crew of equally groundbreaking visionaries working at Skywalker Ranch.
Michael Rubin was one of these visionaries in the early 1980s.
Rubin will be speaking at the FedEx Institute of Technology symposium tonight, along with John Underkoffler and Lawrence Jasud.
After writing the novel "Droidmaker," Rubin has embarked on a tour crisscrossing the country promoting his behind-the-scenes tale of his experiences alongside his contemporaries.
Even though Rubin hasn't worked with Lucasfilms for nearly 20 years, there is still a hint of joy in his voice when he recalls his time working there.
"It was so surreal, next to your friend's desk is Yoda," Rubin said.
Rubin was given a job working with editing equipment at Skywalker Ranch the day after he graduated from college.
"It was like I had died and gone to geeky filmmaker heaven," he said.
While residing in this "geeky" wonderland, Rubin became one of the first people to work with a machine called the Editroid, which cost about $250,000 in the mid-eighties.
"I was the guy," Rubin said. "I really enjoyed showing people the future of technology."
Jim Selman, a public relations employee with Rogers and Cowan, has high praise for the way that Rubin has weaved several different themes into his novel "Droidmaker."
"This book is the first insider's commentary on what has been happening over the years," Selman said. "It will definitely be of interest to movie fans, computer fans and even your friendly neighborhood 'Star Wars' fan."
Rubin still holds Lucas in the highest esteem, saying that so much of the technological advances we now have can be attributed to Lucas.
"Something you're doing on a Macintosh now goes back to 'Star Wars' and things we did at Skywalker Ranch," Rubin said. "It all goes back to Lucas."
Tiffany Brammer, the program manager for the FedEx Institute, expects there to be a good turnout for tonight's panel discussion.
"Each panelist will discuss how they've been involved in technology," she said.
Registration for the event will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the FedEx Institute, with a reception at the same time. The film "Bladerunner" will be shown at 4:30 p.m., with the panel discussion to follow at 7 p.m.
"Droidmaker" will be on sale at the symposium and Rubin will be signing copies as well.
Tomorrow evening at 6 p.m., Rubin will be speaking about his novel and also signing copies at Bookstar on Poplar.
For more information on the novel log on to www.droidmaker.com, and to read Rubin's personal essays about life on a book tour, log on to www.droidtour.blogspot.com
