Do you regard yourself as a Star Wars nut? Do you think your knowledge and devotion to George Lucas’ series is beyond compare? Now ask yourself; would you buy a drone and fly it over Pinewood Studios just to get a glimpse of Star Wars Episode VII being filmed? If you said no, then you’re not even close to be on the top echelon of Jedi connoisseurs. If you said yes, I’m not sure whether to be impressed or ashamed of your antics. I think I'm a bit of both.
Drones that have been hovering over parts of the English studio have now been blamed for the many leaks regarding the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. Earlier this month, one of these vehicles was able to spot rebel pilots and crew running around the base, and the individual who recorded the footage, who is known as YouTube user, 3dlp, then speculated that they were either "rushing to evacuate the base" from possibly an "imminent attack," or "rushing to get their ships launched to go and assist in a battle somewhere."
Despite the fact that these glimpses are hardly compelling/conclusive spoilers, LucasFilm will be furious that they’re out there because they were already fully aware of that drones could hover over and record their shoot. Back in June they even ordered a DroneShield to try and tackle the issue. Motherboard recently got a hold of an order form that confirms Pinewood purchased the device, which can supposedly "provide advanced warning of helicopters and drones" and is "commonly used by paparazzi and media."
Unfortunately for Pinewood they never actually got their hands on the product, as their application to export the DroneShield was denied by The State Department - who, as you can imagine, keep pretty close tabs on these sorts of purchases. Since May, Pinewood have applied several more times for the DroneShield to be sent to them, but it’s still yet to arrive after four months of waiting. Want to know what you can actually see courtesy of the drones? Then check out the YouTube footage below:
Looks as though LucasFilm and Pinewood genuinely do have a "Star Wars" on their hands now. Get it? Because the drones are flying in the air. And Star Wars is set in space. I’m sorry.
SEE ALSO: New 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Set Photos Tease The Millennium Falcon