20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: The Force Awakens

17. Paparazzi Flew Drones Over The Set

Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Finn Rey.jpg
Disney

With The Force Awakens being the first live-action Star Wars movie in a decade, practically the entire world was intensely following its production, ensuring that J.J. Abrams and company faced an uphill struggle keeping leaks and spy photos off the web.

Though paparazzi had a tough time getting physically close to the set to snap images, both they and overzealous fans got creative by flying drones over the film's sets in order to capture footage of the movie being shot.

The situation was fraught enough that Lucasfilm even inquired about having the set fitted with a "drone shield" - an early detection system for spotting unauthorised drone activity - yet the company's export license couldn't be granted in time.

Lucasfilm was certainly far more prepared for The Last Jedi, though, with the Dubrovnik, Croatia set for Canto Bight being secured with 600 security guards and a fleet of security drones.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.