As the Star Wars saga encompasses many distant and exotic worlds, production of the films spans our little planet as well. Taking advantage of opposite time zones, this international venture is a 24-hour operation, with very little downtime between activity in California and Australia.

Director George Lucas finalizes the script and develops the look of Episode III with his team at Skywalker Ranch. Meanwhile, Producer Rick McCallum leads his crew at Fox Studios in Sydney in preparation for Lucas' arrival and the start of principal photography. The latest in telecommunications link the two teams working in tandem, putting all the pieces in place for the last chapter of the Star Wars saga.

This is a look at the weeks leading up to the start of shooting in the spring and summer of 2003, as sets, makeup, costumes, stunts and more are readied for Episode III.

Video, audio and stills of the "Making Episode III" documentary series are copyright © 2004 Lucasfilm Ltd. and may not be reproduced or reposted in any form or medium.