Introducing Catherine Winder

When it comes to the Clone Wars, Winder is extremely proud of how the series is progressing from both a production and storytelling standpoint. "The series isn't just an action-oriented series as you're seeing [in the trailer]," she says. "It really is about telling personal 22-minute stories that give you an opportunity to get to know some of the characters in the Star Wars universe better. And that really is the luxury of the time we have doing these episodes.

"We're producing this in a way that is akin to an anthology series," she continues. "We've got the Star Wars backdrop and our main characters who you will get more insights into, but additionally, you'll have episodes where we'll really get to know different characters from the universe. The beauty of this series is that we have the flexibility to tell all different kinds of stories, some that are more narrative and personally focused along with others which are much more action driven. The overall goal and spirit, however, is tonally following the flavor of Episode IV."

The anthology style storytelling of the series will allow each episode to stand on its own, according to Winder, so that one may jump into the series at any given point and quickly get oriented. "You can come into this show and watch part 2 of a 3-parter and still be able to enjoy it as its own standalone episode because we have these opening narrations that orient the viewer and set up the individual stories. For each episode, we open with what we call our 'Jedi cookie', which is kind of the thematic core for the episode -- what you're supposed to learn out of it to make kids and the audience think a little bit.

"The stories try to highlight cause and effect," continues Winder, "choices you make and the results of those choices. The idea is that kids will walk away having to think and learn. If you watch some of the cartoon series out there, sometimes the characters are just downright mean for no apparent reason as can be the stories-- kids ultimately don't come away with anything redeeming. This series is truly for a family audience from that perspective. It would be something that I would be proud to show my kids."

According to Winder, another aspect that distinguishes the Clone Wars from other animated series is the production's non-linear approach to developing the series. "In a typical animated TV show, you write a script, you lock it, it goes into production, you change a few lines here and there, you produce it, you do some ADR, and it's basically done. That's completely unlike how we do it here."

Winder uses an example of how one episode that had been produced as a standalone was then given a sequel, and then a prequel, which would have been problematic if the series was locked into a linear production process. The Clone Wars production has a flexibility built into it that allows for constant tweaking up and down the production pipeline as story elements change and evolve -- much like that of a feature film. "We're producing mini feature films, and feature films are all about punching up the stories and characters and making it better," explains Winder. "Having George coming from the feature film world is very beneficial to us."

Lucas has taken a keen interest in the development and direction of the series, meeting with Winder and her creative team anywhere from once to three times a week. "We're very fortunate to have this time," she says. "I think it's rare company-wide to get this type of attention from him, and he's very involved in the series. He's got a clear vision as to where he wants us to take the show, I make sure at key milestone that he sees all the critical aspects of the production to make sure we're in sync with him with a significant focus on staging and story. He'll typically give us his feedback on the writing, key designs, the 3D storyreel, and our final lit renders, and all the aspects that are critical to ensuring that the production is really fantastic."

What Winder finds most refreshing about her experience on the Clone Wars series is the freedom with which Lucas has granted her creative team to approach the Star Wars property. "George has not limited us in terms of, you know, 'this is how it's always done in Star Wars so these are rules we need to follow'" she explains. "He has actually pushed us far away from that. He wants us to define this universe in a way that is unique and new and will give the audience surprises, especially those true fans of the Star Wars universe. There will be things that they won't expect -- and that is what's really exciting for us."