STAR WARS EXCLUSIVE: One On One With Kim Simmons – The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker

What was a day like for you and what was your favorite line to shoot?

“Well there were plenty of times where I would have more then one set going. I remember one time I had 7 toy sets going at once. Roy came walking in and was like “OH MY GOD! How are you keeping track of all this?” Well what I would do was every time I moved a camera or lens around I would take notes, this would allow me to go back if I need to re-shoot something. Well when he saw my notepads he just shook his head and went into his office.

My favorite line was the STAR WARS micro collections. I could see the promise in this line. As long as they don’t mess this up it could be something really special. But, then all of the sudden they were gone. Well a few years later I ran into one of the higher ups at Kenner and I asked him what happened. He said, “We ran out of money. We had all these things going on and we didn’t think that line was going to go anywhere. So it was done.” Now my overall favorite shot was the Hoth Battle scene.”

A few more quick questions with Kim Simmons

What is your favorite Star Wars movie? “I like them all, even the current ones. But if i had to pick one it would be The Empire Strikes back.”

Who is your favorite character? “Darth Vader.”

What was your favorite toy? “The Micro collection.”

The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker

Kim Simmons got the nickname “The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker” form Bob Woods who did a interview with him for Star Wars Galaxy Magazine. So Kim kept that nickname and launched “The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker” website. There you can get more information on Kim’s current projects and even order prints of his work.

Kenner Star Wars Photography Volume II Kickstarter (The Empire Strikes Back)

Kim’s first book in the series,  Kenner Star Wars Photography  1977-1979, was a huge hit with fans and collectors, selling out quickly. The big question that followed was, when would the next book be released? Well, here it is! Volume II features some of the most iconic photos of the 80s that you’ll instantly recognize from the most popular era of Star Wars toys. 

This deluxe large format, full-color, hardbound book will contain numerous professional  high-resolution photographs taken in 1980-1982 along with stories from Kim Simmons. There are going to be 2 versions of the book – the regular version will be around 170 pages while the Special Collector’s Edition will be over 240 pages with additional photos and a section dedicated to the Micro Collection line!

You can check out more details about this book and Kickstarter details by clicking on the link below.

The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker Kenner Star Wars Photography 1980 – 1982

Thank you Kim Simmons

Again I want to thank Kim Simmons for taking the time to chat with me. I also want to thank him for all the memories that his work gave me. To this day I can still see the box art on the Star Wars toys I got. Make sure if you see Kim at any conventions (if we have any) go up and say hi, you wont regret it.

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