One of the many ways Star Wars has changed the movie industry since the first movie came out in 1977 is through special effects.  Much of the industry standard in special effects even today has its roots in the original Star Wars trilogy of the late 1970’s and early 80’s.  That’s according to Julie Turnock, a professor of media and cinema studies at the University of Illinois Urbana campus.  She spoke with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline this week.

On Sunday, the red carpet will be rolled out for the Academy Awards and Illinois will have a significant presence. We’ll explore those connections beginning with Helen Estabrook, Champaign-Urbana native and the producer of Whiplash could take home as many as five Academy Awards. Finding Vivian Maier is a Chicago story written and directed by a Chicagoan. It could win best documentary….and find itself in copyright trouble. We’ll cover all that and more but first in this WILL special: Illinois at the Oscars