R2-D2 in Verizon Commercial

Our R2-D2 filmed this new Verizon commercial, with Michael as puppeteer, Jan 4, 2011. Too bad a starfighter eats up a million dollars in gas money, or maybe he would have picked Artoo! LOL Michael built the radar dish especially for this shoot with Lucasfilm.

Victor Franco came along and proved to be a valuable assist. These are his pics too!

Here's the demo video for Verizon and LFL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th50irMBgS4

Here's the commercial that began airing Jan 21, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxhPEwHhG58

Filming was done a few weeks ago at Sony Studios. Here's some photos from the set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Los Con LA

Michael appeared with R2-D2 on a panel discussing "How to Build Your Own R2-D2" at this small fantasy & sci fi convention at the LAX Marriott. He found a young fan who enjoyed driving R2, and also enjoyed meeting one of his favorite sci fi authors, Larry Niven.

Riverside Robotics Society

R2-D2 &WALL-E appeared for the 2nd year at Riverside Robotics Society's Robot Expo at the Woodcrest Community Library. One of the event's goals is to inspire children to pursue careers in math, science, or engineering. Exhibits included robot soccer, Terminator robots, a Lost in Space Robot, a singing robot Elvis and many others. Mike met fellow robot builder, and the voice of the Tonight Show, Wally Wingert. Thanks to Victor Franco for driving R2-D2 & sharing his photos.

Alexander's 3rd Birthday Party, Yorba Linda

R2-D2 entertained the kids at this backyard birthday party in Yorba Linda. The kids (& adults) took turns posing for photos & giving R2-D2 high fives. Then they played games of hide & seek as R2-D2 followed them around. The kids enjoyed the sense of power they felt giving R2-D2 orders in a fun game of "Simon Says." They said things like, "Simon says turn your head around. Simon says go over there. Simon says high five."

Wizard World, Anaheim

R2-D2 appeared at Wizard World in Anaheim. Mike's favorite moment of the day was sitting in the Batmobile!

R2-LA VIII

We hosted the 8th annual gathering of Southern California R2 Builders at our home. There were about 35 builders plus their guests, about 13 droids on display, plus various parts and props (including a C3PO and a battle droid). A couple of the builders even spontaneously created an R2-D2 out of scrap items found on our side yard. The wacky entertainment this year was a live chicken race, where builders watching the event from the online webcast were able to join the fun and try to guess which chicken would be the first to cross the finish line.

Wedding of Andrew & Stacy Weitz, Santa Monica

R2-D2 was asked to make a surprise appearance in the wedding of Andrew Weitz and his bride Stacy at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, on a deck overlooking the sand. R2 came wearing a bow tie, and during the rehearsal the florist immediately outfitted R2 with a boutonniere, as well as a yarmulke hat. It was a beautiful setting. Only the bridal party knew about the big surprise. R2 was the first one to roll down the aisle, accompanied by a soft, melodic Star Wars tune. The audience was overwhelmed with surprise, laughed and took photos. He then rolled back down the aisle, and the rest of the wedding followed. We learned that Andrew is a big Star Wars fan who was called "Android" as a child. He and his brother Richard had so much fun taking photos with R2 after the ceremony. They are both talent agents at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment in Beverly Hills, so having a surprise "celebrity" appearance at their wedding was fitting. Richard's children enjoyed the chance to operate R2's remote control. It was an honor to share in their beautiful day.