The Behind The Force film has been released, offering an insight into the production process behind one of this year’s most notable Star Wars outdoor projects. After floating billboards were unveiled in Madrid in May to mark the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the focus has now shifted to the technology and the team that turned this idea into reality.
As a reminder, the installations were displayed on 18 and 19 May at several high-traffic locations across Madrid, including Cibeles, Alonso Martínez, Alcalá and Fuencarral. The billboards created the impression of floating in mid-air, referencing The Force, one of the most recognisable elements of the Star Wars universe.
The new making of film reveals that behind the visually simple effect was a complex process of development and testing. In collaboration with AndTonic and nu-do, the team developed a custom magnetic levitation system capable of supporting a large-scale structure in real outdoor conditions.
Before the final execution, multiple phases of experimentation, prototype development and technical adjustments were carried out to achieve the desired effect while minimising the visibility of the technology itself. The goal was not to demonstrate an engineering solution, but to give passers-by an experience reminiscent of one of the most iconic motifs from the film saga.
Nearly five decades after audiences were first introduced to the concept of The Force, Star Wars continues to explore ways of bringing elements of its fictional world beyond the cinema screen. This time, through a combination of production, design and engineering in public space.
