Bits of news about Star Wars: Episode VII continue to trickle in, including the addition of composer John Williams and the rumor that Zac Efron and Ryan Gosling are being eyed for the film's lead role.  Today's news comes more on the technical side, as it addresses the use of practical and CG effects that will be on display in the new sequel.  It's an understatement to say that fans were displeased with the over-reliance on CG creatures, characters and locations in the prequel trilogy, especially when said digital creations replaced practical fan-favorites in the original films.  Kathleen Kennedy recently spoke about the FX plans for Star Wars: Episode VII going forward and it sounds as if the production is well aware of the CG elephant in the room.  Hit the jump to see what she had to say.

From Heat Vision comes news that Kennedy confirms a balance of practical and CG effects in the upcoming film.  In speaking to the crowd at Star Wars Celebration Europe, Kennedy said the following:

"The conversation we're having all the time now about 'Episode VII' is how much CGI.  We're looking at what the early Star Wars films did; they used real locations with special effects. So [for 'Episode VII'] we're going to find some very cool locations, we're going to end up using every single tool in the toolbox."

She went on to say:

"I was amazed yesterday and looking at what the fans are doing," referring to some of the presentations and displays of Celebration Europe. "Using model makers, using real droids, taking advantage of the artwork that you can touch and feel, we want to do that in combination with CG effects."

Kennedy also confirmed Williams composing the score for the new trilogy, according to Heat Vision's report.  The status of the film is still "in early pre-production stages, with Abrams and other writers at his Bad Robot production company still creating new characters for the movie."  She finished by saying:

"We have the opportunity to create amazing new characters.  Story and character are all we're talking about right now."

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