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TROOPER INTERROGATION REPORT
SUBJECT 0545 - LEON CLARANCE
1) Tell us a little about yourself: your work, your hobbies, and your background.
Ok. I am an international tax consultant, working for PricewaterhouseCoopers, the world's largest professional services firm. I was until January working on a tour of duty in New York, and am now safely back in the UK, missing the states, all of my US trooper friends and the clear skies of Manhattan in the winter.
Hobbies other than trooping include collecting Star Wars and other movie memorabilia (from the X-men to Rain Man). Brit born and bred, I have a degree from Cambridge University in Psychology—the nearest I could come to learning the ways of the Force!
Here's me in case you don't know me: http://www.skaught.com/501st/proofs/0545tk.jpg
2) When did you first get your costume and what drove you to it?
I'd loved troopers since I was a kid but it wasn't until Halloween 2002 that I got a set of armor— it was much easier to find one in the States than in the UK for me (and I had the money for once!).
3) What is it about the character (of your costume) that inspires you to go through the rigors of portraying them?
I'm a team player, so the idea of being one of the gang, the group etc. is the part I like. I'm also incredibly motivated to do whatever I do with passion. Troopers have that senseless application to their duties too.
4) How long have you been in costuming? What kind of experience do you have in the hobby?
Pretty short. October 2002 was not long ago, but that time took me from New York City to Atlanta to troop and meet some really fantastic people. It's nice meeting the stars, it's nice to meet the public (especially the kids who love us!), but it was the opportunity to meet so many different people who troop and costume generally that makes it for me. I've done a fan film, conventions, a charity walk and even a marathon in armor!
5) What's your favorite memory of appearing in your costume?
I only get to pick one?! Every time I put my armor on something great happens, and even just hanging with the people in my garrison brings me great joy. Here's a few highlights:
- New York City Aidswalk—I stopped to pose for about 1,000 pictures during the day;
- New York City Marathon—most screamed at trooper? 30,000 people saw me run that day. NOBODY didn't see that crazy British guy in a stormtrooper costume;
- Halloween 2002 Greenwich Village—where it all began!
6) What's the strangest thing to ever happen to you while out costuming?
Mr. Big from Sex in the City got me in a head lock on film.
7) If you could pick any stormtrooper from the Star Wars movies for you to be, which one would it be and why? (specify the movie, scene, and some description of the action)
Easy. Bespin, the Empire Strikes Back, one of the troopers present when Vader traps the rebel gang over lunch! We did have some victories you know!
8) If the 501st created a tips manual on trooping, what tip would you add?
Awwww. Cut the cod piece guys!
9) How has the 501st influenced your love of costuming and of the Star Wars universe?
Made it more intense. Opened my mind to different aspects of the EU, and provided me with better access to the fun of it all!
10) If you were contacted by Lucasfilm and asked to appear in a Star Wars movie, what line would you want your character to deliver?
Well, as it isn't out yet, I'd like to be in Episode III (I'm still available if Rick is reading this) and I'd like to be one of the first troopers to speak to Lord Vader upon his rebirth. Maybe "Lord Vader, the Emperor is ready to see you now."
11) What's the number one question/comment you hear from fans when you're in your costume?
Is it hot in there?
12) What's your favorite part of working with the 501st Legion Fan Club?
Meeting people. Troopers have a particular view on life, which is great to experience, and meeting the public in any scenario is always cool. From the ultra-cool types who melt into children at the sight of their childhood idols, or the children themselves who simply gasp in awe at the sight of these crazy people in costume. The people make this worth doing.
13) If the 501st assigned 'handles' or 'nicknames' to its members, what would yours be?
Wherever I am in the world, I'll always be TheBrit!
14) In your experience costuming, which Star Wars personality has impressed you most in relating to her/his fans?
I've not been lucky enough to meet many actors but Le Parmentier was great fun. I had a great dinner with Pete Mayhew just after he got the call up for Episode III, and he was genuinely chuffed by it all—really down to earth. However, Ray Park gets my vote for buying me a drink at DragonCon and consoling Kathy on her choice of men.)
15) Which Star Wars character would you want thrown into a detention cell more than any other?
Jar Jar Binks.
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