It is precisely that sentiment, though, that may limit Lucasfilm. Critics warn that the company is so tied up in the Star Wars mythology that it will be difficult for Lucas to distance himself.
In fact, Chau said the company had hired a handful of writers and directors to work with Lucas and she hoped they could do projects on their own once they gained the director's trust.
"What is important for management," Chau said, "is that we put people in front of George who can interact with him, work well with him and who are not afraid of George."
But Lucas has made it clear that he is not interested in training a ready army of filmmakers.
"It's not like we have to come up with a movie every year," he said, concerned about what has become a hit-driven business. "I don't want to be Pixar."
His ambition for Lucasfilm, he said, is far more ordinary.
"I'm not depending on these people or a new group of people to take the company into a megahit reality," he said. "I'm trying to build a company where we don't make miracles but we do a good job."
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