Via Cbsnews.com:

J.J. Abrams was 11 years old when he saw “Star Wars” for the first time. Like countless kids, he was mesmerized by the epic tale of good versus evil set in a galaxy far, far away. Little did he know that one day he’d be handpicked to write and direct the seventh film in the series, “The Force Awakens,” which opens this week.

On 60 Minutes, Bill Whitaker profiles Abrams and goes behind the scenes of the much-anticipated film, the first installment since Disney purchased the franchise from George Lucas for $4 billion three years ago. On 60 Minutes Overtime, viewers can see extra interview clips and snippets from the movie, which strives to stay faithful to the “Star Wars” brand while attracting a new generation of fans.

One irreplaceable holdover from the past is composer John Williams, 83, who created the original film’s iconic score and has worked on every “Star Wars” since. In the video above, he records the opening music for “The Force Awakens.” Abrams is clearly thrilled. “This may be the most surreal, you know, being in the presence of John Williams, who I used to listen to as a kid on the floor of my room with my headphones on,” he tells Whitaker.

“It’s almost cheating, when you have John Williams, because he writes feelings,” Abrams says. “He knows how to make your heart soar like no one else.”

But Williams isn’t the only Hollywood legend in Abrams’ corner these days. Steven Spielberg actually helped him get hired to direct the film.

Click below to read the full article.