I recently interviewed Chris Romines who if you didn’t know is the brains behind the 501st TK Helmet Project. Read more about Chris and the 501st TK Helmet Project below.
What is the TK Project?
The TK Project is a charity event for the Make A Wish Foundation. The 501st Stormtooper Legion is inviting our Honorary Members, Friends Of the Legion and a few 501st troopers to create one of a kind Stormtrooper helmets. This project is similar to the Vader Project that Lucasfilm has done.
How long have you been a member of the 501st and what got you interested in
joining the group?
I have been a member of the Southern California Garrison since 2000 and I joined because it looked fun. I am a huge Star Wars geek and trooping seemed like the thing to do 
As a member of the 501st You’ve started a great project called 501st TK Helmet Project in which you are having 50 or so artist from around the world paint or design on official EFX Stormtrooper helmets. All of which will be auctioned off at a later date with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. What made you choose Stormtrooper helmets and the Make-A-Wish
Foundation?
I saw how popular the Lucasfilm Vader project was and since we are the 501st Stormtroop Legion, we needed to do the Iconic Stromtrooper helmet. As for Make A Wish, I have been lucky enough to have to healthy daughters. I don’t know what I would have done if my girls got a terminal illness. So helping the kids the weren’t so lucky is the right thing to do! If the money we raise helps one child, it is worth all the time and effort that has been put into this project.
Was there a lot that went into planning the project?
Actually, I didn’t think I would get Lucasfilm approval! But once we got that and the backing and support from Lucasfilm Licencee eFX Collectibles, then the planning really kicked in. Now I am waiting for the artist to complete their helmets so I can start promoting the auction. So I’m in a semi standby mode until I get more helmets. But once they start rolling in, I will have a ton of work to do!
Do you plan to display the Stormtrooper helmets at any conventions? And if so which one(s).
I took the West Coast Chopper helmet to Comic Con in San Diego this year, would have taken more, but that was the only helmet I had! I may take the WCC and Sanda helmet to the Long Beach Comic Con in October. But unless I go to the convention, I don think I will be taking them to many places. I really don’t want to damage the helmets before the auction.
Any plans to do something like the TK Helmet Project again?
If the opportunity to help sick kids arise again, I will be there!
I’d like to thank Chris for taking the time to answer these questions and having me on the project as an artist. I look forward to finishing my helmet and contributing to the great cause. I will be posting the steps/process of doing my Stormtrooper helmet when approved.
For more info on the project and list of artist click Here
