Star Wars fans offered role in upcoming movie

"Star Wars, Episode VII" director JJ Abrams has announced a new contest that allows fans to win a role in the upcoming seventh instalment of the popular science fiction films.

"Force for Change," announced in a video posted to YouTube yesterday, will benefit UNICEF's Innovation Labs and Programs, which seeks creative solutions to some of the worlds most pressing issues, including nutrition, water, health, and education.

Abrams taped the video from the set of the film, currently on location in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by actors and crew-members busy at work.

“All of these people around that you hear and see are helping us make this movie, and it’s an incredible thing. It’s surreal to be here in this amazing place with these incredible people, working on this film,” said Abrams, in the video.

“We’re so grateful to all the ‘Star Wars’ fans out there for their support and their patience that we would like you to be part of the fun here. We want to put you in the movie, in ‘Star Wars.’ So starting today, we’re going to give you a chance to win a trip... A trip to be in a movie,” he added. “We’ll put you in hair and makeup and wardrobe, and you’ll actually get to be in the movie.”

Entry to the contest will cost a minimum donation of $10 dollars (USD) and runs through July 18th. The lucky winner will get a free trip to London and behind the scenes access to the set and meetings with the cast, in addition to the film role.

The "Star Wars" franchise was created by director George Lucas and comprises six films that have grossed more than $4.4 billion at the worldwide box office since the first film was released in 1977, earning a rabid fan base.

Disney purchased "Star Wars" production company LucasFilm for $4.05 billion in 2012 and announced it would release three new films in the popular sci-fi series, with "Episode VII" expected to be released on December 18, 2015.

Entries to "Force for Change" can be made at www.Omaze.com/StarWars.

Reuters