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Video of J.J. Abrams from 'Star Wars' set with new charity effort

Posted Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 8:32 AM Central
Last updated Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 9:19 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Star Wars fans are a unique group. Not only are they among the most passionate groups but many of them are also very philanthropic.

J.J. Abrams, director for next year's much anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII, is also a fan. It seems natural that he lead the charitable ways. In a new video from the set of the sequel in Abu Dhabi, Abrams has announced the creation of Star Wars: Force for Change.

This new initiative from Disney and Lucasfilm (along with Abrams' own Bad Robot) is "dedicated to finding creative solutions to some of the world's biggest problems." The first campaign is for UNICEF's Innovation Labs. Disney has already pledged $1 million. Fans are urged to contribute at Omaze.com/StarWars.

Here comes the exciting part. By pledging at least $10, you will be automatically entered to win a very special prize -- a role in Star Wars: Episode VII. This grand prize also includes the following:

  • Airfare and accommodations to London for one winner and a guest
  • Behind-the-scenes access on the closed set of Star Wars: Episode VII as VIP guests of J.J. Abrams
  • Winner will have the opportunity to meet members of the cast
  • Winner and their guest will then be transformed by makeup and costume teams into a Star Wars character and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII

See Omaze.com for all the rules and requirements for this giveaway.

It's nice that the companies behind Star Wars are finally getting into the giving spirit. As I alluded to earlier, the fans themselves have been doing great work through organizations like the 501st Legion and Trench Run Rebels. I would be remiss for not mentioning the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Much of the money The Maker earned from the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney has been given to charity.

The important stuff aside, let's focus on the video. It us a fun little video feature a interesting new(?) character. Everyone seems to agree that Abu Dhabi will serve as Tattooine in the film. Abrams' video looks to be taken from the busy desert marketplace of Mos Eisley or some other hive of scum of villainy. A little hunchback carries a pack behind J.J. as he talks about the charity.

If this video and the sweepstakes doesn't get you excited for the upcoming movie -- and the chance to contribute -- I don't know what will. I have gladly given. You should too.