Filming for Star Wars: Episode VII has just begun with J.J. Abrams at the helm, and while they are currently shooting in Abu Dhabi, when the production returns to Pinewood Studious in the UK, you'll have a chance to not only meet the director and check out the production, but actually be on-screen in the movie itself! Check out the video below for the whole scoop, as well as a sneak peek of the new production.

While this isn't totally filmmaking-related, the nerd in me can't help but share. Here are the details:

In a special video message from the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, director J.J. Abrams announces the creation of Star Wars: Force for Change, a brand new Star Wars initiative from Disney and Lucasfilm, in collaboration with Bad Robot, dedicated to finding creative solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. The first Star Wars: Force for Change campaign will raise funds and awareness for UNICEF's Innovation Labs and its innovative projects benefitting children in need. 

To support the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change, Disney has committed $1 million, and fans can now donate directly at Omaze.com/StarWars for a chance to appear in Star Wars: Episode VII. By pledging as little as $10 through the Omaze fundraising platform, any eligible supporter will be automatically entered for a chance to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The campaign runs from 12:01am PST on May 21stth until 11:59pm PST July 18th.

The Star Wars: Force for Change Grand Prize includes: 
• 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

Besides helping out a great organization, there are some pretty sweet awards for pledging -- besides the possible chance of meeting J.J. and getting a role in the film (a background role, but a role nonetheless). Ranging from $10 all the way up to $50,000, if you've got some big bucks, you'll get more chances to win a role, and the big-money pledges will even let you see the film before the rest of the public does.

It could be an interesting opportunity, but the worst-case scenario is that you're helping UNICEF's Innovation Labs, and you're getting some cool Star Wars stuff in the process. Check out this link for more details and to see how you can enter.

Link: You Could Be in Star Wars: Episode VII -- Omaze

[via The Verge]

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