The UK government has partnered with Disney and Lucasfilm for the new Star Wars film to celebrate British inspiration, creativity, and innovation
In conjunction with the newly launched ‘Great Britain’ campaign, the UK government has entered into a partnership with Disney and Lucasfilm to celebrate the British inspiration, creativity, and innovation involved in the famed saga ahead of the UK cinema release of the J.J. Abrams directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Videos featuring key icons will profile the talent who made Star Wars a global phenomenon, and celebrates nearly 40 years of British film-making. Each tells of the nation’s contribution through innovation (Sir Richard Branson), inspiration to future generations (Jessica Ennis-Hill), and the legacy behind the films (Jamie Oliver).
“Britain is the home of Star Wars. Returning to the UK and setting up at Pinewood felt like a kind of homecoming. It’s been wonderful to see this new generation drafting off that classic sensibility while working on these new films,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm and Producer of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The story between Great Britain and Star Wars began with the production of Star Wars: A New Hope at Elstree Studios. The genius of the filmmakers begin with the original light sabre design by British set decorator, Roger Christian, who fashioned it from spare camera parts and collected junk.
Others include Academy award-winning costume designs from British-born John Mollo who brought Darth Vader’s landmark look to life as well as the key roles of the London Symphony Orchestra and Abbey Road; the birthplace of one the most iconic themes in the galaxy.
The legacy continues with the latest sequel which was filmed domestically using some of the best local production and on-screen talent to include the droid-building skills of two fans namely Oliver Steeples and Lee Towersey, who were recruited to conceptualise R2-D2.
Joining the triumphant display are actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Gwendoline Christie who respectively play the characters of Rey, Finn, and Captain Phasma in the upcoming movie. Meanwhile, The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, UK’s copyright education body, will launch a Star Wars: Made Great in Britain 55” trailer.
The move rolls out as part of its ‘Moments Worth Paying for Campaign’ initiative. The trailer champions UK creativity and celebrates why the big screen experience is worth paying for launches in cinemas, courtesy of the UK Cinema Association from 9 December 2015.
“Nearly 40 years ago, British creativity brought Star Wars to the big screen and I’m delighted that British talent in front and behind the camera is set to captivate cinema audiences around the world again,” said George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer of the UK.
“Just as this film represents another chapter in the extraordinary Star Wars story, so it also represents a new chapter in British film-making. I was determined that the UK would be the home of this great production. Two years later, we see the results—more jobs, skills, and investment. May the force be with us.”
