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Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Made GREAT in Britain Inspiration with Jessica Ennis-Hill

The UK Governments GREAT Britain campaign, Disney and Lucasfilm have come together in a unique collaboration that celebrates the British inspiration, creativity and innovation involved in the Star Wars saga to mark the UK cinema release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

A series of upcoming videos featuring British icons including Jessica Ennis-Hill, Jamie Oliver, Sir Richard Branson, Tim Peake and James Cracknell profiles the incredible British talent that has made Star Wars the global phenomenon it is today, celebrating almost 40 years of GREAT British filmmaking. Each video tells the story of the nations contribution to Star Wars through pillars such as inspiration to future generations (Jessica Ennis-Hill), innovation (Sir Richard Branson), science (Tim Peake), adventure (James Cracknell), and the legacy behind the films (Jamie Oliver).

Almost 40 years ago the incredible story between Great Britain and Star Wars began with the production of Star Wars: A New Hope at Elstree Studios. The imagination, inspiration and innovation of the filmmakers included the original lightsaber design by British set decorator Roger Christian - who fashioned it from spare camera parts and collected junk, Academy Award-winning costume designs from British-born John Mollo the man who brought Darth Vaders iconic look to life; and the key roles of the London Symphony Orchestra and Abbey Road - the birthplace of one the most iconic themes in the galaxy.

The story continues with Star Wars: The Force Awakens which was filmed in the UK using some truly GREAT British talent in both the production team and amongst the on screen stars including the droid-building skills of two British fans, Oliver Steeples and Lee Towersey, who were recruited to bring R2-D2 to life plus British actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Gwendoline Christie who play Rey, Finn and Captain Phasma in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens used some truly GREAT British talent to help bring it to the big screen such as the droid-building skills of two British fans, Oliver Steeples and Lee Towersey, who were recruited to bring R2-D2 to life plus British actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Gwendoline Christie who play Rey, Finn and Captain Phasma in the new film.

Download images here, including facts about the British connection.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice
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