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Star Wars: Episode VII to be filmed in UK Star Wars: Episode VII to be filmed in UK
(about 1 hour later)
The latest Star Wars film is to be made in the UK, producer Lucasfilm has said.The latest Star Wars film is to be made in the UK, producer Lucasfilm has said.
The seventh movie in the sci-fi series is due to start production next year and is scheduled for release in 2015.The seventh movie in the sci-fi series is due to start production next year and is scheduled for release in 2015.
Filming on previous Star Wars also took place in Britain at studios including Elstree, Shepperton and Leavesden.Filming on previous Star Wars also took place in Britain at studios including Elstree, Shepperton and Leavesden.
Chancellor George Osborne met executives from Disney-owned Lucasfilm in London earlier this year to discuss the plans and the production is thought to be eligible for a tax break.Chancellor George Osborne met executives from Disney-owned Lucasfilm in London earlier this year to discuss the plans and the production is thought to be eligible for a tax break.
In a statement, Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president, said: "We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilising the incredible talent there can be a part of that."In a statement, Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president, said: "We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilising the incredible talent there can be a part of that."
The company said representatives from Lucasfilm met with Mr Osborne "to establish an agreement to produce Star Wars in the UK".The company said representatives from Lucasfilm met with Mr Osborne "to establish an agreement to produce Star Wars in the UK".
Mr Osborne said: "Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries, and it is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the UK.Mr Osborne said: "Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries, and it is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the UK.
"I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain.""I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain."
In recent years hundreds of films have benefitted from tax relief, which require that at least 25% of the total production expenditure takes place in the UK.In recent years hundreds of films have benefitted from tax relief, which require that at least 25% of the total production expenditure takes place in the UK.
Relief can be claimed on production expenditure in the UK, up to a maximum of 80% of the total budget.Relief can be claimed on production expenditure in the UK, up to a maximum of 80% of the total budget.
Series revivedSeries revived
Disney announced it would be making three new Star Wars films after it purchased Lucasfilm, the company started by Star Wars creator George Lucas, in October 2012.Disney announced it would be making three new Star Wars films after it purchased Lucasfilm, the company started by Star Wars creator George Lucas, in October 2012.
Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by JJ Abrams, from a script by Little Miss Sunshine writer Michael Arndt.Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by JJ Abrams, from a script by Little Miss Sunshine writer Michael Arndt.
The six films in the series have grossed more than £2.8bn ($4.4bn) at the worldwide box office.The six films in the series have grossed more than £2.8bn ($4.4bn) at the worldwide box office.
The original was followed by the Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Return of the Jedi in 1983. The film series was revived in 1999 for three prequels. Pinewood and Ealing studios were also used for production of previous Star Wars films.
Production on previous Star Wars films also took place in the UK at Pinewood and Ealing studios, as well as on locations across the world. The 1977 original, the Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Return of the Jedi in 1983 were shot at UK studios, as well as on location across the world.
Lucasfilm has not confirmed where the new film would be made but Star Wars fansite Jedinews has speculated that Pinewood studios may be one of the sites. The series was revived in 1999 for three prequels. Studio production on the Phantom Menace took place at Leavesden studios in Hertfordshire, with Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith filmed in both the UK and Australia.
Lucasfilm has not confirmed where the new film would be made but Star Wars fans website Jedinews has speculated that Pinewood studios may be one of the sites.
Earlier this month, the Sun newspaper also reported that scenes would be shot in the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.Earlier this month, the Sun newspaper also reported that scenes would be shot in the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.