11/06/2014 - Standalone film to be shot in the UK and directed by Gareth Edwards

Filmmaker JJ Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, and R2D2

The British inward investment film economy, already in good health thanks to income of over £1 billion in the last financial year, has got a further massive boost with the news that a new standalone Star Wars movie, separate from the ongoing new trilogy, will be filmed in the UK. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced this on Tuesday, while visiting the set of JJ Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII, a Lucasfilm, Bad Robot and Walt Disney Pictures production, currently filming at Pinewood Studios.

Osborne Tweeted from the set: “On set of Episode VII tonight, can announce another #StarWars film will be made in UK. A #LongTermEconomicPlan in a galaxy far far away.” The new Star Wars film will be by British director Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). Osborne also released a photograph of himself with Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and R2D2. 

Later, Osborne issued a statement that said: “Lucasfilm and Disney's decision to shoot the Star Wars standalone movie in the UK is testament to the incredible talent in Britain. This will mean more jobs and more investment. It is great news for people working at Pinewood Studios, from the set designers to the carpenters. As Chancellor I have been determined that we back our brilliant creative industries, which is why we have invested in skills and training as well as providing tax relief for films, high-end TV, animation, video games and regional theatre. The further changes the government made to the film tax relief at Budget 2014 will support our highly skilled, innovative creative sectors so that they continue to thrive and encourage more films to be made in the UK.”