J.J. Abrams Announces Contest to Be in New 'Star Wars' Movie, Unveils Creature From Film (Video)

Filming is now underway in Abu Dhabi on the seventh installment in the vaunted "Star Wars" movie series, and director J.J. Abrams took time away from filming to film a short YouTube video announcing a new charity initiative for a chance to win a walk-on role in the film.

But that's not all he gave fans, as he also showed off the first look at a new "Star Wars" creature destined to be in the film, as well as numerous background characters walking in the background.

Star Wars: Force for Change is a brand new initiative Disney and Abrams' production company Bad Robot is doing in partnership with UNICEF and their program, UNICEF Inonvation Labs and Programs. People who donate $10 or more to this new initiative will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a role in "Star Wars: Episode VII." The winner will be flown to London's Pinewood Studios where the majority of the film will be shot, and be guaranteed inclusion in a scene of the new film.

Other incentives to donate to Star Wars: Force for Change include t-shirts, posters, film art, and accessories. For a higher-level donation, fans could even secure an advance screening of the film in the donor's hometown. The window for donations to enter into this contest closes on July 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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