By Zach Johnson
Is your droid the one we’ve been looking for? Star Wars fans who’ve long dreamt of designing their own droid will get the opportunity to do just that through the “Build My Droid” contest. As part of an initiative to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and creative arts, Star Wars: Force for Change and global robotics community FIRST are teaming up to give fans and artists ages 16 and up the chance to create a droid for the Star Wars galaxy.
Not only will the winning droid be featured in a future story set in the Star Wars galaxy, but the winning designer will be invited to the world premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in December for the public debut of his or her droid design on the red carpet!
“The ingenuity and creativity of Star Wars fans has always amazed me,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy says. “When FIRST teamed up with Force for Change, we saw a great opportunity to both highlight their incredible talent and reaffirm the importance of STEM programs. I can’t wait to see what designs they come up with.”
The contest launched today, and applicants must submit their droid design in the form of a sketch, drawing, or painting at StarWars.com/BuildMyDroidContest by November 13, 2019. Eligible countries include United States; Canada, excluding Quebec; Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales only); France; Spain; Belgium; Japan; and Mexico. The judges will be Neal Scanlan, Star Wars creature and special makeup effects supervisor; John Swartz, Lucasfilm vice president, creative producer; Pablo Hidalgo, Lucasfilm senior creative executive; Mayim Bialik, celebrity Star Wars fan and STEM advocate; and FIRST founder Dean Kamen, inventor of the LUKE Arm, a revolutionary prosthesis.
FIRST inspires innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion in students in grades K-12. The support of FIRST is part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide inspiration and opportunity to the next generation of innovators. The 2020 FIRST RISE season is powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. Registration is open for all FIRST programs.
*NO PURCH. NEC. 16+ in 50 US & DC, Canada (ex. Quebec), Mexico, GB, Spain, France, Belgium, Japan. Ends 23:59:59 Pacific Standard Time November 13, 2019 (08:59:59 Paris Time November 14). Prize requires travel to U.S. in December 2019. Max 1 entry per person. Rules/T&Cs: www.starwars.com/BuildMyDroidContest. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Sponsor: ABC, Inc. d/b/a Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, USA.
