Star Wars director JJ Abrams is offering fans the chance to appear in the next instalment of the sci-fi franchise in a new video which provides the first sneak peek on set of the new movie.

Abrams posted a special video message from the film's set in Abu Dhabi to announce the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change.

The new charitable venture between Disney, Lucasfilm and Bad Robot aims to raise funds for UNICEF's Innovation Labs, which funds life-changing projects for children across the world.

Abrams tells fans in the video that by donating $10 to the charity they could win the chance to appear in Episode VII, visit Pinewood Studios and meet the cast.

The video message was shot on the set of Episode VII and features a new alien character which resembles an ostrich.

Watch the video below

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