A film expert is set to give a Star Wars talk in Southampton, unveiling the eco costs of filming the saga in the UK.

Though the film franchise – that has spawned several television spinoffs – is set in a galaxy far far away – the popular series has been filmed in locations including Hampshire and Dorset, including a shoot in Fawley in 2017.

Dr Rebecca Harrison will be speaking at an event on Tuesday, February 11, about how the blockbuster’s production has affected the natural habitats and communities of some of Britain’s landmarks.

The talk will begin at 4pm and is hosted by the University of Southampton.

Dr Harrison, a senior lecturer from the Open University, will discuss a project she leads which explores the ecological harm and carbon footprint of the silver screen industry.

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She said: “Lightsabers, stormtrooper helmets, Rey costumes – the Star Wars franchise has produced a vast array of recognisable props and costumes, many of which have been designed and made by creative talent in the UK.

“Yet the saga’s reliance on UK materials and infrastructure and its relationship with different locations and communities are not well understood.

“We’ll be exploring the environmental impact of those famous Star Wars productions on the UK, with insights from people who lived or worked near a shoot, and consideration for the disruption of wildlife.”

Star Wars began life in 1977 with the release of ‘Star Wars’ – before its name was changed to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, after it was re-released in 1981 – and has since spawned three separate trilogies.

The talk, titled ‘Making Planets...Destroying Worlds?’ is being hosted at the University of Southampton’s Avenue campus on Highfield Road.

Event chair Dr Megen de Bruin-Molé, from the University of Southampton’s department of art and media technology, said: “Dr Harrison’s project supports the screen industries to work in more eco-friendly ways to minimise harm to the environment.

 “Her past work on Star Wars, including her brilliant archival and historical research on the Empire Strikes Back, has established her as a leading expert on the franchise, and we are excited to have this chance to engage with her work here.”