Lucus Films has decided to release a series of clips from the Star Wars film franchise and allow people to create 'mash-ups' (allow people to edit as they see fit). This is a big change of stance from previously where they would legally persue all un-authorised edits for copyright breach.

They will still retain some element of control as all films loaded onto their site have to be vetted. They want avoid pornography or anything that will tarnish the brands value.

As their spokesperson states this is simply accepting what many fans want to do (and have continued to do unofficially). It is also a very clever piece of marketing. No further films are being planned. By allowing this they will get big publicity on their 30th anniversary and help keep the franchise fresh and alive.

This follows a trend in much of the media to add citizen generated media and interactive web sites.