Lucas launches animation film unit

Star Wars creator George Lucas has launched a new film unit in an attempt to crack the luctraive feature animation business.

He has seen rival studios produce such blockbuster hits as Monsters Inc., Shrek and Ice Age and feels he, too, can successsfully join the competetive market, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Lucas, 58, is currently peparing to film Star Wars: Episode Three – the sixth and final installment of his epic series---and was unavailable for comment.

His longtime spokeswoman Lynn Hale said: “Lucasfilm Animation will now have the flexibility to develop and create its own films. It’s extremely exciting to have the opportunity to start the search for directors to build project around.”