You got a question? We got da answers...

1. What is the NYLine?

2. Why organize?

3. The Event

4. How can I participate?

5. How can I help?

1. What is the NYLine?

The NYLine is an all-volunteer partnership formed to celebrate the release of the prequels to the legendary Star Wars saga. In 1999, the NYLine for Episode I: The Phantom Menance promoted public service, collected contributions and in-kind donations for the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation (formerly known as Starlight Children's Foundation), generated publicity for Starlight and its corporate sponsors, and gave fans an extended opportunity for fun, learning, and friendship as well as tickets to the first screening at the historic Ziegfeld Theater. In 2002, the line continued for Episode II: Attack of the Clones. New friends were made and new alliances forged, but the same spirit of fun and good will remained, as we once again teamed with Starlight to raise money for their Fun Center program.

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2. Why organize?

After focusing his attention elsewhere for 16 years, George Lucas finally returned to his epic vision of adventures taking place in a galaxy far, far away. To the delight of Star Wars fans of all ages, Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released as a spectacular event in May of 1999. Episode II followed in 2002, with Episode III expected on May 19th, 2005.

Although the premieres of these new films are generating as much excitement as did the releases of the original Star Wars films, the movie-going experience itself has changed quite dramatically since the release Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. With tickets now available in advance via the phone and over the Internet, there is no longer any assurance that a long wait at a theater box office will successfully secure tickets to what will inevitably be a sold-out premiere. What is the diehard fan to do?

In response to this dilemma, the web site, Countdown to Star Wars, coordinated one of the biggest Fan Actions in history by organizing various lines around the United States and around the world, a month before the release of Episode I. These original "Lines" recaptured the spirit of those who would wait in line for hours or days to "earn" a ticket to the premiere as well as leverage this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. The mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children through wish granting and in-hospital entertainment.

In New York City, donations for Starlight were raised in a "Stand-A-Thon" in which individuals would sponsor each hour a NYLine fan would spend on the sidewalk on 54th Street near the Ziegfeld Theater. Contributions were also collected on the Line itself, by encouraging the participation of passersby whose curiosity led them to inquire into the nature of that excited response to a movie whose opening was still three weeks away. Money was also raised by collection boxes inside the Ziegfeld during each movie's opening weekend. In addition, 25 tickets were secured for Starlight children and their families for evening screenings of Episodes I and II, and NYLine volunteers entertained children at two area hospitals as part of Starlight's Hospital Party Program. In addition, the funds raised in 2002 were used to donate four "Fun Centers", portable entertainment systems that children can use in their hospital beds, to New York City hospitals.

The phenomenon surrounding the release of the Star Wars prequels have generated a considerable amount of media attention with over 700 media stories on the NYLine and Starlight in various local, national, and international media outlets. With the help of the NYLine's corporate sponsors, Line participants were able to communicate the mission of the Starlight Starbright Foundation, through the use of logos, web site information, and on-camera interviews.

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3. The Event

For the individual participants of the NYLine, the experience of the Line far exceeds the expectation. It is impossible to anticipate the sheer joy of spending time in the company of people who understand and share a great enthusiasm for a common, fulfilling passion. The atmosphere of the Line is one of true fandom, heightened by the excitement of the approaching premiere.

Whether engaged in light-hearted Star Wars role-playing, discussing intricate plot points, sharing memories of Star Wars related experiences, or watching one of the classic films on a jury-rigged video setup, members on the NYLine find themselves united in spirit, and as they get to know one another, the Line evolves into a true community of fans. Many fans discover they have much more in common with their fellow Line members than just a love of Star Wars, ultimately forging long lasting bonds of friendship.

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4. How can I participate?

Registration to participate in NYLine III will occur in mid-to-late March, but it's never too early to start planning. The tentative shift schedule is available here; you will notice that each shift has a point value. After signing up and paying $15 to participate in NYLine, you will need to spend enough time lining up at the Ziegfeld to earn a minimum of 60 points to receive your ticket to the opening-night screening.*

For more information please see our How to Join the Line page.

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5. How can I help?

Sponsors of the NYLine receive worldwide publicity and support the mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Sponsors of the first two lines included Voila.com, Forbidden Planet, MBS Productions, Prism CSI, Yomega Yo-Yo, Tennessee Mountain Restaurant, Heartland Brewery, UGO and K-B Toy Stores. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the NYLine for Episode III, please contact the NYLine staff at contact@nyline.org.

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