Episode IV: A New Hope (For Marketers)

Hey, gang, with the 30th anniversary of Star Wars upon us, several networks are getting into the act of exploring its cultural significance, but all next week, CNBC is taking a new approach: It’s discussing the profound business impact the film has had on the way that big budget films are produced and marketed. CNBC’s media reporter Julia Boorstin, senior correspondent Scott Cohn, Silicon Valley bureau chief Jim Goldman and business news reporter Jane Wells dissect the Star Wars financial phenomenon in a series of special reports that air throughout CNBC Business Day’s programming, beginning each morning on Squawk Box (6am-9am ET):

May 21: “How the World Changed …” Scott Cohn looks at what it cost to go to the movies on May 25, 1977, when Star Wars premiered. How much did it cost moviegoers to fill their gas tanks to get to the theater? At what level was the Dow that day?; “How Hollywood embraced Silicon Valley” Jim Goldman gives an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the technological wonderland, Industrial Light & Magic, which ushered in a new era of visual effects

May 22: “How the Art of the Hollywood Deal Changed” Julia Boorstin looks at how Star Wars happened and what prompted Fox to make the huge-budget film at that time. Boorstin also analyzes how the film changed Hollywood.

May 23: “How Movie Merchandising Exploded” Jane Wells reports on the $13 billion Star Wars merchandise empire that George Lucas owns all the rights to. Only Walt Disney had such foresight.

May 24: “The Ultimate Collection” Jim Goldman takes an exclusive look inside the world’s biggest Star Wars memorabilia private collection.

May 25: “What’s Next?” Goldman profiles Industrial Light & Magic, focusing on its importance to Hollywood and filmmaking around the world; CNBC reports live from the definitive fan celebration, Star Wars Celebration IV, at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Special segments will also be available at CNBC.com.