By
Vanessa Francis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Media arts dept. assists with both events for Cameron Crowe's latest film
The UA media arts department, in conjunction with Tucson's Shelter Cocktail Lounge, is hosting a 1970s style premiere party and screening tomorrow for the Dreamworks film "Almost Famous."
The party begins at Shelter, 4155 E. Grant Rd., at 5:30 p.m. The screening follows at El Dorado Cinemas, 5925 E. Broadway Blvd., at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are required and sales ended on Friday. As of yesterday, 70 tickets were sold at $20 each, said Danielle Crounse, University of Arizona department of media arts events and outreach coordinator.
Proceeds will go to the Media Arts Internship Scholarship for undergraduate students in the department.
"The money covers living expenses while living out of town (during their internships)," Crounse said.
Several scenes from "Almost Famous," starring Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit, were filmed in Tucson.
"They filmed for 10 days during the end of February to March," said Shelly Hall, director of the City of Tucson Film Office, an organization that promotes the city as a location destination for filmmakers and photographers. "It was the second unit filming, with many road shots around the city."
Along with Tucson scenery, the film included 24 cars from Tucson's Classic Auto Rentals.
"They (the producers) wanted really plain cars from the 70s for the movie," said owner Carl Matter.
Shelter bartender Alex Holms coordinated many aspects of the party.
"(The Shelter) is a 60s-70s cocktail lounge with leopard walls and lava lamps and a red pool table...it's like no other bar in town...and it fits the film," he said.
Holms said there will be certain drink specials, but was unclear on the specifics.
"The time frame of the party is during our happy hour, so those specials will still be on," he said.
Along with music, dancing and drink specials, a costume contest will also be held at the pre-party. The prize will be a ride in a blue/gray 1939 Oldsmobile which was used in the movie.
The party is sponsored by KXCI 91.3 FM radio, Access Tucson Community Television Station, Casa Video and River's Edge Catering Co. "Almost Famous" opens nationwide Sept. 22.
