Spring Break
The Daily OrangeStudents to live like critics; see films before release
By Naresh Rammohan
Posted: 9/9/07, 11:58 PM EST Section: News
Syracuse University students will get the chance to live like Hollywood celebrities and movie critics this year. Thanks to a new, innovative program called Campus U, they will have the chance to see movie premiers before the rest of the nation.
Starting this month, Universal Pictures will begin screening some of its films in the Syracuse area weeks before they hit theaters.
"Universal is the first company running such a program," said junior advertising major Caitlyn Jones, who is interning with the studio and is in charge of planning and advertising the program at SU. "Campus U is expanding because Universal caters to students' needs to be entertained, and SU needs more entertainment. Universal films appeal to students."
The program is part of Universal's strategy to promote its upcoming films through peer-to-peer marketing. Campus U began in 2006 in 20 universities, and this year, Universal added 20 more schools. School size, spirit, academics and reputation serve as the basis for selection.
The intent at Syracuse calls for a screening of a yet-to-be released film every month at Palace Theater, 2384 James St. Admission will be free and open to SU students only.
The DVD release of summer hit "Knocked Up" on Sept. 25 will also banner for National 'Knocked Up' Day. Jones will help celebrate this auspicious day by giving away DVDs and other promotional items at a yet-to-be announced local bar, which will also carry drink specials throughout the night.
Jones said "Knocked Up" is a perfect example of what Universal is trying to accomplish.
"It was a low-budget film with very little initial hype," Jones said. "But because Universal showed students the film ahead of time through Campus U, and because students liked it so much and promoted it well, the film ended up being one of the huge successes of the summer."
On Sept. 26, the Palace Theater will show the critically acclaimed "The Kingdom," starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner, days before its opening release. Other flicks slated for this semester include "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," George Clooney's sports comedy "Leatherheads" and Ridley Scott's "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
Starting this month, Universal Pictures will begin screening some of its films in the Syracuse area weeks before they hit theaters.
"Universal is the first company running such a program," said junior advertising major Caitlyn Jones, who is interning with the studio and is in charge of planning and advertising the program at SU. "Campus U is expanding because Universal caters to students' needs to be entertained, and SU needs more entertainment. Universal films appeal to students."
The program is part of Universal's strategy to promote its upcoming films through peer-to-peer marketing. Campus U began in 2006 in 20 universities, and this year, Universal added 20 more schools. School size, spirit, academics and reputation serve as the basis for selection.
The intent at Syracuse calls for a screening of a yet-to-be released film every month at Palace Theater, 2384 James St. Admission will be free and open to SU students only.
The DVD release of summer hit "Knocked Up" on Sept. 25 will also banner for National 'Knocked Up' Day. Jones will help celebrate this auspicious day by giving away DVDs and other promotional items at a yet-to-be announced local bar, which will also carry drink specials throughout the night.
Jones said "Knocked Up" is a perfect example of what Universal is trying to accomplish.
"It was a low-budget film with very little initial hype," Jones said. "But because Universal showed students the film ahead of time through Campus U, and because students liked it so much and promoted it well, the film ended up being one of the huge successes of the summer."
On Sept. 26, the Palace Theater will show the critically acclaimed "The Kingdom," starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner, days before its opening release. Other flicks slated for this semester include "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," George Clooney's sports comedy "Leatherheads" and Ridley Scott's "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
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