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Springfield, CO in the running for Simpsons premiere |
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Written by Greg Kocher, MCT
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Friday, 29 June 2007 |
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 Hey, you know what would be sweeter than a plateful of doughnuts (Mmmm, doughnuts!) to the folks in Springfield? More intoxicating than a truckload of Duff beer? More smooth-jazz cool than a Lisa Simpson saxophone solo?
To be named the site of the world premiere of the "The Simpsons Movie," due July 27. It's the big-screen version of the Fox TV animated series. And Springfield, Ky., pop. 2,800, is among 14 Springfields across the country vying to host the premiere.
"There's really a buzz around town," said Jeff Moreland, editor of The Springfield Sun weekly newspaper. "We've had a lot of excitement about it."
Each town submitted a 3- to 5-minute video to make its case as the premiere site. The Kentucky Springfield asked Lexington resident Michael Breeding to direct its video.
"I have never had more fun," said Breeding, who has made documentaries on Keene land and other Kentucky subjects. "It's a sweet little community. We had 50 people show up for our call for actors, and 150 people showed up for the shoot."
The premise of Breeding's video is that the series' creator, Matt Groening, came to Springfield in the 1980s to research Abraham Lincoln, whose parents were married in Springfield. The video posits the theory that Groening's idea for an animated series was born in Springfield. So the town puts him on trial and confronts him with evidence that he based the cartoon world on the Washington County seat.
For example, one episode of the animated series said that the fictional Springfield is south of Shelbyville, which is the case in Kentucky. Fans of the show say another episode said the Simpsons lived in "Northern Kentucky," although the Kentucky Springfield is close to the geographic center of the state. The city's real-life postmaster is Marshall Simpson.
In another episode, a statue of Jebediah Springfield was beheaded. Well, twice a similar war-memorial statue was beheaded on the Washington County courthouse lawn in Springfield some years ago - before "The Simpsons" episode ever aired.
"How much more evidence do we need to bring to the table?" said Hal Goode, executive director of Springfield-Washington County Economic Development.
The video also features an original song written by Beau Haddock, a former member of the Little River Band of `70s fame. And Peter Thomas, who narrated NOVA science programs on PBS and Forensic Files, narrates the video. Rick Dees, the disc jockey and "Disco Duck" singer who owns a home in Kentucky, contributed a concluding comment.
"It's a nice little production. I think it's snappy," Goode said.
If the Kentucky Springfield is chosen for the premiere, it would be shown in the renovated historic Opera House on Springfield's Main Street, Goode said. The theater seats about 250.
"We do not have a commercial movie theater," Goode said.
But hosting the movie would certainly help get Springfield's name out to potential employers, Goode said.
"Springfield is back in the talk," he said.
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SIZING UP THE COMPETITION
Colorado: Home of cowboys and tumbleweed. One selling point on the city's Web site:Fewer tornadoes than Kansas.
Florida: Credited as the home state in a Halloween episode, The Orlando Sentinel notes. But what about the winter snow on the TV show?
Illinois: Has a power plant run by a man who looks a lot like Mr. Burns, Homer's boss.
Louisiana: Turned the task of creating the video over to three 15-year-olds. Many townspeople have painted themselves yellow as part of the effort.
Massachusetts: Film has a cameo from Sen. Ted Kennedy, whose Bostonian accent mirrors that of "The Simpsons'" Mayor Fred Quimby.
Michigan: "There's no crime sprees, no power plant or three-eyed fish," Michigan's filmmaker told the Battle Creek Enquirer. "We're going to make it fun, but positive." Not much like "The Simpsons'" Springfield, then.
Missouri: The filmmakers asked people to bring protest signs against "The Simpsons," even though the film is about bringing the premiere there.
Nebraska: If this small town in eastern Nebraska wins, they'll have to bring in a movie screen to show the premiere.
New Jersey: A local blogger writes, "It's always been a bit of a mystery as to what state the Simpsons is set in. For some reason, Springfield, Ky., sticks in our head"
Ohio: No nuclear power plant, no Moe's Tavern, no one named Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
Oregon: Home state of "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, which Oregonians seem to think gives them an advantage.
Tennessee: There's a life-size cutout of the Simpsons at city hall, and they plan to roll out a bright yellow carpet for the premiere if they win.
Vermont: Video short features Homer chasing a giant rolling doughnut.
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HOW TO VOTE
People across the country can go to www.usatoday.com/life to vote for the Springfield that most represents the spirit of the animated town. The voting ends July 9 and the winner will be announced on or about July 10. | Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
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