Variety: Liberals lining up for 'Fahrenheit'

[villager]

Liberals lining up for 'Fahrenheit'
MoveOn wants Moore seats filled for docu
 
In an effort that could goose box office for Michael MooreMichael Moore's controversial docdoc, liberal activist group MoveOn PAC has announced plans to pack "Fahrenheit 9/11" shows on opening night. As of Wednesday afternoon, Lions GateLions Gate reported 422 theaters would be playing "Fahrenheit" June 25 on its advance ticket sales webweb site. Other venues are being booked.

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"For our members, this is the 'Star Wars' of political movies," said execexec director Eli Pariser. MoveOn notified Moore and Lions Gate of its plans, but is not working directly with anyone involved with the film.

However, Lions Gate prexyprexy Tom Ortenberg welcomed the effort. "Anything they can do to get members into theaters would be much appreciated."

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Pariser, who attended a Gotham press screening Tuesday, added that the pic could boost MoveOn's political aim of defeating the re-election of President George W. Bush. "It is as simple and powerful an indictment of the Bush administration as I've ever seen. We want this movie to be successful in every way -- the more people who see it, the more theaters who play it, the better off our country will be."

Response to Web effort

In part, the MoveOn effort was inspired by a Web site put up by the just-formed Move America Forward earlier this week that's encouraging conservatives to contact exhibs and ask them not to play the pic. Some details about the nascent org's background have clarified. MAF is working out of the offices of Sacramento-based GOP consulting firm Russo Marsh & Rogers. Firm partner Sal Russo is chief startegist for MAF. He and org chair Harold Kaloogian, a former California lawmaker, most recently teamed up on an early effort to recall Gov. Gray Davis. Russo was Bill Simon's key advisor in his unsuccessful runs for governor against Davis in 2002 and in the recall race last year.

Separately, Lions Gate launched Web site F911tix.com last week to drum up advance ticket sales. Though no one can actually buy tickets on it yet, the site does list all theaters where "Fahrenheit" will be playing, giving outsiders an unusually detailed view of the distribs' booking process.

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www.variety.com (subscription site)

[hightime]

1. I'll be there when it opens

and ring as many people as i can. YEEEHAAAAAA.

[Supply Side Jesus]

2. This opens on my birthday weekend

I'm dragging my entire family to a screening! The only party is going to be at the theater.

[AndyTiedye]

3. Do We Want to Pack The Metreon in SF for the First Show?

Midnight Thursday 25th.

[villager]

4. the "opening weekend box office..."

...will definitely talked about, as far as how the press reports on the film's reception...

[Lugnut]

5. I'll be there.

Along with several members of my family. :)

[yellowcanine]

6. What's great is lots of conservatives will be there also. In the same way

that car drivers can't help but slow down to rubberneck at a wreck in the opposite lanes, the conservatives won't be able to help themselves. Heh.

[Triana]

7. check with your local theaters! buy tix in advance

I got my tix already from my local theater. Many of them are selling in advance. I also went to moveon.org and signed their 'pledge' to see the film.

[bearfan454]

8. The Austin DUers will be going.

Hell yes. I hope there are some freeper protestors there. I will gladly give all of them the finger, Constitutionally.

[geniph]

9. Dammit, I wish this was opening Saturday instead!

I want to be there for opening night - my legislative district is organizing an outing - but I have a chorus performance that night. I'll have to go see it Saturday the 26th instead.