Medford, Mass. is not a common place for celebrity sightings, but Tufts was set abuzz yesterday when an email to the Tufts community announced that a Hollywood movie crew would be coming to campus on Monday, Sept. 30 to film scenes for an upcoming film. Rumored to be Columbia Pictures Sex Tape, starring Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel, and set for a 2014 release, this film is no small-screen production.
The crew will arrive on Sunday to prepare and will film throughout the day on Monday at various locations on campus. Streets and parking lots will be blocked off and Brown and Brew will close at 2 p.m. Though some Jumbos fear being shut out of their favorite study spots or parking spots, the majority of students are eager to play host to such famed celebrities.
Along with being mentioned in a number of television shows and movies, Tufts has been the backdrop for The Next Karate Kid in 1994 and, more recently, an episode of Friday Night Lights in 2009. Though Jumbos already know how exceptional Tufts is, having a star-studded flick shot right here on the Hill proves just how movie-worthy it is and will help showcase the beauty of campus.
Though the raunchy film title could lead some moviegoers to misconstrue the values behind the university, Tufts will reap more benefits than costs from both revenue and positive attention brought to campus. Additionally, the excitement that is already pulsating throughout campus will be renewed and magnified upon the films 2014 release.
With scenes in Tisch Library, the academic quad and Brown and Brew popping up throughout the film, there will be no denying the appeal of the university, especially considering the number of other New England universities that the crew could have chosen.
Students also have the chance to make their film debuts and some quick cash as extras in the movie. Between showcasing the campus and offering ways for students to get involved, this film will be a great opportunity for the university community to rally together with Jumbo pride. Additionally, the spotlight on Tufts might attract the attention of alumni, giving them a renewed interest in their alma mater, and prospective students.
These far-reaching positives for the university outweigh any minor inconveniences that students and professors might encounter. For those who do not have class on Monday, the prospect of fame or at least five seconds of it is very real. And for those who do have classes on Monday, there is plenty of time to map out alternate routes to class, or better yet, map out routes where you can accidentally bump into Jason Segel.
