A line of excited students wrapped around the Student Union on Tuesday evening as they waited for the doors to open for the free screening of “Pitch Perfect.”
In the vein of the popular TV show “Glee,” Jason Moore’s “Pitch Perfect” follows an a cappella group, the Bellas, through its ups and downs on the way to a national competition.
So many students waited in line that the Union showed the movie twice in order to let students who were turned away have another opportunity to see the film.
Math junior and Union Theater usher Chas Nichols said as soon as the cutoff of 1,200 people was reached, the Union ushers had to stop allowing guests inside.
Bioengineering sophomore Rheagan Chambers said she was excited to see the film.
“I pretended to be an extra and walked into a bunch of takes. If I’m in the movie, it’s going to be great,” Chambers said.
Half the theater erupted into song 10 minutes before the film began to join the soundtrack as it played Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.”
Executive Producer Scott Niemeyer told students before the showing that they were among the first to see the movie, which garnered a loud “Go Tigers” from somewhere in the crowd.
That excitement continued into the screening.
Students screamed after recognizing locations on campus, including the Pentagon, the Quad and the Horseshoe.
“Pitch Perfect” was filmed partially on the University campus, featuring a party in the Greek Amphitheater, an a cappella “riff-off” in the empty swimming pool behind the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse, and a student activity fair in the Quad.
Camera PA for the film and former University student DJ Phillips said his favorite place of filming was in the pool.
“As students, you’re not supposed to be there,” Phillips said. “It was cool to not be sneaking around.”
Camera Assistant Jeff Taylor said the pool was the most difficult scene to film.
“You had to move the cameras up and down the stairs — it was the only way to get them in there,” Taylor said.
Phillips said he was excited to see the whole movie.
“After working on something for three or four months, it’s always great to see it put together on screen,” Phillips said.
In general, students said they enjoyed the film.
“There was a diverse group in there, and everyone seemed to enjoy it,” said mass communication freshman Jillian Terrio. She said the movie was unexpectedly entertaining.
“If it wasn’t for Fat Amy, it wouldn’t have been as amusing,” said mass communication freshman Zach Heathman.
“Pitch Perfect” will show in certain theaters starting Sept. 28, and everywhere Oct. 5.
