August 19-25, 2004

mixpicks

Set Schedule

by A.D. Amorosi

The daily diary of Philadelphia film — from Lee Daniels shooting Cuba Gooding Jr. to Nic Cage running around with Jerry Bruckheimer — is always duly noted by the press. Namely me. But after the stars leave and the premieres pass us by, what about where these things are filmed — the real stars of their shows? Albert Schuster of Network in Philadelphia and Matt Anthony of Philadelphia Trolley Works give credit where credit's due tonight with their Center City Movie Filming Tour. The evening, held as a benefit for The Sunshine Foundation (a portion of its proceeds go to the "Make-A-Wish"-like organization for children with terminal illnesses), focuses on location shoots for Rocky, The Sixth Sense, Up Close and Personal, Philadelphia, 12 Monkeys (pictured) and Unbreakable. Celebrating NiP's first year of social events for young professionals, Schuster came across the idea listening to radio host Michael Smerconish interview Greater Philadelphia Film Office doyenne Sharon Pinkenson. "I heard him ask her why couldn't this be done — a tour of Philly film locations," says Schuster. Looking for new ideas for NiP, Schuster (without the sponsorship of GPFO) contacted Trolley Works. "Albert wanted to go further than the majors — Rocky's Art Museum run — while including those as well," says tour guide supervisor Anthony. "We're going off the beaten path." Anthony will point out Monkeys' stops at Eastern State Penitentiary; make a slow cruise around City Hall's corridors, Franklin Field and the Furness Library for Unbreakable; and mirror Sixth Sense's views of Cypress, Clinton and Pine streets. "I want to point out everything from the cracks in the windows on Green Street to the Pine Street Presbyterian cemetery," says Anthony.

Center City Movie Filming Tour, Thu., Aug. 19, 7-10 p.m., $20, meet at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon, 461 N. Third St., comments@networkinphilly.com or 215-681-3153 for reservations (required).