Independence Day: Resurgence Press Event
On June 22nd, THE FIRM, formerly known as Samantha Sackler Productions, had the amazing opportunity of traveling to Albuquerque, New Mexico to the set of the Roland Emmerich’s new movie, Independence Day: Resurgence. The movie is set to release in 2016, nearly twenty years after the original broke box office records for the biggest opening of all time.
Twenty years after the events of the first film, the international community recovers and builds up Earth’s defenses using technology salvaged from remains of the alien forces. However, the aliens were able to send a distress signal before their final defeat, which results in a new task force of alien ships coming to Earth and threatening the human race once more.
THE FIRM team had the great honor of producing the first ever pre-filming experience for press and invited guests. On set with the Moon Tug and Human Hybrid Fighter Jet, Twentieth Century Fox hosted a livestream with director, Roland Emmerich. Emmerich revealed the official name and logo “Independence Day: Resurgence”, discussed the new alien technology used in the film and announced the cast. Returning cast members including Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox and Brent Spiner and new stars including Liam Hemsworth, Jessie Usher, Sela Ward, Maika Monroe and Angelababy all joined Emmerich on stage for a Q&A section of the livestream.
Once the livestream portion of the day was complete, press and other guests were invited to the Aperture building located right outside of ABQ studios. Here THE FIRM team transformed a grassy park into a festive, upscale outdoor barbecue. Vehicles used in the movie including large military trucks lines the park as guests walked in. The team brought in an enormous 30’ tall by 70’ wide screen (the largest in the country!) to show the first Independence Day movie. Edison bulb stringer lights covered the park in a warm glow while Designer 8*’s Lucia outdoor collection gave the party the upscale barbeque look the team was trying to achieve. To keep with the Southwestern vibe felt throughout Albuquerque, we used accent colors in terracotta and turquoise as well as common Southwestern dished served at the stations. As a surprise for all guests, once President Thomas Whitmore finished his infamous speech, THE FIRM team programmed five minutes of breathtaking fireworks.
Images by Liz Lopez