Hokie Movie Hits Big Screen

On the eve of opening kickoff for the 2007 football season, the Virginia Tech Hokies will hit the big screen in downtown Blacksburg. With nearly two years in production, “Hokie Movie” – a documentary featuring the Virginia Tech football team and its fans – will premiere at The Lyric on Friday night.

Creators Chris Valluzzo and Sean Kotz, both Virginia Tech alumni and founders of Horse Archer Productions, LLC, have been working around the clock with the Virginia Tech athletic department and University Relations since September 2005.

What can Hokie fans expect from the film?  According to Kotz, a little bit of everything.  Valluzzo and Kotz spent countless hours interviewing fans, administrators and former players.  “Hokie Nation” will take an in-depth look at the Saturday rituals around Blacksburg…from the tailgaters that show up as much as 48 hours before kickoff to the interior operations of Lane Stadium.  Fans can expect to see the wide range of visitors, maybe even themselves, whom Blacksburg plays host to every fall.

The unique customs of Hokie tailgaters were some of the creators’ favorite interviews.

“There are a lot of great fans in this film,” said Kotz.  “In general, I most enjoyed interviewing fans who had created tailgating machines.  We saw converted ambulances, converted school busses and one of a kind trailers that will just blow your mind.”

Other interviews include coaches Frank Beamer, Bud Foster and Bryan Stinespring along with Virginia Tech Hall of Famers Bruce Smith, Terry Strock, Antonio Freeman, Mickey Fitzgerald, Carroll Dale, Mike Burnop, Robert Brown and Ray Crittenden.

Insight from Virginia governor Tim Kaine, the “Voice of the Hokies” Bill Roth and many other local legends are sure to contribute to the success of the film.

One of the most prominent aspects to a game in Lane Stadium is the now infamous team entrance.  With the student section bouncing and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blaring over the stadium’s loudspeakers, Virginia Tech has become well known for its hair prickling entrance.

“We have an extensive section on the Sandman entrance,” said Kotz.  “Beyond that we also have a look at everything that builds up to that both inside the stadium and outside.”
           
The initial screening of “Hokie Nation” will be an all-inclusive package.  Tickets can be reserved at www.HokieMovie.com for a price of $50 which includes a collectible ticket and access to the exclusive after-party.  

“The after-party will be THE big bash of the year,” said Kotz.  “Former players including some Tech Hall of Famers and many of the people in the film will be on hand.  When our theater patrons arrive, they will be presented with a special playbill and invitation to the party which will be held at Top of the Stairs.  This will be a great party with food and drinks and will begin at 9:15.”

To match with the college savvy budget, there will be a 9:15 p.m. showing for only $10.  The premiere weekend will conclude with a $6 matinee at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday; $5 with a Virginia Tech ID.

The “Hokie Nation” DVD will be available in mid to late September.  Copies can be preordered for $20 at the University Bookstore or via Paypal by visiting Hokiemovie.com.

Horse Archer Productions, LLC is an independent production company in the New River Valley and is not affiliated with the university.  “Hokie Nation” is an officially licensed product.