Several stories about Herman, USA besides the one below are on this web site. Here are links to all of them:
Story 1, Story 2, Story 3, Story 4, Story 5, Story 6, Story 7, Story 8, Photos. The story below appeared in Herman's weekly newspaper, The Herman Review, Thursday, September 6, 2001.
Want to promote Herman?
Here's your chance!
by Nick Ripperger
Looking for ways to promote the Herman community? Here's our chance, maybe a big chance. The movie Herman, USA will open in about 50 theaters on Friday, September 14. Before that, a couple of "sneak previews" will be held at the Willow Creek theater in Plymouth on September 6 and September 13.
The movie's promoters are apparently trying to make the showings media events, not only in Plymouth on the 6th and 13th, but also in Alexandria on September 14. Ever since the producers hired a high-energy public relations firm this spring, they have been making a concerted effort to link the movie with the real town of Herman, which of course was the inspiration for the movie. As a result, co- producer Patrick Wells said he would be thrilled if community members showed up at the screenings, particularly in Plymouth on the 6th and in Alexandria on the 14th. He's even willing to pay for hotel rooms.
Wells said that the movie's opening in 50 theaters in the region is impressive for a small, independent film. In particular, he said, the fact that 18 theaters in the Twin Cities will be showing the movie beginning on the 14th is probably a record for an independent film in this region. Herman, USA was filmed in New Germany during the summer of 1998. Since the time the first cut was put together the following spring, the producers have struggled to find a distributor for the small, unassuming film. Finally this spring, they hired a PR firm and decided to distribute it themselves in Minnesota and surrounding states.
At first, they planned to release it in only 15 or 20 theaters. -- However, due to the promotions or to word of mouth, many more theaters requested it.
Admitting that the whole process has been a roller coaster ride, Wells sounded as though he's at the top of the ride again.
"We're terrifically excited," he said.
He hopes the Herman community shares some of that excitement, and to the extent possible, he wants to involve us in promoting the movie. There are even plans to welcome theatergoers to the movie "on behalf of St. Anthony Films and the Good People of Herman."
Regarding the screenings in Plymouth, Wells said that the press is being invited, and that real Hermanites might be interviewed if they are there.
Regarding the Alexandria premier at the Midway Mall Cinema 7, it's become clear that the promoters have chosen that to be the "Herman debut" since it will be the one closest to Herman. Wells said it's possible that a Twin Cities television personality might do a remote report from Alexandria for his station, and that the band featured in the movie, "Trailer Trash," might do a gig there that night.
Regardless of whether Hermanites like the movie, or whether it turns out to be successful, this new attention being paid to Herman appears to be a prime opportunity to promote the community again. The Herman Review will produce a special e dition on September 13 devoted in large part to Bachelormania, the community, and to the movie. we will distribute the papers at the Alexandria showing, and possibly even get them down to Plymouth for the showing on the 13th.
Anyone - the Boosters, the Herman Development Corporation, the school, individual businesses who wants to be involved in promoting the community or themselves is encouraged to contact the Review at 677-2229.
The Willow Creek theater is located four blocks west of Highway 169 in Plymouth. From I- | 394, take the Highway 169 exit north. Once on 169, take the first right exit. Take a left on the cross- street and go four blocks. The address is 9900 Shelard Parkway.
The movie begins at 7:30. It might be wise to show up early. Wells said he is willing to pay for anyone's hotel rooms if they don't want to drive back home that evening. When you're at the theater, tell them you're from Herman, and "We'll take care of you," said Wells.
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