Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Anchorman: The Exhibit Opens at the Newseum


From our friends at the Newseum...

On Thursday, Nov. 14, the Newseum will open its highly anticipated "Anchorman: The Exhibit," featuring props, costumes and footage from the comedy classic "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy." The exhibit, created in partnership with Paramount Pictures, opens just weeks before the film's much-awaited sequel "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" hits theaters on Dec. 20.

Visitors to the exhibit will be greeted by an 8-foot-tall revolving display case featuring the iconic burgundy business suit worn by fictional newscaster Ron Burgundy, played in both movies by actor Will Ferrell. More than 60 costumes and hilarious props from the movie will be on display throughout the exhibit, including Ron's "I'M #1" license plate, jazz flute and mustache brush.

The exhibit also features costumes and props from other members of Ron's Channel 4 news team, including suits worn by reporter Veronica Corningstone (played by Christina Applegate) and sports anchor Champ Kind (played by David Koechner) and the Sex Panther cologne used by reporter Brian Fantana (played by Paul Rudd). The stuffed prop version of Ron's dog Baxter, wearing Channel 4 pajamas, and the eyeglasses worn by weatherman Brick Tamland (played by Steve Carell) are also on display.

Yes, they have Sex Panther!

The movie tells the story of how a 1970s-era macho news team responds when an ambitious female reporter arrives in the newsroom with her sights on the anchor chair. "Anchorman: The Exhibit" explores the reality behind the humor of "Anchorman," and tells the story of the challenges women faced when they arrived in newsrooms. A Newseum-produced film features interviews with 1970s news anchors Connie Chung, Maury Povich and Melba Tolliver and news executive Al Primo, who is credited with revolutionizing broadcast news with the Eyewitness News format, which created teams of reporters and brought women and minorities into prominent roles in the newsroom. In addition, local TV news promotional ads from the 1970s will be on display along with photos of popular news teams of the day.

In December, the Newseum will host two events featuring stars from the "Anchorman" films. On Dec. 3, Will Ferrell, will appear at the Newseum for an invitation-only event to discuss "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues." On Dec. 17, actor David Koechner, who stars as Champ Kind in both "Anchorman" movies, will make a special appearance at an advance screening of the new movie. Tickets to the screening went on sale to the public in October and sold out in less than week.

Also on Dec. 17, costumes and props from "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" will be unveiled in the exhibit, days before the sequel opens in theaters.

Visitors to the exhibit can see if they have what it takes to be a member of the Channel 4 news team, with Ron Burgundy providing intros to the Newseum's popular Be a TV Reporter experience, and budding news anchors can have their photos taken behind a replica of the Channel 4 News desk.

"Anchorman: The Exhibit" will be on display at the Newseum through Aug. 31, 2014.

About the Newseum:
The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through education, information and entertainment. One of the top attractions in Washington, D.C., the Newseum's 250,000-square-foot news museum offers visitors a state-of-the-art experience that blends news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. The Newseum Institute serves as a forum for First Amendment study, exploration and education. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. For more information, visit newseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"
With the 70's behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues." Also back for more are Ron's co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) - All of whom won't make it easy to stay classy… while taking New York and the nation's first 24-hour news channel by storm. Produced by Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Written by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay. Directed by Adam McKay.