'Star Wars' Fans Camp Out On Hollywood Blvd. For Charity
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — "Star Wars" fans are preparing for the latest installment in the movie series -- the hugely anticipated "Force Awakens" -- by camping out on Hollywood Blvd. for tickets.
At the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where the first "Star Wars" premiered in 1977 — hundreds of fans are lined up, eagerly awaiting their turn to see the film when it opens at theaters on Friday.
Many of those lined up were doing so to benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation -- a charity that provides entertainment, education and family activities for seriously ill children -- by accepting donations for every hour spent on the sidewalk. Participating in the charity drive is optional.
Star Wars fan Lavonne Dominguez, wasn't interested in simply buying a ticket online to see the movie in her local movie theater. She and several friends who drove up from Orange County wanted an out-of-this-world experience.
"I need to see it in an epic place with people who are just as excited about 'Star Wars' as me," said Dominguez, 32, who was among about 150 devotees in line at the Chinese on Friday, occasionally ducking under awnings to avoid a passing shower.
Several fans began holding court outside the theater last weekend. Many of them previously lined up at the same location to be among the first to see the "Star Wars" prequel films, beginning in 1999. This time, the theater operator is allowing them to camp out on top of the theater's famous celebrity hand- and footprints, instead of along the sidewalk out front.
The fans must log at least 24 hours in line to gain entry to the theater's first public showing of the film, but those who spend more time in line will earn preferential seat selection.
"If I didn't have to go to work, I probably would be here the whole time," said Dominguez.
Meanwhile, a star-studded event on Monday is expected to be one of the largest — and most secretive — Hollywood premieres ever.
On Friday, dozens of workers were busily erecting a mammoth opaque tent lining four blocks of Hollywood Boulevard.
Inside the partially built structure, curious tourists snapped photos of lighting equipment while security personnel drove around in carts with "The Force Awakens" logo on them.
Lucasfilm-owner Disney declined to comment or provide details about the premiere, but it's expected to take over the TCL Chinese Theatre, as well as the nearby El Capitan Theatre and the adjacent Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.
An invitation sent to members of the media Friday afternoon requested that they withhold from spoiling the film after seeing it for the first time Monday night and dress in "'Star Wars'" chic" attire to the event.
Los Angeles Police Lt. John Jenal said the department is treating the premiere like other marquee events that take place on Hollywood Boulevard, including the Academy Awards. He noted "The Force Awakens" debut is "triple the magnitude of a typical premiere."
Jenal said extra vehicle patrols and more officers on foot are being assigned to the area, with several streets blocked to traffic. A half-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard between Highland and La Brea avenues was closed off beginning Friday.
While hundreds of opening-weekend showings have sold out, box-office analysts say there will still be plenty of available theaters to see "The Force Awakens" beginning Friday without needing to wait in line.
For more information on the Starlight Children's Foundation, go to www.starlight.org
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