“Twilight” Star Robert Pattinson Films in NYC; Gets Attacked by Fans, Hit by Taxi

It has been a grueling week for “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson, who is in NYC to shoot his latest film, “Remember Me.”  Not only did he have to wake up early in the morning to be on set at NYU’s Silver Center and Washington Square Park, but he was met by throngs of screaming fans – including two sporting “Twighlight” tote bags who were audacious enough to run past the barricades, flail themselves at Pattinson, and snap some “Myspace-style” photos.  Let’s just say the guards (not to mention Pattinson) were not exactly pleased.

To top it all off the actor was grazed by a taxi in front of the Strand Bookstore while attempting to escape from fans.  One of his bodyguards is reported to have shouted, “See what you did?  You almost killed him!”  Seems to me that the more obsessive Robert Pattinson (dare I call him RoPat?) fans become, the less likely it is that they will have someone to obsess about in the future.

It’s Official: Washington Square Park Renovation Phase I Has Re-Opened (Stay Tuned for Phase II)

Though the fences had been quietly dismantled last Tuesday to allow a growing trickle of visitors, Thursday May 28 marked the official ribbon-cutting celebration of the now-completed Washington Square Park renovation – Phase I, that is.

A red carpet was rolled out to welcome prominent public figures and everyday parkgoers alike; speakers included Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe

A tent was raised near the fountain to house a small group of chairs and a dais for the aforementioned speakers, who asserted that “a Nobel peace prize could have been awarded” for the extraordinary negotiation efforts that occurred throughout the planning and construction process.  Several of the speakers also remarked that even the most vocal opponents of the renovation seemed to be impressed.

After the speeches, the officials gathered in front of the fountain (which had been turned off) to stand behind the official ribbon, scissors ready.  The moment the ribbon was cut, streams of water shot out of the waterjets.

Additional festivities included a commemorative button-making station, live jazz music, and free food from local eateries like Crumbs Bake Shop, Le Pain Quotidien, and Mario Batali’s Otto (whose “Gelotto” cart will become a fixture in the park this summer).

Phase I of the renovation added new benches, winding walkways and grand promenades, and 20% more greenspace to the park, and controversially moved the iconic fountain 20 feet to align it with the equally iconic arch.

Though parkgoers are glad to have access to the fountain and central area again, the entire park will not be open for long: Phase II of the renovation, which will be concentrated in the northeast, southeast, and southwest quadrants of the park, is scheduled to begin in the near future.

Not-so-average Joes: NBA Players and Fashionistas Take over the West 4th Basketball Courts for JOE Joseph Abboud & JCPenney

There were still basketball players at the famous West 4th Street courts on Monday, May 18 – except this time, they were wearing suits and in the NBA.

To celebrate the launch of their Fall 2009 collaboration, JCPenney (who plans to open at the Manhattan Mall this year) and suitmaker JOE Joseph Abboud obtained permission to close the courts to the public – a decidedly controversial move – to hold a cocktail party.  Attendees included a rather unusual mix of athletes and fashionistas: basketball legends Allan Houston and Cal Ramsey, rising star NBA draft pick Blake Griffin, Bobby Simmons of the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks head coach Herb Williams and several team members, stylist Michael Angelo, and Jones Apparel retail executives.

And you couldn’t miss the collection of male models donning various JOE Joseph Abboud ensembles, stationed around the court literally to stand there and look pretty.

Though interesting sheets of aluminum were placed around the fence to create a sense of “privacy,” a few sections were left uncovered, drawing a crowd of curious pedestrians.  Many had stopped when they realized they weren’t hearing the usual shouts of excitement that accompany the lively games at the court.  Several of the onlookers had probably planned to play in or watch one of those games that night; something tells me that if it were not for the presence of professional basketball stars at the event, they would have been quite disappointed.  Once the not-so-average-JOEs cleared out, though, it was back to normal – and I doubt you’ll be seeing suits at that court anytime soon.

Hillary Clinton: Congratulations, NYU Class of 2009

Secretary of State Clinton delivers her speech at Yankee Stadium.  Photo courtesy of the NY Daily News

The New York University All-University Commencement for the class of 2009 was held in the brand new Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, May 13.  Over 25,000 people attended the event headlined by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who received an honorary degree (and a hug from President John Sexton!) and delivered the commencement address.  Recognizing that the class of 2009 is graduating during one of the worst economic climates since the Great Depression, Clinton emphasized the challenging yet promising times ahead.  The Secretary of State urged the class to participate in global affairs and to embrace the inevitability of change.   She explained that much is expected of these graduates, and in light of the location, remarked that now they “are up to bat.”  Watch her speech here.

NYU Graduation Coverage Part 1: Grad Alley

The streetsign may have been temporary, but on May 12 – the day before graduation for NYU’s Class of 2009 – West 4th Street and LaGuardia Place were transformed into a carnival-like “Grad Alley.” The celebratory street offered food (only at NYU would knishes and falafel be standard fare), a DJ, jugglers, games, crafts, and even human statues (say hi to Lady Liberty!) for graduating seniors and their families.

Washington Square Park Construction Update: And Then There Were Lights, or Don’t Blink, You’ll Miss the Fountain

This weekend the Washington Square Park fountain was restored to its former glory – if only for a few minutes.

At about noon Friday, the jets were activated, sending gallons of water into the air over the slightly relocated fountain (remember, it was absolutely necessary that it line up exactly with the arch) in the closed portion of the park.  Curious onlookers (who after a year of construction probably forgot the fountain even existed) stood mesmerized, perhaps nostalgic for the days when parkgoers could sunbathe and even take a splash there.

But by about one o’clock, the jets had been turned off, reminding us that this was only the construction team saying “testing, one, two, three.”  Such a tease.

Also this weekend, new (yet old-fashioned) globe light fixtures were installed in the area immediately surrounding the fountain, bringing a much-needed element of grandeur. (Remember those atrocious globe fixtures that looked ugly and soiled enough to be from the ’70s?  You’ve probably been trying to block them from memory.)

But the fountain test, lighting, and general progress of construction appear to be promising indicators of a re-opening in the very near future – perhaps even before the long summer days have us aching for a refreshingly cool spritz.

Vitamin Water 10 Pops Up in Soho

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

To celebrate the debut of its new 10 calorie version, Vitamin Water opened a pop-up shop in the former Helio space, next to Urban Outfitters, at 628 Broadway in Soho (technically Noho, but we’ll give it to them).

On the night of Thursday, April 2 (the same day as the opening of Topshop down the street), the store held an opening party, setting up a red carpet and bleachers for invited guests right on the sidewalk.  And it was not without star power – actress Carmen Electra hosted the event.

The store itself offers complimentary bottles of Vitamin Water 10 (in four flavors, including Vitamin C-abundant lemonade and antioxidant berry), which guests can enjoy in a minimalist setting featuring seating areas, videogames on a Wii, and a photobooth in the front window (that’s visible to passing traffic on Broadway).  Another window facing the street features a live model, decked out in the colorful tee shirts, white short-shorts, and knee-high socks all the employees were wearing (since of course 2009 is actually just The ’80s, Part Two).

Unfortunately, the store is only temporary, meaning weary Soho shoppers can’t count on that refreshing free Vitamin Water for long.

The British Invasion: New Yorkers Swarm Opening Day Extravaganza in the Race to the Topshop

“The British are coming!” fashionistas chanted for months after London-based fast fashion retailer Topshop announced its first US store would open in New York.

Well, they’ve arrived.

Granted, it took them a while to get here: Topshop initially entered the American market by introducing only select pieces from its line at Barneys New York, and then delayed the opening of its first full-scale stateside flagship from Fall 2008 to April 2, 2009.  But judging from the lines that wrapped around the block at Broadway and Broome St. in Soho today (Recession?  What recession?), demand and expectations ran high – and many shoppers would probably agree that it was well worth the wait.

Celebrities like Kate Moss, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Trachtenberg, and DJ Mark Ronson (yes, that’s the brother of Lindsay Lohan’s companion/girlfriend/pubilicity stunt/whatever, Samanatha Ronson) were on hand to celebrate the opening of the 40,000 square foot flagship, which stands at more than four stories and includes both the Topshop (women’s apparel and accessories) and Topman lines.

For those unfamiliar with Topshop, the brand falls somewhere between H&M and Banana Republic in style and price: some pieces are  irresistibly cute and inexpensive (like colorful men’s V-neck tees and short-sleeve shirts, two for $20), while others appeal to a more “aspirational” customer (take a $140 seersucker blazer).  The women’s pieces were particularly fashion-forward, adventurous, and stunning (the Kate Moss collection’s sparkly sequined dresses and dangerously spiked heels could only be described accurately as “fierce”).  But many of the men’s urban hipster pieces seemed lackluster, busy (gingham flannel shirt with striped tie?), and we’ve-seen-this-before (high-top shoes).  Overall though, most of the store made a strong showing at a reasonable price.

Many of the day’s customers were enticed by gift cards (ranging from $5 to $500 and redeemable only on April 2) that had been handed out from Topshop vans throughout the city earlier this week.  Additional giftcards (and waterbottles – how thoughtful!) were handed out to shoppers waiting in line.

Topshop’s Soho neighbor, Madewell (the two stores are separated only by the upcoming J. Crew men’s store) also benefited from today’s crowds.  In addition to offering free doughnuts, Madewell created a window display in honor (or should we say, honour?) of the occasion: “A Royal Welcome to Our New Neighbour” and “All Hail the Jean.”  It’s nice to see some friendly retail/international relations instead of the usual cutthroat competition.

Though New York remains the only Topshop outpost in the States for now, the success of today’s opening despite the suffering economy may be an indicator of the potential for nationwide expansion.  A British takeover of America has never sounded so lovely.

The Magic is Back: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with Nicolas Cage Returns to Washington Square Park and NYU

Conveniently for those NYU students who missed it over spring break, the cast and crew of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” returned to Washington Square Park today to film new scenes.  This time, however, the public was afforded an actual Nicolas Cage sighting (if you could recognize him in a long brown trench coat, long hair, and sorcerer’s cap).

Actor Jay Baruchel could also be seen on set.  The scene itself featured several extras walking along pathways in the park, with Cage and Baruchel among them.  The cast and crew were lucky to be working on a beautiful 65-degree day, though unfortunately for everyone else (who wasn’t interested in star gazing), the filming closed off a large section on the east side of the park.

Paul Dano from “Little Miss Sunshine” Restores Law & Order at NYU

It’s been a little over one week since “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and already Washington Square Park is being taken over by another film crew.

The night of Monday, March 30, signs were posted on streetlamps indicating that the area around Washington Square West would be used to film for Law & Order: Criminal Intent.  In case you forgot which of the seemingly countless Law & Order spinoffs that is, it’s the one with Vincent D’Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe and now Jeff Goldblum.  Mazza First Hand Source was kind of hoping to see Mariska Hargitay, who has recovered from her Hamptons sledding accident-induced lung collapse (that sounds just as strange to us as it does to you) and returned to set last week looking fierce.  But alas, her TV jurisdiction extends no further than SVU.  Or maybe she’s off-duty.

By this morning, two enormous trailers were placed in front of Hayden Hall (including one that quite adorably listed the following stars’ names on the door: Lucy and Desi.  To which stars do these trailers actually belong?  D’Onofrio and Erbe, perhaps?).

By about 3:30, a crowd gathered near the chess tables on the west side of the park as cameras rolled.  Signs placed at the entrance to the park made the legal disclaimer that anyone who chose to remain in the park during filming could be photographed and filmed without pay.  (Another advantage to filming in New York: free and constant extras.)  Interestingly, a group of homeless men was provided chess pieces to actually engage in a game during the scene taking place directly behind them.

The scene itself featured Paul Dano (perhaps best known for his mostly silent role as Dwayne in “Little Miss Sunshine” ) in a business suit talking emphatically on a cellphone and walking hurriedly through the park.  Large technical equipment, including cameras, lighting, and a boom microphone, followed him for about three or four takes.

Filming is scheduled to continue until about 8 P.M. tonight.  As for the final product, you can probably expect to find the Wasington Square Park scenes on an upcoming new episode – that is, if you can find it buried somewhere in the ubiquitous 24/7 Law & Order marathon that is television.

Here’s a place to start: the eigth season of Law & Order Criminal Intent is set to premiere on April 19, 2009 on the USA Network.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and former Chair of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker Hold Discussion at NYU

It must be VIP week at NYU: first Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina, and other stars show up to film a movie here, then Hillary Clinton is named commencement speaker for the Class of 2009 graduation, and now this:

Today at noon British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and former Chair of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker will hold a discussion with NYU students and faculty about “A New Multilateralism in the 21st Century.”  According to the official NYU press release, “The event will include such pressing issues as global economic structures and policies, the challenges of climate change, and the need for cooperative approaches to security.”

Unfortunately the event is invitation-only (which may explain NYU’s last-minute press release).  But those of you hoping to catch at least a glimpse of these renowned people and a potentially fascinating discussion can view the event live on RealPlayer through the NYU website.

View the complete photo gallery at Zimbio.

Hillary Clinton Named Commencement Speaker for NYU 2009 Graduation, Won’t Be Jumping into Fountain

Today NYU officially announced that Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the commencement address at the graduation ceremony for NYU’s Class of 2009.  The U.S. Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator from New York, former First Lady, and Wellesley and Yale Law graduate can now add to her list of accomplishments an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from NYU, which she will receive at the ceremony.

According to the NYU press release, honorary degree recipients also include White House Journalist Helen Thomas, Nobel physicist Albert Fert, health advocate Jessie Gruman, and playwright and NYU alum John Patrick Shanley.  NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein will receive the Rudin Award for “exemplary service to New York City.”

This year’s commencement will be held on May 13th at Yankee Stadium – since a substantial portion of the Washington Square Park (notably the fountain into which newly-minted NYU graduates traditionally jump, robes and all) remains closed for construction.  Though the vast majority of renovation, including landscaping, park benches, lampposts, and increased greenspace, appears complete, the closed section is not scheduled to re-open until “spring 2009″ (which we really know, translating from construction-speak, is probably summer 2009 at the earliest).

But those of you who had been looking forward to some friendly secretary of state splish-splashing at the fountain, have no fear: if last year’s graduation streaker is any indication, anything can happen.

Action! “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with Nicolas Cage Takes Over NYU and Washington Square Park

Filming for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” continued Friday night, with crews stationed all around NYU and Washington Square Park.

In a matter of hours, NYU’s Pless Hall (located in the Steinhardt building and home to the Black Box Theatre) was strikingly transformed into the “Communication Cafe”: faux signage was placed on several windows, kitschy lamps arranged throughout the room, and paintings and large collages hung on the walls.  A room normally frequented by NYU students for gathering and studying became a set for actors Nicolas Cage and Teresa Palmer – and don’t forget the bevy of sound, lighting, and camera people.

When the director finally called “action,” cameras rolled as Teresa Palmer stormed angrily past Nicolas Cage and out of the “Communication Cafe.”  For an outside scene, several cars drove along Washington Place while a group of extras walked past the entrance to the Silver Center.

A group of onlookers and fans chatted with a crew member (who was designated to control pedestrian traffic around the set) while the scenes were being filmed.

Through the night, an extensive lighting system brightly illuminated the Silver Center, the brownstones on Washington Square North, the apartment buildings on lower Fifth Avenue, and numerous trees and paths in Washington Square Park.  Passersby stopped to find themselves gawking at the lighting and filming equipment placed prominently in these areas and in front of the Arch – not to mention gawking at stars Nicolas Cage and Teresa Palmer.

Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer Spotted on the Set of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” at NYU

Stars Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer film at the NYU Law Building on West 4th Street on Thursday, March 19, 2009.  Get the details of the filming of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” at NYU here on Mazza First Hand Source.  Check out the complete photo gallery at Zimbio.

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Starring Nicolas Cage and Alfred Molina, Films at NYU

The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced, Jon Turteltaub-directed Walt Disney Pictures film The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, starring Nicolas Cage, is filming at the NYU Law building on West 4th Street.  Yesterday traffic was redirected down MacDougal Street to accommodate large technical equipment and lighting that towered over surrounding buildings and Washington Square Park (including a machine that produced a rainstorm – even though it had been raining earlier that day).  Nicolas Cage was nowhere to be found, but stars Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer along with several extras were filmed running though the artificial downpour, umbrellas in hand.  A sign was even added to the building itself, so that it could temporarily transform from a law building to a science building, but the signature NYU flag remained in place.

The live-action film, which is based on the segment from Disney animated classic Fantasia, is set in contemporary New York (and probably thanks to New York’s discount film credits, can proudly bear the “Made in NY” stamp as well).  This month, it was announced that Alfred Molina has signed on to the project to play the villain.  The film is to be released on July 16, 2010.