News
June 20, 2018Bites Camera Action 2018
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), the Times Union Center, Albany County and the City of Albany are proud to present the second season of Bites Camera Action, a free outdoor summer movie series kicking off July 9 and running for six consecutive Monday evenings through August 13.
With support from sponsors Berkshire Bank, Fidelis Care, and SEFCU, Bites Camera Action will transform a section of South Pearl Street into an open-air movie theater. A collection of popular films, including both classic favorites and new releases chosen largely by members of the community through an online survey, will be played on the Times Union Center’s new 15-by-70-foot LED display screens, which were unveiled as part of a $19.6 million façade renovation project in January.
South Pearl Street will close to vehicular traffic from Beaver Street to Hudson Avenue at 6:30 PM on Mondays from July 9 to August 13. Music and games for all ages begin at 6:30 PM. A new short film from award-winning non-profit digital media program Youth FX will play each week at 7:00 PM, showcasing the work of talented, diverse young filmmakers between the ages of 10 and 24 from historically under-served Capital Region neighborhoods. Feature movie presentations will kick off at 7:30 PM each week.
August 20 and 27 will be held as rain dates in the event of the inclement or dangerous weather. Announcements regarding event postponements will be made via the Downtown Albany BID and Times Union Center social media channels, as well as on downtownalbany.org and timesunioncenter-albany.com.
The six featured films were chosen by nearly 600 community members who voted in an online survey. The schedule is as follows:
July 9: Invincible (featuring a special meet & greet with Albany Empire players in recognition of Empire co-owner and former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, portrayed by Greg Kinnear in the film)
July 16: The Goonies
July 23: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
July 30: Hidden Figures
August 6: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
August 14: Guardians of the Galaxy
The “bites” will be available onsite from local restaurants neighboring the Times Union Center. In addition, Times Union Center vendor Aramark will provide popcorn, beer, wine, and soft drinks for purchase. Music and free games for all ages, including cornhole, giant Connect Four, chess, and dominoes, will add to the fun prior to the screenings each evening.
“The renovations at the Times Union Center were intended to create a space that brought people together, whether it was on event nights or throughout the year,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “I am so happy to see our LED screens will be enjoyed by families for this free movie series. This investment in our community will continue to pay dividends as residents visit our nearby shops and restaurants, many of which will be on site providing food for each of these weekly showings throughout the summer.”
“The Times Union Center has been a major entertainment destination in Downtown for decades, and this event series demonstrates a new capacity for the building to serve as a community gathering space,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “The recent façade and atrium renovations, as well as partnerships with organizations like the Downtown Albany BID, help make these exciting new events possible for our Capital City residents and continue to transform Downtown Albany into a neighborhood of choice.”
“As the residential population in Downtown continues to grow, it’s important that we work with partners like the Times Union Center to identify opportunities that will utilize and highlight the BID’s assets while providing free and affordable events and amenities to strengthen the community,” said Downtown Albany BID executive director Georgette Steffens. “We’re thrilled that by collaborating on Bites Camera Action, we can welcome both residents and visitors to experience Downtown in a completely unique fashion, while showcasing the new investments, talented local filmmakers, and eclectic restaurants shaping Albany’s newest neighborhood.”
Free parking is available after 5:00 PM at the nearby Times Union Center Garage (9 Wendell Street) and Green-Hudson Garage (45 Hudson Avenue), as well as on the street. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to view the movie, as chairs will not be provided by the event organizers.
The Bites Camera Action series is presented by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District and The Times Union Center, with support from sponsors Berkshire Bank, Fidelis Care, and SEFCU, as well as partner organizations Albany County, the City of Albany, the Palace Theatre and ParkAlbany.
Find more information on Bites Camera Action at www.downtownalbany.org/bitescameraaction.
