Altoona, PA, Sells Out to Hollywood

On the night of Wednesday April 11th, Altoona sold the right of the name of the town for 60 days. Morgan Spurlock is the filmmaker who bought the rights.

The reason behind his purchase was to promote his new film “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.”  The agreement stated that Altoona’s name would be changed to “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” on April 27th. Spurlock paid a fee to the city of approximately $25,000 to have the name changed.

Many companies have high hopes for the movie. POM Wonderful spent about $1 million to put their name in the title of the movie. Even Sheetz, another one of the sponsors, is spending around $100,000 – $250,000 to be depicted in a portion of the movie. Their president said that he wasn’t afraid of spending the money, but he fears for what the outcome may turn out to be. He hopes that the advertisement will help with their business.  Surprisingly, Sheetz is based in Altoona.

Sony Pictures Classics released the movie on April 22nd, 2011.  The money that the city of Altoona received is going to go towards the city Police Department. Some of the members of Altoona think it was a silly thing to do.

Study Hall Monitor Mr. Skokowski was so shocked that he just gave a dumb blank stare and nothing more.

Sarah Kilgore said, “The name itself is such a mouthful.”

Tyler Skelding said, “That is just dumb. Why should they change the name of Altoona just for money?”

Some students believe it is both a good and bad idea.

Students Kimberly Santiago and Melissa Danweber said that, as mayors,  they would agree to the arrangement depending on the use of the $25,000.

Santiago said, “If the money is just for greed, then don’t do it, but, if there is a good opportunity for the money, then go for it.”

“It is wise financially. And it is a cleaver ploy on Spurlock’s part. I think that Fleetwood would benefit from something like Fiore’s Presents The Greatest High School Newspaper Ever Printed,” said English Teacher Zachary Houp.