Join Old Tucson Studios over the Independence Day weekend for special holiday hours from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, July 3rd through Monday, July 5th.  Check out our special discounts this weekend for Pima County residents and Military personnel!

The Greg Spivey Band will perform in the Grand Palace Saloon on Saturday, June 26, beginning at High Noon.  The band will play throughout the afternoon until 4pm.  Come out and enjoy this great Tucson Talent who also has performed at the Maverick, the Lariat in Catalina and other greater Tucson locations.

Old Tucson Productions, the production unit of Old Tucson Studios, has signed an exclusive co-production agreement with Tucson veteran filmmakers Dick Fisher, Sarah Sher and Ari Palos to develop a comedy television pilot, STARDUST AND THE BANDIT, that will be produced at Old Tucson Studios.

Producers describe the pilot’s premise as a cross between the hit television series 30 Rock and the hilarious Mel Brooks western Blazing Saddles. The pilot’s plot centers on the exploits of an East Coast mob accountant on the run who is placed into the witness protection program as a “bean counter” in Old Tucson’s finance department.  Events spiral hysterically out of control when the mob boss whom the accountant testified against visits Old Tucson Studios while on vacation with his family.  

 Pre-production on the pilot began in April. The filming of the pilot will be open to guests who visit Old Tucson Studios which is providing production services for the show.

 Co-director Sarah Sher says that the “ultimate goal is to have the pilot picked up by a broadcast or cable network for a full season. An anchor series like this in Tucson would go along way in helping to revitalize and promote Tucson’s film industry.”  Arizona Senate bill 1409 which would have retained and improved the tax incentive credits for television and film production in Arizona was not renewed in the last legislative session thus ending the incentive program as of December 31, 2010.

 ”The production will also be a working class room for students from The Art Institute of Tucson,” said co-director Dick Fisher who won the Grand Prize in 1995 at Sundance with his film The Brothers McMullen.  The students will receive course credits and on the job training in exchange for working on the project.”

 Old Tucson Studios CEO/GM Pete Mangelsdorf is the pilot’s Executive Producer. Old Tucson Studios producer Frances Causey and Tucson producer Ari Palos are producing the project. Tucson film talents Dick Fisher and Sarah Sher are co-directing the project.  Fisher, Sher in collaboration with Tucsonans Brian McLaughlin and Josh Zientarski wrote the original pilot script.  The cast and crew will be drawn entirely from local area talent, many from Old Tucson Studios.

Junior Bull Riding AZ State Finals Double Header and end-of-the-year awards banquet!  Details TBD.

Coming to Old Tucson Studios November 6, 2010.  Check back for details!

Website from Cowboy Ball 2009

Old Tucson Studios is pleased to announce our summertime operating hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Sunday.

Tuesday and Wednesday Overview:  Spotlight on Film

Film and history buffs alike will enjoy our Film History Tour Days. Old Tucson Studios Historians lead guided walking set tours throughout the day with last tour beginning at 2:30 pm.  Following each tour, visitors will enjoy a presentation of Sir William Wylie’s Miracle Elixir Show in which the Good Doctor enlists the help of audience members to sell his snake oil Elixir.  Lunch specials, snacks, and liquid refreshments are available at the Grand Palace Saloon, where guests can view a screening of “Where Legends Walked” or “Old Tucson Remembers John Wayne” recalling the studios’ illustrious history.  Guests are welcome to walk around the sets, visit our museums, visit our gift shops, or enjoy a scoop of ice cream at Big Scoop ice cream parlor.  Admission on Tuesday and Wednesday is: Adult $8.75 + tax, Child $5.00 + tax (ages 4 to 11yrs).

Thursday thru Monday Overview:  Showcasing Wild West Entertainment and Family Fun

Enjoy all of the Film History Tour activities plus a full day of western family fun with gunfights, saloon revues,  amusements  (including vintage carousel, antique cars and more!),  great food and shopping.   Admission on Thursday through Monday is:   Adult $16.95 + tax, Child $10.95 + tax (ages 4 to 11 yrs)

 Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours or the whole day, Old Tucson Studios has your ticket to Movie Magic and Wild West family fun!

Where Steampunk Meets the Real West!

Join Old Tucson on Friday, March 4 thru Sunday, March 6 as we host Wild Wild West Con, a celebration of all things Steampunk!   Whether you’ve never heard of steampunk or you’ve heard of it but never experienced it, you’re sure to be amazed and amused.  This is your chance to get a glimpse at this phenomenon where it belongs – in an Old West setting.  Even the little Steampunkers will enjoy arts, crafts, games as well as all the cool stuff already in place at Old Tucson Studios.  Here’s a sneak peek by the Leaque of Steam who will be on hand for the festivities. 

Do I have to dress up to attend?   A costume is not required. But much like a Renaissance Fair, you will find many of the guests as well as convention staff members dressed in costume.  You will be surrounded by people who love steampunk and costumes.

There are two ways to participate:

• Not sure you’re ready to join the steampunk ranks but want to check it out? 
  Simply purchase a General Admission ticket at Old Tucson’s ticket office or online from Old Tucson.  Old Tucson General Admission prices are $16.95  for Adults and $10.95 for Children (ages 4-11).  Although most of the steampunk activities will be open to the public, selected venues and performances will be reserved for Wild Wild West Con guests only.
• Ready to immerse yourself in steampunk culture? 
  Wild Wild West Convention information and tickets are available at  Wild Wild West Con

Steampunk 101 Overview*

What is Steampunk?  In three short words, steampunk is Victorian science fiction. “Victorian” references a time period and an aesthetic: the industrialized 19th century. Historically, this period saw the development of many key aspects of the modern world, and steampunk uses this existing technology and structure to imagine an even more advanced 19thcentury, often complete with Victorian-inspired wonders like steam-powered aircraft and mechanical computers.

Where does the steam come in?  Steampunk’s steam references more generally signify a world in which steam technology is both dominant and prolific. The changes in society brought on by steam-driven industrialization allowed for the unprecedented developments in sciences, society and goods that came to be associated with the Victorian era.  Where does the punk come in? Ironically, it doesn’t.

What is the appeal of steampunk?  The genre possesses a life of its own that draws in fans from countless directions and backgrounds into a world where fashion is tailored to the individual, goods are made to last, and machinery is still regarded as a thing of visual majesty.  One critical aspect of steampunk is the tremendous diversity of appeal it presents, which offers something for just about everyone:

• Some people are drawn to it from a love of the Victorian period.
• Others enjoy steampunk’s unique approach to technology - re-imagining modern capabilities with 19th century machines.
• Many people are drawn to its fashion aspects, which allow them to sample and even combine a range of clothing styles and accessories from across the 19th century world. 

*More information about Steampunk is available at What is Steampunk? – Steampunk 101.
  

Kinney Road 5 Miler at Old Tucson Studios

Bright & early to avoid the heat – 5:00 a.m. start!

Yes, we know it’s hot out there in the middle of the summer. That’s why we’re inviting you to “Run With the Roosters,” 5 mile Run & Walk, starting and finishing at Old Tucson Studios at 5:00 a.m.

This beautiful closed-to-traffic course runs south on Kinney Rd., in Tucson Mountain Park, into the Ironwood Picnic Grounds, back south on Kinney Rd and then making a turnaround back to Old Tucson.

As always, Everyone Runs brings you the most value for your money with customized finisher tech tank shirts, free Mexican breakfast, Robeks Smoothies, massage, pre-race stretch from o2 Fitness, and overall and 5-year age group awards.

Register now to Run with the Roosters – an event you don’t want to miss!

OLD TUCSON STUDIOS IS NOW A “PROPERTY” ON THE NEW JOHN WAYNE COLLECTOR’S EDITION MONOPOLY BOARD GAME

(Old Tucson Studios-Tucson, AZ)—Last Fall, Old Tucson Studios was contacted by John Wayne Enterprises and asked to participate in the production of its latest venture, a John Wayne Collector’s Edition Monopoly Board game.  The board game features locations and personal property that were significant in the movie star’s professional and personal life. Hoping to make the cut, we submitted a photo of the “Duke” on the set of Rio Bravo, one of the four movies Wayne shot here at OTS.

We are proud to say that Old Tucson Studios is now an official “property” on the board game.  The property card describes Old Tucson Studios as “still today one of the most historic filming locations and the site of several films featuring John Wayne.” The card goes on to say that “with each film, set buildings were added, including a saloon, bank building, doctor’s office, hotel, cantina, and ranch house.”

Other properties include Wayne’s famous yacht, “Wild Goose” and another famous Wayne movie location Monument Valley.  Among the game’s collectible pewter tokens is a tiny replica of the Duke’s director chair.  The Board game is now for sale online and at retail stores.

Mark your calendars for 2010’s biggest and best Halloween event in Arizona:  Nightfall – 20 Years of Terror!  Why visit just another haunted house when you can have a whole haunted town?  The twisted Nightfall creative team has developed a fear-fest worthy of the its title as a Top Ten Haunted Attraction in the US for two years running.  The twentieth year brings new scares as well as some annual favorites.

Check out the details including hours, prices and discounts at  www.NightfallAZ.com

 NEW Live Shows!

The Mad Science show at the Mission returns the set to its comedic roots with “medical” practitioners and procedures gone awry.  In Final Judgment, evil mastermind Dr. Jebediah Hyde resumes his reign of terror over the unfortunate inmates of Goulliard Asylum for the Perpetually Insane. It’s Hyde’s biggest battle in his 20 years as Lord and Master of Nightfall culminating in an explosive surprise ending. Nightfall 2010 is proud to feature magical entertainer Aaron Radatz at Club Hyde. Aaron’s performances have received rave reviews from an impressive list of global clients and media outlets including: 

• The Detroit Tigers – “You’ll have to see it to believe it!”
• Masters of Illusion, Network TV Series – “A spectacular display of mind-blowing magic” 
• Time Magazine – “The magical entertainer to see!”

 Not Your Mama’s Haunted House!

Nightfall – 20 Years of Terror presents haunted walk-thru experiences including “Death Row” a haunted prison where inmates are welcomed but never released; the return of “The Inferno,” even more terrifying and hellacious than you remember; the ever-popular Iron Door Haunted Mine; and last but not least, the Hollywood Horror Train ride.

 To take in all the terror, you’ll have to visit on Wednesday thru Sunday, October 1 thru 31:

• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays 6 pm to 10 pm
• Fridays and Saturdays – 6 pm to 12 midnight