D'oh! 'Simpsons' film goes to some other Springfield
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By STEPHEN SEITZ Herald Staff - Published: March 13, 2007
SPRINGFIELD — There are a number of towns and cities named Springfield vying to host the world premiere of "The Simpsons Movie" when it opens in July, but the one in Vermont isn't one of them.
20th Century Fox, the studio responsible for the animated film — set in a fictional town called Springfield — is hosting a contest in which the invited participating cities submit a promotional video to the studio.
There are 32 communities with the name Springfield in the United States, but only 16 have been invited to participate.
"I heard about it," said Dottie Chaffee, head of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. "I don't know that much about the show, so I did a little research. They asked 16 communities to participate. We were not one of them."
The studio selected some of the larger Springfields, such as Springfield, Ore., and Springfield, Mass. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening is originally from Oregon.
"I'm kind of disappointed that it's not all Springfields," Chaffee said. "Like the show, we have a bowling alley, local pubs and manufacturing. We don't have a nuclear power plant, but there's one that's close."
Gwyne Ortiz, a corporate spokesperson for 20th Century Fox, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
Chaffee said she sent an e-mail to Fox expressing her disappointment and got no response.
"In the big picture, being able to participate would have helped us," Chaffee said. "It would have been a good shot in the arm for tourists and had a ripple effect around town. It would be nice for a Springfield in a small state."
Groening has said in prior interviews that he chose Springfield for the Simpson family home because it's such a common town name.
As a television series, "The Simpsons" is in its 18th season, and fans have been clamoring for a big-screen version for some time. There is an extensive Web site at www.simpsonsmovie.com.
Contact Stephen Seitz at stephen.seitz@rutlandherald.com.
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