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‘Star Wars’ rules in TV exec’s galaxy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks to Cartoon Network’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the hot new LucasFilm series debuting at 9 tonight on the Atlanta-based basic cable channel, CN animation president Stuart Snyder already has the Force with him.
But Friday, for good measure, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall also will present Snyder with a city proclamation announcing that Friday is ” ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Day in Atlanta.”
It’s only appropriate that Snyder should accept the honor since he spearheaded the LucasFilm-Cartoon Network partnership after he took over at CN in 2007.
“I flew out and they showed me four episodes in a screening room,” Snyder told Buzz on Thursday. “When the lights came up, I told the LucasFilm folks, ‘You had me at hello.’ “
The city proclamation honors will take place in the gymnasium at Atlanta’s Benteen Elementary School. But in an attempt to stave off a completely boring civics lesson for small fry, Snyder is bringing along a copy of the first episode of “Clone Wars” to screen for students. A costumed clone trooper will be on hand to deliver a Death Star-full of “Star Wars”-themed books for the school’s library as well. Students also will score posters and temporary tattoos after the screening.
Alas, Snyder himself will not be dressed as a storm trooper. Still, he understands the devotion to the sci-fi franchise. He saw the original “Star Wars” flick in the theater in 1977 as a teenager.
“I’ve picked out an outfit to wear but I’ll probably leave the costumes to somebody else,” Snyder said, laughing. “I’ve always loved the ‘Star Wars’ series and the world George Lucas created. But I never redecorated my living room.”
He’s hoping that when the first show airs tonight, it’s an opportunity for dads who grew up on the franchise and their kids to watch together.
Said Snyder: “I’ve been inundated with e-mails from dads who are essentially telling me, ‘Thanks for messing up my Friday nights!’ But that’s what we were going for. Hopefully, we’ve got event television happening here.”
CRAFT-ING A DEBUT
The signage is lit outside New York restaurateur Tom Colicchio’s Craft Atlanta eatery at the Mansion on Peachtree in Buckhead. And on Thursday, Buzz Central finally received word when Atlantans might get a peek inside and a taste of Craft. The 135-seat restaurant will begin accepting reservations on Nov. 15. Colicchio also has named Kevin Maxey as chef de cuisine for the Buckhead property. Maxey most recently helmed the kitchen at Craft Dallas. We’re told that Atlantans can expect an “upscale, contemporary American menu of straightforward dishes that showcase the integrity of a single ingredient.” Dishes will be served family-style and will include menu items such as beet and Roquefort blue cheese salad, roasted scallops with vermouth butter and lemon beignets with lemon curd.
Our take, judging from what we’ve seen on recent drive-bys of the bare-bones interior of the eatery? Colicchio may want to hire an additional construction crew (or two) or some industrious Disney cartoon mice to work on the very unfinished joint to hit that holiday deadline. For info: www.craftrestaurant.com or call 404-955-7580.
TIME TO REGISTER
As the Monay deadline to register to vote nears, the local star power encouraging you to register bumps up its wattage. For example, Bow Wow is taking a brief break from his hip-hop career (his next CD is titled “New Jack City, Part II” ), his TV endeavors (he’s on this season’s “Entourage”) and his movie star duties (his upcoming film with Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is “Hurricane Season”) to launch his Walk Across America campaign. He’ll be traveling by foot and bus to at least 12 other cities, stopping at colleges, universities and radio stations to encourage 18- to 30-year-olds, in particular, to register.
And from 1 to 3 p.m today, local R&B singer songwriter Keri Hilson is scheduled to join BET’s Dorion Standberry at Clark Atlanta University for a voter registration drive/performance at the Vibe Yardfest. And this evening, Atlanta actor Boris Kodjoe is hosting another registration initiative — and fashion show — at Uptown Restaurant and Lounge (201 Courtland St.) with renowned DJ Kid Capri.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Chubby Checker is 67. Magician Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy is 64. Singer-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is 59. Drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) is 46. Singer Gwen Stefani of No Doubt is 39. Singer Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys is 37. Singer India Arie is 33. Actor Seann William Scott (“Dukes of Hazzard,” “American Pie”) is 32. Singer Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is 24.
WE HEAR THAT…
Former Atlanta Braves player Brian Jordan is still looking for a few fellow motorcycle riders for Sunday’s Ride to Combat Domestic Violence. Jordan is serving as grand marshal of the event benefiting the Women’s Resource Center for Domestic Violence. The ride will begin and end at Perimeter Mall at 1400 Ashford Dunwoody Road. Registration starts at 9 a.m. For info: www.dekalbsheriffsreserve.org.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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