HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Space Warriors, which highlights Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, premieres on the Hallmark Channel Friday, May 31. The movie was filmed entirely on location at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Space Warriors is the story of a young man who joins an elite team of young people attending Space Camp. While at camp, there’s trouble on board the International Space Station. The students step up to help solve a problem and save lives. The Space Warriors cast includes Thomas Horn, Danny Glover, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Lucas, Mira Sorvino and a host of local talent who make their screen debut in the movie.
Hallmark Channel will air the movie at 7 p.m. Central time Friday, May 31, and Hallmark is also working with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on a national sweepstakes that includes a family trip to Space Camp as its Grand Prize. Hallmark is encouraging people to watch the movie this Friday night for a secret contest keyword that will air during the world television premiere.
“Just weeks ago we held the world premiere of the movie at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Hundreds turned out and it was a night to remember,” stated Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. “It’s already aired on the big screen and now to see Space Warriors make its television debut in front of millions of potential viewers is an exciting day for us,” Barnhart added.
Film production activity in Alabama has been rising since the state Legislature in 2009 approved incentives in the form of rebates aimed at attracting movies and television shows. The Film Office last year rebated $9.5 million in expenses spent on qualified productions in Alabama, just under the $10 million granted by the Alabama Legislature.
In fiscal 2013, the figure rises to $15 million, making Alabama even more competitive for productions that are credited with creating jobs, stimulating tourism and providing an image boost.
In 2012, production companies spent $33.5 million on entertainment projects in Alabama, an increase from $22 million in the previous year. The 31 projects that filmed in the state in 2012 are credited with supporting more than 3,000 direct jobs.
The Hallmark Channel will offer follow up viewings on June 7 and June 14 following Friday’s premiere.
