STOCKTON -- Film crews have descended upon the University of the Pacific, converting the campus into "Ludlow College, Home of the Blues" for an upcoming HBO comedy series starring Steve Carell.
This week, the university is adorned with signs, flags, and a bulletin board filled with Ludlow College memorabilia, creating an immersive experience for students and staff alike.
"We're just walking to get coffee and then I noticed there's a sign that used to say Pacific. Now it says Ludlow," remarked Abel Arostigui, a creative content assistant at UOP.
The excitement is palpable as students navigate through the bustling set. Arostigui noted, "I think we walked through a set because there were lighting fixtures, flowers, boom mics everywhere. There were production trucks. I think I walked through catering on accident, but there's a bunch of stuff just around in these little centralized areas." The presence of Carell's images adds to the buzz, likening it to a "Bigfoot sighting."
Carell, known for his roles in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Anchorman," as well as voicing Gru in the "Despicable Me" series, is no stranger to television, having gained fame as Michael Scott on NBC's "The Office."
The University of the Pacific has a history of hosting major Hollywood productions, previously appearing in films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Flubber."
Graduate student Arturo Santana expressed pride in the university's recognition, stating, "It's definitely nice to see that people probably watched it to scout the location, and they chose it again." This production brings positive attention to both the school and the city.
"It shows that just like in film, where people from different backgrounds come together to create something beautiful. That's what we've done here in the city of Stockton," Santana added.
Arostigui emphasized the beauty of Stockton beyond its academic reputation: "There's more here too than just a school. You know, it's a beautiful place, it's a beautiful city, it's a beautiful campus. I think that this is hopefully going to make people see things a little bit differently about what Stockton can offer."
