Lights, Cameras, Reactions

By Raina Roller

Sightings on campus of crew members, security guards, film equipment and rumors of the famous actor Ben Stiller have sparked conversation among students at Purchase.

Some students have reported seeing Stiller in different academic buildings, including the Music Building and Natural Sciences.

A scene from the production set in the Humanities building. (Photo by Raina Roller)

“I was walking down the stairs, and I realized Ben Stiller was walking right in front of me,” said Brock Williams, a sophomore jazz performance major.

Stiller has starred in award-winning films such as “Zoolander” and “Meet the Fockers.”

“I saw him in the Natural Sciences building, and before I saw him, I saw security, tons of sets, wires and everything, but I saw him looking at a monitor in the lounge,” said Nikki Spencer, a freshman psychology major. “I walked by him and immediately knew it was Ben Stiller, and I got so happy after multiple attempts of trying to find him. I found him when I least expected to see him; seeing him definitely brightened my day.”

Background actors, as well as crew members, have signed non-disclosure agreements and can’t give too much information away about this project. However, one background actor is happy about this project being filmed on the Purchase College campus and said, “Having big film studios and networks seeking Purchase as a home ground for major television and film projects is very cool for its recognition, especially since this school is blessed with extremely talented actors and talent alike.”

Film crews outside the Natural Sciences building. (Photo by Raina Roller)

With the many set crews on campus, students have been curious about what production is in the works.

“When you have millions of dollars in equipment, A-list celebrities and hundreds of people working on a project, kids will get curious and many people ask what is going on and many people have tried to at least ask what is going on and what is being filmed,” said the background actor. “I’ve heard stories of people trying to interfere with filming and trying to get a pic with celebrities while shooting.”

Crews working on this project have been seen working on Lincoln Avenue, as well as inside various academic buildings. “I wish they had given the students a little more notice,” said Carly Berndt, a freshman classical composition and law and justice double major. “It’s a little daunting when I see the set signs in the Humanities building when I’m just trying to go to a class.”

“Filming began in January and is expected to continue through June,” said Kristin Bruno-Bates, the director of conferences and rentals at Purchase. “Productions must secure permits, insurance, and campus approval. We carefully coordinate space use to prioritize classes and student needs while minimizing disruption.”

Film crews on Lincoln Avenue. (Photo by Raina Roller)

Film crews must submit requests for a project to be filmed on campus. Requests to film on campus are reviewed by administrators, including the vice president for administration, the president and the president’s Cabinet.

Students have reported that this production has affected their day-to-day activities, such as going to class.

“One time I did have to sneak into Social Sciences because I did hear them call ‘action’ as I walked in,” said Karissa Mitchell, a freshman theater and performance major.

Another student has reported seeing set crews come into their classes. “Some guys in suits sometimes walk into my bio lectures and take pictures of us,” said sophomore Andrew McCormack.

It has yet to be confirmed whether this project is a TV show or a film, but students have been making assumptions. “I heard it’s an Apple TV movie,” said Berndt.

“I heard it’s a Ben Stiller movie,” said Aiden Thomas, a senior history major.

The Purchase College campus isn’t just a place for creative students, but it is also a space where directors can see their visions come to life on set. The background actor said, “This is the third time that I worked on a major television and movie project, which was filmed at Purchase, so the networks are paying attention and don’t be surprised if more get shot at the school.”