CLA Building Gets Big Screen Treatment
as Dimension Films’ “Impostor” Hits Theaters

With the use of a little movie magic, Cal Poly Pomona's CLA Building becomes a futuristic cityscape in the soon-to-be released film, "Imposter," which stars Gary Sinise and Madeleine Stowe.

Sinise races down a corridor that might look familiar to those who work in the CLA Building.

If three heads are better than one, what kind of environment will multiple versions of the CLA Building create?

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Moviegoers can catch a glimpse of Cal Poly Pomona’s own landmark building on the big screen when Dimension Films’ “Impostor” opens January 4. Filmed on campus in February 2000, the motion picture includes several scenes with members of the campus community used as extras. It also features a cityscape showcasing the highly recognizable CLA Building several times to create a futuristic architectural style.

The movie, which is based on a short story by acclaimed science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, is a psychological thriller set in the year 2079. Actor Gary Sinise (“The Green Mile,” “Forrest Gump”) plays Spencer Oldham, a government scientist who awakens one day to find himself accused of being an alien spy. Directed by Gary Fleder (“Don’t Say a Word,” “Kiss The Girls”), the film also stars Madeleine Stowe (“The General’s Daughter,” “Twelve Monkeys”) and Vincent D’Onofrio (“Men In Black,” “Full Metal Jacket”).

The CLA Building, which was designed by Antoine Predock, attracts location scouts who are in search of a ultramodern setting. It was featured as a condominium in the futuristic drama “GATTACA” that starred Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.

“We liked the whole thing,” said Bob Croft, the film’s location manager. “We liked the architect and felt the building was right from the beginning. It has a very clean, neat look that’s a great way to represent the future in our movie.”

Cal Poly Pomona has also been used as a film location for more than 50 years. “The Rains of Ranchipur” with Lana Turner and Richard Burton included scenes featuring the original Kellogg Stables, now known as the Union Plaza. “Tip on a Dead Jockey” with Dorothy Malone and Robert Taylor also used the stables as a setting. The university was also featured in “Return of I Spy” in which Bill Cosby played a Cal Poly Pomona professor.

Production companies are encouraged to hire Cal Poly Pomona students as production assistants. Five students were hired to work on “GATTACA.”

“It was really exciting and a good opportunity,” said university student Manuel Huerta, who worked on the film.

For a look at the trailer for “Impostor,” go to www.empiremovies.com/movies/2001/impostor.shtml.