CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Extended Stay America, Inc. (NYSE:STAY), the largest owner-operator extended stay hotel chain nationwide, always rolls out the welcome mat for pets and now the hotel is also rolling out the red carpet as it joins forces with PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR, the exciting new addition to Air Bud Entertainment’s film franchise. Debuting on NETFLIX and Digital HD on May 5, 2018, the spin on pup-ular TV singing competitions invites families on an action-packed adventure alongside the series’ beloved talking (and singing) dogs. ‘Tiny,’ the adorable singing Yorkie pup, packs her bags for an epic trip and Extended Stay America is along for the adventure as the pet-friendly hotel makes its on-screen debut and is featured in several scenes throughout the film.
“Pets are always welcome at Extended Stay America hotels and our partnership with PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR is the perfect way to showcase the brand’s pet-friendly accommodations and love for our four-legged friends,” said Terry Atkins, VP Marketing Communications, Extended Stay America. “We’re excited to extend our hotel presence to the silver screen and celebrate the partnership with fun activities like a pet photo contest and a movie screening to bring a little taste of Hollywood to our hometown of Charlotte.”
Screening Paw-ty
A taste of Hollywood is coming to Charlotte as residents are invited to attend the PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR screening presented by Extended Stay America near their headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. EDT. Hosted at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14 on Kings Parade Boulevard, the screening will be attended by special guest 13-year-old singing sensation Kaitlyn Maher, the voice behind PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR’s beloved main character ‘Tiny’ and former finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” Guests will also be joined by some furry friends, as the screening event will include on-site pet adoptions through a local animal shelter. For free screening passes, visit http://www.gofobo.com/PS3CLTESA2.
#PetParty Twitter Chat
Extended Stay America will get guests and fans barking with the #PetParty Twitter Chat on May 4 from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT. The online conversation will discuss a variety of pet-related travel topics, feature giveaways of gift cards, pet travel products, PUP STAR swag and more, and kick off the Pawsome Pup Photo Contest.
Pawsome Pup Photo Contest
To celebrate the movie release, Extended Stay America will host the PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR Pawsome Pup Photo Contest. From May 4 through July 9, proud pet parents can submit photos of their beloved pooch at www.ESA.com/pups. The PUP STAR celebrity panel of judges will narrow down the entries to 26 finalists, with the grand prize winner to be decided by consumer vote. The grand prize winner will receive star treatment, including a trip and a walk on role in an upcoming Air Bud Entertainment movie where they will visit the set, meet the cast and enjoy a backstage tour. The contest’s 25 first prize winners will receive free hotel stays at Extended Stay America, and of course, their pups are invited too!
Pawsome Pet Photo Tips
Pet parents know it can be ruff capturing a pawsome photo of their four-legged family member. Extended Stay America has teamed up with Air Bud Entertainment and PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR on tips for capturing the perfect pup photo and avoiding any photo faux-paws:
- Focus the eyeline: Can't get your dog to look where you want? Hold up a treat to guide their focus while you take the shot.
- Turn off your flash! The flash may alarm your pet, so try to use natural light. If you're shooting in the middle of the day, look for a well-shaded area.
- Let your pets get comfortable: Move slowly, give commands calmly, and don't be afraid to get physically down on their level to make them feel safe. And if they're curious about the camera, it never hurts to let them examine (smell) it for themselves.
- Go for the eyes! You know how much emotion your dog can convey with just a glance, so get those expressions – and especially those eyes – front and center.
- Auto focus: Set your auto-focus to servo mode if your pet is moving. And they probably are.
- Relax: If you're not relaxed, your dog won't be either. This should be fun for both of you!
- Pay your talent: Don't be stingy with snacks! Reward your dogs for cooperation, and a photo shoot can be fun for both of you.
- Tell a story: Is it a photo of a dog sitting next to a door, or a photo of a dog patiently waiting for their beloved owner to return? A good photo inspires a story in the viewer’s mind. Look for situations, actions, and compositions that accomplish this.
“Extended Stay America hotels is the perfect partner for PUP STAR: WORLD TOUR since the hotel allows guests to bring their pets with them on vacation,” said Anna McRoberts, President of Air Bud Entertainment. “We’re excited to work with Extended Stay America to award a walk-on role in an Air Bud Entertainment production as part of the 'Pawsome Pup Photo Contest'.”
For more information, visit www.ESA.com/pups. Click here for photo and video content including a sneak peek at Extended Stay America’s on-screen debut.
About Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America, Inc. (“ESA”) is the largest integrated hotel owner/operator in North America. Its subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc. (“ESH”), is the largest lodging REIT in North America by unit and room count, with 598 hotels and approximately 66,000 rooms in the U.S. ESA Management, LLC manages all of ESH’s hotel properties and also manages 27 additional Extended Stay America hotels, providing over 8,000 jobs at Extended Stay America hotels and corporate headquarters. Extended Stay America® is the leading brand in the mid-priced extended stay segment, with approximately twice as many rooms as its nearest competitor. Visit www.esa.com for more information.
About Air Bud Entertainment
Air Bud Entertainment is the premium brand for live action family movies and TV series. The Company has created over 22 family movies and five movie franchises that are licensed around the globe including the five Air Bud movies; seven Air Buddies movies with two Santa Paws movies in partnership with Disney, along with the new four movie Pup Star franchise for Netflix. ABE also recently announced its new series Puppy Prep Academy with Disney Channel in the U.S. Air Bud Entertainment is a fully integrated studio that produces all aspects of the creative and production process, including writing, directing, producing, post-production and visual effects. The Company also markets and licenses its movie franchise/series directly. Air Bud Entertainment is based in Malibu, California and its studios are in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Visit and subscribe to http://www.AIRBUD.com and ABE YouTube.
CONTACTS:
Investors:
Rob Ballew
(980) 345-1546
investorrelations@esa.com
Media:
Terry Atkins
(980) 345-1648
tatkins@esa.com
Cristin Urban
(973) 588-2000
curban@coynepr.com