OFF TO THE STAR: Kay Lynskey, Melanie Lynskey's mother, is off to the New York premiere of her daughter's film. REBECCA SCOTT/The Daily News

Disney Productions is spending millions promoting the film, billed as a romantic comedy, as their big summer release.

Lynskey (23) plays the role of the smart-mouthed pal of actor Piper Perabo, who plays a barmaid at Coyote Ugly, the hottest spot in town.

And joining in the hype will be Lynskey's mother, Kay, of New Plymouth, who leaves for New York on Thursday .

Disney has provided an all-expenses-paid trip for her – including first-class air tickets – to New York for the premier at Ziegfield's next Monday.

Mrs Lynskey will meet her daughter in Los Angeles, where she is now based.

"I'm just so excited. I've never been to New York before. And there'll be some time for some retail therapy," Mrs Lynskey said.

The movie, also starring John Goodman and supermodel Tyra Banks, is set in the actual Manhattan nightclub Coyote Ugly after which it is named.

The story is about velvet-voiced Violet Sanford (played by Perabo) who goes to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter. Her aspirations are sidelined by the notoriety she receives at her day job at Coyote Ugly.

The film is Lynskey's 10th since her career took off following Heavenly Creatures. Her favourites to date are Ever After and the just-completed New Zealand road movie Snake Skin, by new director Gillian Ashurst.

Lynskey is soon to appear in an episode of Angel, a spinoff from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in a role written for her by the series' creator Joss Whedon.