CINEMATIC APPEAL THESE CITIES H AV E TOURS FOR MOV IE BUFFS BY R E B E C CA T R E O N
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ometimes, the most important aspect of a movie is where it was filmed. Movies cement characters, plot lines and places in our minds, weaving a tapestry of tales that shapes perception, evokes emotion and inspires. Just as characters are held near and dear, the setting of a film or TV series is equally important, and groups can tour the filming locations of some of cinema’s most iconic scenes in cities coast to coast. In San Francisco, travelers can see the home of Mrs. Doubtfire; while in New Orleans, they can be treated to a dose of film history from “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Atlanta is the home of the popular zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead,” and in New York City, favorite locations from shows like “Seinfeld” and “Ghostbusters” add a unique twist to a visit to the Big Apple. The Hawaiian island of Oahu was the epic backdrop of “Jurassic Park.” The film tour is just one activity for groups in the Kualoa Private Nature Reserve. The tour companies featured here offer a selection of amenities groups can enjoy while on the tour. In New York, one private group tour includes filming and editing your own movie. In Atlanta, group tours are led by film industry insiders, and in San Francisco, the tour bus is like a movie theater on wheels.
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NEW ORLEANS MOVIE TOURS
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N E W O R LE ANS
The Crescent City’s historic charm makes it the perfect backdrop for some of our favorite films: It’s been the setting of more than 200 movies and TV shows including “The Pelican Brief,” the “True Detective” series and “12 Years a Slave.” Small groups will enjoy the intimate 10-person van with screens in the headrests and custom two-hour tours offered by New Orleans Movie Tours. Since groups are small, the interests of the participants determine the stops, and different scenes are highlighted each day. “Movie fans love to know more about their favorite films and the actors who starred in them,” said Jonathan Ray, New Orleans Movie and TV Tour founder. “To see a location where your favorite movie was shot or a famous actor strolled is a huge thrill for movie fans.” Ray does each of the tours himself, drawing on his knowledge from having worked in the film industry and having lived in New Orleans for more than a decade. The tour includes a stop at a working movie set, too. “People have more appreciation for how much work goes into making a film,” said Ray. “They get a behind-the-scenes look.” The tour circles through the French Quarter to see Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s former house, through the St. Louis Cemetery to see the grave of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and through the Central Business, Warehouse and Garden districts. Films on the tour include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “JFK,” “Twilight,” “Double Jeopardy” and “Easy Rider.” NOL A MOV I ES .COM
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A MOVIE TOUR AT A NEW ORLEANS-AREA PLANTATION
TOURING HAWAII’S KUALOA RANCH Courtesy New Orleans Movie Tours
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GROUP T HE
TRAVEL LE ADER
Courtesy Kualoa Ranch
SEPTEMBER 2019