Orleans East, local viewers will see their city reflected in every episode. “Our main character, played by Alice Braga, has a swanky new penthouse atop the actual Standard Hotel in the CBD,” says Stephen LeBlanc, location manager for the show. “We are frequently shooting in Rio Hackford’s One-Eyed Jacks bar in the French Quarter, and we use The Old New Orleans Rum Distillery on Frenchmen Street, which sits in for a tequila distillery in the show. Queen of the South showcases the city in so many ways. As our Queen drives her Ducati through the city, you’ll see familiar backdrops everywhere—in the Holy Cross neighborhood, in St. Bernard, in the warehouse district, the Bywater, and beyond.” And why did a show which had been shooting first in Mexico, and then in Texas and Arizona suddenly wend its way to New Orleans? Showrunner and co-executive producer Ben Lobato explains. “Most people believe that drugs come into this country from Mexico and South America through Miami,” recounts Lobato. “But the truth is Miami is inundated with DEA agents, so drug dealers go elsewhere. Louisiana is now the corridor for drugs coming into the states for the entire east coast of this country. Once we realized that was our storyline, we said to ourselves, ‘where’s the sexiest place in Louisiana?’ and naturally, we all agreed upon New Orleans.” The city has become a favorite, not just for the crew, but star Alice Braga, originally from Brazil, sings its praises, as well. “To be able to film here is wonderful, because the camera really captures the essence of this place. I came here in February and am staying into July. I live in the lovely 44
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