Extra, Extra!

I mentioned last week that there was going to be a casting call for the Ang Lee film Taking Woodstock in Upstate New York. I hear so many of our readers talking about casting calls or asking for casting call information that I wanted to know what it was like for myself so I packed up the Jeep, got out my best “hippiesque” outfit and checked it out!

Before going I noticed that no one tells you what to do, wear, or even what a casting call is like. I scoured the internet trying to figure out what protocol was and couldn’t find much information. So I compiled some “dos” and “don’ts” based on my limited casting call experience. I know a lot of you have spent many long days as extras so if you have any other tips, leave a comment!

Do dress the part. I was just about the only person there who didn’t reek of poutoulli.

Do bring a headshot. Most people only had a 4×6 picture of themselves, I would recommend a professional headshot if you could get one. I am sure it would stand out. Also be sure to check the casting company’s website as some have an application that needs to be filled out and brought along as well.

Do tell them about any acting experience you have. Even if it is only playing the part of a tree in your junior high play, let them know, it might make a difference.

Don’t prepare a soliloquy. The casting call I went to was more like a “speed” interview than an audition. They asked questions about what I did, what my experience was, why I was there and what my availability was during the filming dates. So be prepared to sell yourself rather than show off your acting skills.

Ultimately the casting director has a certain look they want and you either fit it or you don’t. For this casting call they were looking for the stereotypical hippie as exemplified on the application on which they asked questions like “Will you grow out your body hair”, “Will you be seen on film nude” or “Will you go without a bra?” I checked “no” to all of these questions which I am sure diminishes my chances for a role as a hippie. On the other hand there were a few people in line ahead of me who had the look down, they actually appeared to have the whole lifestyle down, and I am sure they are in! So don’t feel bad if you don’t called back, you may just not fit what they are looking for and may have better luck the next time.

This Week’s Travel Inspiration: Eve’s Bayou

I was flipping through TV stations last week and came across 1997’s Eve’s Bayou. I was immediately reminded that it is one of the truly great travel inspiring movies. The movie, starring Samuel L Jackson, is about the Batiste family, the secrets they keep and the betrayals they have had to endure in rural Louisiana.

Eve’s Bayou was filmed primarily in Covington, LA though some scenes were also filmed in Madisonville & Napoleonville. The film’s gracious homes and moss draped Louisiana backwater exemplify the drama that draws so many visitors to the south each year. Watching the film, one can’t help but to long for a warm, sultry, southern summer night.

Read more

Most Travel Inspiring Summer Movies 2008

3. Mamma Mia & Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Mamma Mia was filmed in several locations, but the most travel inspiring location is certainly the Greek Island, Skopelos. The Greek Islands are a beautiful fantasy location for many but the weak dollar makes it seem out of reach. If you are interested in traveling to the Greek Islands, consider a cruise. Cruises are all inclusive which cuts cost and often offer discount rates.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was filmed for the most part in Connecticut and of course we brought you highlights of all of the filming as it was happening last year. But like Mamma Mia, they also filmed scenes in the Greek Islands (Oia, Santroini). Once both films are in theaters we are sure there will be a tourism boom to these luxurious islands.

2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull hasn’t even hit theaters yet and already the internet is abuzz with disappointment. But whether the film lives up to the others in the franchise or not, the film’s worldwide locations make it a travel inspiration. We reported last summer from the set in New Haven, CT and at the time we shared the best of what the area has to offer but this was not the only location used in the film.

The first Indy 4 filming location was Deming, NM. which filled in for Morocco. We chose Deming because it is located in Southwest New Mexico making it a perfect stop over for a South West Road Trip from White Sands National Monument to Tucson, AZ.

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The third U.S. site for filming was Hilo, Hawaii, an obviously travel inspiring location. Hilo is located on the big island of Hawaii and is a great option for those looking for a getaway to Hawaii that offers hotels and activities for tourists but isn’t as hectic as Waikiki. Hilo is also known for their black lava beaches. For more information about traveling to Hilo, take a look at this travel guide.

For a list of all the Indy 4 locations, check out IMDB.

1. Sex and the City: The Movie

No explanation necessary, SATC is NYC no matter where the movie was premiered. Check out our SATC NYC Weekend Guide for the best tips on visiting New York City in true Sex and the City style.

Here is a list of our runners up, you can find more information about their filming locations by searching our site or IMDB.

Wanted
The Happening
Mummy 3
The Dark Knight
Swing Vote

Oscar’s Best..Filming Locations

In leau of a newsletter this week we will be taking a look at the locations used in this year’s most nominated films.(But watch for our next newsletter when we will debut a few of our new t-shirts and accessories!) The locations of the Best Picture Oscar Noms are as diverse as the films themselves. From Juno’s “everytown” Vancouver locations to the English Mansion used in Atonement the locations are such an important part of this year’s crop that they are deserving of their own nominations. Since the Academy won’t honor them, we thought we should.

Juno

Juno was filmed primarily in Port Coquitlam, B.C. This is where you will find the convenience store used in the movie and Juno’s house. The house that captured the yuppie lifestyle of Vanessa and Mark belongs to Mary Samuel and is located on Eddington Dr in Vancouver. (Also note this article has some location info for the Jen Aniston movie currently filming in Vancouver.)
Vancouver has become Hollywood North because of its diversity and tax breaks. For more of what is filming in Vancouver now, check the city’s website.

Michael Clayton

Filmed primarily in New York City, the film’s other locations include Cromwell,NY and Blooming Grove, NY.

Atonement

The first half of Atonement takes place at the Stokesay Court, a privately owned estate in the South Shropshire countryside. Though you can not stay on the grounds, they are now allowing tours of the mansion. For more locations used in the film, including the address of St. John’s Church, used in the wedding scene, see this article from Film In Focus.

No Country For Old Men & There Will Be Blood

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Not far from the U.S. Mexican border, the unassuming town of Marfa, TX has landed in the limelight of Hollywood after two of this year’s Best Picture Nominees were filmed there,No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood. Marfa is the perfect home for on screen desolation. This is not the first time the small Western town has had a brush with Oscar. The film was also featured in Giant in the 1950s. Hollywood has treated Marfa well, restoring buildings and pumping money into the local economy which pleases most residents. For those of you headed to SXSW next week, Marfa might be a fun and nostalgic detour.

OLV Editorial: Final Thoughts on Sundance

There is a dichotomy at Sundance between the first time director slinging his project to people in the street and the starlets who are just there for free press (and free swag). At first glance it is easy to think the festival is now focused only on the latter but there are still elements true to the festival’s foundation. 

Sundance began in 1978 as the U.S. Film Festival. The fest’s mission was twofold, to bring the attention of filmmakers to Utah and showcase the potential of independent film. Some our most groundbreaking artists received their first big break at Sundance including Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith. What the internet does for bloggers today, Sundance did for filmmakers in its infancy, it allowed the consumer to become the producer. It is important to remember when this festival began independent movies didn’t exist in the mainstream at all. The success of independent film has changed the cinematic landscape and now films labeled as “independent” are often made by the major studios. The studios have had to broaden their horizons to include films that expand our minds and change our national conversation. This may be the most important role of film in our time, the ability to start or change the conversation in the media and in our living rooms.

In his famous essay, Hegemony, James Lull suggests, “Owners and managers of media industries can produce and reproduce the content, inflections, and tones of ideas favorable to them far more easily than other social groups because they manage key socializing institutions, thereby guaranteeing that their points of view are constantly and attractively cast into the public arena”.

If Lull is right and ultimately the media industries are thrusting what is in their best interest upon us, isn’t it imperative that institutions like Sundance, which allow a wide array of artists into the cinematic arena, continue even if it means these artists have to stand along side Paris Hilton on Main Street? The groundbreaking artists are still there ready to inspire us; we just have to look beyond the swarms of paparazzi to find them.

Though I am sure there are scores of independent filmmakers who will agree with my original criticism of Sundance which was that it is only about celebrity, in the spectrum of film history it is clear Sundance has done more to introduce new voices into film than any other institution in the U.S.

Film Can Change The World

-Christine, editor, OLV

The Real Sound of Music for Your Kids (but really for you!)

We all remember the joys of watching The Sound of Music as a child and many share that experience now with their own children. Wouldn’t it be magical to live that enchanting life if only for a weekend? It all exists less than 4 hours away from Utica at The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. The lodge is still owned and operated by its original owners, the Von Trapp Family who are the inspiration for The Sound of Music. Year round recreational activities make the lodge a perfect family getaway any time of year.The lodge is located on 2400 picturesque acres, features world class restaurants, and nightly entertainment. The resort, most importantly, also offers an abundance of kid friendly activities such as family sing alongs, maple sugaring, music lessons, nature walks, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and hiking. Families can enjoy wagon rides in the summer or sleigh rides in the winter, a favorite of children and parents alike. Can’t you picture your family snuggled under a blanket on a sleigh ride through the Vermont countryside? For added fun, each season the Trapp Family Lodge sponsors special events just for kids through their Mountain Kids Club. Winter activities include a bonfire complete with smores, snow sculpture competitions, and pajama parties. The grounds also feature both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a playground, and pond which will delight any child.  Rooms range from $220 in the lodge to $875 for two nights in the guest house. If you never want to leave, you can purchase one of the new 3 bedroom villas available as private residences or as timeshares. The dining room is open for breakfast and dinner daily. For a taste of traditional Austrian fare, try the Austrian Tea Room, open daily from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The Lounge also serves a full menu of lighter choices each night until 11:00 PM. With all of these options, meals will remain easy, leaving you more time to enjoy your family.

If you do decide to take a day trip away from the lodge, there are several choices nearby. Stowe, VT is not only the home of the Von Trapp family but also of world class skiing. Lift tickets for the Stowe Resort can be purchased ahead of time online at www.stowe.com.

If you looking for even more options, take the short drive to Burlington. About 40 miles from Stowe, the Church Street Marketplace is an easy walking neighborhood filled with child friendly shops like Lake Champlain Chocolates, 65 Church Street, where you can watch them make handmade fudge and sample some as well!

Ben and Jerry’s famous ice cream factory is also located just north of Burlington in Waterbury, VT. You can take a 30 minute tour of the factory daily which ends with a free sample of ice cream in the Flavoroom. For more information, visit www.benjerry.com. If a sugar-free tour is more your family’s speed, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company also offers tours everyday, www.vermontteddybear.com. Vermont Teddy Bear is located in Shelburne, less than ten miles from Burlington. After seeing how the bears are made, kids can pick out their own and stuff it themselves. Both tours are free for children under twelve and only two dollars for adults.

A weekend at the Trapp Family Lodge is a perfect getaway into a simpler time before cell phones and Playstations. To start planning your escape, check out the lodge online www.trappfamily.com.

 

OLV’s List of 2007’s Most Travel Inspiring Films

5. The Assassination of Jesse James

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert F. Ford, starring Brad Pitt, was filmed in various locations throughout Alberta, Canada. The locations add depth to the film and provide great destinations for set-jetters. One of these locations, Fort Edmonton Park, is offering wagon tours that highlight where key scenes were filmed within the park. Travel Alberta has excellent information about all of the locations used in the film as well as lodging, dining, and entertainment options in Alberta.

4. The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited is the story of three American brothers who take a trip across India in hopes of finding themselves and strengthening their relationship. Their trip is taken off course by a suicide attempt and a new journey begins. Here are a few behind-the-scenes videos from the shoot.

The All India Travel Guide offers tours ranging from 5 to 18 days which include stops at the Taj Mahal, Darjeeling, Eastern India, and Nepal. If you want to recreate the movie’s train ride, here is a beginner’s guide to train travel in India.

For something different, how about a volunteer vacation in India? Global Volunteers is just one organization that can help you make arrangements to do something good with your vacation. And as always, before leaving for India you should check the U.S. Department of the State’s advisories.

3. Transformers

Transformers brought us battling aliens, autobots, and great locations. One of these locations is White Sands in New Mexico.

The White Sands Monument is a truly unique destination.  These beautiful white gypsum dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Situated in the heart of New Mexico, it is within driving distance of some of the most spiritual and quirky destinations in the country. White Sands Monument is within a few hours drive of both El Paso, TX and Albuquerque, NM. This is a desolate drive from either direction but there are some interesting points along the way, like the Trinity Site, the testing site of the first atomic bomb. Almogordo is the closest town to White Sands and your best bet for lodging, restaurants, and amenities. And don’t forget Roswell, a short drive from White Sands, and Mecca of all things alien.

For most, the white sands will resemble snow, the roads even have to be plowed but the heat will tell you otherwise. Make sure you stop at the information center when you arrive, there you can buy a plastic disc to slide down the dunes, it is fun for all ages and makes the long drive seem well worth it!

White Sands is only one of the location used in the movie, here is a complete list of locations.

2. Into The Wild

Into The Wild, based on the life of adventurer Chris McCandless, follows his quest to live in the wilderness away from the material world. Check out this list of locations. This is not another typical movie made in the location that offers the best tax breaks rather than the best scenery.

Sean Penn wanted to capture Chris’ journey in the most authentic way, by living it. Chris eventually died of starvation in an abandoned bus in the Alaska outback. To capture the isolation here, Penn brought the entire crew to the bus making a visually unique and stunning film.

For most, this will be the most intriguing location since it was the place where Chris died. The bus is located about 25 miles from Healy, Alaska.  Here is tourist information if you are interested in visiting Healy or think you can make it out to the bus on your own. If you want to live vicariously through someone else’s adventure, take a look at the 2007 Live Wild Tour in support of the release of the film. If you are interested in taking a guided tour of one of the trails Chris traveled, there is an Into The Wild Tour which leaves daily from Denali, Alaska.

1. Stardust

Stardust may not have been the biggest box office draw of the year but it did have the most stunning scenery.

This fairy tale with a big name cast including Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfieffer, and Claire Danes was filmed during the spring and summer of 2006 in the UK. Here is a guide to four of the main locations used in filming, for a list of all locations, check imdb.

Much of the film was made in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Here is a list of hotels in the area as well as a list of things to do and special events taking place.

The town of Stormhold in the movie is is actually Elm Hill in Norwich, England. Elm Hill is a beautiful cobblestone street lined with Tudors dating back to the 16th Century. It is now home to quaint art shops and antique dealers. Luckily someone has created a wonderful guide to Norwich, see it here or visit the city’s official guide.

Filming also took place in the woods near the Ashbridge House in Hertfordshire, England. The house is now a business school whereas the rest of the land is part of the National Trust. They offer guided tours of the property or you can walk on your own through an extensive network of country paths. If you would like to stay near Ashbridge, The Grove is close and has received excellent reviews.

Castle Comb, our fourth location, is located in Chippenham, Wiltshire, about 2 hours west of London. If you stay in this area, we recommend The Manor House. This 14th Century manor will make you feel like you have stepped right into the film.

For more information about travel to the UK and vacation packages, check out Travelocity.

And watch for our predictions of the most travel inspiring movies of 2008 in this week’s newsletter!  

NEWS 10.10.07 Spotlight on Cabo

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We have seen two Cabo San Lucas resorts prominently featured as filming locations this week so we couldn’t resist exploring both and all that Cabo has to offer.

The first resort, Esperanza is where the Ben Stiller comedy The Heartbreak Kid was filmed. This resort is centrally located within walking distance to downtown cabo. They offer luxury accommodations, private beaches, and a world class spa. The resort also offers several packages including honeymoon packages starting at $9745 for 7 nights. Though the price may seem high, we are sure it is worth it, just check out the reviews on Trip Advisor.

Normally, we wouldn’t plug the competition but this pop culture travel site has a great write up about the resort, the movie, Cabo, where to stay, and what to do.

Next up, Me by Melia which was the location of the “romantic getaway” Bret took with the two finalists on VH1’s Rock of Love with Bret Michaels. Hotel Chatter has a nice write up on this one. Me Cabo is also right on the beach, features a spa, meeting facilities, dining, and deluxe rooms starting at a reasonable $269 a night.

If you watched the final episode of Rock of Love you know that Heather and Bret went off-road racing near Cabo. If this is your idea of a good time, Wide Open Baja Racing Adventure is the place for you. For as little as $250 you can experience driving a real Chenowth off road race car. There are limited racing hours so be sure to call ahead for a reservation. You may also know that for his date with Jes, Bret chartered a yacht for the day which included a romantic lunch and plenty of time relaxing in the sun.  If this is more your speed, Pisces Sport Fishing offers luxury yacht rentals or if you are more like Ben Stiller’s character in The Heartbreak Kid, they also offer charters for deep sea fishing.  

Check out All About Cabo for more hotels, restaurants, and activities to enjoy in Cabo. Expedia offers vacation packages to Cabo and finally, don’t forget you will need a passport to travel to Mexico.

OLV’s Fall Movie Guide

 by Christine Bord 

This season’s crop of new movies is surrounded by the usual Oscar buzz but we are more interested in creating some location buzz. Here is our Top 5 list of fall movies with the best locations:

1. Into The Wild

 Hands down the movie with the most intriguing locations is Sean Penn’s Into The Wild. Based on the life of adventurer Chris McCandless, the movie was partially made  in Carthage, SD ,a town where Chris returned frequently, bragging to locals about his plan to live in the wild. Just look at this list of locations. This movie was not made on a sound stage or in the state with the best tax breaks.

Sean Penn wanted to capture Chris’ journey in the most authentic way, by living it. Chris eventually died of starvation in the Alaskan outback. To capture the isolation of this place, Penn brought the entire crew to this location, making a visually unique and stunning film.

For most people the most interesting location will be the bus in Alaska where Chris died. The bus is located about 25 miles west of Healy, Alaska. There has been concern in the surrounding community that the film will draw tourists trying to find the bus who aren’t equipped to handle the wilderness. Much of the film’s authenticity is from the help of these locals .

Here is tourist information if you are interested in visiting Healy or think you can make it out to the bus on our own. If you want to live vicariously through someone else’s adventure, take a look at the 2007 Live Wild Tour in support of the release of the film. If you are interested in taking a guided tour of one of the trails Chris traveled, there is an Into the Wild Tour which leave daily from Denali, Alaska.

2. The Assassination of Jesse James

The next movie on our list is The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert F. Ford starring Brad Pitt. The movie was filmed in various locations throughout Alberta, Canada and promises to be visually stunning. One location, Fort Edmonton Park is offering wagon tours highlighting where key scenes were filmed throughout the park. Travel Alberta has excellent information about all of the locations used in the film. The site also has lodging, dining, and entertainment options in Alberta. For opinions on hotels and services in Alberta, check here.

3. The Kingdom

The Kingdom was filmed in Mesa, Arizona, Washington D.C., and Abu Dhubi, Arab Emirates. The film is about an elite team of FBI agents who make a secret trip to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to find a terrorist bomber. Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner star. Foxx has been very open about what it was like filming in Abu Dhubi stating that they were “treated like royalty”. This does not mean the rest of us should start booking flights. The U.S. Department of the State has several travel advisories posted that all tourists to the region should be aware of. Here is the official guide to Abu Dhubi if you are going.  Lonely Planet and World 66 both offer great reviews and practical information for travel to U.A.E.  If you are looking for something closer to home there is plenty to do near the film’s other main location, Mesa, Arizona. Located in the center of the state, Mesa is a short drive from Phoenix, Tucson, and the Grand Canyon. For lodging, dining and entertainment options, check out the Arizona Travel Guide.

4. The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited has gotten off on the wrong foot after a suicide attempt by the film’s star Owen Wilson but Wilson’s personal affairs can’t distract from the beauty of the movie’s Indian backdrop. The film is the story of three American brothers who take a trip across India in hopes of finding themselves and strengthening their relationship. Their trip is taken off course (due ironically to a suicide attempt) and a new journey begins.  Here are a few behind-the-scenes videos from the shoot.

The All India Travel Guide offers tours ranging from 5 to 18 days which include stops at the Taj Mahal, Darjeeling, Eastern India, and Nepal. If you want to recreate the movie’s train ride, here a beginner’s guide to train travel in India.

For something different, how about a volunteer vacation in India? Global Volunteers is just one organization that can help you make arrangements to do something good with your vacation. And again, before leaving for India you should check the U.S. Department of the State’s advisories. 

5. No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men was filmed in Western Texas where the movie is set. This thriller, starring Tommy Lee Jones, is the story of a man who finds a pick up truck, a stash of heroin, and $2 million dollars, all surround by a group of dead bodies. After taking the money, he sets of a chain of violent events that not even the law can contain. The setting is desolate, working as the perfect backdrop for what many are calling the Coen brother’s best film.

If you want to travel to West Texas, here is a map and some basic resources to get you started. If you are traveling with kids, here is a site with ideas for tykes. Wikipedia also offers basic information to get started touring this region. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, here is a blog that will inspire you as well.

For more fall movies check out Rotten Tomatoes Fall Movie Guide or this Top 15 Movie Guide.

Featured Essay, Traveling to the Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto Film Festival, beginning next week, is now in its 32nd year and has grown to be the premiere film festival in North America, second only to Cannes in the world. We attended TIFF in 2005 and had a great time. Toronto is an amazing city, there is always something happening! Here is our quick guide to Toronto and more information about the film festival.

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6-15. There is a large variety of films being screened, from family films to shorts, there is something for everyone.  Among the celebrities scheduled to be at the festival are George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Jodie Foster. But the festival is not only about celebrity stalking, it is a great way to see big budget films that have not been released yet as well as smaller films that you may never hear of again. Here is the How To Guide  for TIFF. It a good start, since there are so many films and venues, be sure to do your research when picking films. Also,  be sure to get tickets early especially if you are planning on seeing one of the more popular films and plan on getting to the film early to get a good seat inside.  You will also want to  be sure you know where the venue is for your film. Films are screened all over the city and sometimes parking is a problem so you may have to take a cab, a bus, or the subway. Here is a useful website featuring subway maps and pricing.

If you are going to the film festival but are also looking for other events happening in the area, you are in luck, The Virgin Festival featuring Bjork, The Killers, The Smashing Pumpkins and more is Sept 8-9 and the family friendly  Junction Arts Festival is scheduled for 9/6-9/8.

Toronto is located on Lake Ontario and is less than a 2 hour drive from Buffalo, NY.  The weather is still warm in the beginning of September making it an ideal time to visit.  Here is a guide to other attractions in Toronto. No matter what your interests there is something in Toronto that will suit you. If you want to relax and unwind, the Toronto Islands are only a ten minute ferry ride away, offering views of the city and relaxing parks. If you interested in  art galleries and museums, downtown is for you.  Toronto is even home to Canada’s largest amusement park if you are looking for a thrill.

Here is the official tourism guide to Toronto with suggestions for getting there, where to stay, and where to eat. You can also try the Canandan Hotel Guide or expedia.  If you are traveling from the U.S. you may want to keep in mind that you will need a passport or proof that you have applied for a passport. If you are traveling by land or sea, you will need a state issued photo id. Please review the guidelines on the Department of the State’s website. Also keep in mind, that you will need to exchange your U.S. currency for Canadian. Here is the current exchange rate. 

It is not too late to plan a trip to TIFF and take in a world class film festival in one our favorite cities.

A Walk Through Boston’s Movie History

 Spotlight on Boston

Boston has been a favorite of movie makers for some time. One common theme in many of the movies filmed here is a gritty realism, which Boston can do like no other. No one will deny Boston is a quaint Northeastern gem but it is also a real working class city. Films made here include, The Departed, Alex and Emma, A Civil Action, Good Will Hunting, Malice and Mystic River. It was also the setting for many TV shows including Cheers and Ally McBeal.

There are several movies slated to be filmed in Boston in the coming weeks as well including Bachelor Number 2, Pink Panther 2, and last month Denzel Washington was in town filming The Great Debaters. Here is our guide to movie locations and other can’t miss activities in Boston.

Cambridge

A good portion of Good Will Hunting was filmed in Toronto but there were also scenes filmed in Harvard Square.

The “Harvard bar” in the movie is Bow and Arrow Pub which is now gone but was at 1 Bow St.

Will tries to explain himself to Skylar at Au Bon Pain on 27 Brattle St.

Boston’s Movie Mile

Movie Mile is located in the Beacon Hill area. It runs up Charles St and moves left onto Beacon St, ending at 1 Beacon. The “movie mile” has been used as a gimmick by tour companies for some time but it really is a fascinating part of the city if you are interested in film and TV history. Here is a walking tour of the area:

Scenes from Good Will Hunting were filmed in the Public Garden at Charles St and Beacon St.

The original Cheers is located at 84 Beacon St.

The exterior of Ally McBeal’s building were shot at 14 Beacon St.

Scenes from Malice were filmed at 1 Beacon St.

Matt Damon’s Apartment in The Departed (exterior shots) was located at 120 Tremont Ave. And here is a map for your walking tour of movie mile.

There are other locations in the vicinity you may want to check out. Exterior shots of the Police Dept used in The Departed were filmed at the Hurley Building, 19 Staniford St. Also in the heart of Boston are two of the locations used in Mystic River, Doyle’s Pub and Franklin Park (where Katie’s body was found).

While in Boston you can also check out:

The City’s History

Freedom Trail

Faneuil Hall

Shopping and Restaurants

Ten Best List- Shopping in Boston Boston USA Restaurant Guide

Boston Globe Restaurant Listings

Museums

Boston MFA

New England Aquarium

Nightlife

Boston Nightclub News

Getting Around

Boston’s T

Logan Airport

Car Rental

Guide to Driving in Boston (humorous)

Where to stay

Yahoo’s Hotel Guide

Orbitz Boston Hotel Deals

Here is a recent hotel review from the NY Times.

NEWS 7.19.07 Featured Essay, Hairspray Premiere in Baltimore

 

Last night was the Baltimore premiere of Hairspray. Though the film’s biggest stars didn’t bother to show up for the premiere in the city where the film is set, the fans came out to catch a glimpse of the movie’s next generation of superstars. The young crowd cheered for the Zac Efron of High School Musical fame and Amanda Bynes, never missing the film’s more established stars like John Travolta and Queen Latifah.  The crowd was also enamored with its favorite son, the genius offbeat creator of Hairspray, John Waters.  

The premiere was held at the famed Charles Theater (across the street from one of John Water’s favorite hang outs Club Charles) followed by the after paty at The Tremont Grand. The Baltimore Sun has posted pictures from the red carpet here.  Getty Images has also posted pics  from the after party on their site.

We were in Baltimore recently and checked out both of the premiere venues as well as some of John Water’s favorite haunts. First, we visited the 1000 block of W 36th St in the Hampden section of Baltimore, often called simply “The Avenue”. This is the neighborhood where much of the original Hairspray was filmed.  A must see is Atomic Books at 1100 W. 36th St. They feature hard to find titles as well as an array of comic books. John Waters has his fan mail forwarded to the store  and we were even able to score a signed copy of his book, Crackpot!  The avenue is lined with quirky shops that sell antiques, gifts, cards, and keepsakes including anything and everything pink flamingos. After shopping, you have to check out Cafe Hon. The now famous diner is another favorite haunt of the director.

As we mentioned John Waters is sometimes seen at the funky Club Charles (1724 N. Charles St) but this is not the only place you may see him on N. Charles St. C. Grimaldis Gallery located at 523 N. Charles St is also cherished by Waters. He has even sold some of his own art in the gallery.  These are not the only locations where you may have a John Waters sighting, since he is a Baltimore native, he is often seen all around town, so keep your eyes peeled the next time you are there!

Baltimore is an eclectic and energetic city that is worth a look.  Stay tuned because tomorrow we will be having more ideas for an on location vacation in Baltimore.

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