Film Tourism

Follow the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo through Stockholm

2011-12-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

Frommer's has put together a slideshow of sights featured in the books (and movies) of Stieg Larsson.

Stieg Larsson's Stockholm: 14 Essential Stops

Included stops:

Stockholm's Stadsmuseum, film set of the Millennium editorial office where you can buy a map of the Millennium tour
Bellsmansgatan 1, where Blomkvist lived in an attic
Monteliusvägen, to see the Rådhuset, the courthouse where Blomkvist is convicted of slander
Tabbouli, which doubles as Samir's Cauldron, the Bosnian restaurant where the shoot-out takes place
Lundabron, the Lunda bridge between Blomkvist's apartment and Salander's
Mellqvist Coffee Bar, where Blomkvist takes his women
Synagogue, where Inspector Bublanski meets with Dragan Armansky
Millennium's Editorial Offices
7-Eleven, where Salander shops for Billy's Pan Pizza
Mosebacke, location of the Nils Sjögren statue of The Sisters
Södra Teatern, the bar where Salander and her lawyer have a beer
Kvarnen, where Lisbeth kisses Miriam Wu
Sandhamn, the island where Blomkvist goes to escape the city

Guided Millennium tours are offered in English on Saturdays at 11:30am and Wednesdays at 6pm from May through the summer. Winter walks in English leave on Saturdays at 11:30am.

Priddy's General Store featured in Cabin Fever

2011-11-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Priddy's General Store in Danbury, North Carolina is a draw for fans of the cult classic "Cabin Fever" screening frequently on the SyFy network's horror lineup.

Ten years ago, director Eli Roth and a film crew of actors and technicians filled the narrow aisles at Priddy's with equipment for two days of shooting. Rebecca Clark, director of the Piedmont Triad Film Commission, introduced Roth to the store on a scouting mission.

Fans of the horror classic stop by frequently for snacks and a t-shirt.
The Winston Salem Journal ran a story on the 120+ year old store.

A DVD and a Drink: cool at home film experience

2011-07-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

This New York Times article provides suggestions for a little at-home film tourism:

And if you need more inspiration, here's a guide to popular 1960s cocktails from the Mad Men site.
Above: the Moscow Mule.

Completed Marilyn Monroe sculpture unveiled - Chicago Tribune

2011-07-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Completed Marilyn Monroe sculpture unveiled - Chicago Tribune

This is cool... and temporary. Doesn't it belong in NYC?

Here are some facts on the scene from Billy Wilder's Seven Year Itch.

And this site has a nice explanation of the film's connection with New York City.

Agatha Christie's English hideaway

2011-06-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Smithsonian reports on Agatha Christie's hideaway near Torquay, her birthplace, and the Christie Festival where fans dress as Hercule Poirot:

"Where Agatha Christie dreamed up murder"

A companion piece reviews the many adaptations of her work in movies and on television:

"Agatha Christie on the big and small screen"

above: Poirot from the 1974 movie "Murder on the Orient Express" (Mary Evans / EMI Films / Ronald Grant / Everett Collection)

Relive "Nights in Rodanthe" on NC's Outer Banks

2008-09-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Plan your own romantic getaway in Rodanthe with the newly published guide: "North Carolina's Outer Banks and Crystal Coast: Great Destinations" where you'll find details on lodging, dining and nightlife enjoyed by the stars; where to see the free-roaming Banker horses; and how to check in live on road conditions on Hatteras Island.

Visit NC, the website of North Carolina's state division of tourism, has developed a trail of sites on NC's Outer Banks associated with "Nights in Rodanthe" starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

Some highlights:

In Manteo on Roanoke Island:

Scenes at the boat slips were shot at the Manteo town docks.

Both Richard Gere and Diane Lane stayed at the Tranquil House Inn on Manteo’s waterfront, dining frequently at the Inn’s restaurant, 1587, noted for its wine list and menu featuring local ingredients. Vegetarian fare, tremendously popular with the health-conscious stars, is available here.

From Manteo, cross the U.S. 64 Bridge and head south on N.C. Highway 12 to Hatteras Island, enjoying the wind and sand swept scenery.

Just before you get to Rodanthe, you will encounter a set of twists in the road, called the "S" curves by locals and a favorite destination for surfers. The scene with Diane Lane and a herd of ‘wild’ Outer Banks horses was filmed here.

The horses in the movie were imported, but you can find free-roaming ponies on the Banks. Go north on NC 12 to the 4 wheel drive area beyond Corolla, or take a boat to Shackleford Banks off Beaufort. There are also pony pens holding semi-wild horses on Ocracoke operated by the National Park Service.

The first structure on the left (ocean side) as you enter Rodanthe is a former vacation rental cottage called Serendipity, which became the “Inn at Rodanthe” where Lane and Gere’s characters meet in the film. The cottage is set on the most rapidly eroding section of the Banks and the ocean frequently washes over here, dumping drifts of sand on NC 12 and clogging driveways. You can no longer rent Serendipity for your beach vacation, but very similar beach houses throughout Rodanthe and the Outer Banks are available.

Visit NC relates an interesting story about the filming here:

"Although a big storm (a nor’easter in the book, a hurricane in the movie) plays a major role in "Nights In Rodanthe," the filmmakers were not happy when a real-life nor’easter (which eventually became Subtropical Storm Andrea) blew in while filming was about to get underway, and did minor damage to the Serendipity. The crew almost gave up and went somewhere else, but decided to wait it out. Ironically, the fierce rain you see pounding the Inn in the movie came not from Mother Nature but from a fire hose."

Just past the tall cottages that make up the Mirlo Beach community where Serendipity is located, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station sits on the ocean side of NC 12. Linda Molloy, who operates the museum store and reenacts many living history roles at this beautifully restored historic site, played Jill Torrelson in the film, a small but pivotal role. Ask Linda about her experiences during the making of the film, and she might even show you the picture of her with Richard Gere in hospital scrubs!

Two more film stops are a bit farther south on NC 12 in Rodanthe:

JoBob’s General Store, where exteriors of residents buying storm supplies were filmed,

Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, the scene of the ‘We Survived The Hurricane’ party. The legendary party scene involved about 400 extras and most of the principal cast. The wind speed on the night of filming was between 25-30 miles per hour, and filming lasted until four in the morning.

Farther down Highway 12, near the base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton Village has several enjoyable family restaurants discovered by the crew making "Nights in Rodanthe."

Try the Captain’s Table or Diamond Shoals restaurants or drop into Pop's Raw Bar to check with locals to see if Katy Mitchell, Jules Garrish or the band Coyote are playing music nearby. All appear in the "Nights In Rodanthe" movie, and all regularly perform on Hatteras or Ocracoke Islands.

The next day, board the free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, which departs every half-hour from May through October. Scenes with Richard Gere were filmed on the ferry, as Gere’s character Paul Flanner arrives on the island after driving from Raleigh.

On Ocracoke enjoy a 16-mile drive down the island looking for scenes from the movie. Best bets: Ocracoke Village, Ocracoke Lighthouse, the Banker Pony Pens and Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pyrate Specialty Shop.

Find out about each stop on the tour in our new guide: North Carolina's Outer Banks & Crystal Coast: Great Destinations

For more background visit:

Rodanthe’s Romantic ‘Nights’: The Outer Banks Sets The Stage

The Outer Banks Visitor Bureau also has an interesting site dedicated to the film:

http://www.outerbanks.org/Nights_In_Rodanthe_Tour.asp

Hollywood in Boston this Summer

2008-06-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Boston USA reports that visitors can anticipate stars & Hollywood in Boston this summer: there are nine (9) movies in production -or anticipated to begin filming soon in Boston:

· The next Martin Scorsese Boston-set-and-filmed movie "Ashecliffe" (based on "Shutter Island" by local author Dennis Lehane, Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone) will star Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kinsley (filming began in March)
· "The Surrogates," the upcoming Disney movie starring Bruce Willis is now in pre-production. Shooting will begin in April all over Boston and the surrounding towns. Hyde Park and Easton, MA were among many scouted locations.
· "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," which stars Jennifer Garner & Matthew McConaughey and a cast that includes Anne Archer, Michael Douglas, Emma Stone and Lacey Chabert (filming April onward).
· In May, Kevin James's comedy "Mall Cop" is expected to start filming in Boston.
· In May, Ricky Gervais's "This Side of the Truth," a comedy about a world where no one has ever lied will begin, starring Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jeffrey Tambor, Jonah Hill & John Hodgman .
· In May, Kate Hudson is returning to Boston to film another movie, "Bride Wars," costarring Anne Hathaway.
· In May-June, "Sexual Healing," which chronicles the last years of singer Marvin Gaye's life, will star James Gandolfini and Jesse L. Martin; the film will also include Los Angeles & Belgium.
· "The Proposal," starring Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds, is anticipated to film north of Boston in May.
· Late this summer/fall "The Fighter," the big-budget movie about "Irish" Micky Ward starring Mark Wahlberg & Brad Pitt will film northwest of Boston in Lowell.

Lights. Camera. Action. |in Wilmington, NC

2008-06-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

This article in the StarNewsOnline, tells about Wilmington's Hollywood Location Walk.

Lights. Camera. Action. | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC

Chimney Rock Park Film Locations

2007-02-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Chimney Rock Park, soon to become part of the NC state park system, has provided the stunning scenery for a number of films including The Last of the Mohicans, Firestarter and A Breed Apart.

The park's website gives exact locations:

The Last of the Mohicans, the 1992 epic romantic adventure starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe, features some of the Park’s best assets. During your visit to the Park, you will be able to walk along the trails and see sites that became the incredible scenic backdrop for the film. The last 17 minutes of the movie were filmed along the Cliff Trail, including the climactic fight scene at the top of Hickory Nut Falls. Be sure to ask the folks at the Ticket Plaza for a written guide to where scenes were filmed in the Park.

Firestarter, the 1984 thriller starring Drew Barrymore and George C. Scott, was based on the book written by Stephen King about a young girl’s ability to start fires with telekinetic powers. The Park’s front entrance gate and bridge were featured in the film.

A Breed Apart, the 1984 drama starring Kathleen Turner, Rutger Hauer, and Powers Boothe, tells the story of a mysterious recluse who is dedicated to saving a pair of nesting eagles believed to be the last of a dying breed. The Park’s wooded areas and trails were the perfect setting for the outdoor scenes of the movie. Exclamation Point was the site of the eagle’s eyrie.

Just a mile down the road from the Park at Lake Lure, Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) had the time of their lives while filming the 1987 romantic blockbuster Dirty Dancing.
Visit the Chimney Rock Park webpage for more.

Chimney Rock Park Film Locations

Da Vinci Code shore excursion in Rome

2007-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Da Vinci Code Inspires New Crystal Adventure in Italy

Fans of Dan Brown’s best-selling Angels & Demons – prelude to his blockbuster The Da Vinci Code – will relish the opportunity to follow the “Path of Illumination” on a new Crystal Adventure in Rome.

"From the Sistine Chapel to the Castle St. Angelo, the Angels & Demons tour offers a topical look at some of Rome’s most historic, artistic and architecturally significant monuments and churches – all with a dash of religious and scientific intrigue,” says John Stoll, Crystal Cruises’ director of land programs.

Walking in the steps of protagonist Robert Langdon, the new shore excursion showcases the four symbols along the “Path of Illumination” together with the exceptional works of renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini:

 Earth – the Chigi Chapel where “Habakkuk and the Angel” points the way down the Path of Illumination;

 Air – the “west wind medallion” in St. Peter’s Square;

 Fire – the “Ecstasy of St. Teresa” at the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria; and,

 Water – the “Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi,” or Fountain of the Four Rivers, in Rome’s famed Piazza Navona.

Showcasing the key symbols and landmarks in Angels & Demons, the tour also visits:

the Spanish Steps and the Church of St. Ignatius;

the Pantheon, Rome’s best-preserved ancient temple devoted to the goddess of the earth;

St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest shrine on earth;

and, the many Egyptian obelisks so prominently displayed throughout the city and featured throughout the book.

The 10 ½-hour Angels & Demons excursion is $249 per person and includes a three-course lunch at a local restaurant. Fares for cruises that offer this tour in Rome start at $3,395 per person, double occupancy.

For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

Gibson Movie Prompts Interest In Central America - Travel

2007-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

A story from Internet Broadcasting reports that Mel Gibson's film "Apocalypto" is creating increased interest in Mayan Culture.

Visitors are coming to Belize to explore many Mayan archeological sites, according to a news release from the Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort on the country's south coast. The Resort offers an all-day guided tour along the Hummingbird Highway to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich (The Maiden Rock). The pyramid there is the second tallest building in Belize.

Gibson Movie Prompts Interest In Central America - Travel

Kayak.com nominates destinations for Best Supporting Role

2007-01-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

sent to us by Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders:

Best Supporting Role by a Destination
As a travel company it seems unfair that sound and makeup receive an award while destinations do not. After all, what’s "Out of Africa" without Africa or "Pirates of the Caribbean" without a Caribbean? That’s why we are lobbying the academy to add another category: "Best Supporting Role by a Destination". Here are the nominees:

Boston
Only Martin Scorsese could direct an Oscar-winning performance from underwear model turned ape fighter Marky Mark Wahlberg or successfully produce a mobster movie without ANY cast member of the Sopranos. Either way, Boston plays a wicked awesome supporting role in "The Departed", a violent look into the city’s Irish Mob. See the movie and then "pak the ka" and tour filming locations in South Boston, Chinatown, Charlestown, the waterfront, Quincy, Chelsea, and Boston Common. Book a bus or walking tour with BostonMovieTours.net. The tours will resume when the weather warms in April and have already been updated to include scenes from "The Departed".

Washington, DC
Sadly, there is no tourism structure in place for the average person to visit Iwo Jima. Thanks to Dirty Harry, you can visit this island in 1945 by seeing Oscar nominated "Letters from Iwo Jima" which examines the infamous battle from the view of the Japanese soldiers and "Flags of our Fathers" which tells the story of the six flag raisers of Iwo Jima. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. to see the flag raisers immortalized in bronze, just over the bridge from Georgetown. There’s no lack of World War II history in DC so make time for the World War II Memorial, Holocaust Museum, Arlington Cemetery and the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.

London
I wonder how the British royal family celebrated Oscar nominations for "The Queen" which dramatizes the royal family’s response (or lack of) to the death of Princess Diana. Imitation is not always flattery and in this case Queen Elizabeth probably took a page out of Prince Harry’s book and indulged in a hit and a shot or two. You can celebrate alongside the royal family with a trip to London. Sure it’s a little chilly this time of year, but the off season means cheaper rates at hotels and shorter lines at cultural hotspots such as Buckingham Palace. Before your trip, visit FilmLondon.org.uk to download movie maps for your own tour or for information on several guided walking tours.

Tokyo
Our vote for the Feel Bad Movie of the Year goes unanimously to "Babel". Before you send us hate mail, we loved the movie but talk about your downers! This complex tale of interlocking stories takes us to four different countries, although the scenes shot in the vibrant city of Tokyo bring much needed relief from the other seemingly dark and hopeless story lines. In fact, Tokyo’s energy warrants yet another Best Supporting nomination for this movie. "Babel" fans should stop by the J-Pop Cafe in Shibuya, for a drink before setting out to explore one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts and birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Finish up the day at Tokyo City View, an observation deck in the heart of the city. Unlike young Chieko, we recommend you keep your clothes ON while taking in the view.

Visit Kayak.com for more film tourism trip suggestions, plus one-stop trip planning.

Film Festival Tourism | Fest21.com: films, festivals & digital community

2006-12-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Set-jetting takes off!
Film Festival Tourism Fest21.com: films, festivals & digital community: "http://www.fest21.com/en/trackback/2088"

Ava Gardner Fest among top 5 at TravelersAdvantage.com

2006-09-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yahoo News reported that Travelers Advantage named the Ava Gardner Fest, held annually in Smithfield, NC, among the top 5 most unique festivals this fall.

Here's what they said:
Ava Gardner Fest, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Smithfield, N.C. ... This annual soiree celebrates the legendary actress and movie star and the arts she loved, including films, live jazz, art and fine crafts. This year's festival will include a special exhibit featuring costumes from her award winning film "Mogambo." The costumes -- worn by Gardner, Grace Kelly and Clark Gable -- are part of the $50 million dollar collection owned by actress Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds' collection of more than 3,500 costumes and motion picture artifacts is the largest private collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world.

Other winners were:
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Oct. 7-8, Port Angeles, Wash.
Beaver Creek Popcorn Festival, Sept. 9-10, Beavercreek, Ohio
Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Racing Festival, May 5, 2007
Lemon Fest, Sept. 9-10, Ventura, Calif

Post Office Named for Ava Gardner

2006-08-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

AVA GARDNER POST OFFICE DEDICATION THIS THURSDAY

Smithfield, North Carolina's downtown post office will be named in honor of movie star Ava Gardner. President Bush signed legislation in March renaming the post office for the Johnston County native and darling of the silver screen.

Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority tells Ricky Bobby Backstory

2006-08-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Charlotte, NC landed the filming of Talledega Nights through a lot of luck and some inside info. Read the story on its website:
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

A number of films have been shot on location in Charlotte. Here's a list:
Movies filmed in Charlotte

Other scenes filmed in Rockingham at the North Carolina Speedway and at the Talledega Superspeedway in Alabama.

On the Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby official site you can bid on the race car used in the movie, create your own movie poster with you in the winner's circle (that's Allan with Will Ferrell), print out decals or install a Ricky Bobbyhead on your desktop.

USATODAY.com - 10 great places to lodge yourself in a movie

2006-07-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

USA Today lists 10 great hotels where you can put yourself in the picture. They range from the Inn at Biltmore Estate, featured in "The Last of the Mohicans" to the New Mexico Ghost Ranch where Billy Crystal got his smile back in "City Slickers."

Our personal favorite: The Hanalei Bay Resort (above) on the island of Kauai, Hawaii in the midst of the locations used in "South Pacific." Hanalei Hou!
Read the full story at: USATODAY.com - 10 great places to lodge yourself in a movie

Film Festivals at NY's Tarrytown House Estate

2006-06-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a fun weekend, and all the films are pre-release.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone magazine film critic, will lead a film festival August 25-27 at Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson. Six major feature films will be previewed and surprise Hollywood guests will join in discussions.

"As usual, the names of these 'never before seen' films or their stars will not be released in advance," said Travers. "Film buffs know that the suspense is always worth it, because we only show the best pick of films that will soon be distributed nationwide."

Guest get to vote for best movie at the end of the weekend.

Great meals, pre-release movies, luxurious accommodations, swimming, tennis and "all the popcorn you can eat" are $999, double occupancy. Call 914-591-3148 or 1-800-553-8118, or visit tarrytownhouseestate.com

The Estate also offers a Movie Night Package with rates starting at $149 for 2:
Includes overnight accommodations for 2, one movie with theatre treats...Popcorn, Sodas and Candy; Breakfast in Tarrytown's exclusive dining venue.

The luxurious estate, once the home of Mary Duke Biddle , heiress of the American Tobacco fortune, is primarily used as a conference center, and recently completed an $11 million restoration. It's in Westchester County, just outside NYC.

The Estate began hosting film festivals in 1964, when film critic Judith Crist organized the first such event at the property. This New Year's tradition will resume in January, 2007, with Ms. Crist and Mr. Travers serving as co-hosts.

Peter Travers has been the film critic and senior editor for film at Rolling Stone magazine since 1989. He appears regularly as a film commentator on CNN and FOX and his film analysis has been featured on shows from Charlie Rose to HBO's Spoken and Stirred. He can be found online each week by logging onto rollingstone.com.

Travers is also the author of The 1000 Best Movies on DVD, published by Hyperion in 2006, and the editor of The Rolling Stone Film Reader, published by Pocket Books in 1997. Several of his articles and essays on film are available in book form in Produced and Abandoned, They Went Thataway, Flesh and Blood, The "A" List and The "X" Factor.

A former chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, Travers also served as a film critic for People magazine from 1984 to 1988, and is a member of National Society of Film Critics.

Peter Travers Film Festival at Tarrytown

The Danish Soul of That Town in 'Sideways' - New York Times

2006-06-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

The New York Time features Solvang, California where "Sideways" was filmed. The region is famous for its windmills and authentic Danish cuisine, as well as its wines. There's even a Hans Christian Anderson Museum.
The Danish Soul of That Town in 'Sideways' - New York Times

The Solvang Visitors website offers a free map of "Sideways" sites available for download. The “Miles and Jack Wine Tour” self-guided tour map of the Santa Ynez Valley features 18 locations from the film, including wineries and restaurants.

Cruise to Cannes

2006-03-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Expecting a big tax refund? Book a Windstar cruise to the Cannes film festival and arrive in style...
Details: Wind Surf

In honor of Oscar: Zagat restaurant movie quiz

2006-02-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

How well do you know your movie sets? In honor of Oscar season, Zagat has a quiz that challenges you to match movie scenes with the restaurants where they filmed. Test your knowledge now: Zagat Movie Quiz
(Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

Fantasy becomes reality for New Zealand's booming movie industry - Yahoo! News

2005-12-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

AFP reports that New Zealand, a nation of 4.1 million, is gearing up for fans queuing to enter the country through the back of a wardrobe seeking to find the creatures and habitats of the blockbuster fantasies after the release of Narnia and King Kong.
Read the story on Yahoo news

New Year's Eve Dinner in "Casablanca"

2005-11-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

Looking for a film theme for your holiday party? Try this New Year's Eve Dinner in "Casablanca"
(The "Here's Lookin' at you, Kid" champagne cocktail and Chocolate Gendarme's hat sound great, but I may pass on the Rabbit Thighs conserved in olive oil.)

BUY THE POSTER.

BUY THE DVD

"Simpsons" memorabilia on display in Wilmington, NC ::.

2005-09-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

Television writer/producer and screenwriter Don Payne was born in Wilmington, NC. He currently is co-executive producer/writer on FOX’s international hit series THE SIMPSONS.

The Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington currently has a variety of mementoes from Payne's career on display in a lobby case through 11 February 2006.

BUY SIMPSONS POSTERS.

BUY SIMPSONS BOXED SETS

Objects featured in the lobby display include:

one of Don’s three Emmys for his work on THE SIMPSONS,
Animation cells from the THE SIMPSONS television show,
script for THE SIMPSONS episode “Fraudcast News” for which Don received the prestigious Paul Selvin Award at the 57th annual Writers Guild of America Awards ceremony this year
and Don’s 1982 graduation picture from New Hanover High School.

For more information call 910/341-4350 or visit the Cape Fear Museum website.

Films made in North Carolina

2005-09-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Numerous films are made in North Carolina, especially around Wilmington, home of EUE Screen Gems Studios. Follow the link for a brief list.

Web guide to Film Locations

2005-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

We found the Film in America site, an online guide to both locations where many films were shot and to potential locations for film makers while searching for info on a couple of old movies.

It's obviously still under construction, but the California and western sections are well done. Search by titles and you'll find the locations for many films old and new shot in LA, San Franciso, Lone Pine and elsewhere.

Great for consulting while traveling if you want to get in a bit of movie tourism.

The Da Vinci Code Locations

2005-08-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

With the Ron Howard/Tom Hanks film in production, the locations used for the movie, including Rosslyn Chapel (pictured) in Scotland, Lincoln Cathedral (subbing for Westminster Abbey), and the Louvre in Paris are bound to attract even more tours. The book already has crowds flocking to these sites and more.

DaVinci Code Locations
News from the set

Take a Do-It-Yourself Da Vinci Code tour, courtesy of Fodors, a trans-Atlantic trip from Paris to Rome, London, Scotland and New York

And here's an article about all the tours inspired by the bestseller....

Download “Inside the Vatican” – a National Geographic documentary at Movielink.

First Annual Ava Gardner Fest Oct.1 in Smithfield, NC

2005-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Ava Gardner Museum in downtown Smithfield, NC, hosts the first annual Ava Gardner Fest on Oct. 1, 2005 in honor of their favorite daughter.

Planned events include:

“Show Boat” exhibit featuring costumes and artifacts from the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum - admission
Howard Keel’s biography, "Only Make Believe," on sale and signed, in person, by his wife Judy Keel - admission
Ava Gardner Film Festival at the Historic Howell Theatre — Free
Live Jazz and Big Band sounds from the main stage in Town Hall Park — Free
Ava Gardner Heritage Tour, a guided tour of Ava’s birthplace, gravesite and other points of interest around Smithfield - admission
Arts and Fine Crafts Marketplace - Free
Great food from local restaurants and vendors

The festival runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 1. For more information, visit :AvaFest 2005

A Film-tourism Primer

2005-07-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

What is film-tourism?

It's a relatively new and growing tourist activity. But the tourist industry is more and more aware of it. Australia noticed that tourism doubled after the appearance of "Crocodile Dundee."

In England, the Crown Hotel in Amersham saw business boom after "Four Weddings and A Funeral" showed Andy McDowell and Hugh Grant frolic in a room there.

"Lord of the Rings," inspires numerous New Zealand tours.

Leonard DeCaprio's film, "The Beach," drove tourists to Thailand, particularly at The Beach of the film.

In London, real estate prices doubled in a rundown area after Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant appeared in "Notting Hill."

These are just a few examples. Others include various film-related museums and collections, film star homes, birthplaces and hangouts, and much more.

Here's an interesting brief article on the topic: Film Tourism

Ava Gardner Museum draws fans

2005-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Raleigh News and Observer reports that many tour groups make their way to the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, NC. The museum has a collection of many mementoes of Ava's career, including many recently acquired from the estate of her late sister. Ava's modest grave, not far from the museum, is another tour stop.
newsobserver.com | Local & State

The Ava Gardner Museum Website offers an extensive archive of photos and other info on Ava's personal life (including her years with Frank Sinatra) and professional career.

DizHub.com does Disney through the years

2005-07-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Fans of Disneyland can chart the growth of the California park at this website starting with the park's debut on July 17, 1955 through the present day by playing with a fun interactive map.
DizHub.com!
The same folks are involved with the "official fan site" for Pirates of the Caribbean where you can find all kinds of pirate-related events and a terrific links page with lots of pirate info.
Keep to the Code!

Critiki - Worldwide Guide to Tiki Bars and Polynesian Restaurants

2005-07-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else remember the Tiki TV program from way back in the 60s? Glorious black and white. Tiki Pop is enjoying a whole new life these days.

Okay, only this one more Polynesian Pop entry, just in case someone out there wants to make their own Tiki film and needs to find a nearby location: Critiki - Worldwide Guide to Tiki Bars and Polynesian Restaurants

The Best Beach Movies

2005-07-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm a huge fan of Hawai'i and Polynesian culture (well, everything except the human sacrifice), I had never actually heard of the "Tiki Revival" or "Polynesian Pop" for that matter, until I wandered into this website.

Speaking of that mai tai, this is the site to find an authentic recipe for same. It's also got a page listing many classic beach movies, with location info, and appropriate cocktails.
Beachbum Berry's movie page

THE DVD OF TIKI and Hollywood Tiki event

2005-07-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

A Tiki movie is out on DVD and "Bird of Paradise" gets a rare showing in Hollywood:

These folks traveled around the world seeking out strange and unusual Tiki manifestations plus authentic Polynesian culture. They are currently making the footage shot during this 101 day epic journey into a film titled "The DVD of Tiki."

If you happen to be in Hollywood on Sunday, July 31 you can see a teaser at the Egyptian Theater, along with a rare showing of 1951's "Bird of Paradise". There's a luau dinner afterwards with live hula dancers. Or... you can just stir up a mai tai and watch the teaser online.
Welcome to ARMCHAIR TRAVELLING - Home of THE DVD OF TIKI and THE TIKI GALLERY

The Reality behind reality show "Amish in the City"

2005-07-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Fans of UPN’s reality TV show “Amish in the City” can learn what the “Rumspringa” period is really like in Lancaster County by catching the Amish Experience Theater presentation of “Jacob’s Choice.”
Blending the story of an Amish teenager in “Rumspringa,” with scenes from Amish history presented with dramatic special effects, this production is designed to make the connection between history, family, community, and Amish life today.
Jacob's Choice Imax Movie

Tour "Witness" locations in PA Dutch Country through Nov. 21

2005-07-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Heads up, Harrison Ford fans! For a limited time, you can tour the locations of the 1985 hit Witness in Pennsylvannia's Amish Country, including the "Witness Farm" never before open to the public. This special 20th anniversary tour ends Nov. 21. Visit this site for details: Lancaster County Pennsylvania Dutch Country Official Visitors Center > Witness

For those who prefer to tour on their own, down at the bottom of the page you'll also find sample itineraries, a complete list of film locations, some Witness film trivia, and a cast list. The Lancaster County Heritage Museum features a special Witness interactive exhibit, with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia of the film through Dec. 31, 2005.

National Treasure tour of D.C. and Philadelphia

2005-07-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Take a self-guided tour of National Treasure locations in Philly and Washington, DC, including all the Masonic temples. Tour brochure and special discounts on lodging and Amtrak tickets at movietour.org

Also have a look at Disney's official site for the film. But don't get lost... Like many Disney products this thing sucks you into its own reality. I found myself trying to earn tokens to get trading cards for a film that I haven't seen yet.
National Treasure official Disney website

Have an item you think fits our film tourism theme? Send it to besteditorial@earthlink.net

North Carolina is Hollywood East

2005-07-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Despite lots of well-funded competition, North Carolina still ranks third for instate film and video production. The state's official website, VisitNC.com celebrates the many films made here and busy schedule of film festivals with this roundup of highlights:

NCACVB - Hollywood East