Experience the Original New Orleans Movie Tours: A Must-See
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By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans, a city steeped in rich history and captivating culture, has long been a beloved backdrop for filmmakers. From the iconic streetcars to the enchanting French Quarter, the city’s distinctive architecture and atmosphere have entranced audiences on the silver screen for decades. The Original New Orleans Movie Tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of cinema, allowing visitors to explore the very locations where their favorite movies and TV shows were filmed.
In This Article
TL;DR
The Original New Orleans Movie Tours provide various themed tours showcasing filming locations across different movie genres.
New Orleans has played a significant role in the film industry, serving as a backdrop for numerous productions throughout the years.
The tours offer unique features like video clips and knowledgeable guides who share behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes.
History and Evolution of Movie Tours in New Orleans
Movie-themed tours in New Orleans have their origins in the city’s longstanding relationship with the film industry. As early as the 1910s, filmmakers recognized the potential of New Orleans’ distinctive architecture and atmosphere, using it as a setting for silent films. Over the years, the city has hosted countless productions, ranging from classic movies like “A Streetcar Named Desire” to modern blockbusters such as “21 Jump Street”.
The Original New Orleans Movie Tours emerged as a way to celebrate this rich cinematic heritage. Founded by passionate film enthusiasts, the company has grown and evolved over the years, constantly updating its offerings to include the latest productions and most iconic filming locations.
Types of Movie Tours Offered
The Original New Orleans Movie Tours offer a diverse range of themed tours, catering to various interests and tastes. Horror fans can embark on a spine-chilling journey through the city’s haunted history, visiting locations featured in films like “Interview with the Vampire” and “American Horror Story”. Comedy lovers can explore the settings of hilarious movies such as “The Campaign” and “21 Jump Street,” while history buffs can explore the world of period dramas like “12 Years a Slave” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the company also offers customizable tour options. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular movie or TV show or simply want to explore a specific area of the city, the knowledgeable guides can tailor the tour to your interests.
Iconic Film Locations Featured in the Tours
The Original New Orleans Movie Tours showcase an impressive array of iconic film locations throughout the city. One of the most popular spots is the French Quarter, which has served as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. Visitors can stroll down the very streets where Elvis Presley’s character rebelled in “King Creole” or where Brad Pitt’s Louis de Pointe du Lac roamed in “Interview with the Vampire”.
Other notable locations include the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, featured in the controversial acid trip scene from “Easy Rider,” and the Columns Hotel, which served as the setting for Bette Davis’ antebellum mansion in “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte”. Each location comes with its own set of fascinating stories and anecdotes, shared by the knowledgeable tour guides.
Experience from Tour Participants
Past participants of The Original New Orleans Movie Tours rave about their experiences, praising the knowledgeable guides, well-organized itineraries, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Many highlight the thrill of standing in the very spots where their favorite actors once stood, while others appreciate the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history and culture through the lens of cinema.
One of the most memorable moments for many tour-goers is watching the carefully selected video clips that correspond to each filming location. These clips help bring the movies to life, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the cinematic world.
How to Prepare for a Movie Tour in New Orleans
To make the most of your Original New Orleans Movie Tour experience, it’s essential to come prepared. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. When scheduling your tour, consider factors such as weather and personal preferences – some may prefer the cooler temperatures of morning tours, while others may enjoy the atmospheric evening light.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tours involve a fair amount of walking. Depending on the season, it’s also wise to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget your camera to capture those iconic film locations!
Comparison with Other Film Location Tours
While many cities offer film location tours, The Original New Orleans Movie Tours stand out for their unique focus on the Big Easy’s cinematic heritage. Unlike tours in other cities that may focus on a single movie or franchise, New Orleans tours showcase a diverse range of films and genres, reflecting the city’s versatility as a filming location.
The tours also tend to be longer and more comprehensive than those in other cities, often lasting around 2-3 hours. This allows for a more immersive experience, giving participants the opportunity to explore multiple locations and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s role in the film industry.
Role of Tour Guides in Enhancing the Experience
One of the key factors that sets The Original New Orleans Movie Tours apart is the quality of its tour guides. These knowledgeable individuals are not only well-versed in the city’s cinematic history but also passionate about sharing their expertise with others.
Many of the guides have personal connections to the film industry, having worked on sets or even appeared as extras in movies and TV shows. This firsthand experience allows them to provide unique insights and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the tours to life.
Beyond their knowledge, the guides are also skilled storytellers, weaving together historical facts, anecdotes, and trivia in an engaging and entertaining manner. Their enthusiasm and interaction with tour participants create a dynamic and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Impact of Movie Tours on New Orleans Tourism
The Original New Orleans Movie Tours have had a significant impact on the city’s tourism industry. By showcasing the city’s rich cinematic heritage, the tours have helped attract film enthusiasts from around the world, eager to explore the locations where their favorite movies and TV shows were filmed.
This influx of visitors has brought economic benefits to the local community, supporting businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops. The tours have also helped raise awareness of New Orleans as a premier filming destination, potentially attracting more productions to the city in the future.
Moreover, the movie tours have contributed to the preservation of film-related heritage in New Orleans. By highlighting the significance of certain locations and sharing the stories behind them, the tours have helped foster a greater appreciation for the city’s cinematic history and the need to protect these important sites.
Future of Movie Tours in New Orleans
As the film industry continues to evolve, so too do The Original New Orleans Movie Tours. The company remains committed to staying up-to-date with the latest productions, incorporating new locations and stories into their tours as they become available.
However, the tourism industry also faces challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Original New Orleans Movie Tours have adapted to these challenges by implementing safety measures such as reduced group sizes, mandatory mask-wearing, and enhanced cleaning protocols.
Despite these challenges, the future of film tourism in New Orleans looks bright. With its rich cinematic heritage, diverse filming locations, and passionate tour guides, The Original New Orleans Movie Tours are well-positioned to continue showcasing the best of the Big Easy’s movie magic for years to come.
