Louisiana, especially New Orleans, is renowned not only for its jazz music, unique Creole cuisine, and vibrant Mardi Gras festivals but also as a “Hollywood South.” Numerous blockbuster movies and TV shows have been filmed here. If you are a film enthusiast eager to explore familiar locations from the silver screen, a tour of famous movie filming locations in Louisiana is an unmissable experience.
Why Louisiana Became an Attractive Filming Destination?
Before we embark on our exploration, let’s understand why Louisiana has become so appealing to filmmakers. Several factors contribute to this success:
- Diverse Landscapes: From mysterious swamps and lush forests to the ancient French architecture in New Orleans, Louisiana offers a rich and varied backdrop for all film genres.
- Attractive Tax Incentives: The Louisiana state government provides generous tax incentives for film producers, significantly reducing production costs.
- Abundant Human Resources: Louisiana boasts a professional and experienced film crew, from lighting and sound technicians to extras.
- Unique Atmosphere: New Orleans, in particular, exudes a special atmosphere—both ancient and modern, eerie and charming—creating an irresistible allure for filmmakers.
Must-Visit Famous Filming Locations
French Quarter
French Quarter street scene in New Orleans, a popular filming location
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans, famous for its French and Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and lively jazz bars. It has appeared in countless films, including “Interview with the Vampire,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “21 Jump Street.” Strolling along Bourbon Street, visiting Jackson Square, and admiring St. Louis Cathedral are essential experiences.
Plantations
The historic plantations along the Mississippi River are a significant part of Louisiana’s history. Many plantations have served as settings for films set in the pre-Civil War era, such as “12 Years a Slave” and “The Skeleton Key.” You can visit plantations like Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation to learn about the history and unique architecture of these estates.
New Orleans City Park
Large ancient oak tree in City Park, New Orleans, featured in movies
With its vast area and diverse landscapes, New Orleans City Park is an ideal filming location for various film genres. The ancient live oak grove in the park has appeared in numerous movies, including “Jurassic World.” Additionally, you can visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden located within the park.
Swamps
The mysterious swamps of Louisiana provide a unique and eerie setting for horror and thriller films. Many movies have capitalized on the raw and dangerous beauty of the swamps, such as “Eve’s Bayou” and “Hatchet.” You can take a swamp tour to explore the unique ecosystem and learn about Cajun culture.
Other Locations
Besides the locations mentioned above, Louisiana offers many other fascinating filming locations, such as:
- The National WWII Museum: An impressive historical museum that has appeared in numerous documentaries and feature films.
- St. Charles Avenue Streetcar: The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, this is a New Orleans icon and has been featured in many movies and TV shows.
- Mardi Gras World: Tour a massive parade float production facility and learn about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras.
Suggested Itinerary for a Movie Location Tour
For a complete experience, consider this itinerary for your movie location tour:
- Day 1: Explore the French Quarter and learn about its history and unique architecture. Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy jazz music at a famous bar on Bourbon Street.
- Day 2: Visit a historic plantation along the Mississippi River and learn about the lives of the people who lived there.
- Day 3: Discover New Orleans City Park and admire the ancient live oak grove. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden.
- Day 4: Take a swamp tour and explore Louisiana’s unique ecosystem.
- Day 5: Visit The National WWII Museum and learn about the history of the war. Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.
Helpful Travel Tips
- Ideal Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Louisiana, with cool and pleasant weather.
- Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore filming locations outside of New Orleans.
- Accommodation: New Orleans offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Cuisine: Don’t forget to savor Louisiana’s specialties, such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and beignets.
Conclusion
A tour of famous movie filming locations in Louisiana is a unique and exciting experience for movie lovers. You will have the opportunity to discover familiar locations from the silver screen, learn about Louisiana’s history and culture, and enjoy the raw natural beauty of this region. Plan your trip today and explore “Hollywood South”!