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Hometown Films: A Snapshot of Local Locations Lensed for Cinema and Television

March 27, 2025Technology2710
Hometown Films: A Snapshot of Local Locations Lensed for Cinema and Te

Hometown Films: A Snapshot of Local Locations Lensed for Cinema and Television

From schools and homes to restaurants and historic buildings, many local locations have played starring roles in films and television shows. This article takes a look at several notable examples from around the world, highlighting the unique and unexpected ways in which hometowns contribute to the cinematic landscape.

One such location is Anderson SC, which served as the backdrop for the film Radio. Parts of the movie were filmed around TL Hanna HS, giving the town a taste of the spotlight. However, Anderson's historical significance in the film industry goes beyond this single instance. In the 1970s, Burt Lancaster's film The Midnight Man was directed around the town and in Clemson. A local diner was also featured in the 1980s film Coupe de Ville, starring Daniel Stern and Alan Arkin. Even more recently, George Clooney's Leatherheads was partially filmed around Anderson.

The West Village, NYC – A Film Set in an Office

In the heart of New York City, the West Village district offered the setting for a different kind of film production. The author once rented a space in an office that blended a 19th-century industrial aesthetic with cobblestone streets, an old Spanish restaurant, and a chicken-dressing plant among its neighbors. However, things changed when a GayLesbian Center purchased a largely unused plot nearby and constructed a modern hostel/office/meeting place. Their original plan was to maintain the historical appearance of the neighborhood, but the then-Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, convinced them to alter the structure as part of a broader gentrification strategy.

Water Law Order, a popular television show, frequently shot scenes in the office. Therefore, the author had the opportunity to host extras in the old showroom on the ground floor and even watch various television and film productions, including modestly-budgeted Sex in the City and a yet-to-be-named film directed by Stanley Tucci.

A Burbank Residency and a Missed Opportunity

A residence in Burbank, California, nearly featured in the Little Rascals movie in the mid-1990s but the production ultimately chose a different house down the street. However, the near-miss was intriguing, showcasing how even a small neighborhood can hold significant potential for film industry productions.

Georgetown University and The Exorcist

Georgetown University holds a special place in film history, as it was where the filming of The Exorcist took place. The author witnessed the production first-hand, including the installation of an extra false extension on a house by the steps. They also watched the intense and thrilling scenes with the stuntman leaping out of the window, with each take requiring a bungee cord to keep the stuntman safe. This unforgettable experience was followed by enjoyable conversations with the cast and crew, facilitated by a generous offer to buy drinks from the theater club.

Conclusion

From small towns to bustling city neighborhoods, each location has its unique charm, which makes it the perfect backdrop for filmmaking. These examples highlight the rich and often unexpected ways that local places contribute to the world of cinema and television, offering a glimpse into the many stories that are brought to life on screens around the globe.