About Atlanta
Located in the heart of the South, Atlanta, Georgia, is known as one of the most welcoming cities in America. From its strong economic growth to its deep history rooted in civil rights and the arts, Atlanta has become a popular destination for tourists and locals.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering abundant avenues for creative expression through music, art, film, and more. French, Spanish, Caribbean, and African-American heritage left their mark on Atlanta's architectural landscape, creating a captivating tapestry of history and culture. The Capital City is near two ports: Savannah and Charleston.
As such, the city aesthetics incorporate elements from these two cities, from ornate Caribbean-style homes to quaint shingle-roofed cottages. These classic Creole buildings are perfect for capturing shots with historic charm and period accuracy. With their charming features like high ceilings, spacious front porches, tabby brick exterior walls, and tin roofs, these homes exude timeless beauty.
Creole Locations Options in Atlanta
- Set Designers
Bringing in professionals who specialize in designing sets for movies and television shows is necessary when working with Creole locations. They have experience with all set designs, from practical ones where actors perform traditional scenes to those more intricate scenes requiring special effects or props.
- Hair & Makeup Artists
Experienced hair and makeup artists are essential, as they transform actors into characters quickly and efficiently. Their expertise also ensures continuity between shots by keeping everyone looking the same throughout each take or scene changeover.
- Local Talent
Local talent (actors/extras) add realism to any production. Hiring locals ensures that they are familiar with the area and culture, which helps create a more authentic feel for the project. Additionally, it provides economic benefits to the community while showcasing their unique stories on screen.
- Transportation Services
Transportation services make it easier for teams to move between multiple locations in a short amount of time. Especially if the shoot requires large sets or bringing multiple people in from out-of-town locations, hire transportation services specializing in taking care of this part of production logistics so you do not have to worry about it yourself.
Creole Locations Vendors in Atlanta
- RJR Props
RJR Props is a leading vendor in the industry, providing high-quality props for film productions, commercials, videos, and other media. With over 1,000 products in their inventory, including vintage and modern electronics such as TVs, radios, telephones, and medical, military, retail store, and restaurant props, they can meet any production's prop needs. Their team of experienced professionals provides the highest level of customer service while supplying top-of-the-line products.
- Fawn Ortega
Fawn Ortega is an established makeup artist with over 20 years of experience working on diverse projects, including film, print, web, commercial television, industrial, and artistic development. Fawn specializes in makeup applications that are ready in no time while always showing professionalism and attention to detail. Her skills include airbrush special effects makeup, period makeup, temporary tattooing, and beauty and grooming for HD.
- Houghton Talent Inc
Houghton Talent, Inc. is a premier talent agency with 30 years of experience in the Southeast market. It is a SAG franchised agency specializing in all aspects of on-camera talent, ranging from television and film to commercial, voiceover, industrial, print, and live events. With a commitment to finding new and upcoming talent and representing established artists, Houghton Talent Inc. takes the time to find the right fit for each project they work on.
Pros and Cons of Creole Locations in Atlanta
Creating content in a Creole-style home is a choice for filmmakers and photographers drawn to its distinctive architecture and interior design. However, weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks before deciding whether to use a Creole-style home as a production location.
Advantages
- Creole cottages feature distinctive architectural features such as porches, shuttered windows, and gingerbread trim that can provide an eye-catching backdrop for any production.
- With their old-fashioned facades, these cottages often evoke the feeling of a bygone era, allowing filmmakers to create more authentic depictions of different periods.
- These locations work well for indoor and outdoor filming needs since they often feature large, open common areas with smaller private spaces.
Disadvantages
- Few Creole-style homes are available in Atlanta, meaning the best spots may already be taken or too far away from the primary location needs.
- Since most Creole-style homes were built before modern noise insulation techniques became commonplace, they may not offer enough protection from exterior sounds (traffic, etc.) that could disturb production.
- Older Creole-style properties may require extra maintenance attention during production shoot days to keep them looking their best for film/photo purposes.
Tips on How to Organize Creole Locations in Atlanta
Whether a movie set, a commercial shoot, or any other project, knowing how to prepare the location is essential for creating an immersive atmosphere and capturing great footage. From traditional color palettes and textiles to furniture and accents, attention to detail and proper planning is crucial when preparing a Creole location for filming.
- Focus On Color Palette: A great way to give your space a more authentically Creole feel is by focusing on colors that are commonly associated with Louisiana cultures, such as earthy greens, deep browns, bright reds, and blues alluding to the waters surrounding this coastal region when setting up your sets in Atlanta. Not only do these colors create an inviting atmosphere, but they also represent an essential aspect of heritage and identity.
- Use Antique Furniture: Antique furniture adds a unique touch and charm to the environment. Incorporating pieces of china cabinets, dressers, rocking chairs, or other vintage furniture can make the location look more authentic and inviting. These pieces could also help set the tone for the shoot by providing insight into the culture and history of the area.
- Accessorize Appropriately: Throw pillows with unique patterns or textures can add personality to any space while tying in with traditional elements found in Creole-style architecture, such as ironwork and woodwork detailing.
- Shop Local Vendors: Shopping from local vendors allows you to bring life to a space when prepping for filming. Craftsmen from nearby artisan markets can create pieces tailored to your vision,
- Be Mindful Of Lighting: Natural lighting can help capture great footage, making everything look crisp and clear without looking artificial or forced. Adding some complimentary lights around areas where actors are performing can also enhance certain aspects of a scene without being too overwhelming or distracting from other elements within it!
Famous Locations in Atlanta
- Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is a 33-acre history museum and complex located in the Buckhead district of the city. It is home to the Swan House, an iconic mansion designed by renowned architect Philip Trammell Shutze. The museum houses permanent and rotating exhibitions on numerous topics, including Atlanta's railroad origins, involvement in the Civil War, folk arts, Bobby Jones, and more. Additionally, visitors can explore 22 acres of gardens or visit the Smith Family Farm, where they can learn about foodways, crafts, and carpentry through interactive demonstrations.
- Rondo Distributing Co.
For nearly 80 years, Rondo Distributing Co. has served the Atlanta area with its prime selection of spiritual needs. From candles and incense to books, charms, and soaps, if there is a way to rid bad juju from life, the company has it. With items like Monkey Paws in its vast inventory, only those who come prepared with the necessary witchy know-how can access the hidden secrets.
- Folk Art Park
Folk Art Park is an enchanting oasis amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta. The park pays tribute to the late artist Eddie Owens Martin, also known as St. EOM, who created a unique blend of pre-Columbian, Native American, and African art forms. Visitors to this vibrant public park can view psychedelic totems that are a bold contrast to the city skyline. The masterpiece, created to celebrate the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, mesmerizes visitors with its memorable version of the future and past merging in charming harmony.