One of the most well-known cities in the state of Louisiana, New Orleans is found near the Mississippi River and only a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans’ laidback lifestyle has earned it the affectionate name “The Big Easy.” Despite its association with a more relaxed lifestyle, the city always has something happening. From its exciting nightlife to incredible live entertainment at any theme park and lively street parties, you’ll never spend a dull evening in the Big Easy.
Enriched by customs and cuisines from various countries, each New Orleans neighborhood embodies a unique blend of French, African, and American traditions, making the city's history perfect for film locations. One of the most interesting aspects of any trip to New Orleans is the chance to sample the city’s Creole cuisine, a type of food well renowned for its spicy kick.
The Big Easy's captivating beauty, lively nightlife, and architectural marvels make it a favored filmmaker backdrop. It showcases iconic locations in films and TV shows filmed there, such as "American Horror Story," "Interview with the Vampire," "The Cincinnati Kid," and "A Streetcar Named Desire." If you’re searching for the right spot to do some New Orleans filming, the biggest problem you’ll face here is narrowing your choices down to only one.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect spot, your next job is to assemble a team of talented professionals to help you get the place completely outfitted so production can begin.
Hair and Makeup
Set yourself up for success in an efficient New Orleans filming schedule by hiring some of the city’s most highly recommended beauty professionals to keep your cast looking camera-ready at all times. Specializing in everything from advanced color techniques, wigs, and hair extensions to scar and tattoo coverups and special effects makeup, the right New Orleans hair stylist and makeup artist can help your on-screen talent look their best.
Truck Rentals
Now that you’ve found the perfect spot to do some New Orleans filming, it’s time to hire a vehicle large enough to transport all of your gear to your film set safely. You will find many highly recommended truck rental companies in the Big Easy. With a large selection of vehicles in various sizes, you’ll have no difficulty finding a van, truck, food truck, or U-Haul trailer to help you get your equipment from Central Garden District to the city's outskirts efficiently.
Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
Is it time to upgrade your equipment before filming begins in New Orleans? Are you currently too short on cash to make a big purchase? Not to worry. New Orleans has many audio-visual equipment rental companies that can supply you with the tools you need for a price that won’t break the bank.
From supply vendors to rental companies and even hair and makeup professionals, the Big Easy is one city that offers you all of the talent you need to get the job done right.
Stephanie Nery
One of the most highly recommended makeup artists in New Orleans today, Stephanie Nery, provides her top-tier mobile beauty services throughout the Big Easy and internationally. With more than eight years of industry experience to her credit, Stephanie Nery has experience in the film and photo industries and everyday looks, helping her clients look and feel their very best.
Penske Truck Rental
With more than 50 years of experience in the transportation business, Penske Truck Rental is a national truck rental company with several locations situated not far from City Park in the core of New Orleans. Penske Truck Rental has a large selection of vehicles ranging in size from cube vans to big box trucks and even U-Haul trailers with something sure to suit your every need.
Mitey AV
Mitey AV is a New Orleans-based audio-visual equipment rental company. Family-owned and operated, the team at Mitey AV is well renowned for its exceptional customer service and trustworthiness. Stocking an excellent selection of the latest audio-visual equipment, you’ll easily be able to find the items you need for a price you can easily afford with Mitey AV on the job.
An urban center alive with cultural opportunities, post-Katrina New Orleans, has become a very popular place for filming. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages to selecting New Orleans as the spot for your film shoot.
Lots of cultural activities
New Orleans is one city that always has something on the go. Among the most popular attractions are this urban center’s many festivals with two of the best known being the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.
Unique architecture
New Orleans has its own unique character and charm, and nowhere is this better represented than in the architecture of its buildings. Some architectural gems are the Piazza D’Italia, the Louis Cemetery, the Lafayette Cemetery, and the Crescent City Connection. Wander through the city streets to discover world-famous locations featured in "Girls Trip," "Percy Jackson," "American Horror Story," and "Interview with the Vampire."
Welcoming residents
Those who make New Orleans their home are extremely welcoming to visitors. This inviting atmosphere, combined with its charm, makes it a prime destination for filming locations in New Orleans.
No beaches nearby
If filming at the beach is your idea, New Orleans might not be the ideal destination hotspot for you. The nearest beach to the Big Easy is a 90-minute drive away.
Immense bug population
Unfortunately, it’s not just people who like to make New Orleans their home. This city is well-renowned for its large population of bugs, so filming outside could be tricky.
Roads in bad condition
Unfortunately, the streets and highways in New Orleans are in poor condition, leading to longer commute times.
Jackson Square
Found in the middle of the French Quarter, Jackson Square once was known as Place d’Armes. This popular attraction's focal point is a statue of General Andrew Jackson, installed in 1856.
Preservation Hall
New Orleans’ Preservation Hall is an old facility that hosts live jazz events throughout the year. The building itself is quite small, giving it the feel of a private concert event.
St. Louis Cathedral
Also found in the well-known Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the city. Constructed in 1794, the property was once home to two other churches prior to the building of the St. Louis Cathedral. In 1987, this beloved sacred structure was visited by the iconic Pope John Paul II.