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True Blood movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was True Blood filmed?

2008

City Locations

Lousiana, California (USA)

Location Types

House, Mansion, Bar, Restaurant, Church

Location Styles

Bed & Breakfast, Victorian, Colonial, Cape Cod, Gothic, Federal Building

About True Blood

True Blood is a supernatural drama series aired on HBO from 2008 to 2014. Alan Ball, the screenwriter behind the Oscar-winning film American Beauty, created and produced it. Stephen Moyer takes on the role of Bill Compton, while Anna Paquin portrays the captivating character of Sookie Stackhouse. Sam Trammell graces the screen as Sam Merlotte, completing the stellar cast of this show.

True Blood follows Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) in the fictional town of Bon Temps in Louisiana. After the invention of synthetic blood called “Tru Blood” makes it possible for vampires to exist peacefully among humans without needing to feed off them anymore, Sookie meets Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a vampire who has come to live in her small town. Their relationship is complicated because of their different backgrounds and supernatural abilities. Ultimately, it leads Sookie into a world she never expected she would be a part of - one filled with magic and mystery. Throughout the show's seven-season run, they struggle with complex issues such as racism, the choice between true love and family loyalty, or freedom versus safety.

The series garnered widespread critical acclaim throughout its entire run. The initial five seasons were met with highly positive reviews, resulting in numerous award nominations and wins, including prestigious honors such as the Golden Globe and Emmy. The show's success inspired countless books, graphic novels, video games, spinoff shows, parodies, and other media forms.

True Blood Locations

True Blood, the hit HBO television series aired from 2008 to 2014, was filmed primarily in California and Louisiana. The two states provided a vibrant backdrop for the dark fantasy drama that followed the lives of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures living in the fictional town of Bon Temps. From rose-hills cemeteries to plantation homes and towering cities, True Blood had locations scattered across both regions, providing suspenseful entertainment for viewers.

The majority of scenes for True Blood were shot in California and Louisiana, with specific landmarks such as SkyRose Chapel located in Hawthorne, CA, the Bon Temps Town Hall & Jail near Big Patty’s Pie House in De Soto Parish, and Alex’s Bar standing in as Fangtasia in the show. In addition to these iconic filming sites, various other locations set against breathtaking landscapes were used to bring to life certain scenes throughout the series. From stunning riverside shots along the Mississippi River Valley or glimpses of expansive forests near Los Angeles, California and Louisiana offered unique backdrops that perfectly befit each episode’s theme or plot twist.

A trip to visit many of these sites featured in True Blood would undoubtedly result in an unforgettable experience. Fans can capture iconic stills from their favorite episodes or participate in fun activities such as scavenger hunts at any of these locations - making it quite an interesting adventure. In addition, there are plenty of other attractions nearby each filming site, so fans can look forward to exploring a wide range of activities when visiting any area associated with True Blood’s production history.

Fun Fact

Sesame Street presented a skit called "True Mud" (2010) which was a playful spoof of True Blood, featuring puppet renditions of characters like Sookie, Bill, Lafayette, Sam, Tara, and Sheriff Dearborne. In the parody, Muppet Sookie finds it challenging to meet Muppet Bill's requests for a "True Mud" serving while the rest ponder whether he qualifies as a "grouch."

Sookie meets Eric in Fangtasia bar scenes in True Blood

Alex's Bar, 2913 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA

From the moment Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) was introduced in his throne at Fangtasia when Bill (Stephen Moyer) took Sookie (Anna Paquin) to meet the Sheriff of Area Five for the first time, it was clear that a love triangle was brewing in True Blood. Unlike Bill's rather harmless first appearance at Merlotte's in the pilot episode, Eric's entrance was a defining moment that encapsulated his character's power, command over others, and overt sensuality. Fans can vividly recall this iconic scene from the first season's fourth episode.

The scene was filmed at Alex's Bar in Long Beach, California. It has become one of the most memorable locations from True Blood due to its distinct look - red walls with Day of the Dead decor that perfectly complemented Eric’s darker nature. The bar is also similar to Fangtasia in that it is usually only open after dark (9 p.m.) and is an over-21-only place. Plus, there are punk, rockabilly, or metal shows Thursday through Sunday nights.

To get to Alex’s Bar, you can take public transportation by taking the Metro A Line train to 5th Street Station, then walking a few blocks south on Long Beach Ave, until you reach Alex’s Bar. Alternatively, you can drive there. It takes about 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles without traffic.

Godric "greets the sunrise" scene in True Blood

SkyRose Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA

Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) was initially portrayed as a tough, heartless character until his creator, Godric (Allan Hyde), made an appearance. Godric was a vampire who had lived for 2,000 years, spending a significant portion of his immortality harboring animosity toward humans and perpetuating violence against them. However, he transformed his outlook and attempted to atone for his actions by presenting himself as a sacrifice to the Fellowship of the Sun. The plan took an unexpected turn when Eric stepped in, but Godric still opted to "greet the sunrise," hoping that his sacrificial act would promote peace among the different species. (Season 2, Episode 9)

In the TV series True Blood, the real-world SkyRose Chapel is imaginatively repurposed as the Fellowship of the Sun, set in Dallas within the show's universe. The chapel is situated atop Rose Hills and surrounded by the Rose Hills Memorial Park, a resting place for the departed. The stunning SkyRose Chapel in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier is a grand, geometric sanctuary perched on a hilltop. It boasts a specially crafted Quimby Pipe Organ, a sweeping balcony, and a mausoleum that spans 11,200 square feet.

From Long Beach, you can take a 30-minute drive up Interstate 710 and 605 to Whittier, where they will find themselves at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Visitors must also remember that while photography is allowed inside some parts of this cemetery park, certain sections are considered off-limits due to respect for those who have passed away here.

Bill & Sookie dance scene in True Blood

The Stockade Bed and Breakfast, 8860 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Fans will fondly remember a particularly romantic scene from the episode 'I Found You' in season 2. Bill (Stephen Moyer) has taken Sookie (Anna Paquin) to a secluded French restaurant where they can have a room. The atmosphere is intimate and lovely, with a bottle of wine to share and a candlelit dance floor just for them.

The Jerry Lee Lewis song, Before the Night Is Over, plays as they slow-dance beneath the soft light of the dinner table candles. After enjoying what is described as "the best meal of [Sookie's] life," Bill produces a diamond ring and proposes marriage.

The location where this iconic scene was filmed is The Stockade Bed and Breakfast in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This remarkable property holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as an archaeological site from the Civil War era. It was once a Union fortification and campsite constructed by Union troops in 1862. It serves as a poignant reminder of a turbulent period in American history and boasts one of the most breathtaking settings, setting the stage for an unforgettable moment in television.

To reach The Stockade Bed and Breakfast from Baton Rouge, you have two options: take Interstate 10 East or hop on the 47 bus from the St Ferdinand stop. Convenient parking is available on-site, and the establishment warmly welcomes tourists.

The Compton house scene in True Blood

Roseneath Plantation, 5030 LA-5, Gloster, LA

The Compton house, featured in HBO's original series True Blood, was the residence of Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a former Confederate soldier who became the Vampire King of Louisiana.

Initially, the house, which dates back to the 1800s, was in disrepair and dilapidation. However, by the fourth season, it had undergone a complete transformation. In the final episode of the series, titled "Thank You," the house was passed on to Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer), the sheriff of Renard Parish and a descendant of Bill. Bellefleur rented the house to Jessica Hamby-Fortenberry (Deborah Ann Woll), Bill's progeny, and her spouse, Hoyt Fortenberry.

The Compton house was filmed in Roseneath Plantation, located near Stonewall in De Soto Parish, Louisiana. The same family has owned the plantation since its completion in 1851 and boasts 16 buildings on its grounds which still retain much of their original grandeur today. Set in Louisiana within a pre-Civil War two-storey Greek Revival plantation, the house's exterior gives an impression of grandeur and decay all at once, its white columns standing out against the yellowing walls of the house.

Traveling from Shreveport, it's merely a half-hour drive going south on Interstate 49. As there's no public transportation available, be prepared to either hail a taxi/Uber or rent a vehicle. The journey will take roughly four hours if you're coming from New Orleans.

The King of Mississippi's Mansion scene in True Blood

Longwood, 140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS

In the third episode of Season 3, titled "It Hurts Me Too," we are introduced to the estate where Bill (Stephen Moyer) is held hostage by the King (Denis O'Hare). This estate reappears in later episodes, notably in the fifth episode, "Trouble," when Tara (Rutina Wesley) finds herself trapped there by Franklin (James Frain), a vampire desperate for love. A clear image of the house is presented when Tara tries to break free, running across the expansive lawn, only to be captured by one of the King's werewolves.

The King of Mississippi's residence is located within the borders of Mississippi, serving as a cherished historic landmark. The Longwood Mansion is located at 140 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez. It was built in 1858 by a wealthy plantation owner named Howard Nutt, who used over a million bricks to construct it, making it "the largest octagonal house in the USA." Today much of the interior remains untouched as an empty shell, but tourists can still visit it all year round as part of guided tours that last around an hour and fifteen minutes.

For those traveling there from far away or just wanting a more leisurely trip, various routes are available based on starting point. Driving through scenic highways such as US-61 or taking a short plane ride to Natchez-Adams County Airport are great options for getting there quickly.

The townspeople rush into the police station scene in True Blood

Hawthorne Police Department, 12501 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA

In the seventh season (episode 'I Found You'), the residents of Bon Temps make a beeline for the police station to arm themselves. They manage to sway Kenya to their cause and in the process, imprison the dissenting duo of Adilyn Bellefleur (Bailey Noble) and Wade Cleary (Noah Matthews). This episode strikingly encapsulates the show's core themes of allegiance, righteousness, and courage.

Bon Temps scenes were filmed at the Hawthorne Police Department, which is located in Hawthorne, California. Visitors can get there quickly by car or public transportation. After arriving at the location, fans can take pictures in front of the iconic jailhouse building and explore other surrounding True Blood locations, such as Big Patty’s Pie House (nearby).

It is important to note that due to this being an actual police station, visitors should not disturb any policemen working here while exploring. As such, it is advisable for fans wanting to visit this location to do so with respect due to its ongoing use as an operational police department.

You can take public transport or drive your car to get to this location. Simply follow signs leading towards Hawthorne, and you should find yourself at the police station in no time.

Conclusion

When True Blood first premiered in 2008, it was an instant hit. It had everything needed to draw in a wide audience - humor, suspense, romance, and plenty of action. The series was one of the first shows to use HBO's open-ended format and explore complex storylines over several seasons.

With its diverse landscapes and well-established production infrastructure, Los Angeles offers the convenience and resources needed for a successful shoot. On the other hand, Louisiana's haunting swamps, eerie bayous, and culturally rich cities, especially New Orleans, provide a unique and atmospheric backdrop that aligns seamlessly with the show's supernatural narrative. Ultimately, the decision to film in Louisiana was made, as it offers an unparalleled blend of haunting beauty, rich culture, and historical significance, creating an authentic and unforgettable experience for the cast and the audience.

True Blood is enjoyable for fans of vampire films and TV shows. It has great characters, exciting storylines, and beautiful cinematography that bring it all together. This is an absolute must-watch if you are fond of vampire and supernatural shows.