Where was When We First Met filmed?
2018
City Locations
New Orleans, LA (USA)
Location Types
Bar
Location Styles
Creole, Cape Cod, Modern Building
About When We First Met
The 2018 Netflix sensation When We First Met offers an intriguing blend of romance and comedy, spiced up with a time-traveling photo booth. This enchanting American film is the brainchild of esteemed director Ari Sandel and features a remarkable ensemble cast comprising Alexandra Daddario, Adam DeVine, Shelley Hennig, Andrew Bachelor, and Robbie Amell. Since its worldwide release on Netflix on February 9, 2018, the movie has charmed viewers with its unique fusion of humor and love.
The film follows the love-struck Noah Ashby, played by Adam DeVine, who falls head over heels for the beautiful Avery Martin, played by Alexandra Daddario, during a Halloween party in 2014. Despite his feelings, Avery sees Noah simply as a friend, which leads to a complicated and unrequited love. When a magical photo booth with the power to propel Noah back in time comes into play, he embarks on an emotional journey to alter the destiny of that day to win Avery's heart.
In this comical exploration of love, Noah repeatedly tries to change the outcome, learning precious insights about love and relationships. Although When We First Met might not have been recognized with any awards, it undoubtedly steals the award as a heartwarming and entertaining romantic comedy that effortlessly demonstrates the complexities and beauty of love.
When We First Met Locations
The 2018 American romantic comedy When We First Met is deeply rooted in the picturesque city of New Orleans. The film was shot in this vibrant city, known for its unique blend of cultures, iconic architecture, and rich history. The film masterfully captures the essence of New Orleans through its locations. The opening scene presents a captivating aerial view of the Crescent City Connection, the twin bridges spanning the Mississippi River. This sets the tone for the film's backdrop and showcases one of the city's most notable landmarks.
However, filming wasn't without its challenges. During production, New Orleans experienced record rainfall, which made it difficult for the filmmakers to capture the sunny, clear days typical of spring. Despite this, they successfully portrayed the city's charm and vibrancy. One of the key locations featured in the film is Pat O'Brien's, a famous bar in the French Quarter. This location served as the backdrop for the final scene at Danny’s Jazz Club.
A trip to the filming locations of When We First Met would be worthwhile. Not only would fans of the film get to explore the same streets where Noah and Avery's love story unfolded, but they'd also get a chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of New Orleans.
Fun Fact
When Noah realizes that he's traveled back to 2014 and has the opportunity to alter his initial encounter with Avery, he sings a song. This tune is called Back in Time, a track famously featured in another film involving time travel: Back To The Future.
The opening scene in When We First Met
Crescent City Connection, New Orleans, LA
The opening scene offers viewers a captivating aerial view of the Crescent City Connection, the iconic twin bridges spanning the Mississippi River in New Orleans. The scene then transitions to various shots spanning the vibrant cityscape of New Orleans, setting the stage for introducing the film's main characters at an engagement party in 2017.
The Crescent City Connection served as the filming location for this opening scene. This pair of cantilever bridges, formerly known as the Greater New Orleans Bridge, carries U.S. Highway 90 Business over the Mississippi River. They hold the distinction of being tied as the fifth-longest cantilever bridges worldwide. The bridge project was completed and opened to traffic in 1958, and at the time, it held the record for being the longest cantilever highway bridge globally.
To reach this location, if you're in the heart of New Orleans, you can take the U.S. Highway 90 Business route west. The Crescent City Connection is easily accessible from downtown New Orleans. It is visible from many parts of the city, making it a recognizable landmark for residents and visitors. Furthermore, many buses traverse the bridge, providing fans with convenient access.
The Halloween party from the past scene in When We First Met
New Orleans, Louisiana
After the time travel, Noah (Adam Devine) prepares for a Halloween party. Dressed in formal attire, he sets off to pursue Avery (Alexandra Daddario), who quickly becomes the object of his affection. During their encounter at the party, Noah surprises Avery by engaging her in conversations about her interests, revealing they have quite a bit in common. The two then spend the evening together, visiting a jazz bar and capturing memories in a photo booth, recreating the same activities they did before.
However, things turn when they head back to Avery's house. As Noah attempts to kiss her, they are interrupted by Carrie (Shelley Hennig), who recognizes him as the man who bothered her earlier that day. Avery, misinterpreting the situation, accuses Noah of stalking her, which leads to him being chased out of the house.
This series of events unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, a city celebrated for its rich culture, world-class food, music, architecture, museums, and sporting events. Known as a sportsman’s paradise, the city boasts world-class inshore, offshore fishing, and excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. While the exact filming locations aren't disclosed, fans can explore the city and perhaps stumble upon some of the sites used in the film.
To visit New Orleans, one can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is well-connected with major cities worldwide. From there, downtown New Orleans is just a short drive away.
Noah plays jazz music for Carrie scene in When We First Met
Pat O'Brien's, 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA
A pivotal scene unfolds when Noah (Adam Devine) realizes that he shares more common interests with Carrie (Shelley Hennig) than he does with Avery (Alexandra Daddario). This realization occurs at a party where Noah and Carrie share a dance. Their connection deepens when they later visit a jazz bar, and Noah discovers that Carrie is a jazz music enthusiast and can even play the piano.
The setting for these scenes is Danny's Jazz Club, which was shot at the famous Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans. Known for its traditional neighborhood bar atmosphere, Pat O'Brien's is adorned with framed pictures of loyal customers, reflecting its rich history and warm community ties.
Refurbished in the 1960s, the Main Bar attracts a diverse crowd of local regulars and visiting tourists, affirming its status as a favorite among both groups. Its interior design contributes to its charm, with over 500 beer steins suspended from the ceiling, wall lamps made from champagne bottles, and bar backs adorned with mirrors and intricate ironwork. These elements collectively evoke the atmosphere of a vintage private gentlemen's club.
Pat O'Brien's is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans for fans wishing to visit. You can get there by taking a taxi or public transportation. Furthermore, its prime location in the city center provides convenient accessibility by foot. It's a must-visit location for anyone exploring the city's vibrant nightlife and music scene.
Conclusion
Set and filmed entirely in New Orleans, When We First Met beautifully showcases the city's iconic landmarks and captures its unique essence. The opening scene offers an impressive aerial view of the Crescent City Connection, while the famous Pat O'Brien's bar is prominently featured as Danny’s Jazz Club.
New Orleans is the vibrant backdrop for the Netflix film When We First Met, enhancing the narrative with its diverse and picturesque locales. The city's rich cultural tapestry intertwines seamlessly with the storyline, creating an immersive experience for viewers.
The historic French Quarter captures attention with its charming streets, wrought-iron balconies, and lively atmosphere, setting the scene for romantic encounters and pivotal moments in the film. New Orleans' distinct neighborhoods provide a picturesque backdrop for character development, blending local charm with the characters' journeys.
In summary, the filming locations within New Orleans effortlessly elevate the film's narrative, infusing it with the city's unique essence, adding depth, and amplifying the emotional resonance of When We First Met.