About New Orleans
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 style of living, New Orleans is a city that always has something on the go. From its exciting nightlife to incredible live entertainment and lively street parties, you’ll never spend a boring evening in the Big Easy.
A city whose culture has been impacted by the customs and cuisines of several other countries, the history of New Orleans was shaped by the French, African, and American traditions. 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 that is well renowned for its spicy kick.
With its beautiful scenery, interesting nightlife, and incredible architecture, it’s not hard to see why many directors like to include some footage of the Big Easy in their film projects. If you’re searching for the right spot in which to do some New Orleans filming, the biggest problem you’ll face here is narrowing your choices down to only one.
Filming Options in New Orleans
The quest to find the ideal place in which to do some New Orleans filming can be a lot of fun, taking you through some of the best sights the city has to offer. Once you’ve decided on the perfect spot, your next job is to put together 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 when it comes to 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 very best.
- Truck Rentals
Now that you’ve found the perfect spot in which to do some New Orleans filming, it’s time to hire a vehicle large enough to safely transport all of your gear to your film set. You will find lots of highly recommended truck rental companies in the Big Easy. With a large selection of vehicles in a variety of sizes, you’ll have no difficulty finding a van, truck, or U-Haul trailer to help you get your equipment from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently.
- Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
Is it time to upgrade your equipment before filming begins in New Orleans? Too strapped for cash to make a big purchase at this time? 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.
Filming Companies in New Orleans
Finding the right spot to do some New Orleans filming is an important part of your movie, commercial, TV show, or documentary’s success. Not that that part of the project is completed, it’s time to turn your attention to outfitting your venue with everything you need for a successful film shoot. 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 as well as internationally. With greater than eight years of industry experience to her credit, Stephanie Nery has experience in the film and photo industries as well as everyday looks, helping her clients to 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 found in the heart 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 and for a price, you can easily afford with Mitey AV on the job.
Pros and Cons of Filming in New Orleans
An urban center that is alive with cultural opportunities to enjoy, New Orleans has become a very popular place for doing some filming. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages to selecting New Orleans as the spot for your film shoot.
Advantages
- 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 of the architectural gems well worth visiting when in the Big Easy are the Piazza D’Italia, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
- Welcoming residents
Those who make New Orleans their home are extremely welcoming to visitors to the area. You will not feel out of place in this laid-back city. Maybe that is why it's called The Big Easy.
Disadvantages
- No beaches nearby
If spending time at the beach is your idea of the perfect vacation, 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 that like to make New Orleans their home. This city is well-renowned for its large population of bugs.
- Roads in bad condition
Unfortunately, New Orleans’ streets and highways are in terrible condition. Take public transport to avoid having to navigate them.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Jackson Square
Found in the middle of the French Quarter, Jackson Square once went by the name of Place d’Armes. The focal point of this popular attraction is a statue of General Andrew Jackson that was 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 a 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.