Introduction
Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful coastal city known for its oak trees draped with Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant culture. It’s no surprise then that Savannah has been featured in many iconic films over the years, from Forrest Gump to The General’s Daughter. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular movies filmed in Savannah, as well as how the city has become a destination for filmmakers and how locals have benefited from the film industry.
An Analysis of Popular Movies Filmed in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has been featured in many popular films throughout the years, including Forrest Gump (1994), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), The General’s Daughter (1999) and The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000). Each of these movies was filmed in different locations within Savannah, highlighting the city’s unique beauty and charm.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis, was filmed in various locations around Savannah, including Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, and River Street. The iconic scene featuring Forrest running across the country that was filmed along the Savannah Riverfront was actually shot in Beaufort, South Carolina. This movie was a box office hit and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was filmed in numerous locations around Savannah, including Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe Plantation, and Madison Square. This movie was based on John Berendt’s non-fiction novel of the same name and starred Kevin Spacey, Jude Law, and John Cusack. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
The General’s Daughter
The General’s Daughter, directed by Simon West, was filmed in several locations around Savannah, including Chatham County Courthouse, Oglethorpe Square, and Old Fort Jackson. This movie starred John Travolta and James Cromwell and was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
The Legend of Bagger Vance
The Legend of Bagger Vance, directed by Robert Redford, was filmed in various locations around Savannah, including Tybee Island and Wormsloe Plantation. This movie starred Will Smith and Matt Damon and was a box office success, earning over $50 million worldwide.
A Guide to Savannah Sightseeing Through Movies
If you’re looking to experience the same sights seen in some of your favorite movies, Savannah is the perfect place to do so. Here are some of the most popular locations featured in films, as well as recommended tours and itineraries.
Locations Featured in Popular Films
Popular locations featured in films such as Forrest Gump, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The General’s Daughter, and The Legend of Bagger Vance include Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe Plantation, Madison Square, Chatham County Courthouse, Oglethorpe Square, Old Fort Jackson, and Tybee Island.
Recommended Tours and Itineraries
There are plenty of tours and itineraries available for those looking to explore Savannah’s cinematic history. Some popular tours include the “Savannah Movie Tour,” which takes visitors to all the locations featured in the aforementioned films, and the “Movie Locations of Savannah” tour, which highlights the city’s most iconic filming locations. There are also self-guided tours available, such as the “Savannah Movie Tour Map,” which provides detailed information and maps of all the locations featured in popular films.
Exploring Savannah’s Cinematic History
In addition to exploring the locations featured in popular films, it’s also interesting to explore Savannah’s cinematic history. Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy movies filmed in Savannah and the historical context behind them.
Timeline of Notable Movies Filmed in Savannah
Some of the most notable movies filmed in Savannah include Forrest Gump (1994), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), The General’s Daughter (1999), and The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000). Other noteworthy films include Glory (1989), King Kong (1976), and Something to Talk About (1995).
Historical Context
Savannah has been featured in many films throughout the years, but the city has also played an important role in the history of filmmaking. In 1889, Thomas Edison and his company came to Savannah to shoot what is believed to be the first motion picture ever made in the United States. This short film, entitled “Savannah Race Course,” depicted a horse race at the local racetrack. Since then, Savannah has become a popular destination for filmmakers, with more and more movies being filmed in the city every year.
How Savannah Became a Movie-Making Destination
So what makes Savannah such an attractive destination for filmmakers? Here’s a look at some of the features that have made the city a popular place to make movies.
Attractive Features of Savannah as a Filming Location
Savannah is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. These features make it an ideal location for filmmakers, as they can easily capture the city’s charm on camera. Additionally, Savannah offers a variety of locations for filmmakers to choose from, including parks, squares, cemeteries, plantations, and beaches. All of these features make Savannah a great place to make movies.
Benefits for Local Businesses
In addition to the scenic locations, Savannah also offers a variety of services for filmmakers, such as production companies, crew members, and equipment rental. This has been beneficial for local businesses, as they have been able to capitalize on the city’s growing film industry. In addition, local businesses have also benefited from increased tourism, as more and more people visit Savannah to explore the city’s cinematic history.
The Benefits of Filming Movies in Savannah, Georgia
Not only does Savannah offer a variety of locations and services for filmmakers, but the city also benefits from the film industry in numerous ways.
Financial Impact on the City
One of the biggest benefits of movie-making in Savannah is the financial impact it has had on the city. According to a report by the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the film industry has provided over 10,000 jobs and generated over $200 million in economic activity since the 1990s. There are also tax incentives available for filmmakers, which have helped boost the city’s economy even further.
Cultural Benefits
In addition to the financial benefits of movie-making in Savannah, there are also numerous cultural benefits. Movies filmed in Savannah have attracted tourists from all over the world, providing locals with the opportunity to showcase their city’s culture and history. Furthermore, Savannah has become a hub for artists and filmmakers, making it a great place to live, work, and create.
Behind the Scenes: Making Movies in Savannah
While it may seem like a glamorous job, making movies in Savannah can be quite challenging. Here’s a look at some of the challenges faced by filmmakers, as well as some tips for filming in Savannah.
Challenges Faced by Filmmakers
One of the biggest challenges faced by filmmakers in Savannah is the weather. The city is known for its hot and humid summers, which can make it difficult to shoot outdoors. Additionally, the city is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause delays in production. Finally, the city is also home to numerous insects and wildlife, which can be a nuisance to filmmakers.
Tips for Filming in Savannah
If you’re planning on shooting a movie in Savannah, here are some tips to keep in mind: plan ahead, dress appropriately for the weather, bring insect repellent, and be aware of any local ordinances or regulations. Additionally, it’s important to research the locations you’ll be shooting at, as some areas may require permits or other restrictions.
Conclusion
Savannah, Georgia has been featured in many iconic films over the years, from Forrest Gump to The General’s Daughter. Not only has it become a popular destination for filmmakers, but it has also benefited the city financially and culturally. From exploring the locations featured in popular films to delving into Savannah’s cinematic history, there are plenty of ways to experience the city’s cinematic legacy.
This article has explored what movies were filmed in Savannah, Georgia, as well as how the city has become a movie-making destination. We’ve also looked at the financial and cultural benefits of filming movies in Savannah, as well as the challenges faced by filmmakers. With its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, Savannah is a great place to explore through movies.
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