Have you noticed that more and more frequently there are bright yellow directional signs in Algiers Point with only one word or even just initials on them? Welcome to Hollywood South, what the locals are affectionately calling the metro New Orleans area with all of the star sightings and movie pre-production work happening in our city.
Today, I was popping in to fill the flyer box on a fantastic home for sale at 269 Elmira Avenue in Algiers Point, when I realized that there is yet another movie currently being filmed in the neighborhood. Trucks, crew members, trailer sized generators... all for the work being done on "Patriots, " a film about Marrero basketball coach All Collins (starring Forrest Whitaker) that is currently filming in what seems like every nook and cranny of the Point around the River Road.
Check out all of the action that was happening outside of the Old Point Bar and across the street at Warren's Corner. There was a prop sign on the outside of the building at Warren's, but the police were moving everyone along and I couldn't get a picture of it.
My friend (and client!) that lives in the area was lamenting the fact that the crew had covered up the green street and the painted shamrocks that were left from Algiers Friendship Day last month at the corner of Olivier and Patterson (River Road). But, good news, they have agreed to repaint the entire street when filming is complete...right down to the fire hydrant! The corner just wouldn't be the same without it.
While the city as a whole still has a way to go in the recovery process, how great is it to live on the West Bank and get to witness the local economy being boosted by Hollywood? All I can say is...lights, camera, action!
Interested in living in Algiers Point? Check out these beautiful homes for sale:
269 Elmira AvenueWhen buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
Joey, for some reason the movie companies LOVE Algiers Point. A neighborhood right outside of the Point played a big role in the movie Ray (about Ray Charles) and of course there was lots of filming of the short lived K-Ville TV series. I guess it's all of the historic architecture - it can be made to look like a lot of different eras, which is part of what makes it so unique!
Virginia, isn't it? I love positive attention, even if I'm sure I looked like a stalker stopping on the corner to take a picture :)
Carole, the city is very accomodating to the film industry with tax credits and letting them shut down streets to film in. I haven't seen anyone famous yet, but I'm still looking!
Stephanie, LOL. Are you ogling my widgets?
Ray, it's very cool - so much equipment! Thanks for thinking of us as we continue our recovery efforts.
Stephanie - doesn't the camera add 10 lbs? Not taking a chance on that one! :)