On-screen locations driving rise in ‘set-jetting’ tourism | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Film Tourism (Set Jetting): Traveling to real-world locations featured in movies and television shows.
• Location Manager: A professional responsible for finding, securing, and managing filming locations.
• Location Scouting: The process of identifying suitable filming sites.
• Anora: An Oscar-winning film for which Ross Broada served as location manager, with significant scenes shot in Coney Island, Brooklyn Army Terminal, and other New York City locations.
• Brooklyn Army Terminal: A specific location in Sunset Park, New York City, noted for its architecture suitable for period films (1930s-1980s).
• 12 Jefferson: Identified as a growing hub for filmmaking in New York City.
• Dynamic Spaces: Locations that offer flexibility for camera movement and visual storytelling.

Film Tourism and the Role of Location Managers

The transcript highlights film and TV productions as a driving force behind one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism: film tourism, also known as "set jetting." This phenomenon involves people traveling to destinations they have seen in movies and television shows. The video focuses on the crucial role of location managers in this process, specifically profiling Ross Broada, a prominent location manager in New York City.

Ross Broada's Work on "Anora"

Ross Broada's recent work as the location manager for the Oscar-winning film "Anora" is a central case study. The film utilized various New York City locations, including Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and a specific club where a character works. Broada emphasizes that these locations are not merely backdrops but integral "characters" in the story, informing the audience about the lives of the characters.

Specific Examples from "Anora":

• Diner: A diner was used for filming "Anora." Broada notes its significance, stating, "By the way, this diner is the diner we shot in for Anora as well."
• Candy Store: A colorful and unique candy store, described as having "everything's handmade, homemade," was also a filming location. Broada details the necessary adjustments: "Had to change out some of the glass here and and there and move some things around so that he could smash the place up. And um yeah, it worked out perfectly."

Location Scouting and Selection Criteria

The video delves into the process of location scouting, with Broada explaining what filmmakers look for.

• Dynamic Spaces: Location scouts seek "something that is dynamic," meaning spaces that allow for fluid camera movement. Broada illustrates this by describing a potential shot at 12 Jefferson: "You've got a good run here. So, if you had put a track down and you wanted to start with your camera here and you wanted to move across the room like that."
• Visual Storytelling: The ability to "imagine what I've read in the script and see it in the space" is a key skill for location managers. The chosen location must visually support and enhance the narrative.

Notable Locations in New York City

The transcript identifies specific locations in New York City that are valuable for filmmaking:

• Brooklyn Army Terminal (Sunset Park): This location is described as a "fascinating campus" with architecture that "lends itself to that old vibe." Broada suggests it is particularly well-suited for period films, specifically mentioning suitability for eras from the 1930s to the 1950s, up to the 70s or even 80s, due to its "archways cascading down."
• 12 Jefferson: This address is emerging as a significant "hub for a lot of film making in New York City."

Conclusion

The transcript underscores the symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and tourism, driven by the desire of audiences to experience the physical spaces depicted in their favorite movies and shows. Location managers like Ross Broada play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, meticulously selecting and adapting locations to serve the narrative needs of films. New York City, with its diverse architecture and vibrant settings, remains a prime destination for filmmakers, with locations like the Brooklyn Army Terminal and emerging hubs like 12 Jefferson offering unique opportunities for cinematic storytelling. The selection process prioritizes dynamic spaces that can accommodate creative camera work and visually translate script elements into tangible on-screen realities.