MANY BOX-OFFICE FILMS ATTRACT MOVIEGOERS NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE ACTORS’ TALENTS OR CINEMATIC EFFECTS, BUT ALSO ON WHERE SOME OR MOST OF THE SCENES ARE SHOT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY LOCATIONS ALL AROUND THE WORLD THAT HAVE GAINED ATTENTION BECAUSE OF ITS EXPOSURE IN FILMS AND ARE NOW CONSIDERED TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. IN FACT, MANY OF THESE NEWLY-DEVELOPED ATTRACTIONS HAVE ALLOWED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO EARN REVENUES FROM TOURISTS.
Matamata, New Zealand
One famous and beautiful location is used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as the Hobbit. Contrary to popular belief, the Shire in the movie, isn’t made of graphics and visual effects, but is actually real, and located in picturesque Matamata, New Zealand. In fact, because of the flims, more than 80,000 tourists visit Matamata each year, allowing New Zealand to gain an 8% percent growth in their tourism trade each year.
STAY WITH US AT : THE FRENCH COUNTRY HOUSE, MATAMATA, NEW ZELAND
Maya Bay, Thailand
Another fantastic spot used in famous movies is Maya Bay. This scenic bay is located in the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand and is home to grand limestone formations, lush forests, white-sand beach and pristine sea waters. One of the most famous movies that made the bay and its lush forest its film location is The Beach which starred multi-awarded actor, Leonardo DeCaprio.
Other Locations
Other scenic locations which had been used in films, which anyone can visit and enjoy, include Nærøyfjord in Norway, Kane’ohe Bay in Oahu, the town of Tuscany in Italy and the Greek islands of Damouchari, Skopelos and Skiathos. The scenic fjord in Norway was made famous when the classic film, Vikings made it its home. Kane’ohe Bay on the other hand was the enchanting set location of the famous movie, 50 First Dates which starred Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. Meanwhile, the three beautiful Greek islands and its surrounding azure waters were home to many films including Mama Mia, For Your Eyes Only and Shirley Valentine. Under the Tuscan Sun was one of the famous movies filmed in scenic Tuscany which opened to relaxing views of rolling hills complete with vineyards.
Landmarks on Set
In addition to locations which boast awesome natural sceneries, there are also many other spots used by many films that are man-made. The several locations from the famed movie Harry Potter is one. This blockbuster film is actually filmed in many of the United Kingdom’s historic abbeys, manors and villages. Oxford University became the set for Hogwarts and had attracted thousands of tourists because of the popularity of the 8 Harry Potter movies filmed there. Second is Xavier’s School for the Gifted, which was the school of the mutants in X-Men. The movie used Hatley Castle, an elegant castle located in British Columbia, as the school.
