If you’re making a film, or even a video production project, one thing you’re going to need is a great location. A great filming location has to invoke certain feelings in the viewer, and even express certain intentions on behalf of the film maker. So, if you’re looking for a location that really speaks to your audience for your next video production or film production, check out Nostairway’s list of the top 5 cities on film around the world…
5. LA
This city really has it all. You can go from the glamour of Hollywood to the Style of Venice Beach all in one amazing filming location. The palm trees and high rise buildings of down town LA always look great on film, and some incredible films have been set in this very diverse city, including:
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- Terminator 2 (1991)
- White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
- Die Hard (1988)
…And countless others. LA also seems to get destroyed an awful lot in the movies, here are some recent examples of this strange phenomena:
- Independence Day (1996) – Destroyed by an alien invasion
- The Core (2003) – Destroyed by the Earth’s electromagnetic field
- Battle: Los Angeles (2011) – Destroyed by an alien invasion
- 10.5 Apocalypse (2005) – Destroyed by an Earthquake
- The Apocalypse (2006) – Destroyed by a meteor shower
In fact LA has been destroyed on film dozens of times, but we’re not quite sure why. Either way the massive list of films set in LA, and films which have destroyed it, firmly secure this cities position in our top 5 list.
4. Hong Kong
Hong Kong, an ultra modern city which was just made for the movies. With it’s dramatic bay area, crowded alleys and overwhelming steel and glass skyline, Hong Kong is instantly recognisable as one of the worlds mega cities. Some excellent films set in Hong Kong include:
- Infernal Affairs (2002)
- Police Story (1985)
- Chungking Express (1994)
- The Killer (1989)
3. Paris
The most romantic city on earth, and also the setting for some fantastic car chases, Paris really is an incredibly evocative location to make a film or video production. There is just so much instant atmosphere created by the streets of Paris, and some truly great films have been made there. To name just a few:
- District 13 (2004)
- The Bourne Identity (2002)
- Le Professionnel (1981)
- Amélie (2001)
2. London
The home city of Nostairway, London is an instantly recognisable city through both its landmarks and its distinctive architecture. London is a city on film particularly well known for its gangster movies and romantic comedies, but has much more to offer besides. Some memorable films set right here in London town:
- Notting Hill (1999)
- Layer Cake (2004)
- Love Actually (2003)
- Snatch (2000)
- My Fair Lady (1964)
- Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Well, ok, maybe London has had it’s fair share of Rom Coms and Gangster movies, but what more can you ask for? Also, take a look at the Nostairway guide to the top 5 filming locations in the city of London
1. New York
The Big Apple. What more can be said. From Time Square to the Statue of Liberty and to the Empire State Building, New York is indisputably the greatest city on film in the world. A single shot of New York immediately gives the viewer the feeling that anything is possible. The big city lights of New York can give a film an incredible atmosphere that is both exhilarating and romantic. So for your next film or video production project, you need to get yourself over to the Big Apple. But if you can’t quite afford the airline tickets, you can always come and see us over here in London town instead.
Great films set in New York:
- Fatal Attraction (1987)
- Ghost Busters (1984)
- Short Circuit 2 (1988)
- Wall Street (1987)
- Cocktail (1988)
- Goodfellas (1990)
- Home Alone 2 – Lost In New York (1992)
The list of really great films shot in New York is literally endless. Strangely, so is the list of films in which New York has been destroyed. In fact, it may be the only city to have been destroyed on film more times than LA, with at least 50 films seeing the big city wiped out in one way or another. Either way, it’s still the greatest city on earth to feature on film…
