Film and TV Tourism Thrive in Scenic Massachusetts
variety.comKathy A. McDonald Think of Massachusetts as Hollywood Northeast. The state’s scenic, urban and historic settings suit all genres and appeal to filmmakers looking for authenticity, from the choppy waters of Martha’s Vineyard, where Bruce the shark terrorized beachgoers in the blockbuster thriller “Jaws,” to downtown Boston’s office buildings, where Ryan Reynolds’ “Free Guy” transformed the streetscapes.“Film tourism is a happy benefit of productions,” says John Alzapiedi, assistant director of the Massachusetts Film Office.
Although the film office does not track film tourism per se, and visitors may not initially consider the Bay state primarily as a film tourism destination — in comparison to production hubs like Los Angeles, New York or London — there are enough popular films and the long-running “Cheers” sitcom to draw attention.
The Bull & Finch bar across from the Boston Commons, known universally as the “Cheers” bar because its façade is featured prominently in the sitcom’s opening credits, buzzes today with fans even though the last original episode of “Cheers” aired in 1993.
On Locations Tours’ Boston Movie Mile walking tour ends outside the famed bar with participants encouraged to sing the hit show’s theme.
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