The CW’s The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, masterfully utilized the atmospheric charm and historic backdrop of New Orleans to create its supernatural world. While soundstage work in Conyers, Georgia, provided essential interiors and special effects, the show thrived on location filming throughout the French Quarter and beyond, bringing its dark and seductive narrative to life.
The Authentic Atmosphere of the French Quarter
The very essence of The Originals is interwoven with the tangible reality of New Orleans. The production team meticulously chose locations that echoed the vampiric legacy and the centuries of history that permeated the Mikaelson family’s story. The French Quarter itself, with its wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone streets, served as a character in its own right, lending an unparalleled authenticity to the show.
Key Locations & Their Significance
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Lafayette Cemetery No. 1: Arguably the most recognizable location, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 frequently featured in scenes requiring a suitably gothic and eerie atmosphere. The above-ground tombs and intricate architecture provided a perfect setting for clandestine meetings, confrontations, and, naturally, vampire gatherings. The cemetery’s history as a resting place for the city’s elite added another layer of depth to the show’s themes of power, lineage, and mortality.
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Gallier House: This impeccably preserved 19th-century townhouse often stood in as interior and exterior shots for various locations requiring a refined, old-world elegance. Its grand architecture, period furnishings, and sense of history perfectly mirrored the Mikaelson family’s own antiquity and aristocratic bearing.
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Royal Street: This iconic street, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and ironwork balconies, was a frequent backdrop for establishing shots and scenes showcasing the vibrant life (or afterlife) of New Orleans. Royal Street provided the visual richness that reinforced the show’s setting.
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The Cornstalk Hotel: The distinct cornstalk fence of The Cornstalk Hotel served as an immediately recognizable landmark in numerous scenes. Its unique aesthetic contributed to the overall visual tapestry of the show, symbolizing the unusual and otherworldly elements woven into the fabric of New Orleans.
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Various French Quarter Streets and Alleys: Beyond specific landmarks, the production team expertly utilized the numerous streets and alleys of the French Quarter. These unnamed locations provided the intimate, shadowy spaces where much of the intrigue, plotting, and vampiric violence unfolded.
Beyond the Quarter: Expanding the Supernatural Landscape
While the French Quarter provided the core aesthetic, The Originals also ventured beyond its boundaries to explore other facets of New Orleans.
Delving Deeper into the City’s Diverse Backdrops
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City Park: This sprawling urban park offered a contrasting backdrop to the claustrophobic intensity of the French Quarter. City Park’s lush greenery and tranquil lagoons provided a sense of respite (however fleeting) for the characters, and served as a setting for various outdoor scenes.
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Garden District: Though less frequently featured than the French Quarter, the Garden District’s opulent mansions and manicured lawns represented another facet of New Orleans society, and occasionally served as locations for scenes involving the city’s more powerful (and often supernatural) residents.
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Swamp Locations (Outside New Orleans): While not strictly “in New Orleans,” the surrounding swamps provided the backdrop for scenes involving werewolves and other creatures tied to the natural world. These locations emphasized the wilder, untamed aspects of the show’s mythology.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of The Originals Filming Locations
FAQ 1: Was the Mikaelson Mansion a real location in New Orleans?
No, the primary interior shots of the Mikaelson Mansion were filmed on soundstages in Conyers, Georgia. However, exterior shots often utilized existing buildings in the French Quarter, artfully composited to create the illusion of a single, grand residence. Some exterior shots may have also involved set construction on location.
FAQ 2: Can I visit the filming locations from The Originals?
Yes! Many of the locations are publicly accessible. You can visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, walk down Royal Street, admire the Cornstalk Hotel, and stroll through City Park. However, remember that private residences, like Gallier House (when not open for tours), are off-limits to uninvited guests.
FAQ 3: Are there organized tours of The Originals filming locations in New Orleans?
Yes, several tour companies in New Orleans offer themed tours focusing on filming locations from The Originals and other popular shows. These tours can provide valuable insights and behind-the-scenes information. Search online for “The Originals filming locations tour New Orleans” to find available options.
FAQ 4: Was the show actually filmed in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1?
Yes, The Originals did film extensively inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. However, filming schedules and restrictions may apply, and the cemetery may occasionally be closed to the public. Check the cemetery’s official website or with local tour operators for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ 5: Did they ever film at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a famous New Orleans landmark, it wasn’t a primary filming location for The Originals. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was used much more frequently.
FAQ 6: How much of the show was filmed in New Orleans versus Georgia?
While an exact percentage is difficult to ascertain, a significant portion of the exterior scenes and establishing shots were filmed in New Orleans. Interior scenes, particularly those requiring elaborate sets or special effects, were primarily filmed in Conyers, Georgia. The balance ensured a realistic backdrop while managing production costs.
FAQ 7: Did any of the cast members live in New Orleans during filming?
It’s likely that the main cast members spent considerable time in New Orleans during filming, though their primary residences may have remained elsewhere. The extended periods of location shooting would have necessitated temporary housing in the city.
FAQ 8: Were local New Orleans residents used as extras in the show?
Yes, the production team frequently employed local residents as extras, further contributing to the show’s authenticity and local flavor. This helped to create the believable crowds and bustling atmosphere of the city.
FAQ 9: How did the show handle filming in historical locations like the French Quarter?
Filming in historical locations required careful planning and adherence to strict guidelines. The production team likely worked closely with local authorities and preservation organizations to minimize impact and ensure the preservation of these valuable landmarks.
FAQ 10: Where can I find behind-the-scenes photos or videos of the filming process in New Orleans?
Online fan forums, social media platforms, and entertainment news websites are good resources for finding behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Searching for terms like “The Originals filming locations New Orleans behind the scenes” can yield valuable results.
FAQ 11: Did the production team ever create temporary sets or structures in public spaces?
Yes, it’s common for film and television productions to construct temporary sets or modify existing locations to suit their needs. This may have involved adding props, altering signage, or creating temporary structures in public spaces, always with the necessary permits and permissions.
FAQ 12: How did the show’s portrayal of New Orleans impact tourism in the city?
The Originals likely had a positive impact on tourism in New Orleans, attracting fans eager to experience the city’s atmosphere and visit the filming locations they saw on screen. The show’s portrayal of the city’s history, architecture, and unique culture likely enticed viewers to explore New Orleans for themselves, contributing to the city’s economy.