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Lights, Camera, Augusta, Maine: Unleash Your Inner Movie Buff at These Epic Filming Locations!
Lights, camera, action! If you’re a movie buff looking for a little excitement and a dose of star-studded glamour, you’ve come to the right place. Augusta, Maine is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming small-town vibe, but it’s also been a backdrop to some of your favorite blockbuster movies. Get ready to embark on a cinematic journey like no other!
Key Takeaways:
- Augusta, Maine is home to several iconic filming locations from beloved movies.
- Exploring movie filming locations brings the magic of those films to life.
- It’s an opportunity to dive into the behind-the-scenes world of movie-making.
Now, let’s talk about why visiting movie filming locations in Augusta, Maine can be an absolute blast. Picture this: you’re strolling down the streets of this quaint town, and suddenly, you find yourself standing where your favorite actors once stood, reciting lines that have echoed through the silver screen. It’s like stepping into the movie itself, becoming a part of the action. Who knows, you might even channel your inner Hollywood star!
Imagine visiting that picturesque café where the protagonists shared an unforgettable kiss or walking through that idyllic park where a heartwarming scene unfolded. These filming locations hold a piece of movie history and allow you to relive those cherished moments. It’s like having a backstage pass to your favorite films. How cool is that?
But wait, there’s more! Exploring movie filming locations also gives you a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking. You’ll discover the creativity and ingenuity that goes into transforming an ordinary location into a mesmerizing movie set. From set designs and props to the vision of the directors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the magic behind the scenes.
Now, brace yourself for some Hollywood-worthy adventures! While you’re in Augusta, Maine, why not make a day out of it? Explore the other wonders this captivating city has to offer. Indulge in local cuisine, sample mouthwatering seafood dishes, or hop on a scenic boat tour. Augusta is full of surprises, just like the movies filmed here!
So, my fellow movie enthusiast, it’s time to put on your adventurous shoes and embark on a movie-themed escapade in Augusta, Maine! Grab your camera, get your autograph book ready, and make unforgettable memories as you roam the very locations that brought your favorite movies to life.
Lights, camera, Augusta, Maine awaits you. Lights, camera, action!
Thinner – US Box Office: USD$15,315,484
Director: Tom Holland
Main Cast: Robert John Burke, Joe Mantegna, Lucinda Jenney, Bethany Joy Lenz, Time Winters, Howard Erskine, and Terrence Garmey
Release Date: October 25, 1996
Filming Locations: Augusta House of Pancakes – 100 Western Avenue, Augusta, Maine, USA; Camden, Maine, USA; Port Clyde, Maine, USA; Portland, Maine, USA; Augusta, Maine, USA
Main Plot: Billy Halleck, a loving father, and a good husband is both a beneficiary and a victim of the American GoodLife. He has a luxurious home, a lovely family, and a satisfying job as a lawyer… But he’s also fifty pounds overweight and on the verge of a heart attack. Then, in a careless moment, Billy sideswipes an elderly Gypsy woman crossing the street, and her ancient father passes a strange and terrible judgment on the matter to him. ‘Thinner,” the old Gypsy man says quietly, just one word… But six weeks later, ninety-three pounds lighter, Billy Halleck is terrified and desperate enough for one last gamble… That will lead to a nightmare matchup with both the forces of darkness disintegrating his flesh aside.
Famous quotes:
Billy Halleck: “Dr. Mikey! A bit early for a house call, isn’t it?”
Dr. Mike Houston: “Oh, Billy! It’s- it’s not what you think! I…”
Billy Halleck: “It’s okay, Dr. Mikey. I was acting kind of a big jerk. But, everything’s fine with Heidi, I’m even starting to gain a little weight. In fact, I was just about to dig into this breakfast pie. Care to join me?”
Dr. “Mike Houston: I couldn’t possibly…”
Billy Halleck: “Oh, it’s no trouble at all…”
Fun Facts about Thinner:
- While the film was being made, co-writer/director Tom Holland became ill with Bell’s Palsy, a virus that paralyzed one side of his face.
- Originally, the crew intended to do a more gruesome FX makeup with Billy Halleck’s flesh dangling from his protruding jaw and cheekbones.
- Robert John Burke had to spend four to six hours per day in the makeup chair, depending on the stage of his character’s deterioration.
- Billy Halleck weighed 120 pounds at his thinnest, a challenge for the FX crew because actor Robert John Burke evaluated 160 pounds during production.
- The film was supposed to be released on May 3, 1996. Still, the studio delayed it until October due to negative reactions from test audiences, who reportedly wanted more gore and hated the ending.
The Congressman – US Box Office: USD $71,451
Director: Jared Martin and Robert J. Mrazek
Main Cast: Treat Williams, Elizabeth Marvel, Ryan Merriman, Chris Conroy, George Hamilton, Marshall Bell, and Fritz Weaver
Release Date: April 9, 2016
Filming Locations: Monhegan Island, Maine, USA; Maine, USA; Maine State Capital, Augusta, Maine, USA; Rockland, Maine, USA; Augusta, Maine, USA
Main Plot: Charlie Winship of Maine has had a bad day. After being caught on video failing to stand and say the pledge of allegiance, he punches another House member, confronts his enraged ex-wife, and faces media condemnation for attacking one of America’s most cherished patriotic symbols. Charlie embarks on a journey to a remote island in the Atlantic. Their eccentric inhabitants are engaged in a shooting war over their fishing grounds as his life spirals out of control. Treat Williams plays The Congressman in this touching and funny film that asks the interesting question of what it means to be an American.
Famous quotes:
Charlie Winship: “I’m not gonna recite a loyalty oath every morning just to prove that I love my country.”
Charlie Winship: “You know when we’re young we think we’re going all the way to the top. “
Charlie Winship: “And then somewhere along the journey.”
Charlie Winship: most men look up at the summit and they realize that they are never going to get there.
Charlie Winship: So… they stop to enjoy the view.
Fun Facts about The Congressman:
- For the first time, the Maine State Legislature approved filming a commercial feature film in the Augusta, Maine Capitol. The oldest part of the capitol building was designed by the same architect who designed much of the US Capitol. It looks eerily similar to the rest of the building.
- The original trailer for Congressman Winship’s mobile office fell through at the last minute, so the Directors drove around Rockland, Maine, until they discovered a dilapidated trailer in someone’s backyard.
- Fritz Weaver’s final role is as Harlan Lanier. Weaver died only a few months after principal photography wrapped.
- Jared Martin’s first and final film, which he died less than a year after filming wrapped.
- The night of filming Ryan Merriman in his bathtub was so cold that the actors and crew refused to eat the pizza delivered as an evening meal. Instead of huddling, the pies spread as a heat source across a table.
Webgirl
Director: James Stiles
Main Cast: Tim Gato, Carrie LaChance, James Stiles, Sam Pannier, Nathan White, Mohamed Hakeemshady, and Muriel Kenderdine
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Filming Locations: Maine, USA; Augusta, Maine, USA; Hallowell, Maine, USA; Rome, Maine, USA
Main Plot: Paige, a famous Sex cam model, is tired of her life and wants to make a change. In Dairy Hill, Maine, she divorces her partner and needs to meet her true love, comic book store owner Jack (Tim Gato).
Famous quotes:
Luke: “How do ugly guys get hot chicks?”
Jack: “You don’t even know me.”
Paige: “What are you going to do Jack, rip me off?”
Jack: “Are you going camping?”
Maxwell: “Does it look like I’m going camping?”
Fun Facts about Webgirl:
- Tim Gato was the first choice for the role of Jack.
- The shooting schedule was 14-hour days from October 13th to October 21st.
- Director James Stiles called and was slated to start everything for the shoot, including extras.
- The comic book store was the actual location of Arch Enemies, which Nate and Carrie Lachance ran.
- James rented the camera for $1,000, which included a truck loaded with lights and equipment.
Empire Falls
Director: Fred Schepisi
Main Cast: Ed Harris, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Paul Newman, Robin Wright, and Helen Hunt
Release Date: May 28, 2005
Filming Locations: Augusta, Maine, USA; Waterville, Maine, USA; Kennebunkport, Maine, USA; Norridgewock, Maine, USA; Skowhegan, Maine, USA
Main Plot: A story about the complexities of small-town, blue-collar American life, centered on Miles Roby, manager of the Empire Grill. Miles has been unable to sever his many ties to his crumbling hometown, which include his rehabilitated brother, his lay-about father, his soon-to-be-ex-wife, and their intelligent, if awkward, daughter, Tick, since his mother’s death. Miles Roby, the unremarkable leader of the Empire Grill, is the protagonist of this story. He has spent his entire life in the small, decaying, nearly bankrupt town of Empire Falls, Maine. Janine, his ex-wife, has become a cocky, selfish bachelor party after losing weight and exercising rigorously.
Famous quotes:
Max Roby: “I’m always afraid it’s going to explode when I’m talking to you. What would it cost you to have it cut off?”
Horace: “Don’t know, never looked into it.”
Max Roby: “Oh, boy, I would have. If I had that thing growing out of my forehead, I’d had it looked into pronto.”
Horace: “Oh, I don’t know, Max. I think it might be the source of my intelligence.”
Horace: “What if I had it cut off and then found that it was responsible for all my best ideas?”
Fun Facts about Empire Falls:
- Paul Newman’s final on-screen performance.
- Jerry Goldsmith agreed to write the score but died before completing it.
- The film’s football game was a scrimmage between Skowhegan High School and Waterville High School. The majority of the extras in the stands were locals from both towns.
- Matthew McConaughey was cast in the role of Paul Newman’s younger self. He declined it.
- Five Oscar winners appear in the film: Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Helen Hunt, Estelle Parsons, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as one Oscar nominee, Ed Harris.
Carousel
Director: Henry King
Main Cast: Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Cameron Mitchell, Claramae Turner, Gene Lockhart, Audrey Christie, and Susan Luckey
Release Date: February 16, 1956
Filming Locations: Camden, Maine, USA; Newcastle, Maine, USA; Boothbay Harbor, Maine, USA; Paradise Cove – 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California, USA; Augusta, Maine, USA
Main Plot: Billy Bigelow has already been dead for fifteen years and has long waived his right to return to Earth for a day. But he’s heard a problem with his family, specifically his wife Julie Bigelow, née Jordan, and the child he never met. Billy would like to return to Earth to help solve it. Before returning to Earth, he must first obtain permission from the gatekeeper, to whom he tells his story… He and Julie met when he worked as a carousel barker and were instantly attracted to each other. Both stated they did not believe in love or marriage, but they married anyway. Mrs. Mullin, the shrewd carousel owner. Fired Billy because she was attracted to him and thought he was only useful as a barker if he was single to attract the young women to the carousel.
Famous quotes:
Billy: “I couldn’t get work, and I couldn’t bear to see her… to see her…”
Starkeeper: “You couldn’t bear to see her cry? Why don’t you come right out and say it? Why are you ashamed you loved Julie?”
Billy: “I ain’t afraid of anything. Look, if I can’t go back, just say so.”
Starkeeper: “I didn’t say you couldn’t go back.”
Billy: “No, but you didn’t say I could, either. You’re just trying to make me sweat.”
Fun Facts about Carousel:
- Despite positive reviews, the film was not a box office success, but the soundtrack album became a national bestseller.
- Julie Jordan’s role was considered for Judy Garland.
- Shirley Jones has stated that “Carousel” is her favorite Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II score.
- Gordon MacRae was performing a nightclub act with his wife in Lake Tahoe when he received an emergency phone call to replace Frank Sinatra as Billy Bigelow. The latter had walked out before filming began.
- Richard Rodgers always considered this film’s score to be his favorite. However, it did not produce as many popular hits as some of the other shows he made with Oscar Hammerstein II.
