Please note: the particular tour described below is no longer operating; however, a larger company, On Location Tours offers a variety of movie-based tours including a similar type.
On Location's "New York TV and Movie Tour" is popular with kids, and covers over 60 locations from TV shows and movies, including Ghostbusters and Spiderman. Video clips of the locations play during the bus tour. Tour guides are all professional actors who can share a bit of their experience. Another good option with kids is the Central Park Movie Tour, a walking tour.
New York is many things to many different people, but to millions of folk it's the scene of their favorite movies and tv shows. If you have a teen who likes the big screen, New York Movie Tours is an entertaining introduction to this legendary metropolis.
How does the "movie tour" work?
Guests sit inside a comfy van or bus equipped with a screen and DVD player: your tour guide provides commentary, drives you to film locations,and playsfilm clips on the spot. For example, at the South Street Seaport fishmarket, your guide will park the van and show a snippet of a hungry Godzilla crashing through the fish market in search of a nosh.
You'll also learn that the Fulton Fish Market is a NY institution, established in 1835, and that it sells more fish in one night than in the entire US combined.Your teen is learning! And it's fun!
New York Movie Tours is the brainchild of Bryan Thomas, whose former job was finding locations for movie shoots. Bryan wants all his tour guides to have a similar background."They can provide their own industry experience,"says Thomas. "They can bring the general public a little closer to the movie industry" by adding insider anecdotes.
My 13-year-old son and I took the Downtown Tour, which started at Godzilla's favorite fish market; we shared the van with three other visitors including a 13-year-old girl.
The verdict by both teens: two thumbs up. This is a great way to tour New York.
What tours are offered?
Our Downtown Tour itinerary had 19 stops, including the NY Courthouse (Wall Street, The Godfather), the pawnshop in Men in Black (which in real life is the Lower East Side Tenement Museum), and Katz's Deli, site of the infamous scene in When Harry Met Sally, and a fun place to grab an (expensive) pastrami on rye. (The film clip was discreetly edited.)
A Midtown Tour is also offered.Check the New York Movie Tours web site for current tours.
How long does the tour last?
Tours are approximately two hours long (but may run a little longer "if the traffic isn't cooperative.")
How much does it cost?
Price is $32.50 per person.
How do I sign up?
Click "Tickets" at the New York Movie Toursweb site for the latest info on making reservations. Phone numbers are: 1-888-MOVIE-TOUR (North America), 1-646-698-1336 for international calls.
