Film Industry as Tourism
In part one of this project, I will examine Hollywood tourism which is traditionally defined as the iconic filming locations associated with films and television shows we all know and love. The tourism industry in Hollywood also includes but is not limited to destinations such as Comic-Con, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and film studio tours. I will examine the sizable role nerd culture has played in the rise of conventions both domestically and abroad. I will also examine the moral and ethical issues regarding Hollywood cemeteries, tours to celebrities’ houses, and other similar issues.
In part two, I will examine the film industry as tourism. Film and television productions do not film often in Los Angeles like in the old days. The most common places are Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as Atlanta, Georgia, and many summer blockbusters film in places like England, Australia, and Bulgaria for tax credits. In addition to these perks, a production brings in hundreds, if not thousands of cast and crew members to these local destinations. These crew members build sets, support and pay local business, and hire locals as crew members and sometimes even as extras. Many of these sets have gone on to become tourist destinations like the Hobbit houses in New Zealand, the sand huts in Tunisia from Star Wars: A New Hope, and many more. A town like Bozeman, Montana gets a lot of Star Trek related tourism because of its association with the iconic show and likewise the show Yellowstone. I will examine the potential economic impacts to these cities, specifically smaller places such as Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. I will also explore the ethical, moral, and political impacts to the film industry regrading places like China and Saudi Arabia. This is an industry that generates between $88 and $100B globally.
In part three, I will examine sports entertainment events like the Super Bowl, and WWE WrestleMania. These are global events that are both sports, but are presented and produced like any other Hollywood production. These events also bring in people from all over the world who contribute to the local economy, as well as the athletes and crew involved being tourists themselves.
BUS 507 – Entrepreneurship
Dr. Pete Diffenderfer
11am – P003