Lights, Camera, Action! Indy Makes Its Big Screen Debut (Kind Of)
Ever wondered if the silver screen ever caught a glimpse of our fair city? The answer, my friend, is a resounding... maybe! Indianapolis has a bit of a complicated relationship with Hollywood. We haven't quite become the next filming destination du jour, but hey, we've had our moments.
What Movies Were Filmed In Indianapolis |
The Hall of Hoosier Fame (Such As It Is)
There are a few films that definitely sported the Indianapolis skyline (or at least a convincing knock-off). Here's a quick rundown of our cinematic cameos:
- Hoosiers (1986): This classic basketball flick is practically an Indiana anthem. While the Hickory Huskers' gym wasn't exactly a Hoosier Dome lookalike, the film's heart belonged to the small-town Indiana spirit.
- Winning (1969): This underdog racing story might be a little dusty by today's standards, but it did feature Indianapolis Motor Speedway in all its roaring glory. Buckle up!
- Going All the Way (1997):** This coming-of-age tale set in the 1950s captured a fictionalized Indianapolis with a dose of nostalgia.
Now, don't get too excited. These are just a handful, and some might argue they weren't exactly Oscar contenders. But hey, we made the cut... kind of.
The Not-So-Glittering Side (But Still Fun Facts)
There are also movies that claim Indy as their setting, but the truth is a little more like Hollywood smoke and mirrors.
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
- The Desperate Hours (1955): This suspenseful film might have you convinced it all went down in Indy, but nope! Filming actually took place in Westchester County, New York.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017): While Greg Heffley's disastrous road trip supposedly passes through Indianapolis, the scenes were most likely shot in Georgia.
So, what's the takeaway? Hollywood has a loosey-goosey definition of "filmed in Indianapolis." But hey, at least we're in the conversation, right?
How to Become a Movie Star (Indianapolis Edition)
Disappointed by the lack of Indy blockbusters? Don't fret! Here are some tips to turn our city into the next Hollywood hotspot:
- Build a giant, neon "Welcome to Indianapolis" sign. Bigger is always better in Hollywood, right?
- Train squirrels to wear tiny racing helmets. Indy 500 mascots with a twist!
- Offer free deep-dish pizza to every film crew. Because everyone loves a good bribe (er, incentive).
FAQ: Indianapolis Film Frenzy
Q: How do I find out if a movie was ACTUALLY filmed in Indianapolis?
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
A: Dig into the film's trivia or behind-the-scenes featurettes.IMDB [IMDb website] can also be a helpful resource.
Q: Can I visit any filming locations in Indianapolis?
A: Maybe! If you know a specific movie filmed here, you can try to track down the locations. Just be prepared for some detective work.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Q: Is there a film commission in Indianapolis?
A: Yes! The Indiana Film Commission works to attract film productions to the state. Maybe one day Indianapolis will be a Hollywood darling.
Q: What's the best Indy-ish movie even if it wasn't filmed here?
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
A: That's a tough one! But for pure Hoosier spirit, "Rudy" is a classic underdog story.
Q: When will Indianapolis become the next filmmaking mecca?
A: Stay tuned! With our charm, wit, and maybe a few more squirrels in racing helmets, anything is possible.