Boston Movie Tours Featured in the Metro

Boston Movie Tours was featured in the "Going Out" section of the Metro. Katrina Ballard, the reporter of the article, took a tour with us about a month ago and here is what she had to say:

If you're serious about your Boston movies, it won't be a spoiler to mention the scene in "The Departed" where Martin Sheen falls off the roof to his death. We need to mention it because that building is just one of the stops on Boston Movie Tours, which you can take as a guided walk or bus ride around the city.

The walk explores Beacon Hill, where almost all Boston movies were shot, to survey scenes from "Blown Away" and "The Boston Strangler." The guides carry screenshots to point out differences between the real locations and the Hollywood scenes, poking fun at how Martin Scorsese turned Charles Street Cleaners into a restaurant. They joke that Scorsese had to get his vision just right for that clip, which lasts a mere five seconds, but the guides' admiration for every production detail is apparent.

Less intimate than the walking version, a longer bus tour ventures into Southie to visit the tourist favorite: L Street Tavern, a spot made famous by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's breakout movie, "Goodwill Hunting."

Nick Pistorino, director of operations at Boston Movie Tours, says the city has long been a top choice for filming because of its diverse neighborhoods and palette of backdrops.

"Because Boston is so eclectic, you can figure out where they're shooting," he says. "What helps most of the time is going around in my car and finding it out."

Thanks to a Massachusetts tax incentive passed back in 2004, movies are increasingly filmed in Boston but are not necessarily "Boston movies," says Pistorino. "The Pink Panther 2" was filmed here to save on costs but is actually set in France.

"It's starting to turn around. Ever since 'The Departed,' we're waiting for a really big movie to come out that's good for Boston," he says. "'The Company Men' with Ben Affleck looks like it might be that next big movie."

Tourists and students will enjoy the waltz through Boston's swankiest streets as they answer movie trivia, learn about the city's history and see just where on the Common Matt Damon played rugby.

If you'd like to set up a tour, you can go to our website at bostonmovietours.net or call us at 866.668.4345.

Boston Movie Tours Featured in New Book

A few years ago Andy Mosely came from the UK for the summer to visit the US. Along the way he came on our very own Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. He has now written a book about his travels called Around the States in 90 Days now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BetterWorld, and Powells.

Andy was kind enough to write a feature in his book about his Boston Movie Tour:

"Back on ground level we took the Boston Movie Tour, a walking tour starting in the Common and covering a square mile from there. Any hope we had of getting to know real Americans was shattered when we discovered the only other people on the tour were also British, and were here for a wedding. This did however give me renewed hope that I could win the tour quiz, unless they also happened to know anything about obscure American films that had not got UK releases.

First stop on the tour was part of the Common used in The Departed, which at this time was a forthcoming film, rather than an Oscar winner. I went into an early lead guessing that Matt Damon co-wrote Good Will Hunting with Ben Affleck. We left the common and went past scenes from A Civil Action, Legally Blonde, Mystic River, the US version of Fever Pitch and a whole host of films they’d never heard of and were never likely to. I maintained my slender lead as we passed John Kerry’s house, and the mansion used in the original The Thomas Crown Affair.

In spite of it being a movie tour, we also went past Ally McBeal’s office, and down Beacon Street to that famous Boston Bar, “just in case you haven’t already seen it” as the tour guide said - yeah, right. Somewhere along the way I realized the biggest difference with Boston TV scenes and Boston film scenes is that in films Boston buildings are used as stand-ins for buildings in other cities, whereas in TV the buildings are in Boston but the rest of the filming is in LA. I also realised I was way ahead in the quiz as we entered the final phase of the tour by the bench on the Common where Matt Damon and Robin Williams sat in Good Will Hunting. My joy in victory was short lived as the prize was a mini Boston clapperboard, and everyone else also got one. And to think of all the effort I’d put in."

If you would like to take a tour just go to our website at bostonmovietours.net. Don't worry, the winner of any Boston Movie Tour Trivia Game now gets their very own prize to themselves.

Boston Movie Tours featured on Plymouth Rock Studio's 'The Series'

Last Wednesday the guys from Plymouth Rock Studios were kind enough to come out on our tour even though the weather was miserable, but lately when is it not? Check out the video below!


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New Guides Join the Movie Tours Team

Boston Movie Tours is happy to announce our 4 new talented tour guides that are joining the team. From left to right meet Dave, Mike, Scott, and Matt!

They all have various background in performing that include being a tour guide for both TOMB and the Magic Hat Brewing Company, writing and performing a musical, and being an up and coming stand-up comedian.

If you'd like to schedule a tour with any of these fine gentlemen, order your tickets online at bostonmovietours.net!

Now Hiring for 2009 - Guides, Intern and Manager

We are getting out of hiberation mode here at Boston Movie Tours as we get ready for an exciting 2009 season. If you are interested in being part of the team, check out some of the roles below.

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NO CALLS PLEASE.

We are now accepting applications for talented individuals for the 2009 season.

• ENTERTAINING TOUR GUIDES


• OPERATIONS MANAGER AND TOUR DIRECTOR


• MARKETING INTERN

INTERVIEW DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009

We are setting up interviews for this day. Yes, there will be additional days but this will be your first chance at joining the team.

ENTERTAINING TOUR GUIDES

We are now accepting applications for talented individuals to guide movie tours for the 2009 season. Training to begin in March for limited tours in the spring/full tours in summer.

Must be personable and able to entertain a group of people. Previous Boston tour guide and/or acting experience is a huge plus but not a requirement. We want “personality.” Responsible and dedication are other key criteria.

Pay is based on a per tour basis and averages $15+ per hour plus tips. Tour hours may range from a single walking tour (2 hrs) to multiple walking/vehicle tours (4-6 hours).

Please send us an email at employment@bostonmovietours.net with your background and resume if you are interested. We want to know why you think you would make a great movie tour guide.

Please indicate TOUR GUIDE in the subject line and indicate which time slot you would like to come in on Feb 25th (10am, 10:30, etc) if chosen for the part interview/part audition. We will send you an FAQ that addresses most questions within 24 hours.

OPERATIONS MANAGER AND TOUR DIRECTOR

Starting about April 1. Part/Full Time during season (April-Sept)

This person is responsible for managing day-to-day Boston Movie Tours operations while assisting with various marketing and sales activities. When not managing, you will be out guiding and showing guests the Hollywood side of Boston. This is a great opportunity and resume builder for the right person who can commit to six months.

During the season, the operations manager is on-call or working 4-5 days a week. This position is a “wear many hats” role so responsibilities may change. Must be energetic, responsible, dedicated, organized and able to lead a group (See Tour Guide above). We are looking for part entertainer/part organizer. You must be comfortable with Word, MS Excel and the Internet.

Pay is dependant on applicant and is part hourly/part tour based. $15+

You are the go-to person for all operations issues.

• Manage office/Respond to customer calls and emails

• Manage & Schedule Guides and Drivers and Transportation

• Oversee Resellers

• Assist with email marketing, blogging and other online marketing activities

Please indicate MANAGER AND TOUR DIRECTOR in the subject line and indicate which time slot you would like to come in on Feb 25th (10am, 10:30, etc).

Please send us an email at employment@bostonmovietours.net with your background and resume

SALES AND MARKETING INTERN

Interested in being in on the ground floor of one of the most exciting new tour businesses in Boston? If you are a movie/TV lover and want to gain valuable start-up experience, this marketing/sales internship may be for you.

We are looking for an enthusiast marketing intern to juggle an array of marketing activities as we plan for the 2009 season and beyond.

• Help develop and implement Reseller and Concierge programs. Involves onsite market research.


• Develop and implement surveys to gauge customer satisfaction and to improve tour offerings.


• Assist with marketing kits, trade shows, advertising, and promotional campaigns.


• Photocopy, collate and distribute marketing materials for meetings, presentations, sales conference, etc.


• Manage customer lists and assist with email campaigns.


• Meet and greet guests on occasion.

Requirements: Proficient in Excel and Word. Dependable, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Thinker, Enthusiastic, Organized, Outgoing.

Start Date: Flexible, Summer 2009
Time: Flexible times. 10-20 Hours week
Compensation: For credit. Free Movie Tours. If inclined to conduct sales calls, additional sales commission is possible.

Please send us an email at employment@bostonmovietours.net with your background and resume.

Please indicate INTERN in the subject line and indicate which time slot you would like to come in on Feb 25th (10am, 10:30, etc).

Movie Tour Schedule Pre-Halloween Weekend October 25

Happy Halloween
Next Tour Oct 25th

Trick or treat! Tour goers on the Halloween tour October 25th get some Halloween tricks...or treats. Check out the details below.

THEATER ON WHEELS BUS TOUR (Last public tours of 2008)

Leaves Boston Common Visitor's Center at 11AM

• Saturday, Oct, 25
• Saturday, Nov 1

Reserve/check online schedule

BOSTON MOVIE MILE WALKING TOUR
Public tours have concluded for the season but you may book a private tour. Request a Quote.

Group/Private Tours: Available anytime. mailto:groups@bostonmovietours.net

Meeting Location (All Tours) - Boston Common Visitor Center
For check-in, you can check in at the Boston Common Visitor Center with your Boston Movie Tours guide starting 30 minutes prior start time. Look for the guide dressed in red Boston Movie Tours attire. Don't look for the bus as that pulls around after group is gathered.

After checking out a filming location on the Boston Common, we will board the bus for the complete Theater-on-Wheels experience.

Boston Common Visitors Center. 148 Tremont Street Next to the Park St. MBTA stop.

MAP OF MEETING LOCATION

If you have any last minute questions, please call 866-668-4345, ext 2. Or email us at info@bostonmovietours.net.

Boston Movie Tours in the Media

Just last week, Boston Movie Tours was lucky enough to have reporter Joann Klimkiewicz from Connecticut paper, The Hartford Courant on the Boston Movie Mile walking tour. She was nice enough to put an article about her experience in the paper. This is what she said.

"Now more than ever, we need a break — an occasional respite from our everyday lives. Yes, a "daycation" — a day spent away from the office or job site, and away from chores, just to relax and play. Once again this summer, we are taking one day a week to suggest a nearby escape. Enjoy!

EXCERPT....

BOSTON — Our tour guide is about to give us the scoop on John Kerry's 12-room townhouse, here at the corner of the city's tony Louisburg Square, when a gray head pops out from the Democratic senator's ground-floor window, flashing a watering can and a smile."Hello," she says in our direction, tilting the can over a row of windowsill flowers.We wave awkwardly to this woman we don't recognize but know for sure is not Teresa Heinz Kerry. Shucks. And then the wobbly, broken window screen slams down.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Old School Prom- GONE HOLLYWOOD!

Once again, Boston Movie Tours is proud to sponsor the Old School Prom! This year, the prom has taken a Hollywood focus, and will be a night to remember!

A little background: The Old School Prom came about as an idea for a house party -- a few friends, some funny outfits, and potentially good memories. However, after talking to people about it, it became very clear that lots of people wanted to relive their prom -- with none of the original stress or pressures, just a chance to cut loose, have some good times and make fun of the whole thing.

Here we are in 2008 with the same old-school theme and a bunch of new-school twists. Break out your penny loafers and poofy hair -- because we're back -- and we're taking you with us!

Here are the stats:

• When: Saturday, July 26th (8p-12a)
• Where: Belcourt Castle
• Why: To support the I Need a Hero Fund and the Royal Arts Foundation
• Cost: $75 in advance; $100 at the door

Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Boston Music Awards

This past Saturday night, the 20^th annual Boston Music Awards took place at the Orpheum. Highlighting the bill was rock band Extreme and local Bobby Brown, who was inducted into the BMA Hall of Fame.

The pre-party was held right next door at the offices of Dream Alley Pictures and Boston Movie Tours. The highlight of my night was talking baseball with ESPN baseball guru Peter Gammons. Asking him questions about the Red Sox and their chances of obtaining Johan Santana was like watching a personalized version of Baseball Tonight.

Miss Massachusetts was also on hand along with a number of the acts. The night benefited the charity Music Drives Us, founded by Ernie Boch Jr. who was also part of the show.

Check out some of the photos

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