The “Why?” Behind Specific Film Locations: Salem, Massachusetts

Setting a movie into the world of entertainment is not just about the plot, writing, music and acting. It’s an all encompassing experience of feeling the emotions through the screen. It’s true that this is done through the actors’ interpretation of their characters and living the emotions through the plot, but viewers tend to forget an important aspect of the movie, an aspect that holds the structure of the story and shapes it into a reality that can easily be felt through the screens. And that’s the inspired movie set selection that says more about the story than the writing itself.

As much as characters are an essential element of a film’s structure, the location of a set  is the key to pinpoint the plot. The world is wide, and choices vary. But it takes a specific team to get the right balance of a film set to start the production. And not everyone has en eye for that, but once the right choice has been made, viewers and even the production team can tell that the film will definitely hit the right spot for all movie lovers.

Among all film genres, horror movies tend to be more complex when it comes to choosing a film set and location. And that of course has to do with the scenery, natural coloring scheme of the place, and most importantly the history of the place that shapes the movie scene and brings every plot into the picture. But over the years, there has been a sequence of an identical theme of storyline and film locations that are either based on the place set in there, or connected to it through other elements of productions and storytelling. And that sequence adds something to the overall experience for the viewers who eventually end up linking the history of a set with the past and present movie and TV productions. And an example of such is  Salem Massachusetts. 

Salem is located in Massachusetts, USA, an old city with rich history of the past, but it’s mainly known for the witch trials that took place in 1692. The trial led to the death of 19 women who were burned to death due to the allegation of them being witches. And from that day on, it has been believed that the city is cursed and the soul of the first victims would always roam around Salem seeking revenge and justice, which opened the door of creativity for film and TV show productions.

Now every witch-related production or story would always take place in Salem, shot in Salem, or even have Salem reference to it. And why is that?, because of the connection that has been made between the history and the mystery of the specific location. Regardless of the production’s genre, be it comedy, family friendly, horror, paranormal, as long as there’s a sense of the supernatural and witches, viewers would always see that there would be a bold correspondents to Salem. Some of those major films that have been inspired by this theme are Hocus Pocus, Salem’s lot, Salem Witch Trials, Mass Hysteria, The Conjuring, the devil made me do it, and much more.

And because of that, Salem is the number one destination for tourists, and specifically horror film makers and lovers. It’s a place that attracts people alike into one setting, and it’s where activities  are being conducted and a proper tour around town is being given to those interested. Salem is not only a seasonal destination for such a thing, it’s an all-year festival for horror enthusiasts who live by, and for the genre. And part of the activities that make the journey more realistic is based on

• Sightseeing : And its where a proper movie set tour would be given around town to have a sense of connection with he movies that viewers loved and feared.

• Museums: There are multiple museums in Salem that hold special artifacts related to the history of the city. And one of the most important one that is a must see and visit is, Peabody Essex Museum that  includes artifacts that belong to the women who are believed to be the witches of Salem, and other precious and unique items from the same period of time that are related to witchcraft and its correspondents.

• Shops: Witch themed shops would be all over town, displaying the city’s finest art and collection of what they are known for, Witches and witchcraft. All through tote bags, gifts, mugs and memorabilia that one could easily take back home.

• Architecture: Salem is known for its history that they take pride in, which is why the architectural style and elements of the mansions and buildings still carry an essence of the old town vibes with a bit of spookiness that has been preserved over time. It’s a magical experience of sightseeing that takes one to places, all by standing still and staring at the beauty ahead.

In the eyes of the production industry and writing team, Salem will always be the perfect and first choice for every horror movie, especially if it’s related to witchcraft and the supernatural. For the city carries an essence of the past through generational themes of horror that tends to stick around. And that has been taken care of and portrayed as it really is, no special effects and no other visuals to bring in the horror of the past to the present moment. It’s all there, and it was just an effort of a great team who have a great eye for horror that made it all real.

Choosing a location for a Film and TV production is not about a choice only, it’s more of having the ability to create a scene by connecting the vibes, essence and history of the chosen location, to the plot and storyline in hand. And that’s how Salem ends up being the only choice for authentic horror, and classical cinematic storytelling that brings in the dead of the past to the end of the present day.