Off Topic: Where in San Francisco Did They Film "Rent the Movie"

[Akitarent]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 12:41am

A few friends and I are headed for Los Angeles and San Francisco later this month. Having never been, one thing I was curious about was where they filmed the "Rent" movie. I know parts were filmed at Treasure Island (I believe). Is it an area you can take a tour of or any part noticable?

Thanks

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 12:42am

Some of the scenes outside the Cat Scratch Club were filmed around 6th and Mission. It's probably the only recognizable area. It's very easy to get there by BART or Muni, but don't go there at night.

Updated On: 8/14/07 at 12:42 AM

[WickedForever2]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 12:47am

The church used for Angel's funeral is also in San Fran. I went and found it last time I was there and they were remodeling, probably with the money they got paid by the producers. It called St. Mark's Cathedral (which I found somehow oddly fitting), right off Van Ness on O'Farrell St.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 1:29am

Oh that's funny Lizzie. Do you mean the clubs or the neighborhood? It really depends on if you are male or female? How old you are. It works best, if you are coupled and no one has a bad temper. Very few people get mugged but you could probably get pick pocketed if you act like a tourist. Not common though. If you greet street people most are nice. It has Adult Entertainment in the area so it attracts that sort of crowd. It could be your scene but it isn't touristy and this is the City.

Better you be the first to say hi or acknowledge street people. They can get testy if you ignore them completely if they are hanging out on the street. You might gets some hoop and hallors. Some lame remarks but if you aren't easily put off, you can go anywhere. Just don't go looking for a fight.

You are better off at Market but than again, depends on if it's a Saturday night. During the week, it isn't that bad. Just as long as you are prepared and not offended by the crowd that you will find there.

If you are nice and cool, people respect that. Plenty of drug dealing going on around. No one though I have run into is looking for trouble so just shake your head and they drift. If all of that gets to you, stay near Van Ness and Downtown. Don't wander around too much if you aren't street wise, that is good advice and don't go walking around SF without a stinkin map! I've lived my whole life in the Bay Area and I still need a map to find some places. If you don't, you will get lost. I wouldn't trust everyone for directions, even if you pay for them but you have a better chance if you do.

Treasure Island is in between Oakland and SF. Literally. You have to drive or take a bus, cab to get there. It's exit is in the middle of the Bay Bridge. I don't know what part of Rent could have been shot there? Google tourist companies for SF. There could be one Rent sponsored? They have everything else but it is better to check ahead or with a travel agent before coming.

I still haven't seen tour bus companies selling tours on street corners like they do in NY and Toronto in SF. So you can also ask your Hotel about Tours. They have them but they are not in abundance in the City, maybe because of traffic jams? Most seem to be walking tours that I hear about.

Stick with the tourist spots and don't skip Fisherman's Wharf. Lots of films have been shot there and it is very safe at night. I saw them shooting, "Murder in the First" with Kevin Bacon out on the Wharf one night. Good food all over the place. If you like creative upscale stuff that isn't found in Nordstroms, try Union Street. Nice shops, good food, good crowd of people usually. Same goes for Golden Gate Park but nothing happening there usually at night.

You want bohemian? Try Haight Street. Though a mix of folks, especially at night, so keep that in mind if you want to go there. Interesting during the day.

I hope this helps some and that you enjoy your stay.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 1:32am

Are you the kind of person who people don't like to sit next to on BART because they talk your ear off but you don't have a good reason to jump out to 12th street and transfer to another train?

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 1:39am

And, I don't mean to be rude, but that post really had nothing to do with where RENT was filmed.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 1:42am

Treasure Island has soundstages but I don't think you can tour them. The New Years Eve scene is by the Golden Gate Theatre. You can see it in the background.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 1:59am

Why would I want to get off at 12th Street Lizzie? Are you the type of bore that just hates everything? I am sure, I would never waste my time talking to you. No BART stations where I live Lizzie.

I am someone who enjoys the City, used to live on Treasure Island and is nice to tourist. I also can go just about anywhere in the City because I am just that nice. I do understand that nice isn't in your vocabulary so I won't even waste my time trying to be nice to Lizzie. I do notice you troll around almost all of the boards and usually only carry some sarcasm and a sour look on your face.

They asked about Treasure Is. and tours. I just added a few more areas because they said they never visited. I also didn't want to treat them as old folks. They may be or maybe they are young and hip. If they liked Rent, then these are a few good places to go. So your advice may not be true for them.

[antonijan]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 3:55am

I have to watch the movie again :P

Updated On: 8/14/07 at 03:55 AM

[mll85]

Posted: 8/14/07 at 4:08am

The places that are noticable and you can visit have been mentioned. But if you're interested there was an article in The Chronicle talking about how they transformed 6th street during filming. http://tinyurl.com/2tmfvj