San Antonio Takes a Step Back in Time with Movie Magic
San Antonio, a city known for its rich culture and history, recently transformed into the bustling streets of the 1920s for an exciting week of filming. The crew of the popular series 1923, a prequel to the hit show Yellowstone, set up shop downtown, turning familiar streets into a vintage playground filled with classic cars and period fashion.
Welcome to the 1920s!
Filming took place in various locations around downtown, specifically on E. Pecan St., E. Houston St., E. Travis St., and Peacock Alley from Jefferson St. to N. Alamo St.. The transformation required multiple street closures, giving those in the city a very real glimpse into what life might have looked like nearly a century ago.
It was quite a sight to behold! Many onlookers captured the magic on social media, sharing clips of actors clad in heavy coats. Those watching from home couldn’t help but wonder how the cast managed to stay cool in the 90-degree heat of San Antonio!
A City with a History
The selection of San Antonio for filming is no accident. Krystal Jones, the executive director of the city’s department of arts and culture, shared insights into why the production team chose this vibrant city. She noted that they were looking for streets that boasted architecture reminiscent of the 1920s. “The beauty of our city is that as we grow and evolve, we still do acknowledge our history,” Jones stated. “We have a lot of historic buildings that have been preserved, and that really helps the film industry.”
Keeping Businesses Thriving
Despite a few inconveniences for local drivers, most businesses in the area remained open throughout the filming week. On the first day, September 23, some shops had to close briefly, but many bounced back quickly. The downtown community embraced the film crew’s presence, supporting the economic boost the production brought with it. Jones explained that productions like this serve as an economic generator for the city, with crews booking hotels, catering meals, and dining at local eateries.
A Step Towards Film Destination Status
This collaboration shines a light on San Antonio’s potential as a film destination. As the city continues to develop, the hope is that more filmmakers will recognize it as an ideal location for their projects. Jones emphasized that this is not only a win for the film industry but also a significant achievement for the community. “After they say cut, they’re going out to restaurants. They’re going out to entertainment spots,” she remarked. “This is a big win, not only for the film industry, but it’s a big win for San Antonio.”
Looking to the Future
As the production of 1923 wraps up and the sets come down, residents of San Antonio are left with an exciting story to tell. The city’s unique charm continues to attract attention, making it a contender for future film projects. A blend of modern growth and historical preservation makes San Antonio a key player in the ever-changing world of film and television.
Who knows? The next time you stroll along those charming downtown streets, you might just find yourself wandering through the set of the next big blockbuster!
