Keep an eye out for Atlanta when “Mockingjay — Part 1,” the latest film in “The Hunger Games” series, hits theaters this Friday.
The movie is of course set in fictional, dystopian Panem and the Capitol, but did quite a bit of filming in metro Atlanta. Here are a few local spots you might recognize:
- The Swan House. Built for prominent Atlantans Emily and Edward Inman in 1928, the Philip T. Shutze-designed masterpiece located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center was used for scenes featuring the nefarious President Snow, played by Donald Sutherland. One room on the ground floor underwent a bit of a makeover to become camera-ready, and looks spectacular on the big screen.
- Sweetwater Creek State Park. "The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing," is how the verdant Lithia Springs property is billed on its website, friendsofsweetwatercreek.org. No spoilers here, but we'll just say it's pretty popular with a couple of the main characters in "Mockingjay," too. You might recognize the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Co.
- Pullman Yard in the Kirkwood. No spoilers here either. We'll just say that the project filmed there amid tight security, and it's clear that the guards had plenty to keep under wraps.
- The Marriott Marquis. The soaring interior of this downtown hotel, where each floor opens onto a giant open atrium, served perfectly for a scene involving … we're not telling. You'll recognize it when you see it, though.
- Rockmart and Dawsonville. Lots of action takes place in wide-open spaces, and it's not clear what was filmed where. Suffice it to say there are plenty of North Georgia pine trees in the movie.
- The 200 Peachtree building and EUE/Screen Gems Studios Atlanta. Spacious and perfect for modifying into numerous looks, these two facilities were used for interior work.
