Portlandia in the South Waterfront

Welcome back, Fred and Carrie!

Portlandia filmed in the area a few weeks back, with scenes shot around the Matisse and in the park.

Yesterday the crew returned, for a very full day of filming. They shot scenes at the Atwater, in the park at our favorite fountain, and in the corridor between the John Ross and the Mirabella.

TV Show "Grimm" Filming in South Waterfront Area Aug. 29

The NBC TV show Grimm will be next in line to film on location in the South Waterfront.  "Grimm" is a new crime-related drama "inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli, "Turn The Beat Around") discovers he is descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as "Grimms," charged with keeping balance between humanity and the mythological creatures of the world."


The trailers and cop cars have already rolled into town:

On a practical note: Streetcar service will be disrupted on Monday, as "Grimm" will be using the Streetcar as part of their filming. TriMet buses will be shuttling people from the South Waterfront stops. However, the stop across the street from OHSU CHH will be operational. Apparently the Streetcar & City of Portland approved the event and notified OHSU.  


Also be prepared for a "grimm" parking situation. (If you are having trouble reading the 6 pt font below, bottom line is that many streets will have "no parking" on Monday):

More details on what to expect: 
A crew will arrive early Monday morning. Filming begins "as the morning's peak commute traffic".  We hear there are over 60 extras already cast, including many dressed as police officers (this is a crime-related drama). Locals are advised to "keep our distance and minimize disruptions".


Apparently the crews visited Bojack's neighborhood last week; photos are posted on his blog.


Here is the "Grimm" trailer:

So, I'm waiting to hear when the Portlandia crew will be stopping by... any tips???

Mazda Commercial

Last weekend we had a visit from the crew filming some new Mazda commercials. Here are some shots from the filming around our neighborhood on Saturday.

Setup and crew:

The models:  SUV, crossover and hatchback
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action

Boom car:

Yesterday Portlandia returned for a full day of filming around the South Waterfront. What do you think about all the filming disruptions lately? Did you catch any great photos or video? Feel free to shoot me a message: sowablog @ gmail . com

A Portland Grimm Weekend Itinerary + Map of Filming Locations

Planning a trip to Portland? Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here is a unique, 2-day, Grimm-themed weekend itinerary to explore filming locations, neighborhoods, and landmarks featured throughout the show.

Below is a map of all the Grimm filming stops on this itinerary:

This itinerary includes several filming locations from Grimm, and historic landmarks in Portland’s neighborhoods.

Day 1: Welcome to Wesen Territory

Focus: North Portland Iconic Scenes + Forest Park

☕ Morning: Coffee + Nick’s Neighborhood (Drive-By Only)

Start your day with coffee from Fuller's Coffee Shop, or a classic Portland roaster like Stumptown, or Coava.

Then head north for a drive-by view of Nick & Juliette's house @ 805 NE Prescott Street. This is a private residence; enjoy respectfully from the street. You’ll instantly recognize the yellow craftsman exterior from dozens of episodes. 

Flash back to my Q&A with the owner back in 2012!

Nick & Juliette's house (c) mysouthwaterfront.com

Venture further and drive by the Black Claw Mansion, a historical building @ 2211 NE Thompson Street.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boschke-Boyd_House_(Portland,_OR).JPG

🌉 Late Morning: Photo Opps at Cathedral Park & St. Johns Bridge

Walk under the towering Gothic arches of the St. Johns Bridge, one of the most iconic backdrops in Grimm. Wesen showdowns, hidden crypts, and moody encounters were filmed here throughout all six seasons. Stroll through Cathedral Park for photos — the vibe is pure Grimm.

- Episode 209

- Episode 210

- Episode 305

🌲 Afternoon: Forest Park, The Heart of the Show’s Forest Scenes

Head into Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. Many of Grimm’s chase scenes and woodland encounters were filmed along the trails.

• Lower Macleay Trails 
• Choose a 2–5 mile hike to soak in the moss, ferns, and mist.
• For the intrepid, Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion is a 5 mile hike roundtrip.

Stone House (AKA Witches Castle) via forestparkconservancy.org 

Pittock Mansion — Classic Grimm Setting

Drive (or hike from Lower Macleay) up to Pittock Mansion. The historic locale is used in several episodes, it’s the perfect old-world mansion for supernatural intrigue. The sweeping panorama of Portland from the viewpoint is worth the trip alone.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittock_Mansion

🍺 Evening: Dinner + Craft Beer (Very Monroe)

You will be hungry! End your day at Cafe Nell in NW Portland for a glimpse into one of the filming sites.

Alternatively, a stop by North Portland brewery would also provide a nice Grimm vibe. Monroe would approve.

Day 2: Downtown / NW Vibes + Iconic Landmarks

Focus: Downtown + NW Portland

🥐 Morning: Breakfast at Hotel Deluxe + Downtown Exploration

Take your breakfast with a touch of Hollywood glamour at Hotel Deluxe's Gracie's restaurant.

Then head towards PSU and the Park Blocks to see a few exteriors. If it's a Saturday morning, enjoy the PSU Farmers' Market before stopping by a few sites:

• Portland Art Museum
• St James Lutheran Church
• Ladd Carriage House
• First Presbyterian - Episode 11, 205

Ladd Carriage House

🧭 Midday: Lunch in the Pearl

Stop in for lunch at the Sultan Cafe or a cup of coffee from any local shop.

Then tour the Pearl district by foot or streetcar, to see The Fields park, Encore condos, The Gregory, and more familiar scenery. Rewatch Episode 11!

Encore building on Google maps

If you can, stop by the "Police Precinct", Old Customs House @ 220 NW 8th Avenue.

US Customs House on 8th Ave (c) mysouthwaterfront.com

🧱 Afternoon: Industrial Portland — Casefile Territory + Waterfront

Explore the industrial eastside along the Willamette River. These warehouses, docks, and industrial corridors were used constantly for crime scenes, Wesen hideouts and chase sequences.

• Episode 4
• Episode 12 Boxing Gym
• Episode 17

You’ll recognize the gritty backdrop immediately.

(c) mysouthwaterfront.com

Next stop: Portland Waterfront and Marina

Drive through the waterfront area from the Tom McCall fountain to the Riverplace waterfront marina and on to the South Waterfront. 

• Riverplace, riverfront marina - Episode 11
• South Waterfront streetcar - Episode 3
• OHSU Tram - great views! Filmed in the South Waterfront in 2011.

2011 (c) mysouthwaterfront.com

Fun fact: Portlandia filmed here in 2013, "Timid Driver", Season 4, Episode 5 - check out photos from the filming.

Grab some coffee or tea in honor of Monroe, at the (long-standing OG since 2006!) Daily Cafe at the Tram or Ovation in The Ardea, before heading up the hill to your next destination... 

SW Portland & House of Monroe

Now's your chance to swing by the House of Monroe in SW Portland @ 418 SW Hamilton Street. This is another drive-by, private residence situation; please be respectful.

https://www.mysouthwaterfront.com/2012/03/house-of-monroe.html

🍜 Evening: Dinner at Huber's

Make your way back downtown and set aside your dinner hour for the Huber's Cafe experience. 

• The Red Menace Episode

https://www.koin.com/news/where-we-live-hubers-cafe-and-spanish-coffee/

Explore more Grimm-Inspired Food & Dining Options:

A Grimm Take on Portland Food & Dining 

Where to Stay (to Maximize the Grimm Vibe)

• Hotel Deluxe - as seen in Grimm
• The Sentinel (classic, historic downtown, formerly The Governor) - as seen in Grimm
• McMenamins Kennedy School (quirky, atmospheric, very Portland)

Tips for Grimm Fans Visiting Portland

• Forest Park is most atmospheric in the early morning mist
• Respect private residences
• Pack layers, waterproof shoes, and a camera-ready jacket (!).
• Another recommended resource for a Grimm tour in Portland here: A Grimm tour guide - OregonLive