HBO series filmed in Monterey brings lasting boost to local economy
Bringing the HBO drama “Big Little Lies” to Monterey has had some lasting effects on the county, mostly in the form of tourism. Simply put, people want to visit the same places the characters live in the show. Also, though, in just the four weeks that the series was shot in Monterey, the production left behind $2.5 million in the local economy and added 300 local jobs. So naturally many residents would love to see a second season come to Monterey.
At Paluca Trattoria on Fisherman’s Wharf, business is good, but owner Sal Tedesco says things have only gotten better as the popularity of the show continues to grow.
“It was fun to see a little bit of Hollywood in Monterey and we never thought it would transpire to such a big hit,” Tedesco said.
Last year, the HBO series filmed some scenes at the restaurant. Now it’s not unusual for someone to come in and ask to sit at the same table the stars sat at in the show.
“The producer came in and we kind of hit it off. He liked the place, he loved the location, he loves Monterey and I think a lot of people do,” Tedesco said.
The demand from fans for another season is growing especially after the show took home eight Emmys on Sunday, including best limited series and best actress for Nicole Kidman. “And frankly there should have been an Emmy award for best location because Monterey County certainly helped that production shine,” Karen Nordstrand, with the Monterey County Film Commission, said.
Over the last 28 years, Nordstrand has helped bring some pretty well-known classics to the county. Movies like “Basic Instinct” and “We Were Solders,” but nothing quite like “Big Little Lies.”
“The word from Nicole and Reese Witherspoon, who like working together, is that they’ll (give) it back to the original writer and see if they can could come up with a follow up that would work,” Nordstrand said.
Nordstrand isn’t the only one that would like to see the series return to Monterey.
“It really creates a positive impact to our local communities and businesses,” said Jessica Keener with the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The show (also) creates jobs so it really creates an economic boost.”
