Now the All-Movie Hotel is outfitted with post-production facilities, editing suites, recording rooms and screening spaces. The hybrid property will soon host film nerds and production companies alike.
Amid rumours of production drama, the movie garnered harsh reviews after its debut in Cannes, and some critics called it a disaster.
Coppola’s hotel collection The Family Coppola Hideaways has properties in Belize, Guatemala, Argentina, and Italy. The All-Movie Hotel is Coppola’s first property in the US, and opens on July 25 in Peachtree City, south of downtown Atlanta in the state of Georgia.
There are 27 rooms, with prices ranging from US$170 to US$470 per night.
From the outside, the hotel’s architecture mirrors its former days as a motel. But props from Coppola’s films, including The Godfather, scattered throughout the property add flair. These include old-school pinball machines in the lobby and an imposing golden hawk figurine, which can be seen in the Megalopolis trailer, is perched outside the pool-area.
Coppola himself, along with Driver, stayed in rooms that will soon be available to guests. In Coppola’s room, a round grey couch with spherical pillows sits in front of a king-size bed and among leather director-style chairs. The “his and hers” bathrooms have a shower, inspired by a lodge Coppola stayed at in Guatemala.
“I envisioned The All-Movie Hotel to be a space where filmmakers could truly immerse themselves in the creative process, fostering a collaborative environment that inspires innovation,” Coppola said.
Potted succulents imported from Italy line the outdoor walkway and textured walls. Beyond the colourful doors, each room has its own quirks.
One has bunk beds, designed for interns and children of production staff. Another is Japan-themed and decorated with photographs of notable Japanese filmmakers.
Most of the rooms connect, which Driver appreciated, since he stayed in a room next to his assistant.
Georgia has emerged as a top production hub since 2005, when the state enacted tax breaks for the industry.
Filmmakers work closely with an already well-developed network of rental properties, hotels and house crews, said Kelsey Moore, executive director of Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition.
She said the All-Movie Hotel is “a really interesting addition that meets a niche filmmaker need” for an all-in-one communal facility for post-production.
The industry’s growth in the state has slowed, with an estimated 40 per cent fewer productions this year compared to last year, according to WSB-TV. But Moore is confident that Coppola’s choice to use Georgia’s infrastructure shows that its location is still a creative hub.
The hotel “really indicates there’s a desire to do a full ecosystem of production in Georgia”, Moore said.
On the final day of filming Megalopolis, the crew gathered for their last meal in the farmhouse-style kitchen. Coppola had the placement of a series of book shelves altered to fit a horizontal poster from Apocalypse Now, one of his signature films.
The crew, actors, interns and Coppola himself dined on a spread of shrimp, pasta, pizza, sausage, steak, sandwiches, and whatever else was left in the refrigerator, Holifield said.
Now, when production companies have not rented out the entire space, tourists can venture to suburban Atlanta and cook from Coppola’s own stove.
