On Location Vacations: The Science of Stalking

OLV
On Location Vacations | Courtesy of Flickr Commons user M4D GROUP

We are a generation of stalkers. Between ‘creeping’ on a friend’s Facebook photos, following someone like the Kardashians on Twitter, and reblogging trendy pictures on Tumblr, those in their teens are constantly keeping tabs on others with the help of the Internet. A good portion of those who are stalked through various internet sites are celebrities, namely, actors and actresses that are seen on the big screen or television shows. Instead of just virtually following what these celebs are doing, people can now do so in person.

On Location Vacations, a website I personally first heard about back in 2009, brings a whole new meaning to the dynamic between an actor and his or her fans. The website, created prior to then, has since vastly expanded, providing filming locations across the entire country. The tagline of the site reads, “the best source for filming locations, celebrity sightings, and events,” and On Location Vacations (or ‘OLV’), wants to, “give people the opportunity to see their favorite celebs in person, be inspired to see new places where movies are filming and share information which is usually kept under wraps by ‘the industry’.”

They are largely a fan-based website. They accept tons of tips every day as to where a movie or show might be filming. Anyone can chime in on their website, Facebook, or Twitter to contribute any knowledge of a location or to add a picture of the actors or set. This in turn allows fans who have fantasized about meeting their favorite actor or actress, an actual chance to become ‘star-struck’ and witness something unique. Most of the time, those lucky few who take a leap of faith and follow one of the tips listed on the website get to watch some aspect of filming going on, and have a good chance of meeting the actors on set. Take it from someone with first hand experience – I’ve met countless of actors, such as Paul Rudd and most of the cast of Gossip Girl, thanks to OLV.

OLV Twitter
A recent tweet from OLV about the movie R.I.P.D.| Screenshot by

Almost any upcoming movie or television series a person could imagine is conveniently listed, but the majority of filming locations occur in either New York City or L.A. However, Bostonians are not left out. Right now, scenes for an upcoming movie, R.I.P.D., starring Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon are being filmed at locations such as Fenway Park, The Financial District, and Cambridge, ranging back to the beginning of September.

Although some may find the service that OLV offers creepy, the creators have had so much success for a reason. People want to be involved in that surreal fantasy world that a celeb represents. They’re spreading the Hollywood magic into our own daily lives. On Location Vacations has stalking down to a science – why not embrace it?

If you’re interested check out their website, onlocationvacations.com, or their twitter at twitter.com/olv. Stalk them on Facebook at facebook.com/onlocationvacations. 

About Aria Ruggiero

Aria is a Junior in CAS studying Psychology. She enjoys writing and photographing for the Quad, as well as having an unhealthy obsession with guacamole, blazers, and the Yankees.

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