Wondering where The Idea of You was filmed? Although the story takes place in glamorous destinations like Los Angeles, Paris, and the Coachella Valley, nearly all of the movie was shot in Georgia, USA. Thanks to Georgia’s booming film industry, skilled production teams, and generous tax incentives, the filmmakers successfully recreated iconic settings without leaving the state. In this guide, we’ll reveal how familiar visuals were brought to life and uncover the real locations behind the film’s most memorable scenes.
Over the past decade, Georgia has emerged as one of the most prominent filming destinations in the United States, often rivaling Hollywood in terms of production volume. The state has cultivated a thriving film industry ecosystem, anchored by attractive tax incentives and a growing network of studio facilities.
The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act provides up to 30% in tax credits for film and television productions that spend a minimum of $500,000 in the state. This incentive has attracted major studios and streaming platforms—including Amazon Studios, which produced The Idea of You—to utilize Georgia as a cost-effective and versatile filming location.
Atlanta, in particular, has become a central hub for the industry, with infrastructure including sound stages like Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta), Tyler Perry Studios, and EUE/Screen Gems Studios. These facilities offer state-of-the-art production capabilities that can support everything from intimate dramas to blockbuster action films.
Although The Idea of You is set in various glamorous and far-reaching locales such as Los Angeles, Coachella Valley, and Paris, the entire film was actually shot in Georgia. This strategic choice allowed the production to replicate a wide range of settings while taking advantage of the state's economic benefits.
Key urban centers such as Atlanta and Savannah were used extensively, with each city providing a different aesthetic that doubled for various international and domestic destinations. For example, certain neighborhoods in Atlanta were transformed to resemble Silver Lake in Los Angeles, while other parts of the city stood in for Parisian streets and European-style interiors.
Venues such as Fox Theatre and The Atlanta History Center were also adapted for interior shots, while purpose-built sets at local studios enabled the recreation of the Coachella music festival environment without ever leaving the state.
The success of The Idea of You in portraying diverse global settings is largely due to the expertise of the production design and location scouting teams. With the help of skilled set designers and digital enhancements in post-production, Georgia’s landscapes were convincingly altered to reflect the look and feel of California deserts, European boulevards, and bustling urban districts.
In particular, the film’s version of Coachella was created through a combination of location staging on open land near Atlanta and the use of green screen technology to enhance crowd scenes and festival aesthetics. Lighting, props, and costume design also played vital roles in transforming Georgia’s backdrop into a believable international setting.
The filming of The Idea of You in Georgia contributed significantly to the local economy. Hundreds of local crew members and actors were employed during the production, providing valuable experience and income to the regional workforce. Additionally, local businesses—including catering services, transportation companies, and equipment rental firms—benefited from the influx of production spending.
Moreover, Georgia's growing reputation as a filming location has sparked increased interest in film tourism. Fans of The Idea of You may seek out its filming locations, further stimulating local economies in the areas used during production. Cities like Atlanta and Savannah, already known for their cinematic appeal, have seen a rise in guided tours and social media engagement linked to popular film sites.
Filming for The Idea of You took place over several months in 2023, with principal photography beginning in early spring and wrapping up by late summer. The production was helmed by a team of seasoned professionals, many of whom had previously worked on other high-profile projects in Georgia.
Local talent was heavily utilized behind the scenes, from lighting and camera crews to set construction and production assistants. The Georgia Film Office provided logistical support, helping the production navigate permitting, location access, and coordination with local authorities.
The seamless execution of the film’s complex shooting schedule is a testament to Georgia’s capability to support major productions—solidifying its status as a go-to location for filmmakers seeking both versatility and value.
Although “The Idea of You” was primarily filmed in Georgia, the film’s storyline includes several scenes that are set in Los Angeles. These LA-set sequences play a key role in establishing the modern, urban backdrop for certain parts of the narrative. To convincingly portray Los Angeles on screen, the production team had to transform Georgia-based locations to resemble iconic LA neighborhoods and landmarks.
Silver Lake, a hip and eclectic neighborhood in Los Angeles, serves as the inspiration for some of the film's urban scenes. In reality, these scenes were filmed in Georgia, with production designers carefully selecting neighborhoods that could visually mimic Silver Lake’s signature aesthetic—modern homes, indie cafes, and mural-covered alleyways. By using specific architectural styles and strategic set dressing, the team was able to replicate the West Coast vibe without ever leaving the state.
One of the pivotal settings in the film is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which is traditionally held in Indio, California. While the actual festival was not used as a filming location, the production recreated the Coachella ambiance in Georgia. Using wide open fields, festival-style stages, and atmospheric lighting, they successfully simulated the iconic desert festival experience. Costume design, extras, and sound design further enhanced the illusion of being in Southern California.
To maintain the illusion of filming in Los Angeles, the cinematography team employed specific lighting techniques that mimic California’s distinctive natural light. This included the use of golden-hour lighting, lens filters, and post-production color grading to replicate the soft, warm tones of Los Angeles sunsets. These visual strategies ensured continuity between scenes set in different “locations” but filmed in the same state.
Details such as palm tree props, West Coast signage, and customized storefronts helped complete the LA illusion. The production team worked closely with local Georgia municipalities to temporarily transform streetscapes and public spaces. These modifications were essential in creating a believable Los Angeles environment that matched the script’s settings.
Filming Los Angeles scenes in Georgia offered significant financial and logistical benefits. Georgia’s film tax incentives allowed the production to recreate LA on a more cost-effective budget without compromising visual authenticity. Additionally, filming within a single state streamlined the production schedule and reduced travel-related complications for cast and crew members.
In summary, while Los Angeles plays a key role in the narrative of “The Idea of You,” the actual filming took place entirely in Georgia. Through meticulous set design, lighting, and attention to detail, the production succeeded in bringing the essence of LA to life on screen without setting foot in California.
In The Idea of You, one of the pivotal backdrops for the narrative is the Coachella Valley, famously known for hosting the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The storyline hinges on the protagonist Solène Marchand, played by Anne Hathaway, attending the festival with her daughter, where she unexpectedly meets Hayes Campbell, a member of the popular boy band August Moon. This encounter sets off the transformative love story at the heart of the film.
Though the real Coachella Valley is located in Southern California, the actual filming of these scenes took place in Georgia, showcasing the production team's ingenuity in recreating such a recognizable and culturally significant environment. The Coachella setting is essential to the film’s premise, serving as the spark that ignites the central relationship.
Coachella is not just a backdrop but a narrative device that symbolizes youth, freedom, and the collision of two very different worlds. It provides a believable context for how a successful, 40-year-old single mother might cross paths with an international pop star. The festival’s vibrant, high-energy atmosphere mirrors the emotional intensity and spontaneity of the characters’ budding romance.
The scenes set in Coachella Valley help establish the initial chemistry between Solène and Hayes and place them in an environment where societal norms can be briefly suspended. It's a setting that encourages risk-taking and authenticity, key themes that run throughout the film.
Recreating the Coachella experience was a significant logistical and creative challenge for the production team. Festival scenes are visually rich and densely populated, requiring a convincing portrayal of crowds, musical performances, and the iconic desert-like landscape. These scenes were crucial in grounding the film in a modern cultural reality that viewers would instantly recognize.
Although filmed in Georgia, extensive set dressing, costume design, and digital effects were employed to replicate the festival’s signature aesthetics — from the Ferris wheel and art installations to the eclectic fashion styles of attendees. These elements were vital in immersing the audience in the film's universe and lending authenticity to the experience.
The Coachella setting plays a transformative role for Solène. It marks her reintroduction to spontaneity and adventure, elements that had been missing from her structured, responsibility-laden life. For Hayes, the festival is a routine part of his celebrity existence, but meeting Solène challenges him to view his lifestyle and public persona through a new lens.
Their experiences at the festival become a metaphor for personal growth and emotional connection, setting the tone for the rest of their relationship. The contrast between the carefree setting and the emotional depth that develops between them adds complexity to the narrative.
Though Georgia doubled for the Coachella Valley, the production made a concerted effort to preserve the authenticity of the festival’s look and feel. From lighting techniques that mimic the California sun to the use of wide-angle lenses that capture crowd density, the filmmakers paid close attention to detail. The result is a convincing recreation that supports the suspension of disbelief, allowing audiences to fully engage with the story.
The choice to feature Coachella — even if it was recreated elsewhere — reflects a deliberate attempt to root the film in contemporary pop culture. It also enhances the relatability of the characters and the believability of their relationship, making the Coachella Valley setting one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant locales in The Idea of You.
One of the standout international filming locations for The Idea of You is Paris, France—a city long associated with timeless romance and emotional storytelling. In the film, Paris serves as an atmospheric backdrop for pivotal scenes that highlight the deepening relationship between the main characters. The choice of Paris underscores the narrative's emotional arc and adds a layer of sophistication and intimacy to the storyline.
Key Parisian landmarks featured include the Seine River embankments, Montmartre’s cobbled streets, and glimpses of the Eiffel Tower in the background. These iconic visuals were used to evoke a sense of wonder and romantic spontaneity, aligning with the emotional crescendo of the film.
Beyond the capital, The Idea of You also utilized the enchanting landscapes of the French Riviera. Coastal towns such as Nice and Cannes were either directly filmed or recreated to depict luxurious getaways and private moments that contrast with the characters’ public lives. The sun-drenched beaches, Mediterranean architecture, and upscale resort settings add a sense of glamour and escapism to the film’s aesthetic.
This shift in setting represents a narrative transition—from the hectic pace of the characters’ public personas to more introspective and emotionally revealing sequences. The Riviera’s allure played a critical role in emphasizing themes of freedom, indulgence, and emotional vulnerability.
France’s rich cultural heritage and cinematic history made it an ideal international location. The French settings in The Idea of You were more than just scenic—they provided an emotional and narrative shift, helping to mirror the characters’ internal journeys. The aesthetic of French art, fashion, and architecture also elevated the film’s visual storytelling.
Additionally, filming in France allowed the production team to tap into the country’s experienced film crews and infrastructure, with Paris and the Riviera offering logistical support and cinematic versatility. These factors contributed to the authenticity and immersive quality of the scenes shot in France.
Although much of The Idea of You was filmed in Georgia, the French scenes were either shot on location or convincingly recreated using intricate set design and visual effects. Georgia’s diverse architecture and skilled production teams enabled the transformation of local sites to reflect quintessential French locales. Through a combination of practical sets and digital enhancements, the film achieved a seamless integration of French settings, maintaining the illusion of a global journey while filming primarily in the U.S.
Although The Idea of You takes audiences around the world—from Coachella to Paris—virtually the entire film was shot in Georgia. Through clever set design, digital enhancements, and expert location scouting, the production created a global feel without straying from the state’s borders. Georgia continues to prove its value as Hollywood’s favorite stand-in, and fans of the film might find surprising landmarks not in France or California—but right in the heart of the South. Want to experience the world of The Idea of You yourself? Start by exploring Atlanta and Savannah—you might just recognize the magic behind the movie.
