Fresh out of their dance class one night, my kids hopped into my car and I told them: "We’re stalking Zac Efron." I was exaggerating only slightly.
I had spotted him just a few streets away shooting a scene for “Extremely Evil, Shockingly Wicked and Vile.” The kids were fans from his High School Musical days. I was a fan – because he’s Zac Efron.
Efron is one of the dozens of certified Hollywood stars who’ve shot movies in Cincinnati. Others might start that list with Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford or Ron Howard. Me? I said what I said.
During the weeks of shooting, all those stars have to stay somewhere. For many, that stay starts at the Hilton Netherland Plaza, and as incredible as it is, some want a change of pace.
They want spatulas and sheet sets.
“Utensils, sheets and towels, serving dishes, ladles.”
Those are the requests Ann Michele Worrall, the owner of Red Whale Rentals, hears most. Her Mt. Adams business specializes in high-end short-term rentals and works directly with movie crews and cast, and with Film Cincinnati.
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She says actors want to trade their hotel life for more of a homey feel; it’s also a way to easily avoid the hotel bar and stick to whatever diet is trending that week.
They want space from colleagues ... and carbs.
“The number one thing is flexibility, “ said Kristen Schlotman, executive director of Film Cincinnati. “They come in last minute and want to book long periods of time.”
Actress Anne Hathaway and her family stayed in Red Whale’s The Overlook, while she was shooting “Dark Waters” in 2019.
This same gorgeous suite can be yours, too. For $999 a night. It has two kitchens, sleeps 11 and as the name would suggest, has one heck of a view.
And yes, spatulas and sheet sets are included.
But utensils aren’t the only draw. Designers from some of the movies being filmed here are Red Whale’s newest tenants. “They are looking for soothing-type environments,” Worrall said. “They understand how light and color and shape and form can make someone relax.”
And the need is growing. The movie industry is back in Cincinnati, and that, plus interest from some Cincinnati Reds, prompted Red Whale to buy three new properties in the last year.
But stars, they’re just like us. They still have trouble with turning on TVs and wifi passwords, and often ask about the scent that’s evident in the property (It’s vanilla patchouli from Bath and Body Works).
Cool views, special touches and fun neighborhoods. Those are near the top of the list when finding places for casts and crews. “Some people have never been to Cincinnati. We want to put them in neighborhoods where they feel safe and the quality of life is good," Schlotman said. “We want them to think fondly of Cincinnati.”
And spatulas. Don’t forget the spatulas.
When she's not searching for teen heartthrobs, Nero can be seen on Coffee Break with Kathrine, weekday mornings at 10 a.m. on The Enquirer's Facebook page. You can also sign up to receive her weekly e-newsletter at cincinnati.com/newsletters.
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