Last month, Summit Entertainment announced that their big screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn, the fourth novel in her popular Twilight series, would be broking up into two films.
Now, Summit has announced that The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn movies will be filmed in both Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the United States and Vancouver, BC in Canada over the next year starting this Fall, with the first film to be released on November 18, 2011. The release date for the second film has not been announced yet.
Directing both films is Bill Condon, with stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner returning to the franchise along with Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene, and Kellan Lutz as Emmett.
A full synopsis has not been released, but here’s the brief one that Summit put out.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
I have yet to read Breaking Dawn, so I don’t really understand the significance of filming the movies in part in Louisiana; I’ve asked around to some fans and it’s unclear to those I’ve asked as well.
The second and third films were mostly filmed in Vancouver, which is meant to be the setting of Forks, Washington, home of the Cullen vampire clan. Vancouver was made the new location after weather in Washington and Oregon proved too difficult on the first film, Twilight.
I’m curious as to what will be filmed in Baton Rouge, LA, and why. If anyone knows or has an educated guess, leave it for us in the comments section.
Last month, Summit Entertainment 
Probably something to do with a vacation that is taken.
Comment by Melissa — July 11, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
My best guess is the honeymoon scenes will be shot there. In the book, Edward and Bella go to Isle Esme–a tropical island owned by the Cullens. Baton Rouge, LA is beautiful and I can see why they would choose to shoot there.
Comment by Vanessa — July 11, 2010 @ 6:38 pm
I hear that they decided on Baton Rouge because Louisiana gave them a huge tax cut so it was practical to save some money. I live there, I was totally wondering why they’d think to film here of all places, but I guess that makes sense. New Orleans would have been more believable, but I’m excited none-the-less!
Comment by Lacie — July 11, 2010 @ 10:27 pm
Baton Rouge makes perfect sense for the honeymoon scenes and also the scenes where they are searching for clues about “the unknown”. Can’t say more than that because it will ruin it for people who haven’t read the books. Also, there will be scenes where they look for other vampire clans/friends from their past. These will probably be filmed in Baton Rouge. Can’t wait to see how they put it all together!
Comment by Cindy — July 12, 2010 @ 9:00 am
I hope the oil spill doesn’t mess up any Esme Isle scenes…I’m in Jacksonville & we are starting to see tar balls…
Comment by Regina — July 12, 2010 @ 9:13 am
In the book, Edward and Bella go to Isle Esme–a tropical island owned by the Cullens. Baton Rouge, LA is beautiful and I can see why they would choose to shoot there.
Comment by zorb ball — July 13, 2010 @ 2:58 am
I think Breaking Dawn will be mostly inside filming anyway. If you have read the books. With the exceptions of the wolves patrols and the vamps hunting trips and battle scene. Most of the book takes place inside the Cullen house. They will probably build indoor sound stages of the Cullen house as well as having a great outdoor back drop for Isle Esme as well as south america. Not to mention they won’t have to freeze their behinds off this time.
Comment by Voodoofoxx — July 16, 2010 @ 5:50 pm
omg! i have know idea why they would be filming part of the movie Breaking Dawn in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. well i live in a town about three hours away, and probably because of the isle Esme scene. we have alot of nice settings, and lots of forests and woods. I can’t wait to see what they will do!
Comment by beb — July 18, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Its as simple as this, Louisiana gives huge tax cuts.
Comment by chlo — July 23, 2010 @ 10:15 pm
The Honeymoon Spot,And Mybe The Part Where Jacob Goes To The Park Would Be Shoot In Baton Rouge, Louisiana….I Live In Louisiana Not Really Close To Baton Rouge I Live in Thibodaux But We Have Alot Of Beautiful Senary For The Movie….I Cant Wait To So The Movie Its Gonna Be Great
Comment by Tori — July 24, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
to Voodoo foxx: No they won’t freeze, they will just die from humidity and mosquito bites. Haha
It all depends as to which part of baton rouge they are filming the movie in, as to which part it plays in the book.
La gives large tax cuts. That’s one major reason of the filming in the South.
And I agree with those who say it should be done in New Orleans. New Orleans is a much more “mystical” place.
Comment by Kimberly — September 2, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
I cant waitt! I live in Louisiana and just like many others said, its hot down hear and it would be perfect for the honeymoon sence. But does anyone know the date they will be filming? And yes I know Baton Rouge but where at in Baton Rouge??
Comment by Madeline — October 4, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
Cant wait for breaking dawn!!!!!!!11 Im am a huge fan of the twilight series. TEAM JACOB ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!
Comment by Kaleigh DIaz — March 17, 2011 @ 3:32 pm
I just cant wait until breaking dawn!!!! Ive never wanted to see a movie as bad as i do this one!!!(Bless you Stepanies Meyers)
Plus i am so team Bella and a little Edward on the side.
Comment by Shannonmarshall — June 18, 2011 @ 11:58 pm