Historic Chateau Tivoli Chosen As Site For Book Trailer
The first day of our shoot was staged at Chateau Tivoli in San Francisco's Alamo Square area. Built in 1892 it is one of the most charming of the "painted ladies" of the historic district. Many famous artists of the past have stayed in the nine bedroom mansion including, Mark Twain, Isadora Duncan and Luiza Tetrazinni - who have rooms named after them.
The house is stunning in its accumulation of artifacts both delicate and fierce. I was delighted when scouting for appropriate locations to find that the house held the stuff and mounted animal heads, heavy chandeliers, dark hardwood floors, and many other of the elements I described in the book. The house provided all that was needed to convey the mysterious, lush, and claustrophobic elements of the Sandeley's mansion and the house on the lake. Thanks to house manager Nico, for allowing us to use much of the establishment to help us achieve the monumental task of over 20 scene changes in one day.
I stayed in the Luiza Tetrazinni suite, used for the trailer's introduction and brash bedroom controntation between Alexandra and Ramey and actors Tosh Yanez stayed in the Mark Twain (used for the very lush and sensual scene with Andre and Alexandra) and Wade Gotwals in the Isadora Duncan. If there are spirits residing in this old dwelling they are very loving and supportive, as our shoot went smoothly and we accomplished all we set out to do.
The Chateau is a bed and breadfast that can be rented out for special occasions. I'd love to go back and spend a week-end of relaxation.
A.