Feeling as if You're Part of Your Favorite Movie

In 1999, Georgette Blau (left) launched On Location Tours, a company that tours locations featured in TV shows and movies. "I started On Location Tours because of my passion for TV shows, especially classic TV shows from the 70's and 80's," Georgette says. "I loved the idea of walking in the steps of the characters, feeling as if you were part of the TV show. It was a great, off the beaten path way of seeing New York."

When she first launched her company, it was one of three of its kind in the world. "Now, we're one of over 100! This growing tourism phenomenon prompted me to start the ATTAM [the Association for TV and Movie Tours]."

Georgette runs tours in New York and Boston, visiting sites that have been featured in TV shows such as "Sex and the City," "Friends," "Gossip Girl," "Cheers," and "Boston Legal." The tours visit sites from movies including the Devil Wears Prada, Moonstruck, When Harry Met Sally, The Departed, and Good Will Hunting.

We asked Georgette a few questions about her business and inspiration, here's what she shared with us:

Where do you think the drive to start your own business came from?  

I had always wanted to own a business, probably from the age of 8 or so. I love seeing something develop and grow from just a seed, and the freedom of wearing so many hats. It never gets boring! I double majored in college, however, in two very different things: English with a concentration in Creative Writing and Architectural Preservation. I wish I had studied business and entrepreneurship...I had to learn the tough way, via "on the job" training. I see entrepreneurship as the new American dream.

Who is someone that inspires you?

I am inspired by Saranne Rothberg; she launched a non profit company called Comedy Cures several years ago, after battling Stage 4 breast cancer. She's an extremely positive person, despite having survived so many obstacles in her life, and her company is not only wonderful in that it helps other cancer survivors, but has garnered great press and recognition over the years.

What advice can you give young entrepreneurs? Or women thinking about becoming entrepreneurs?

One piece of advice I always like to give to entrepreneurs starting out — especially those who are low on capital or have financial challenges — is to hire interns. Interns love being in a start-up environment and love getting credit for great experience, and are normally very passionate about their work.

For information on On Location Tours, visit www.screentours.com.

A group on a Boston tour outside the original Cheers

Photos courtesy of On Location Tours