Francis Ford Coppolais a director who needs no introduction. For decades, the cinematic genius has created some ofthe most beloved and groundbreaking films of all time. FromThe ConversationtoApocalypse Now, and of course, his absolute masterpiece,The Godfather, which, for many (includingSteven Spielberg), remains his hallmark achievement. However, not every Coppola film has been a success, such was the case in 2024 withMegalopolis.
A longtime passion project for the director, the film wasboth a critical and box office flopwhen it was released. But,behind the scenes, the movie managed to start a whole new business for Coppola, one that benefits both filmmakers and movie fans alike!
Francis Ford Coppola Bought a Hotel While Making ‘Megalopolis’
Megalopolisspent decadesin development hell before it was finally realized.Many attempts were made by Coppola over the years to get the picture in motion, all of which were met with some sort of roadblock. He famouslybegan working on the projectall the way back in the 1970s, facing a continuous string of starts and stops for roughly 40 years. However,2022finallysaw production get underway, shooting in Atlanta, Georgia. Of course, the film wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Sorry ‘Megalopolis,’ This Francis Ford Coppola Fantasy Film on Prime May Be His Weirdest
The success that Coppola earned from his early work allowed him to pursue more artistically minded projects later on in his career.
For all its merits,Megalopolisbecame a disappointing flop. At first, this seems like a rather unceremonious, even heartbreaking end to the saga. Butit did create a whole new business for the director. PerThe Hollywood Reporter, Coppola stayed at and later purchased a Days Inn. At first, it may seem like an odd side quest for Coppola, considering he was literally in the heart of making his dream project, but, in true Coppola fashion, the director had big plans for the rather quaint boutique.
Coppola Converted a Days Inn Into a Filmmaking Hideaway
The Days Inn Coppola purchased served as a sanctuary for the esteemed director whilehe was makingMegalopolis, and after production wrapped, he took his production bungalow to the next level! Per THR, Coppola bought the Days Inn with the intent of making it a roadside stop for both filmmakers and film lovers. The 27-room hotel was transformed into the All-Star Movie Hotel. What makes the hotel so fascinating is that it’s much more than a sleep facility, but rather a place for filmmakers to work on their craft. Plenty of other states and areas havetried to become the new Hollywood, but Georgia has succeeded in many ways. As such, the All-Star Hotel is equipped with much more than just sleeping quarters. The establishment is actually a filmmaker’s haven, complete with full post-production facilities, for crews. The hotel is also meticulously designed toreflect Coppola’s tastes. Everything from the food served in the hotel to the interior itself has a sense of Coppola sensibility, including his initials on the doorknob of his favorite ADR room is pure Coppola. What makes it more wonderful is that the establishment isn’tjustfor movie professionals; Coppola’s intent is also to attract film buffs. Indeed, the creator renovated the establishment in hopes that it would bring together both fans and professionals from around the world. It certainly sounds like a movie oasis, but many may be surprised by the director’s efforts. However, Coppola has a long history of exploring other endeavors and involving them in his filmmaking.
Coppola Has Often Been Involved in Other Businesses
Coppola is more than just one ofHollywood’s best directors, he’s a well-versed businessman. In fact, Coppola has often dabbled in various industries and tied them back to his filmmaking. Perhaps the most famous is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which makes and distributes high-class wines internationally. Initially formed by Coppola toexplore his creativity outside of film, the label has become a respected and beloved player in the wine industry. Interestingly, the wine business has allowed Coppola to fund some of his less commercial ideas, including the huge sums of money needed to fundMegalopolisas well as distribute it.
Additionally, the All-Star Hotel wasn’t Coppola’s first foray into the hospitality industry. All-Star Hotel is now part of The Family Coppola Hideaways, an international chain of resorts, with hotels everywhere from Belize to Italy.Megalopolismay have beena disastrous box office flop, but it has allowed Coppola to continue to explore his creativity while giving back to the film community.
Megalopolis
