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Coco Movie Shines a Light on Marigolds

Posted by Suzie Canale on Wed, Jan 10, 2018

coco movie poster.jpg

Have you seen the movie “Coco” out in theaters yet?  If you haven’t there are so many reasons why you should grab your ticket stub now and hurry down to the cinema!  Not only is this children’s film filled with sweet sentiment surrounding the importance of family but the writers cleverly added a detail that you know I can’t resist talking about… FLOWERS!

coco marigold.jpg

If you aren’t familiar with the plot of the flick- I’ll fill you in on the basics of this deep and moving story.  Miguel is a young boy growing up in Mexico with a family who has shunned music entirely from their homes.  The practice dates back to the his great-great grandfather who abandoned his wife and child to follow his heart to become a world-renowned musician.  Of course, Miguel wants nothing more but to follow in the footsteps of the man believed to be the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarist of all time but will he defy his elders to do it?  The problem comes to a crossroads when his grandmother refuses to give him her blessing to follow his dreams, pushing the boy to take matters into his own hands.  Seeing only one way to fix this problem, Miguel travels to the “other side” in search for his true grandfather on “The Day of the Dead”- the one evening of the year when the deceased can be reunited with their loved ones.  Will Miguel meet the man who changed music forever or will he remain trapped and lose his family forever?

 

You’ll have to watch to find out what happens but back to the part about the flowers…

coco marigolds.jpeg

What I loved most about the film was the incredible cinematography, particularly the scenes shot with the “Petal Blessings.”  The marigold being the lucky flower chosen to signify the gesture, audiences will be pulled into the screen by the glowing, magical, orange offerings symbolizing hope to trust in yourself.  His grandmother even teaches Miguel the importance of remembering the dead with a shrine of flowers.

Tags: Language of Flowers, Flowers in the Movies, Hollywood Florist, Flower Meanings, Marigold

Flower Lovers in For a New Release Movie Treat!

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Jan 08, 2016

If you’re into flowers and I mean REALLY into flowers, you’re going to flip when you see the new Hallmark Movie Channel’s January release of “Flower Shop Mystery: Mums the Word”!  Not only is the title clever (you’ve got to giggle at the clever pun on words), but also the cast is nothing short of a Hollywood hit list.  It is well know that bigger and popular stars are starting to sign on to more TV series and independent films but when you headline Brooke Shields as the main character, there’s no doubt a huge interest will be created.  Along with the ex super model, she’ll also be accompanied by Brennan Elliott and Beau Bridges who still bring their sizzle to the silver screen.  This flick has all the makings of becoming a Hallmark’s Hollywood classic smash and lucky for us, there’s allegedly three more installments signed off for production.

brooke_shields_florist.jpe

So if I’ve grabbed your attention you’re probably wondering “So what’s the plot about?”  

 

Great question!

brooke_shields_florist_movie.jpg

The story is set in a quaint town of “New Chapel” where the recently widowed, Abby Knight (played by Shields), decides to quit her job as a lawyer and follow her dreams of running her own flower shop.  Assisted by her father and daughter who recently started college, Abby starts to rebuild her life within a new career.  Everything seems to be going along as planned until her vintage car is rear ended by a hit and run.  Determined to find the culprit, she finds support from her hunky next-door neighbor and ex-marine, Marco Salvare (Elliott) who assists her on her hunt.  As they get closer and closer, another tragedy hits when the body of her friend turns up murdered.  It isn’t long before the finger points to Marco, leading Abby to race against time determined to clear her romantic interest’s name and catch the real killer!

 



Tags: Movies, Florist in the Movies, Flowers in the Movies, TV, Florist

Famous Flower Scenes in Hollywood Movies

Posted by Suzie Canale on Fri, Nov 27, 2015

I talk about movies almost as much as I talk about flowers.  The two subjects just fascinate me and have become the areas in life, which I enjoy the most.  So for people like myself, wouldn’t the concept of comparing and coalescing the factors seem anything less than perfect?  Lucky for us- screenwriters, producers and directors have done just this throughout several of their most magnificent masterpieces! 

The Great Gatsby

Throughout Hollywood’s history, thousands of movies have been made which have brilliantly combined these two topics to create epic silver screen hits!  For Boston florists, this can be actually helpful, particularly when the design is exhibited during a wedding or funeral scene.   Believe it or not, customers will sometimes request duplicate arrangements and bouquets that have appeared in major motion pictures in order to copy the “feel” or “sentiment” present within the storyline.  

American Pie III

Although you might think this could be problematic for shop owners, it can actually be seen as a teaching tool as well as a marketing campaign to please movie buffs like me.  Be careful not to limit yourself to a specific genre such as the romance realm because you’ll be surprised to know that many horror, thriller and comedy scripts also have used flowers during climatic scenes!  Take a look at these Hollywood hits that show the best of both flower and cinematic worlds!

American Beauty

 

The Wizard of Oz

  

Vertigo 

Tags: Movies, Florist in the Movies, Flowers in the Movies, Hollywood Florist

What Marilyn Monroe's Visit to a Flower Shop Can Teach Florists

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Mar 07, 2013

 

marilyn monroe roses resized 600 In the 1948 movie, Ladies of the Chorus, Marilyn Monroe plays dancer Peggy Martin. During the film, Peggy has an admirer who sends flowers and does not sign the card. (note to clients, always sign the card,). This secret admirer leads Marilyn to the flower shop, Mimi the Florist, who delivered the lovely flowers. Marilyn's visit to this florist shows florists a great deal about merchandising and marketing their own flower shops, sixty five years later. 

As florists what do we learn from this film clip ?

  • the card envelope. always have your name and address on your stationary. This is the best way to keep your shop's name in your customer's hands. If Marilyn's card did not have the shop name, she likely would not have visited the shop. Budding romances are a great way to build lifetime clients. If the couple gets married, which florist will Peggy and Randy likely call first ?
  • Window displays and visual impact; the florist is located in a hotel lobby like many florists of that era were. The florist chooses not to hop on the hotel's coattails and instead makes their own visual masterpiece in the lobby. The evidence of a glassed-in store shows that the florist seeks their own identity. This independence is one thing all florists should share. Unique showcases and originality set the flower business apart from the cookie cutter world of banks and Dunkin' Donuts.
  • Packaging; over and over again we see the lost art of packaging. Great packaging, ribbons, and bows increase the value of an item. In the move, notice how the orchid is not only packaged beautifully but how it is also kept under glass to further enhance its value. 
  • Flowers on the showroom floor: Appeal to people's senses. People want to touch, smell and feel the product. That is why they came to your store. Ignite their senses.
  • Spunk; some say the clerk in the movieis surly. I say the clerk is spot on. She is establishing a relationship with the client. A genuine conversation is so rare in the retail world and something a florist can offer at no charge. Relationships build business.
  • Ten cent carnations. Always have an option for everyone. You never know when a ten cent carnation can become a ten thousand dollar wedding.
  • I would love to hear any other florists observations too. 
  • marilyn monroe flower shop resized 600

Tags: Marilyn Monroe, Customer Relationships, Movies, Florist in the Movies, Flowers in the Movies, Floral Training, Marketing

Hollywood Shows Love for Florists

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Feb 26, 2011

Flowers at the Oscars

Hollywood has always appreciated flora and fauna. From lavish Oscar Night parties to the dazzling floral displays along the red carpet. Hollywood's love affair with floral design has deep roots and even carries over to some top stars portraying florists on the big screen. As we approach the Academy Awards, the staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston has picked their top six florist movies of all time.

6. I Hate Valentine's Day - the title says it all. most florists do hate Valentine's Day. It is one of the only days of the year we have to turn away business; and turning away business in this economy is never good.

I hate valentines day movie florist

5. Valentine's Day - Ashton Kutcher adopts the role as florist. Surely a little more polished than the designers at most Boston flower shops.

Kutcher the florist

4. Love Happens with Jennifer Aniston - Unfortunately another less than stellar movie featuring a florist. But having a headliner like Aniston always helps keep the floral industry in the public eye. Aniston the florist

3. The Town - although Fergie the florist does not resemble any Charlestown florist I know, Fergie's florist appears the ideal front for the crime boss.

Fergie the florist

2. Bed of Roses with Christian Slater - one of the better movies featuring a florist. Christian Slater shows where florists bring their poinsettias on Christmas eve.

Slater the florist

1. Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Although a florist is not the star, legendary San Francisco florist Podesta Baldocchi features prominently in the 1958 thriller.

Vertigo florist

 

Tags: Academy Awards, Flowers in the Movies, the Oscars

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