SUBLIMINAL MARKETING

FIVE SEASONS IN and “Nashville,” a fictional account of the real world of country in Music City, has become a household name in Tennessee and beyond. Despite the show’s fictitiousness, songs from it have charted on Billboard, and its actors have become country music icons.

A Tennessee tourism study found that almost a fifth of travelers who said they’d watched the show were at least somewhat inspired by it to visit the city. People so inspired also spent more money and stayed in the Tennessee city longer. Although no TV shows have adopted our city’s name for their own, Milwaukee has still reaped the benefits of similarly inadvertent advertisements.

Blues Brothers

The ending car pile-up was filmed near the Hoan Bridge while it was still under construction.

Danny Gokey

The former “American Idol” finalist and eyewear aficionado is from Milwaukee. While his pop career didn’t pan out, Gokey has since enjoyed success as a Christian/

gospel singer.

Dawn of the Dead

The 2004 reimagining of the George Romero zombie classic was based in Milwaukee but wasn’t filmed here. Dungeons & Dragons Generations of nerds have been inspired to embark on epic fantasy adventures thanks to D&D, created by Dave Arneson and

Gary Gygax in Milwaukee 40-plus years ago.

“Happy Days” One of the most popular and important sitcoms of all time started right here.

Love Actually In this middleto-low-brow film, lead character Colin takes a trip to the States and, uh, finds the end zone with some welcoming Milwaukee bar girls.

Major League Although this sports comedy was set in Cleveland, baseball scenes were filmed at County Stadium (rest in peace) and featured legendary announcer

Bob Uecker.

Mr. 3000 Bernie Mac stars as the titular character seeking his 3,000th hit in a Brewers uniform. The 2004 film showcased Miller Park, which had opened three years earlier.

“Mr. Sandman” The first song from a Milwaukee-area group to ever top the Billboard charts was released in 1954 by female quartet, The

Chordettes.

Public Enemies

When Johnny Depp played famed bank robber and gangster John Dillinger in this 2009 movie, the filmmakers shot scenes on location across Wisconsin.

Shank Hall Originally a made-up venue for the 1984 film This Is Spinal Tap, Shank Hall opened five years later and the rest is rock history.

Transformers 3 Wisconsinites may recognize the Milwaukee Art Museum as a filming location in Michael Bay’s blockbuster.