Exploring Cinemapper: A Conversation with Tim Hughes about the Ultimate Film Location App

Exploring the World of Film Locations with Tim Hughes, Creator of Cinemapper

Film enthusiasts and travelers alike have always been fascinated by the real-world locations behind their favorite scenes. Whether it’s the streets of New York in Ghostbusters, the rugged landscapes of The Lord of the Rings, or the bustling Tokyo alleys from Lost in Translation, there’s something special about visiting these places in person. Enter Cinemapper—a revolutionary new platform designed to make that process easier than ever.

Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Cinemapper’s creator, Tim Hughes, about the inspiration behind the project, its development, and the exciting features on the horizon.

What is Cinemapper?

Cinemapper is an interactive website—and soon-to-be-released mobile app—that allows users to explore filming locations from movies and TV shows worldwide. With just a few clicks, users can search for a specific film or location and instantly see where iconic scenes were shot. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply indulging your curiosity, Cinemapper serves as a bridge between cinema and reality.

With the set release for the mobile app being 4th April 2025 we spoke to Tim about where his love for film comes from and what drives the passion for CineMapper.

What initially sparked your passion for film, and how has it evolved over time?

"VHS tapes and trips to the cinema. My earliest memories of films being Men In Black on the big screen and watching the VHS tape of The Mask on repeat. Eventually switching to DVD helped me rewatch scenes on repeat like the opening battle of Gladiator and every fight scene in the Matrix.

Going to the cinema was a MUST for me since a young age and I was fortunate enough to be at the right age for the generational run of some of the greatest franchises ever to be released at the cinema. I’ve kept all my cinema tickets since Star Wars Revenge of the Sith.

Eventually leading to me recreating scenes with mates on my flip phone and family camera. Then eventually to uploading to YouTube and to now, TikTok."

Building on your love for cinema, what inspired the creation of Cinemapper?

"What started as a fun tiktok series about Star Wars filming spots in the UK then Marvel in the UK, the millions of views helped me think of a basic map to use in my videos and for fans to use themselves. I was super creative and called it movielocations.app.

Selfishly, I didn’t like the user interface for the apps and sites that did film locations. However, I took it offline for over a year to focus on other projects.

It was not until 2023 when my now co founder, Izzy, came on board in which the modern CineMapper was created."

Are there any filming locations you’ve discovered that hold a special significance for you, or any that you’re particularly excited to visit in the future?

"Canary Wharf tube station, no matter how many times I’m on the jubilee line, it will always make me excited as a Star Wars fan knowing one of my favourite Star Wars films [Rogue One] filmed there. It was also the first big hitter I had on my socials which was the second in my filming location series.

I am now planning, using CineMapper, to hit up as many Star Wars locations in the UK as possible and onto the rest of the locations around the world."

What can audiences look forward to in the future of Cinemapper?

"With CineMapper Episode out on 4th April, fans can now make their own profiles and follow their friends. Pages can help fans bookmark locations to visit later, list locations they’ve previously visited and even check in live to locations. These actions in fact help you earn badges to showcase on your profile. Think Letterboxd meets foursquare (if you remember that). 

More features are under wraps… for now."

As excitement builds for the app release, one thing is certain: Cinemapper is about to change the way we experience film locations forever.

-Ben King @crowscritics