As I move from prep to shoot weeks on my own TV show, I’m looking forward to spending some time at various shooting locations. The crew have spent a lot of time looking for the right locations for the show so the viewer feels the locations are connected are real.
It still surprises people when films are necessarily filmed where they are set. For example one of my shows was set in Nottingham but we only did 2 days shooting there and the rest in Manchester or other locations in the North West.
I love visiting film locations when I travel and this year I’ve been inspired by dozens of locations through film. We’ve had a lot of great films this year so far…but where were they filmed?
Here are some of my favourite films of the year and where they were filmed:
Scream
The new Scream movie completely caught me by surprised. I love the franchise but with every movie it was getting worse and worse. This movie is darker, funnier and has great kill scenes.
The original movie was mostly filmed in California but the new Scream movie was mostly filmed in Wilmington in North Carolina. I would love to visit the original Scream house.
The Batman
The new Batman film is incredible. Robert Pattinson blew everyone away with his performance after harsh comments when he was cast.
This film was made during the pandemic so the empty streets of Liverpool were a great location with their historic buildings. Including the iconic Liver building for the police station. Liverpool is also down the road from where I live and where I was shooting a different film (also set in New York). It’s also a lot cheaper to film in Liverpool than it is in New York (by millions in some cases). Visually, Liverpool has a lot of building that mimic New Yorks. Other locations took place in London, Glasgow and other locations around the UK. Plus, Chicago was used again to recreate Gotham.
Fresh
I love this movie. I didn’t see this story going the way it did. It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve seen in a long time.
The movie is set in Portland but is actually filmed in Vancouver and other locations in British Columbia. Why? It’s cheaper! And some locations look better on screen and look better than the real thing…strange but true. I’ve visited Vancouver before and it’s truly a beautiful place to visit.
Coda
Film of the year CODA is a beautiful, emotional and outstanding movie. With a great story line and amazing cast it’s no wonder it won award after award. This film is actually filmed and set in the same place. Very rare. Also one for the cheaper films that got made this year with a $10 million budget.
The Lost City
Then there are movies like The Lost City with 7 x the budget of CODA who splashed out on going to the Dominican Republic for their movie. Why wouldn’t you? This comedy adventure has some big names but also some great laughs. It was worth the money and the locations are stunning. It does make me want to go on an adventure there myself.
The Northman
The Northman is an artistic masterpiece but if you’re not into arty, hallucinations, premonition visuals then it won’t be for you. However, the scenery in this movie is absolutely stunning. This film was originally supposed to be set in Iceland but due to the pandemic is was moved to Ireland. Not as far north as you thought. But it makes it a little easier for me to visit and check out these incredible locations.
Top Gun Maverick
You can’t make a Top Gun sequel anywhere but the original filming locations. That’s San Diego folks! Including Breaker’s Beach in San Diego where the beach scene was filmed. The only difference to this film is Tom Cruise is in charge and there less green screen with fake flight scenes. Some of it, is the real deal. I’ve been to San Diego before but I’d love to go back to go to the beach, hopefully find some guys recreating these scenes.
Jurassic World Dominion
You can’t beat a dinosaur movie and Dominion was definitely one for the fans. It’s also a lot better than some of the previous movies in the franchise.
Unlike the other movies which were filmed in beautiful and sunny Hawaii, this film was shot in Canada, England’s Pinewood Studios, and the country of Malta. No swimwear on days off this time! This movie is based around dinosaurs coming into our world so I appreciate the new locations. Also, the Malta scenes were fantastic but also showcased beautiful locations around Malta.
Elvis
What an incredible movie! Austin Butler gave an outstanding performance as Elvis. The locations were also very spot on, considering they didn’t step foot in the Nashville, Nevada or the USA in fact. All the locations were actually recreated in Australia. Yes, Graceland was a set and created for the movie. Vegas and Memphis too! These sets are probably in storage or sold but I’d definitely check out Graceland in Nashville. I’ve been before and it’s a great tour!
Black Phone
We go back in time for this creepy, thriller, kidnapper movie. In the same town Scream was filmed. I wonder where they got he idea? However, you’d never tell. Maybe this town was just build for that type of vibe.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Controversial option but I liked this movie compare to others options. Is it the best marvel film, no. But it’s still funny. We also head back to Asgard but this time it’s not in St Abb’s in Scotland where it was shot in Avenger’s End Game. This time Asgard and the rest of the movie was shot completely in Sydney Australia. Also, movie of it is film sets instead of real locations. Sorry!
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WHAT FILM LOCATION WOULD YOU LOVE TO VISIT THE MOST?
LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
Interestingly The Lost City wasn’t supposed to be filmed there, but ended up there with the ole C19, and all the better for it location wise!
Oooo where was it supposed to be! Not a bad second choice though right! Lol