E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide since its release in 1982. The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of friendship, love, and the human condition. As we delve into the making of this iconic movie, one question remains at the forefront of every fan’s mind: where was E.T. filmed? In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the various filming locations that brought this beloved story to life.
The Concept and Pre-Production
Before we dive into the filming locations, it’s essential to understand the concept and pre-production process of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The idea for the film was born out of Spielberg’s own childhood experiences and his desire to create a story that would appeal to both children and adults. The script, written by Melissa Mathison, was inspired by Spielberg’s imaginary friend from his childhood, which he had created to cope with his parents’ divorce.
The pre-production process involved extensive location scouting, which played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Spielberg and his team searched for locations that would provide an authentic and nostalgic feel to the film. They eventually settled on various locations in California, which would serve as the backdrop for the story.
Filming Locations in California
California played a significant role in the filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The state’s diverse landscape and nostalgic charm made it an ideal location for the story. Here are some of the key filming locations in California:
Porterville, California
Porterville, a small town in Tulare County, California, was one of the primary filming locations for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The town’s quaint and charming atmosphere made it an ideal location for the story. The production team filmed several scenes in Porterville, including the iconic flying bike scene, which has become a symbol of the film.
The Flying Bike Scene
The flying bike scene, which features Elliott and E.T. soaring through the sky on a bicycle, was filmed in Porterville. The scene was shot using a combination of special effects and stunt work. The production team used a stunt double to perform the bike stunts, while the special effects team created the illusion of the bike flying through the air.
Monrovia, California
Monrovia, a city located in Los Angeles County, California, was another key filming location for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The production team filmed several scenes in Monrovia, including the iconic scene where Elliott and E.T. first meet.
The Elliott’s House
The Elliott’s house, where the majority of the story takes place, was filmed in Monrovia. The house, which is located at 7121 Lonzo Street, has become a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit destination for E.T. fans.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
The Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California were used as the filming location for the forest scenes in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The parks’ stunning natural beauty and towering redwood trees provided an ideal backdrop for the story.
The Forest Chase Scene
The forest chase scene, which features Elliott and E.T. being pursued by government agents, was filmed in the Redwood National and State Parks. The scene was shot using a combination of stunt work and special effects. The production team used a stunt double to perform the bike stunts, while the special effects team created the illusion of the agents chasing Elliott and E.T.
Other Filming Locations
In addition to California, the production team also filmed scenes in other locations, including:
Culver City, California
Culver City, a city located in Los Angeles County, California, was used as the filming location for the interior scenes of the Elliott’s house. The production team built a replica of the house on a soundstage in Culver City, where they filmed many of the interior scenes.
Universal Studios Hollywood, California
Universal Studios Hollywood was used as the filming location for the iconic scene where Elliott and E.T. fly over the moon. The scene was shot using a combination of special effects and stunt work. The production team used a stunt double to perform the bike stunts, while the special effects team created the illusion of the bike flying over the moon.
Conclusion
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of friendship, love, and the human condition. As we have explored in this article, the filming locations played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. From the quaint town of Porterville to the stunning natural beauty of the Redwood National and State Parks, each location was carefully selected to provide an authentic and nostalgic feel to the film. Whether you’re a die-hard E.T. fan or just a lover of classic movies, the filming locations of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of this beloved film.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit the filming locations of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Porterville, California: Visit the Porterville Museum to learn more about the filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Take a stroll down Main Street, where many of the film’s exterior scenes were shot.
- Monrovia, California: Visit the Elliott’s house, located at 7121 Lonzo Street. Take a tour of the house and learn more about its history and significance in the film.
- Redwood National and State Parks, California: Take a hike through the stunning natural beauty of the Redwood National and State Parks. Visit the park’s visitor center to learn more about the filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
By visiting these filming locations, you’ll be able to experience the magic of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial firsthand. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just looking for a unique adventure, the filming locations of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the world of cinema.
Where was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial primarily filmed?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was primarily filmed in California, USA. The production team chose various locations in California to capture the iconic scenes of the movie. Some of the main locations include the forests of North California, the town of Crescent City, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County. The film’s director, Steven Spielberg, wanted to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, which is why he opted for locations that were close to his hometown.
The decision to film in California also provided the production team with a diverse range of landscapes and environments, from the redwood forests to the suburban neighborhoods. This allowed them to create a visually stunning and immersive film that has become a classic of American cinema. The California locations played a crucial role in bringing the story of E.T. to life and have become an integral part of the movie’s enduring magic.
What was the name of the forest where the iconic flying bike scenes were filmed?
The iconic flying bike scenes in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial were filmed in the Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California. The production team chose this location for its stunning natural beauty and the towering redwood trees that provided a unique and breathtaking backdrop for the scenes. The Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest trees in the world, and their grandeur added to the sense of wonder and magic in the film.
The flying bike scenes were a crucial part of the movie’s narrative, and the Redwood National and State Parks provided the perfect setting for these iconic moments. The parks’ rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty made it an ideal location for filming, and the scenes have become some of the most memorable and beloved in the movie. The Redwood National and State Parks have since become a popular tourist destination, attracting fans of the movie from around the world.
Which suburb in Los Angeles County was used as the main setting for the story?
The suburb of San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County was used as the main setting for the story of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The production team chose this location for its quintessential American suburban landscape, which provided the perfect backdrop for the story of a young boy and his alien friend. The San Fernando Valley is a sprawling suburban area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial districts, making it an ideal location for filming.
The San Fernando Valley was used as the main setting for the story, and many of the film’s iconic scenes were shot on location in the area. The production team used a combination of real locations and sets to create the fictional suburban neighborhood where Elliott and his family live. The San Fernando Valley has since become synonymous with the movie, and fans of E.T. often visit the area to see the iconic locations from the film.
What was the name of the high school where some of the interior scenes were filmed?
Some of the interior scenes in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial were filmed at Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, California. The production team chose this location for its typical American high school architecture, which provided the perfect setting for the scenes. Chatsworth High School is a public high school in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, and its campus was used as the interior of Elliott’s school in the movie.
The scenes filmed at Chatsworth High School included the iconic scene where Elliott’s brother Michael and his friends are in their biology class, and the scene where Elliott is in his classroom, trying to contact E.T. The school’s interior provided a realistic and authentic backdrop for these scenes, adding to the movie’s sense of realism and nostalgia. Chatsworth High School has since become a popular tourist destination for fans of the movie.
Were any scenes in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial filmed in studios?
Yes, some scenes in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial were filmed in studios. While the production team made extensive use of location filming, some scenes were shot on soundstages at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The studio scenes included the iconic flying bike scenes, which were filmed using a combination of special effects and stunt work. The studio also provided a controlled environment for filming scenes that required complex special effects or stunt work.
The use of studio filming allowed the production team to have greater control over the filming process and to create complex scenes that would have been difficult or impossible to film on location. The studio scenes were seamlessly integrated with the location footage, creating a cohesive and immersive film that has become a classic of American cinema. The use of studio filming was an essential part of the movie’s production, and it played a crucial role in bringing the story of E.T. to life.
How long did the filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial take?
The filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial took approximately 100 days to complete. The production team began filming in September 1981 and wrapped up in December 1981. The filming schedule was relatively short, considering the complexity and scope of the movie. The production team worked efficiently to capture the iconic scenes and moments that have become synonymous with the film.
Despite the relatively short filming schedule, the production team faced several challenges during filming, including the complexities of working with a child actor and the demands of creating complex special effects. However, the team’s hard work and dedication paid off, resulting in a film that has become a beloved classic of American cinema. The filming of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was a remarkable achievement, and it has left a lasting legacy in the world of film.
Did the filming locations in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial play a role in the movie’s success?
Yes, the filming locations in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial played a significant role in the movie’s success. The use of real locations in California added to the film’s sense of realism and nostalgia, creating a sense of authenticity that resonated with audiences. The iconic locations, such as the Redwood National and State Parks and the San Fernando Valley, provided a unique and breathtaking backdrop for the story, making the film a visual masterpiece.
The filming locations also helped to create a sense of wonder and magic in the film, which was essential to the story of a young boy and his alien friend. The use of real locations allowed the production team to capture the beauty and grandeur of the natural world, adding to the film’s sense of enchantment and awe. The filming locations in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial were an integral part of the movie’s success, and they continue to be celebrated by fans of the film today.