The 2007 Gregory Hoblit film “Fracture” was shot in Southern California. The home of Ted Crawford, played by Anthony Hopkins, can be found in Encino. The house is not visible from the street, but we’ve included an aerial view of the property. Both the interiors and exteriors appear in the film. The home also appears in the 2005 film “Fun with Dick and Jane.”
LOCATION: 4411 Noeline Ave, Encino, CA 91436
The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles is seen a couple times in the film as Willy Beachum, played by Ryan Gosling, attends a performance. The same building can be seen in “Iron Man.”
LOCATION: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles City Hall is seen as Willy Beachum arrives at work. The building has been featured in endless films, such as “L.A. Confidential,” “Liar Liar,” “The Nice Guys,” “Ray,” “Gangster Squad,” “Impulse,” L.A. Bounty” and more.
LOCATION: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Willy Beachum speaks with Nikki Gardner, played by Rosamund Pike, at The Gas Company Tower in Downtown Los Angeles, seen to the left in the below shot. The same building appears in such films as “Speed” and the 2000 version of “Charlie’s Angels.” The US Bank Tower, pictured in the center, is also featured prominently in the establishing shot. The building has appeared in countless films, including “Independence Day,” “Southland Tales,” “Darkman,” “The Thirteenth Floor” and more.
LOCATION: 555 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (left) / 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (center)
The home of Willy Beachum can be found in Lincoln Heights, atop a steep hill.
LOCATION: 3101 Minnesota St, Lincoln Heights, CA 90031
The home of DA Judge Gardner, played by Bob Gunton, can be found in Hancock Park.
LOCATION: 435 S Windsor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90020
The 2016 Shane Black film “The Nice Guys,” starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, takes place in Los Angeles in 1977. Much of the filming took place in Southern California, with some additional filming in Atlanta, Georgia. The opening shot is seen behind the Hollywood sign. There is a public hiking trail that goes up to and behind the sign. The sign itself is heavily monitored by security.
LOCATION: Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (GPS coordinates: 34°08’02.8″N, 118°19’17.5″W)
Early in the film, Jackson Healy, played by Russell Crowe, beats up a man at this house, which can be found in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. The house has since been remodeled a bit. This same home is briefly seen in “Lords Of Dogtown.”
LOCATION: 3975 Kenway Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008
The Hollywood First National Bank Building is briefly seen as a radio announcer repeats a smog advisory. The same building also appears in the film “Twins“, as well as briefly in the background of a rooftop scene in “Reservoir Dogs.”
LOCATION: 6777 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The home of Holland March, played by Ryan Gosling, can also be found in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood.
LOCATION: 4255 Enoro Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90008
The home of Misty’s Aunt, whom March takes on as a client, can be found in the same neighborhood.
LOCATION: 4585 W Mt Vernon Dr, View Park-Windsor Hills, CA 90043
The exterior of the bowling alley where March’s daughter Holly, played by Angourie Rice, has a birthday party can be found in Covina, a bit far away from most of the other locations in the film.
LOCATION: 1060 W San Bernardino Rd, Covina, CA 91722
Healy and March encounter Amelia’s protest group on the stairs of City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. The building has been featured in endless films, such as “They Live,” “L.A. Confidential,” “Liar Liar,” “Ray,” “Fracture,” “Gangster Squad,” “Impulse,” L.A. Bounty” and more.
LOCATION: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Healy and March meet with Amelia’s mother, played by Kim Basinger, at The John Ferraro Building in Downtown L.A. It has been featured in countless films and television shows, such as “Inception,” “Hancock,” “The Omega Man” and more.
LOCATION: 111 N Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The empty plot of land where Holly reads alone can be found in Baldwin Hills.
LOCATION: 5245 Veronica St, Los Angeles, CA 90008
The Hollywood Tower Apartments are briefly seen as March speculates maybe the birds can’t breathe, as he sits stuck in traffic. The same apartments appears in the film “Body Double.”
LOCATION: 6200 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The home of Misty Mountains, played by Murielle Telio, can be found back in View Park-Windsor Hills.
LOCATION: 5003 Parkglen Ave, View Park-Windsor Hills, CA 90043
Perhaps no movie has inspired more interest in it’s filming locations over the past several years than the love letter to the City of Los Angeles, “La La Land.” The 2016 musical, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, filmed at a wide variety of locations all over the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas. There are so many locations, in fact, one would be challenged to see them all in a single day.
The opening dance scene in traffic was filmed on the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, which connects the 110 and 105 freeways in Los Angeles. The scenes were shot on the express ramp, which requires a non-cash toll. The bus jump from “Speed” was also filmed on the same interchange when it was still under construction.
LOCATION: I-110 / I-105, Los Angeles, CA 90061
Mia, played by Emma Stone, works in a coffee shop on the Warner Bros. Studio lot. The real building is indeed located on the Warner lot, however, it is not actually a coffee shop. Rather it is just a building facade, used for any number of settings for productions, such as the toy store in “Small Soldiers.” After the success of the film, however, Warner Bros. did decorate the building again to make it appear as it did in the film, for a few select weeks. The building can be seen as part of their studio tour.
LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Mia lives at this pink apartment building in Long Beach, known as El Cordova.
LOCATION: 1728 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802
The production filmed inside of unit 16.
Mia exits through the courtyard to join her roommates for a dance number.
She and her roommates then dance on E 3rd Street in front of her apartment.
Later in the film, Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, visits the apartment and picks up Mia at this back entrance to the building.
They then drive down this back alley.
Mia attends a party at this house, which is mostly seen from the pool area at the back.
LOCATION: 4533 Estrondo Dr, Encino, CA 91436
After leaving the party, Mia discovers her car has been towed. The buildings to the right have since been remodeled from how they appeared in the film.
Mia is walking alone past this famous mural in Hollywood, known as the “You Are A Star” mural, when she hears music inside. She enters to find Sebastian playing piano. The mural can be found at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Wilcox Ave. It can also be seen in such films as “8MM” and “Nowhere.”
LOCATION: 1648 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The interior scene where Mia watches Sebastian play piano was filmed at the Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank, located just across the street from Warner Bros. Studios. The same restaurant appeared in the film “Argo,” as well as such TV shows as “Entourage,” “Six Feet Under” and “Desperate Housewives.” This shot is provided courtesy of Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.
LOCATION: 4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
After reconnecting at a party, Sebastian walks with Mia along Mt Hollywood Drive towards the viewpoint where the film’s most famous scene takes place; the dance sequence over the night skyline.
A lot of creative license was used by the filmmakers here, as to get to the dance spot, the characters would’ve had to hike nearly an hour. The spot is known as “Cathy’s Corner” in Griffith Park and it requires a bit of commitment if you wish to see it in person.
LOCATION: Cathy’s Corner, Mt Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
There’s surprisingly little information online about how to accurately reach Cathy’s Corner. Here we’ll attempt to detail that. First and foremost, the spot is completely inaccessible by vehicle. It is found along a fully paved road, but the road is gated off in all directions from motor vehicles. Aside from park rangers, the road is primarily used by hikers and bicyclists. Many GPS systems will offer different routes to drive to Cathy’s Corner, but rest assured, you’ll only get so far before you’ll encounter signs or gates preventing you from proceeding any further by car.
The viewpoint is accessible a couple different ways on foot, but the best way to do it is by parking at the Griffith Observatory. The lot at the Observatory itself is almost always full. You’re unlikely to find a spot in the actual lot. However, you can park along East or West Observatory Road. Unfortunately, these are now paid parking spaces. There are a few free auxiliary lots, but those fill up quickly as well, plus they get you pretty far away from where you need to be to get to Cathy’s Corner. You shouldn’t have a difficult time finding a paid parking space on Observatory Road, unless you’re arriving at peak evening hours. Your best bet is to arrive early.
The easiest way to spot the trail head to reach Cathy’s Corner is to look for the tunnel when approaching Griffith Observatory. Most traffic to reach the Observatory passes through it. The tunnel was famously seen in Back To The Future Part 2, when Biff and Marty McFly (riding a hoverboard) fight over a sports almanac. The very first road on your right, once you pass through the tunnel, is where you will need to hike. It will either be gated off, or if the gates are open, a guard will be parked there, making sure no motorists attempt to drive up it. The road is freely accessible to pedestrians on foot or bike, however, and you’ll likely see a lot of both. You simply take that road for 2.2 miles to reach Cathy’s Corner.
It is a moderate hike. Much of it is uphill, but considering you can walk a paved road the entire way, as well as the fact that there are resting spots and a water fountain along the way, it’s certainly manageable for most. A couple bottles of water should suffice, unless it’s an extremely hot day.
If you use GPS for walking, it should be accurate from Griffith Observatory to Cathy’s Corner. The hike takes anywhere from 90 minutes to a couple hours round trip, depending on your foot speed. Cathy’s Corner can be found along a winding corner of Mt Hollywood Drive and should be distinct from all other corners for it’s skyline view. Contrary to some information online, you do not likely need to worry about traffic, snakes or mountain lions. It’s a heavily used trail on a paved road. Your biggest challenge will be to simply bring adequate hydration and know where you are headed. You can visit there at sunset or night, but you’ll likely have a difficult time finding a parking space.
Taking a closer look at the viewpoint, Sebastian hangs from a lamppost here, which was added by the production.
Sebastian and Mia then sit at a bench, which was located here. The bench was likewise added by the production.
After their famous dance routine, Sebastian walks Mia to her car, which is also located at Cathy’s Corner, simply looking the opposite direction as the scenic view. The production added cars and lampposts all along the road.
As a final tip to film location enthusiasts, a location from the David Lynch film “Lost Highway” can be found along the same trail, much closer to the Griffith Observatory.
Excited about their budding romance, Sebastian sneaks onto the Warner Bros lot to visit Mai at her workplace and the two take a stroll together down the studio backlot. This area was famously also seen on Pink Floyd’s album cover for “Wish You Were Here.”
LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
The pair then go see a jazz show at the Lighthouse Cafe, near the Hermosa Pier in Hermosa Beach. The Lighthouse Cafe really is a jazz bar.
LOCATION: 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Right next to The Lighthouse Cafe is the Hermosa Beach Pier, where Sebastian does a dance at sunset. Lampposts were added along the pier by the production. After the success of the film, the City of Hermosa Beach began hosting occasional special events at the pier celebrating the film, where they add temporary lampposts.
LOCATION: 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
The two watch “Rebel Without A Cause” at the Rialto Theater in South Pasadena. The theater has appeared in numerous other films, including “Scream 2” and “The Player.”
LOCATION: 1023 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
After watching the movie, the couple makes an impromptu trip to the Griffith Observatory to check out the filming locations.
LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sebastian drives his convertible, with Mia in tow, down the sidewalk on the right.
They then dance around this pendulum inside the Observatory.
The two gaze up at this mural inside.
They also pause to take a look at this Tesla Coil.
During a romantic “summer” montage, the two can be seen walking along the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena.
LOCATION: 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
The pair can also be seen visiting the Watts Towers. The Watts Towers have appeared in many films, including “Colors,” “Menace II Society,” “Ricochet,” “CB4,” “Good Times,” “Melinda” and more, as well as the TV shows “Six Feet Under,” “Dragnet,” “Southland,” “Dark Skies” and more.
LOCATION: 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Sebastian and Mia can also be seen riding up Angels Flight in downtown Los Angeles. They dance together briefly at the top.
LOCATION: 50 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Directly across the street from Angels Flight is the Grand Central Market, where another scene in the montage takes place. A popular eating spot, Grand Central Market has appeared in many films, including “Color Of Night,” “Busting,” “City Of Angels,” “I Am Sam” and many more.
LOCATION: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Mia walks past this motel as she tries to call Sebastion.
LOCATION: 995 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Mia goes to stay at her parents’ house, supposedly located in Nevada. The home can actually be found in Santa Clarita.
LOCATION: 25851 Mendoza Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Later in the film, Mia, now a successful actress, can be seen staying at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood.
LOCATION: 8221 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Near the end of the film, Mia accidentally stumbles upon Sebastian, who has opened his own jazz bar, called Seb’s. In reality, Seb’s was a combination of two film locations. The exterior is a Los Angeles bar known simply as Black.
LOCATION: 6202 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Here is the angle from the sidewalk seen in the film.
The interior is a bar far from Los Angeles, located in Long Beach, known as The Blind Donkey. After the success of the film, The Blind Donkey hosted an evening based around the film, where they once again dressed the space to appear as it did in the film.
Here is the stairway Mia walks down to enter the bar.
Here is the stage where Sebastian played his piano. In the actual bar, it’s just an enclosed seating area.
LOCATION: 149 Linden Ave Ste. B100, Long Beach, CA 90802
As many locations as we’ve covered here, there are still countless more seen in the film. We hope we have covered most of the highlights.
The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic locations in Hollywood, perched atop the Hollywood Hills. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and even the ocean. The building opened in 1935 and has remained free and open to the public every since. It has been seen in so many films, we felt it deserved an entire article unto itself.
The observatory is perhaps most famously know for it’s use in the 1955 James Dean film, “Rebel Without A Cause.” However, the grounds have also been seen in such films as “The Terminator,” “La La Land,” “Back To The Future” and dozens more. It has also appeared in countless television shows, such as “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Wonder Years,” “24” and even “The Simpsons” (as the “Springfield Observatory”). The observatory has also appeared in music videos, such as Paula Abdul’s “Rush, Rush,” video games, such as “Grand Theft Auto V” and on album covers, for bands such as The Byrds.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the sights of Griffith Observatory.
LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Arnold Schwarzenegger could be seen walking nude in the original “The Terminator” film on the sidewalk to the right. He is approached by some street thugs, including one played by Bill Paxton, before the Terminator makes short work of them. The scene has also been recreated in some of the film’s sequels.
Ryan Gosling drives his convertible, with Emma Stone in tow, down the sidewalk on the right in “La La Land.”
A bust of James Dean can be found at the observatory, in honor of Deen’s classic performance in “Rebel Without A Cause,” where the film shot a memorable knife fight scene.
The best views of the observatory are of course at night.
The inside of the observatory has several interesting sights as well. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone can be seen dancing around this pendulum in “La La Land.”
In the same film, the two gaze up at this mural on the ceiling of the observatory.
The two also pause and look at this Tesla Coil.
Overall, whether you’re a movie lover, a tourist, a science fan, or someone who simply enjoys beautiful views, the Observatory has something to offer almost anyone.
At the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. hosted a “Blade Runner 2049 Experience.” Visitors were invited to experience a VR tour of the futuristic world, as well as a set recreation, with props and actors interacting with you. Here we offer some photos of the special exhibition.
First up, a view of the full structure, as seen from outside.
The entrance to the building.
Once inside, there is some concept art from the film on display.
One of the actual Spinner vehicles used in the film.
A recreation of the film set, featuring the streets of a futuristic Los Angeles.
Vending machines, in which visitors were distributed free t-shirts for the film.
Bibi’s bar, in which visitors could actually go inside for a free drink.
Some posters for the film.
Numerous props from the film were on display. Here are some of Officer K’s, played by Ryan Gosling, LAPD issued Blade Runner items.
Deckard’s, played by Harrison Ford, handcuffs and binoculars, used while hiding out.
Eye scanner, used by Officer K to identify replicants.
Some LAPD evidence bags.
Items found in Officer K’s apartment.
Some miscellaneous props used in a variety of scenes in the film.
Memory spheres used to store Voight Kampff tests to determine if one was a replicant or not in the original movie, along with some everyday tools used by manicurists in the sequel.
LAPD badges and handcuffs issued to officers.
Deckard’s blaster, used in both the original film and the sequel.
Luv’s blaster.
Items from the marketplace where residents gather to shop and eat.
Cocktail glasses used by Deckard.
Cocktail bottles and glasses from Officer K’s apartment.
Decorative accessories used to adorn the office of Niander Wallace, played by Jared Leto.
Some costumes from the film. First, a hazmat suit, helmet and boots worn by Sapper, played by Dave Bautista, to protect him from the harsh atmospheric elements while farming.
Some sophisticated attire worn by Luv.
Some colorful clothing worn by Mariettte as she cruises Bibi’s Bar.
A custom designed coat with a specially crafted collar to protect Officer K from the elements.
Iconic yellow rain jacket made with readily available materials, worn by Joi.
Living a solitary life, Rick Deckard wears this casual t-shirt and pants.
Set upon the streets of Los Angeles, Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive” utilized locations both in the city and spread out across the Valley.
The opening robbery was filmed at Maestro DJ and Electronics warehouse in L.A.
LOCATION: 1710 Naomi Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
The Driver, played by Ryan Gosling, meets Carey Mulligan’s character at the Big “6” Market.
LOCATION: 550 S Rampart Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
The Driver lives a few doors down from Irene, in what is supposed to be an apartment building. These scenes were actually filmed at the MacArthur in Los Angeles, formerly known as the Park Plaza Hotel. No longer a functioning hotel, the MacArthur today serves primarily as a property for hosting filming and special events. It has been featured in many films, such as “Wild At Heart,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Gangster Squad,” “Tango & Cash,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “The Hidden” and many more. The building is only seen from interior views in the film.
LOCATION: 607 S Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
The Driver makes a deal with the criminals pressuring Oscar Isaac’s character Standard at MacArthur Park in front of the water. The same park was seen in the 1993 film “Falling Down.” For those unfamiliar with Los Angeles and planning a visit, MacArthur Park used to be considered a popular drug hangout. While there has been an effort to improve safety conditions at the park, it is still frequented by some addicts and homeless people. Visitors are advised to use some caution.
LOCATION: 2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Nino’s Pizzeria is a real pizza place, however the name of the restaurant is actually Vincenzo’s Pizza, located in Granada Hills. The sign was swapped out by the production, which also added the checkerboard paneling over the front windows.
LOCATION: 11045 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills, CA 91344
The pawn shop’s robbery gone wrong was filmed at the Santa Clarita Elk’s Lodge, which is a bit of a distance from the other locations.
LOCATION: 17766 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351
The motel where a violent gunfight ensues is the Pink Motel in Sun Valley. It is not an operational motel, rather a set used for filming or special events. While we encountered no issues when visiting, according to many online comments, the property is not receptive to public visitation these days, preferring only professional clients. So be sure not to trespass. The motel property has been featured in countless productions, such as “The House Bunny,” as well as the TV shows “GLOW” and “Dexter” Due to the frequent use in productions, the director deliberately chose to film only the interiors of the motel, as to avoid immediate recognition.
LOCATION: 9457 San Fernando Rd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
Film Oblivion 