The TV series “What We Do in the Shadows” is set in Staten Island, New York, but primarily filmed around Toronto, Canada. However, the house featured frequently as the establishing shot of the vampire estate can be found in South Pasadena, California. The home has also appeared in such TV shows as “The Mentalist,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Bones.”
LOCATION: 929 Buena Vista St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The South Pasadena home was featured prominently in the pilot, before the production moved to Toronto and a different home, located at 450 Pape Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 3P7, Canada, was used instead. After that location was later sold, a facade was built instead at Eastern Ave / Heward Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 1C8, Canada.
The 1990 horror sequel “Child’s Play 2” was filmed primarily in Southern California, with a bit of the opening filmed in Chicago, Illinois. The Play Pals Toy Factory can be found in Long Beach. The same building appeared in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.”
LOCATION: 118 Pier S Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Andy, played by Alex Vincent, lives at this home, located in South Pasadena.
LOCATION: 2035 Milan Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Kyle, played by Christine Elise, gets pulled over in front of this building, also located in Downtown L.A. It too has appeared in many films, such as “Saw,” “Another Day In Paradise” and “Out For Justice.”
LOCATION: 1243 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Andy’s school scenes were filmed at Dorris Place Elementary School. The same school appeared in the films “Unlawful Entry,” the 2003 version of “Freaky Friday,” “Robocop,” “Cooties” and “Pinocchio’s Revenge,” as well as the TV series “Cold Case” and “Lucifer.”
The 1989 sequel “Back to the Future Part II” is once again shot primarily around Southern California. The film makes use of several locations from the first film, revisiting many of them from the perspective of an alternate timeline. Marty McFly’s house once again appears in the film. It can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.
LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331
After Marty’s girlfriend Jennifer sees her future self, she faints. Marty and Doc drop her off at her house, which can be found in Monrovia.
LOCATION: 161 N Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016
Marty discovers that life in 1985 has been altered and his home town is now a dangerous area. The auditorium of Whittier High School can be seen behind him.
LOCATION: Whittier Ave / Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601
Marty comes across the home of Mr. Strickland, which can also be found in Whittier. While we did not experience any issues during our visit, we’ve heard stories of others being confronted for filming or photographing this residence.
LOCATION: 12511 Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601
The exterior scenes of Biff’s casino were filmed at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
LOCATION: 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Biff’s house can be found in South Pasadena, on the same street as George and Lorraine’s houses from the first film.
LOCATION: 1809 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The exterior of Whittier High School once again serves as Hill Valley High School, which is primarily seen from the back of the school.
LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601
This tunnel is featured a couple times in the film as Biff makes his way to the dance. Near the end of the film, Biff and Marty fight over an almanac from the future. Marty rides a hoverboard as Biff tries to elminitate Marty in the tunnel. The tunnel can be found in Griffith Park, just before you reach the famous Griffith Observatory. The same tunnel can be seen in 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” also directed by Robert Zemeckis.
LOCATION: Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, Mt Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Several vehicles from the film can be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, including this Litestar Pulse.
LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
The 1987 film “Flowers in the Attic” was shot in California and Massachusetts. The family house seen early in the film can be found in South Pasadena, Californa. The same house can also be seen in several other films, including the Rob Zombie remake of “Halloween,” “She’s Out Of Control,” “Little Fockers,” “Bruce Almighty” and “Star Kid.”
LOCATION: 1960 La France Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The grandmother’s mansion, which serves as the primary location in the film, was a composite of several locations. The main exterior was shot at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Massachusetts (290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938). Additional scenes were filmed at Doheny Mansion in Los Angeles and Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.
After sustained abusive behavior from their grandmother, the children eventually discover their mother has abandoned them and is living a life of luxury. They watch in secret as she dances with a man whom she intends to marry. These scenes were filmed at the famous “Pompeian Room” of the Doheny Mansion, located on the campus of Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. While the mansion does offer occasional tours to the public, some of the guides can be strict about allowing photos inside. Many films have shot at the mansion, including “The Princess Diaries,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Drag Me To Hell,” “Spider-Man 3,” “The Three Amigos” and more.
LOCATION: 10 Chester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007
The wedding scenes for the film’s climax were shot at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. While the outside of the Greystone grounds is open daily and free to the public, getting inside is a bit more challenging. The property is owned by the City of Beverly Hills and regularly accommodates productions and private events. Therefore, only a few times a year is access to the inside of the estate possible. Planning ahead is required if you’d like to see inside. The mansion has been featured in dozens of films.
LOCATION: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The television drama “Thirtysomething,” which ran from 1987 – 1991, was set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but actually filmed in Southern California. The exterior for the house of Hope and Michael, played by Mel Harris and Ken Olin, can be found in South Pasadena. The same home appeared in the film “Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael.”
LOCATION: 1710 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The 2007 romantic comedy “Waitress,” starring Keri Russell, is set in the American South, but was filmed in California. In the movie, Jenna Hunterson, played by Russell, works at a pie diner, located in Santa Clarita, California. The same location has appeared in many productions, such as “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny,” “Space Cowboys,” “The Twilight Zone: The Movie” and “Westworld.” The cafe also appeared in a famous commercial starring Cindy Crawford.
LOCATION: 15564 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
The office of Dr. Jim Pomatter, played by Nathan Fillion, is a private home, which can be found in South Pasadena.
The 2005 adventure film “Sky High” was filmed primarily in Southern California. The Stronghold residence can be found in South Pasadena. The same home was featured in the films “Space Jam” and the 2007 remake of “Halloween.” Located on a popular street for filming, the home sits directly next door to the house from “Liar Liar.”
LOCATION: 1002 Highland St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Gwen, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, lives at this home, also located in South Pasadena.
LOCATION: 410 Prospect Cir, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Film Oblivion 