The cinema industry would not be what it is if not for California. What started as a small adobe hut outside of Los Angeles soon grew into a billion-dollar industry. Today, Hollywood has even become synonymous with the silver screen. And the Golden State has long provided the perfect backdrop for filmmakers. In this article, we bring you some iconic Californian locations that made it to the big screen.
Los Angeles
Is there a better place to start your Californian movie trip than the City of Angels? Los Angeles is nothing short of a pilgrimage site for movie buffs. Home to the world’s leading cinema industry, Los Angeles lives and breathes Hollywood. And from noir movies to romantic comedies, countless motion pictures have been shot on location. Many others have taken direct inspiration from LA’s cityscape, including sci-fi cult movies such as Blade Runner. So much so that everywhere you look feels cinematic.
Hitting the road on Mulholland Drive feels like immersing yourself in a David Lynch classic. So does driving on Sunset Boulevard to follow in the footsteps of the Beverly Hills Cops. Then, head to the iconic Venice Beach. Along the way, you might spot the one and only Nakatomi Plaza, where Bruce Willis’ John McClane saved the day in Die Hard.
Los Angeles is also a hotspot for TV lovers too. Back in the 90s, the city took centre stage in shows like Melrose Place or the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Recent shows also picked Los Angeles as their filming location, from the world-famous The Big Bang Theory to Netflix original On My Block.
San Francisco
San Francisco comes close to LA in cinema appearances. Market Street ranks among the most filmed streets in the US for a reason. Twenty-two movies featured this vibrant artery, including a James Bond flick. The Golden Gate Bridge, on the other hand, has been destroyed in too many disaster movies to count.
With dramatic hills and a stunning shore, it is easy to see why San Francisco and the Bay area have been so attractive to moviemakers. From slice-of-life drama like The Pursuit of Happyness to CGI-filled movies such as San Andreas, San Francisco has shown many sides on the silver screen.
Just like Los Angeles, Frisco is also home to several TV shows. Full House is perhaps the most iconic ever shot in San Francisco. Despite airing decades ago, the ABC sitcom remains a fan favorite. And as we reported on Central Recorder, the tragic passing of America’s Dad, Bob Saget, had fans share many emotional stories of how much the show meant to them.
Pioneertown
Western movies rarely associate with the Golden State. However, California rivals states such as Nevada and Colorado. Classic movies like Django Unchained or How the West Was Won were shot in Lone Pine. But if you are looking for some old western feel, Pioneertown might be the place to start your journey.
In 1946, actor Dick Curtis established this town to create a “living, breathing movie set.” He and other investors settled a 1880s themed town that would serve as the backdrop for over fifty movies throughout the 1940s and 1950s. The appetite for the West on film eventually declined. But Pioneertown remains a thriving production set for everything from commercials and music videos to independent movies.
The Gambler was one of the most recent movies to shoot on location. Ironically enough, though, Pioneertown hosts no brick-and-mortar casino. Indeed, California has rendered gambling illegal. Still, gamblers can turn to online casinos. From the US to Canada, gambling platforms such as VegasSlotsOnline are an easy way to find thousands of fun-filled slots. Better yet, players can enjoy the world’s largest library of classic slots and video slots for free. This way, gamblers can try out most games before switching to making real-money bets. And from mythology-themed slots to quirky 3D machines, all games are optimised for mobile gaming.
California boasts some of the most dazzling scenery in America. And from the Hollywood hills to the Navajo desert, this diverse landscape lends itself well to the movie industry. So, are you in for a cinematic trip? Then discover the magic of the Golden State.