Where Was ET Filmed? Spielberg’s Oscar-Winning Family Adventure Flick!!

If you’re looking for an award-winning film directed by Steven Spielberg, then no need to look any further, as you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to introduce you to the family adventure film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Furthermore, I’ll also let you in on where was ET filmed.

The American iconic sci-fi film, E.T. became a roaring success upon its release in 1982. A huge number of people from all age groups thoroughly enjoyed this film. This astounding global success is due to the masterful direction of Steven Spielberg, who adapted the screenplay from Melissa Mathison’s story. The basic premise of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial revolves around the character of Elliott, a meek American boy who helps an extraterrestrial being. The young male lead assists the amicable alien to embark on an interstellar journey.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial cast includes Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote in the lead roles. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial won 52 prestigious awards in total, including 4 Oscars. Commercially, this intriguing film earned over $794 million at the box office, against a production budget of just $10 million.

So, if you’re guessing it’s time for us to discuss the plot of the film in brief, then you’d be correct. But, before that let’s explore where was ET filmed so that you can take a closer look at the filming locations of this Oscar-winning movie.

Where Was ET Filmed? Let’s Know This Family Adventure Flick Closely!

The makers of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial arrived at the decision to shoot the entire film on location. So, after Spielberg adjusted the script and auditioned the potential actors for the movie he began looking for filming locations. He instructed other production members to scout for ideal shooting locations across the state of California.

Soon, a number of places in and around California were scouted, and then Spielberg reviewed them and selected a few. The principal photography commenced in the second week of September 1981 and continued till the month of December, of the same year. The filming schedule remained unchanged for the most part, as the crew worked hard to stay on top of the shooting schedule.

So, without waiting any further, let’s discuss in-depth where was ET filmed and find out more about the specific filming sites.

Los Angeles, California | USA

The opening scene of the movie, where we see the young lead actor and his family home, was filmed in the neighborhood of Sunland-Tujunga. A medium-sized home located at 7121 Lonzo Street, Tujunga was used to shoot the exterior shots of Elliott’s home in the film. However, in order to capture the sequence depicting the surrounding area of the lead actor’s neighborhood, the production members took outdoor shots around the Northridge area.

Other pivotal sequences in Los Angeles were captured near Porter Ranch and Porter Ridge Park. The famous Halloween chase sequence and exterior scenes showcasing the playground with caterpillar monkey bars were all captured around this area. The production members then moved to the other filming locations in California to shoot the remaining sequences.

Other Filming Locations, California | USA

The most important sequence of the movie, depicting the forest where the lead actor meets the alien for the first time, was captured in Crescent City. Specifically, the production members filmed inside the Redwood National Park and extensively captured the outdoor shots.

The crew then arrived at the Culver Studios located at 9336 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, and filmed the majority of the interior sequences of the movie. The crew constructed a make-believe set on Stage-4 and Stage-3 of the studio and filmed the interior sequences of the space shuttle and Elliott’s home.

Important to mention that, the CGI that we see in the movie, was also incorporated into the sequences inside the same studio. The entire filming process was completed by the end of December 1981, the crew members then started working on the promotion of the film.

Now, if you’re planning to visit California in the upcoming days, then you can certainly look up Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, San Diego, Big Sur, Napa Valley, and Sequoia National Park. These places in California are trending as the most happening places to visit in 2023, so make sure to add them to your bucket list as well.

Alright friends, let’s now briefly discuss the plot of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. So that you can get a better grip on the storyline of this exciting and iconic film. Meanwhile, you can check out Mosquito Coast, Shrinking, and The Wonder too.

Plot Of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial | What’s It About

The basic premise of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is centered around the character of Elliott, a 10-year-old jovial boy, who helps an alien escape Earth. At the beginning of the film, the young lead actor’s family life is depicted. As the story progresses further, Elliott suddenly comes across an extraterrestrial being while exploring a forest.

The plot thickens, when young Elliott’s secret friendship with the alien, gets revealed to his parents. Watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to find out how a bright young kid, helps an alien to embark on an interstellar journey.

Final Words

Ok guys, so now that you know where was ET filmed, I hope you’d be intrigued to watch this exciting film if you haven’t watched it already. Do let us know if you enjoyed the read in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out other amazing articles on Viebly.