Are you fond of watching comedy flicks like Dazed and Confused? Then you should definitely read this piece! Today I’ll tell you everything about the hilarious flick Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Furthermore, I’ll also share where was Fast Times at Ridgemont High filmed.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an American comedy-drama film that was released in the early ‘80s. This rib-tickling movie is based on Cameron Crowe’s novel, published a year prior to the movie. The basic premise of Fast Times at Ridgemont High revolves around a group of reckless American teenagers studying in a posh school in California. The story gets interesting when these teenagers get into all sorts of illicit activities in the high school premises.
The commercial performance of this comedy flick was somewhat decent. Fast Times at Ridgemont High grossed over $50 million in worldwide collections against a shooting budget of just $5 million. Even though this hilarious movie wasn’t nominated for the Oscars, it still managed to bag a major award.
But before I tell you more about this comedy flick, let’s first find out where was Fast Times at Ridgemont High filmed. Later, I’ll share other intriguing details of this hysterical drama flick.
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Where Was Fast Times At Ridgemont High Filmed? Let’s Know This Comedy Drama Film Closely!
Amy Heckerling used a number of innovative techniques while directing this film. Instead of depicting the screenplay from one perspective, she decided to use multiple perspectives to narrate the story.
The entire premise of this amazing film is divided into three major parts, depicting the experiences of the lead characters from their own point of view. Heckerling actually came up with this idea after meeting with the author of the original novel.
Cameron agreed to join the project as a screenplay writer under a specific condition. He asked the director to use this sort of unique technique while directing this movie. Apart from that, the author also advised Heckerling to let him keep the premise as close to the original as possible.
Since Cameron was quite confident with his approach, Heckerling agreed to the proposal and decided to let Cameron join the project as a screenplay writer. After the initial stage of production was over, Heckerling and her team started searching for ideal filming locations in and around California. Within a couple of weeks, the production members were able to identify suitable filming locations in and around Los Angeles County.
As soon as the main filming locations were selected, the director asked the production members to scout the remaining filming locations while he was acquiring the shooting permits. After everything was done, Heckerling signaled the crew to commence filming. The principal photography of Fast Times at Ridgemont High commenced in the first week of November 1981 and continued until the end of December of the same year. The production members had to capture the majority of the outdoor scenes in Los Angeles County.
So that’s why they were able to complete the entire shooting process in less than two months. At the same time, the fact that the filming crew managed to arrange the logistics in time also helped them to stay on top of shooting dates. It’s important to mention that even though the majority of the outdoor scenes of Fast Times at Ridgemont High were filmed in Los Angeles County, not all scenes were captured here.
The production members filmed some pivotal scenes of the movie in other parts of California as well. Although, these scenes were shot during the final phase of filming. Let’s go ahead and take a closer look at where was Fast Times at Ridgemont High filmed.
California | USA
The opening scene of the film, where we see the characters of Brad and Tracy for the first time, was filmed in Los Angeles. The production members used a medium-sized house located at 21124 Welby Way, Canoga Park, to shoot the interior scenes of Brad’s home.
No major changes were made to the interior or even the exterior part of the property, as it was well-maintained by the owners. However, the director asked the production members to use special equipment while filming the interior scene inside this property.
The iconic sequences of the Ridgemont High School in the movie were actually filmed inside Van Nuys High School. This educational institution is located at 6535 Cedros Avenue, Van Nuys, Los Angeles.
Additional outdoor scenes of Fast Times at Ridgemont High were shot in and around Sherman Oaks and North Prairie Ave, Inglewood. Since this part of California is a little sensitive in terms of the basic crime rate, the production members exercised all precautions before filming the outdoor scenes.
The final scene of Fast Times at Ridgemont High was filmed near White Oak Avenue, Granada Hills. The sequence where Brad and Tracy get with their friends again was filmed near this posh area in California.
Friends, now allow me to walk you through the plot of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. In the meantime, you can also read Saint X, Rawhide and Hang Em High.
Plot Of Fast Times At Ridgemont High | What’s It About
The story of Fast Times at Ridgemont High is centered around the teenage student of an American public school located in California. At the beginning of the film, the characters of Brad and Tracy influence their schoolmates to try illegal substances at high school.
As the story progresses further, the rowdy and reckless students of Ridgemont high school get into other sorts of illegal activities. Some students join the rock band and start abusing hallucinogens and other substances, while the remaining students get into illicit affairs.
Watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High and find out the full story!
Final Words
Guys, we’ve reached the final segment. I’ve mentioned all the filming locations of this hilarious film. But if you still have any questions regarding where was Fast Times at Ridgemont High filmed, let me know in the comments. Otherwise, if you wish to check out the filming locations of other films and shows, then browse through this website.
