The 2007 musical comedy film Hairspray, directed by Adam Shankman, is a cinematic masterpiece that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Based on the 1981 film of the same name by John Waters, the movie features an all-star cast, including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron. One of the key elements that make Hairspray so visually stunning is its use of vibrant and nostalgic locations. In this article, we’ll delve into the iconic locations where Hairspray was filmed, exploring the history and significance of each site.
Primary Filming Locations
The primary filming locations for Hairspray were in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The production team chose these locations for their unique blend of nostalgic charm and modern amenities.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto served as the primary filming location for Hairspray, with many of the movie’s interior scenes shot at various studios and soundstages in the city. Some of the specific locations in Toronto include:
- Pinewood Toronto Studios: This studio complex served as the main hub for filming, with many of the movie’s interior scenes shot on soundstages.
- Revival 629 Bar and Restaurant: This trendy bar and restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood was used as the exterior of the Tilted Acres amusement park.
- University of Toronto: The university’s historic campus was used as the exterior of the fictional Patterson Park High School.
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Baltimore, the city where the original Hairspray film was set, played a significant role in the 2007 production. The city’s unique blend of historic architecture and nostalgic charm made it the perfect location for many of the movie’s exterior scenes.
- Inner Harbor: The picturesque Inner Harbor was used as the backdrop for many of the movie’s exterior scenes, including the iconic dance number “Good Morning Baltimore.”
- Fort McHenry: This historic fort, which inspired the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was used as the exterior of the Tilted Acres amusement park.
- Patapsco Valley State Park: This scenic park was used as the exterior of the fictional Patterson Park, where the movie’s characters often hang out.
Additional Filming Locations
In addition to the primary filming locations in Toronto and Baltimore, the production team also shot scenes at various other locations in the United States and Canada.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton, a city located in southern Ontario, was used as the exterior of the fictional Baltimore neighborhood where the movie’s characters live.
- Locke Street South: This charming street in Hamilton’s Locke Street neighborhood was used as the exterior of the movie’s main characters’ homes.
- Dundurn Castle: This historic castle was used as the exterior of the Tilted Acres amusement park.
Los Angeles, California, USA
Some of the movie’s interior scenes were shot in Los Angeles, including the iconic dance number “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”
- Paramount Pictures Studios: This historic studio complex was used as the main hub for filming in Los Angeles.
- Dolby Theatre: This iconic theater, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, was used as the exterior of the fictional Corny Collins Show studio.
Location Scouting and Management
The location scouting and management process for Hairspray was a complex and time-consuming task. The production team worked closely with local authorities and location managers to secure the necessary permits and permissions to film at each location.
- Location Manager: The location manager for Hairspray was responsible for finding and securing the necessary locations for filming. This involved working closely with local authorities, property owners, and other stakeholders to ensure that filming could take place without disrupting the local community.
- Permitting and Permissions: The production team had to obtain the necessary permits and permissions to film at each location. This involved working closely with local authorities and property owners to ensure that filming could take place without disrupting the local community.
Conclusion
The 2007 musical comedy film Hairspray is a cinematic masterpiece that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The movie’s use of vibrant and nostalgic locations is one of its key elements, and in this article, we’ve explored the iconic locations where Hairspray was filmed. From the primary filming locations in Toronto and Baltimore to the additional locations in Hamilton and Los Angeles, each site played a significant role in bringing the movie to life. By understanding the history and significance of each location, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the movie and its enduring appeal.
Table: Filming Locations for Hairspray
| Location | City | Province/State | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinewood Toronto Studios | Toronto | Ontario | Canada |
| Revival 629 Bar and Restaurant | Toronto | Ontario | Canada |
| University of Toronto | Toronto | Ontario | Canada |
| Inner Harbor | Baltimore | Maryland | USA |
| Fort McHenry | Baltimore | Maryland | USA |
| Patapsco Valley State Park | Baltimore | Maryland | USA |
| Locke Street South | Hamilton | Ontario | Canada |
| Dundurn Castle | Hamilton | Ontario | Canada |
| Paramount Pictures Studios | Los Angeles | California | USA |
| Dolby Theatre | Los Angeles | California | USA |
Notable Cast and Crew
- John Travolta as Edna Turnblad
- Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma von Tussle
- Zac Efron as Link Larkin
- Adam Shankman as Director
- Leslie Dixon as Screenwriter
- John Waters as Executive Producer
What is Hairspray, and why is it a notable film?
Hairspray is a 2007 American musical romantic comedy film based on the 1988 film of the same name. The movie is set in 1962 Baltimore and revolves around the story of Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on a local television show. The film features an ensemble cast, including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron. Hairspray is notable for its blend of music, dance, and social commentary, addressing issues such as racial segregation and body image.
The film received widespread critical acclaim, earning three Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Original Song for “Come So Far (Got So Far to Go)”. Hairspray’s success can be attributed to its catchy soundtrack, energetic dance numbers, and its ability to balance lighthearted humor with more serious themes. The movie’s impact extends beyond the screen, as it has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous stage productions and cementing its place as a beloved musical comedy.
Where was the majority of Hairspray filmed?
The majority of Hairspray was filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and architecture made it an ideal location for recreating 1960s Baltimore. Many of the film’s exterior scenes were shot on location in Toronto, including the iconic dance sequences and scenes featuring Tracy’s family home. The city’s versatility allowed the filmmakers to transform its streets into a nostalgic representation of 1960s America.
While Toronto served as the primary filming location, some scenes were also shot in other parts of Ontario, including Hamilton and Cambridge. The film’s production team made use of a combination of location shooting and studio work to bring the world of Hairspray to life. The end result is a visually stunning and immersive film that effectively captures the spirit of 1960s Baltimore.
What notable locations in Toronto were used in the filming of Hairspray?
One of the most notable locations in Toronto used in the filming of Hairspray is the historic Distillery District. This charming neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and Victorian-era architecture, served as the backdrop for many of the film’s exterior scenes. The Distillery District’s unique character added to the film’s nostalgic atmosphere, making it an ideal location for recreating 1960s Baltimore.
Other notable locations in Toronto used in the filming of Hairspray include the University of Toronto’s campus, which served as the exterior of Tracy’s high school, and the city’s iconic St. Lawrence Market, which was used as the location for the film’s lively dance sequences. These locations, along with others, helped to bring the world of Hairspray to life and added to the film’s visual charm.
Were any locations in Baltimore used in the filming of Hairspray?
Although the majority of Hairspray was filmed in Toronto, some scenes were indeed shot on location in Baltimore, Maryland. The film’s production team made a conscious effort to incorporate authentic Baltimore locations into the movie, in order to pay homage to the city and its rich history. One notable location in Baltimore used in the filming of Hairspray is the Senator Theatre, a historic Art Deco movie palace that served as the location for the film’s pivotal dance audition scene.
In addition to the Senator Theatre, other locations in Baltimore were used in the filming of Hairspray, including the city’s famous Patterson Park and the historic Fells Point neighborhood. While the majority of the film was shot in Toronto, the inclusion of authentic Baltimore locations added to the movie’s authenticity and helped to capture the spirit of the city.
How did the film’s production team recreate 1960s Baltimore?
The film’s production team, led by director Adam Shankman, worked tirelessly to recreate the look and feel of 1960s Baltimore. This involved a combination of location shooting, set design, and meticulous attention to detail. The team drew inspiration from archival photographs and footage of 1960s Baltimore, as well as the city’s existing architecture and landmarks. By combining these elements, the filmmakers were able to create a visually stunning and immersive representation of 1960s Baltimore.
In addition to the physical locations, the film’s production team also focused on recreating the music, fashion, and cultural sensibilities of the 1960s. The movie’s soundtrack features a range of period-specific songs, while the costumes and choreography were carefully designed to evoke the era’s distinctive style. The end result is a film that effectively captures the spirit of 1960s Baltimore, while also conveying the story’s timeless themes and messages.
What role did the film’s choreographer play in recreating the iconic dance sequences?
The film’s choreographer, Adam Shankman, played a crucial role in recreating the iconic dance sequences in Hairspray. Shankman, who also directed the film, drew inspiration from the original 1988 movie, as well as classic musicals and dance films from the 1960s. He worked closely with the cast, including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, and Zac Efron, to create energetic and memorable dance numbers that would bring the film’s story to life.
Shankman’s choreography was carefully designed to evoke the style and spirit of 1960s dance, while also incorporating modern elements and flair. The film’s dance sequences, including the iconic “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” numbers, have become beloved by audiences and are widely regarded as some of the most memorable moments in the movie.
How has Hairspray’s use of location shooting contributed to its enduring popularity?
Hairspray’s use of location shooting has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. The film’s authentic and immersive representation of 1960s Baltimore has helped to transport audiences to a bygone era, making the movie a timeless classic. The use of real locations, combined with meticulous attention to detail and period-specific design, has created a visually stunning film that continues to captivate audiences.
The film’s location shooting has also helped to establish a strong sense of place and atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world of 1960s Baltimore. This, combined with the movie’s catchy soundtrack, energetic dance numbers, and memorable characters, has made Hairspray a beloved favorite among audiences. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of location shooting in bringing a story to life and creating a lasting cinematic experience.