Where was Small Soldiers Filmed?
Released in 1998, Small Soldiers is an American science fiction comedy film directed by Joe Dante and produced by Columbia Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures. The film tells the story of two toy soldiers, Action Figure Commandos, and their battle against a rival toy army, the Gorgonites. The film was primarily shot in California, with additional scenes filmed in North Carolina and Oregon.
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California Locations
Many of the film’s key scenes were shot on location in California. Some of the notable locations include:
- Oakland: The city’s waterfront area was used as the setting for the Battle of the Bay scene.
- San Francisco: The iconic Golden Gate Bridge was featured in the film’s opening scene.
- Santa Cruz: The beachside city was used as the location for the scene where the toy soldiers first come to life.
North Carolina Locations
While California was the primary filming location, some scenes were also shot in North Carolina. These include:
- Asheville: The historic Omni Grove Park Inn was used as the exterior setting for the toy store, "Globotech."
- Brevard: The town’s main street was used as the setting for the scene where the toy soldiers cause chaos in the town.
Oregon Locations
A small portion of the film was also shot in Oregon. Specifically:
- Portland: The city’s famous Voodoo Doughnut shop was featured in the film as a location where the toy soldiers cause mischief.
Studio Filming
In addition to on-location filming, some scenes were also shot on soundstages in California. The studios used included:
- Sony Pictures Studios: Located in Culver City, California, this studio was used for many of the film’s interior scenes, including the Globotech toy store and the interior of the toy soldiers’ homes.
- Fox Studios: Located in Los Angeles, California, this studio was used for additional interior scenes, including the scenes where the toy soldiers are manufactured.
Other Filming Locations
A few other locations were also used for filming. These include:
- Santa Monica Pier: The iconic pier was used as the setting for a scene where the toy soldiers cause chaos on the beach.
- Golden State Bridge: Located in Redwood City, California, this bridge was used as a stand-in for the Golden Gate Bridge in some scenes.
Filming Schedule and Logistics
Filming for Small Soldiers began in March 1997 and wrapped up in November of the same year. The film’s budget was approximately $45 million, which was relatively modest for a science fiction film at the time. The film’s cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Denis Leary, and Gregory Smith, spent around 12 weeks filming on location and on soundstages.
Conclusion
Small Soldiers was a fun and action-packed film that brought to life the imaginations of many children (and adults!) who saw it. From the stunning California coastlines to the historic streets of Asheville, North Carolina, and the quirky charm of Portland, Oregon, the film’s diverse locations helped to bring the story to life. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, comedy, or simply a nostalgic for the late 1990s, Small Soldiers is a film worth revisiting.
