Where Was Dark Shadows Filmed? Location and Box Office Details
If you were around in the 60s and 70s, you might remember a little black-and-white TV series called Dark Shadows which was a gothic soap opera and a cult classic. It was so successful that someone along the way decided it was time for a reboot and made a movie from the series. In this article, we’ll be talking about the movie. But where was Dark Shadows filmed?
Where Was Dark Shadows Filmed?
The original Dark Shadows TV series (1966 to 1971) was taped at ABC’s studios in New York City, with exteriors filmed in Essex, Connecticut and at mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Collinwood mansion in Tim Burton’s 2012 film was a facade built in Bourne Woods, Surrey, England, and its interiors were sets at Pinewood Studios. Trafalgar Castle in Whitby, Ontario was used only for the girls’ boarding school scenes.
Dark Shadows – The Story
The story of Dark Shadows starts in 1760 when a young Barnabas Collins sails from Liverpool, England to the United States to start a new life. He settles in Collinsport, Maine. He eventually breaks the heart of Angelique Bouchard, a maid who is secretly a witch.
What he probably didn’t know was that she was a witch who then turns him into a vampire and buries him alive. Two hundred years later he was mistakenly freed from his tomb into the world of 1972. Now he’s a 200-year-old vampire. He returns to his derelict mansion and tries to put his house and life back together again.
In case you haven’t seen the film for a while, here’s the Dark Shadows trailer from Rotten Tomatoes:
The Cast
The main cast includes Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Eva Green, and Jackie Earle Haley.
The Director
The movie was directed by Tim Burton. When you think of Tim Burton movies you probably think of Johnny Depp as well. The two are great friends and have worked together on a number of films including Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd, and Edward Scissorhands.
Dark Shadows Box Office Details
- Dark Shadows Film Budget: $150,000,000
- Opening weekend (May 11, 2012): $29,685,274
- Gross (US & Canada): $79,727,149
- Gross (World): $245,527,149
Other Adventure Movies and Their Film Locations
Another witch story set in a made-up New England town is Practical Magic. Coupeville, Washington, played Maria’s Island, Massachusetts. Here’s where Practical Magic was filmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dark Shadows house from the movie real?
The answer is no. It’s completely fictional. It was a set constructed in Bourne Woods, Surrey, England.
Was Dark Shadows filmed in Maine?
No. The 2012 movie takes place in Maine, but it was filmed almost entirely in England, with a short shoot at Trafalgar Castle in Ontario, Canada.
While you can’t visit the Dark Shadows house or the set, you can certainly visit England. There’s plenty to do and see. The rich history of the country may even give you a feel for that Dark Shadows vibe!
Would you visit England? Have you already been there? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Dark Shadows
Director: Tim Burton
Date Created: 2012-05-11 11:01
3.5
Alanna Birmingham
Alanna Birmingham is a professional freelance writer and a Film Aficionado who adores watching, writing, and being involved in all elements of filmmaking.