Are you a fan of the Twilight series, captivated by the romantic saga of Bella and Edward, and curious about Where Was Twilight Filmed and the real-life locations that brought their story to life on screen? Or perhaps you’re a film enthusiast, intrigued by the magic of movie-making and the art of transforming real-world locations into cinematic settings? If so, you’re in the right place.
Our managing Editor Jay Neill is a Canadian from British Columbia, where a significant portion of the Twilight series was filmed, he’s always been fascinated by the way his home region was transformed into the mysterious town of Forks, Washington. This sparked my interest in exploring the various filming locations of Twilight, leading me on a journey that spanned across the United States, Canada, and even Italy.
In this article, I’ll take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Twilight filming locations, sharing insider details and personal insights. We’ll explore the stunning landscapes of Oregon and Vancouver, the charming small towns of Washington, and the historic streets of Italy. Along the way, I’ll share fun facts about the filming process, the challenges faced by the cast and crew, and the impact of these locations on the Twilight saga.
So, whether you’re a Twilight fan eager to learn more about your favorite series, or a film buff interested in the art of location scouting, join me on this cinematic journey. Let’s uncover the secrets behind the filming of Twilight together.
Where Was Twilight Filmed?
The Twilight movie series was filmed in a number of beautiful and iconic locations. Some of the best-known filming spots include Oregon, Vancouver, Montana, and Italy. The Cullen’s house was shot at a private residence on Cypress Mountain in North Vancouver. Flathead Lake near Kalispell, Montana served as the location for Bella and Edward’s meadow scenes.
Twilight Filming Locations Map
Most of the movie was filmed in Oregon. The high-school scenes were filmed at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington. Additionally, the movie was shot in Montepulciano and Tuscany for New Moon, and Eclipse was filmed primarily in Vancouver with a few scenes shot in Portland.
The Twilight Story
The Twilight movie was the first in a series of movies adapted from the book series written by Stephenie Meyer. It’s a romantic fantasy drama about a high-school student (Bella Swan) who relocates to the town of Forks, Washington to live with her father. There she tries to fit in as best she can until she meets the mysterious Edward Cullen whom she falls in love with. She eventually discovers his secret and his family tries to protect her as well as her soul.
Here’s the official Twilight trailer which you will notice the various location in which I discuss below.
The Cast of Twilight
The main cast includes:
- Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)
- Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
- Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)
- Ashley Green (Alice Cullen)
- Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale)
- Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale)
- Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen)
- and Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen)
Who Directed Twilight?
The Twilight movie series was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, David Slade, and Bill Condon. Additionally, each movie had its own individual director of photography: Elliot Davis for Twilight, Javier Aguirresarobe for New Moon, Jeffrey Kimball for Eclipse, and Guillermo Navarro for Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 and 2.
Twilight Box Office Details
Here are the financials for Twilight.
- Twilight Film Budget: $37,000,000
- Opening weekend: $69,637,740
- Gross (US & Canada): $193,962,473
- Gross (World): $408,430,415
Fun Facts About Twilight
There are plenty of fun facts about this movie that you’ll enjoy reading about. For instance, the police station is actually the Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia.
At the time of filming, Kristen Stewart was only 17 and Robert Pattinson was 21. Because of the chemistry between the pair, Pattinson was warned that she was underage.
One of the most interesting fun facts is that Bella’s house is an actual house on South 6th Street in St. Helens, Washington. The interesting part is that you can actually stay there. It’s listed on the Airbnb website.
The Letterman’s jacket used in the movie was loaned to the costume department from the actual Forks High School in Forks. Several other items were also on loan from the school.
The high school used in the film is the same one used in the Paranoid Park movie.
The author of the story had a cameo appearance at the Carver Cafe where Charlie and Bella talk to a few of the locals. She can be seen working on a laptop.
Cannon Beach in Oregon served as the location for La Push Beach.
The films were shot using a blue filter to help carry the storyline of the secret vampire lifestyle.
7 More Twilight Behind the Scenes (BTS) Twilight Fun Facts
Let’s delve deeper into the mysterious world of Twilight with these fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel. From real-life romance and casting choices to stunts and on-set challenges, uncover the intriguing details that shaped this beloved vampire saga. Gain a newfound appreciation for the actors, crew, and creative team who brought the enigmatic characters and enthralling story of Twilight to life on the big screen.
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart:
Robert Pattinson, who played Edward Cullen, and Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan, started dating in real life while filming the Twilight series. Their off-screen chemistry contributed to the on-screen chemistry between their characters.
Casting:
Before Robert Pattinson was cast as Edward Cullen, other actors like Henry Cavill and Jackson Rathbone were considered for the role. Similarly, before Kristen Stewart landed the role of Bella Swan, actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Browning auditioned for the part.
The Piano scene:
The scene where Edward plays the piano for Bella was actually performed by Robert Pattinson himself. Pattinson is a talented musician and even composed the piece “Bella’s Lullaby” that he played in the movie.
Contact lenses:
Robert Pattinson and other actors playing vampires had to wear uncomfortable contact lenses to achieve the unique eye color associated with the creatures. The actors often complained about the discomfort, but the lenses were essential for creating the iconic vampire look.
Stunts and wirework:
Many of the stunts and wirework scenes in Twilight were performed by the actors themselves, with some assistance from their stunt doubles. For example, the scene where Edward saves Bella from the out-of-control van was achieved using a mix of wirework and special effects.
Weather challenges:
The Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather posed challenges during filming, with frequent rain and overcast skies. However, this also contributed to the gloomy and mysterious atmosphere that is characteristic of the story’s setting in Forks, Washington.
Book to film changes:
Some changes were made when adapting the book to the film, such as the addition of the iconic “sparkling” effect for the vampires’ skin when exposed to sunlight. In the book, their skin is described as being like marble, but the film’s creative team decided to add the sparkling effect to make it more visually interesting.
This gift set includes paperback editions of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner with exclusive cover redesigns.
The Twilight Movie Awards
It cannot be overstated how popular this movie was with teenagers in 2008. In fact, it won several Teen Choice Awards in 2009 including Best Drama, Best Romance, Best Actor, Best Actress, and a whole host of other Teen Choice Awards.
It was also nominated for Best Fantasy Film by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 2009.
What is Oregon Famous For?
Oregon is best known for its natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, rugged coastline, and clear rivers. Other popular attractions include Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and Multnomah Falls. Oregon also has a vibrant cultural scene with an abundance of museums, galleries, and wineries to explore.
Unique Places in Oregon
Portland Japanese Garden: Boasting a serene setting of beautiful trees, plants, and ponds, Portland Japanese Garden is one of the finest outdoor spaces in Oregon.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve: This national monument has an underground marble cave with spectacular limestone formations and its own unique ecosystem.
Deep Woods Estate Winery: Located in the Rogue Valley, this winery has a stunning view of the valley and offers delicious wines for tasting.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: This dune recreation area includes miles of sandy beaches, forested trails, and expansive sand dunes.
Things to Do in Oregon
Oregon is known for its abundance of outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping to fishing and skiing. There are also plenty of cultural attractions like the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry in Portland and some beautiful gardens like The Grotto in Portland.
The number one tourist attraction in Oregon is Crater Lake National Park. It is located in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern Oregon. It’s not really a crater but an ancient caldera that is the result of an eruption of the Mount Mazama volcano.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twilight
Did they actually film Twilight in Forks?
While the story takes place in the Olympic Peninsula, no shots were ever filmed in the actual city of Forks.
Where was Cullen’s house in Twilight?
The sleek tri-level home that the Cullen family lived in is located in Portland, Oregon. It is a private residence.
When was Twilight filmed?
Twilight was filmed in early 2008.
Who directed Twilight?
Catherine Hardwicke directed Twilight.
What forest was Twilight filmed in?
Twilight was filmed in the Clackamas County Forest, specifically in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon.
What high school was Twilight filmed at?
Twilight was filmed at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington, which served as the stand-in for Forks High School.
When was New Moon filmed?
New Moon was filmed in early 2009.
Oregon has had a reputation for being a very wet state. Its normal annual rainfall is 75-90 inches of rain. Coastal areas can experience up to 200 inches of rain per year. But that shouldn’t stop you. Just pack accordingly.
Additional Film Location Resources
If you are looking for more film locations, insider information and behind the scenes footage of your favorite movies – here are some additional posts for you to check out:
Twilight Posters and Actor Headshots
Have you ever visited Oregon? What was your favorite place? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
