How did you get started in visiting filming locations?
It started with visiting a few places from my favourite films and movies like the Ghostbusters building and the Full House house. Please also read my About Me section for more.
Do you only visit locations if you’ve watched a certain show/film?
Often, yes, simply because it interests me. However I do keep a database of filming locations with the addresses, so I will sometimes visit a location if I’m nearby, even if I haven’t seen that show/movie. An example is the IT movies, which I hadn’t watched. However they were filmed near me, so I did stop by to visit the locations.
What has been your favorite location that you’ve been to so far?
I think my favourite single location was the Home Alone house, simply because it took me so long to visit. I never seemed to be in Chicago during my travels, so it was really exciting when I finally went to Chicago and saw the house.
It was amazing to explore the CBS Radford lot in Hollywood, because it isn’t open to the public. I had a private visit, and it was very cool to be able to see the lot!
My most memorable experience was visiting the village from Billy Elliot. I was shown around by the town councilor and some village historians. It was an honour to meet them all and have them share their knowledge and history with me.
Have you visited Wilmington, NC? The house used in Muppets in Space is there.
I haven’t, but I’ll put it on my list in case I’m in the area. I do love the Muppets!
How do you find the exact spot?
I have a variety of ways to track down locations. I always just start with a Google search. Google maps is also a great tool. I also generally get some screen shots of the movie or show to help me. I have some other tips here on my Getting Started with Location Hunting page.
Do you have any local assistance?
Usually no, I do the research myself. If I have a friend who lives near a location, I may ask them for a bit of help or advice. When I travel, I try and stay with friends, as it’s a great chance to catch up.
That being said, I’ve reached out to locals for a few hard-to-find locations. One place was just so elusive, I ended up posting a screenshot on a TripAdvisor forum, and someone was able to give me an answer. Also, I’ve reached out to local tourist boards for assistance on occasion. Sometimes I just need to narrow down the neighbourhood, and then I can work my magic from there.
Why do you not always provide addresses to the locations?
There are a couple reasons I may not provide specific addresses.
- The owners may have requested it, or there are other sensitive reasons why I think it’s best to not share the location publicly.
- Some locations have involved a lot of work to track down. I am not kidding when I tell you I have spent years tracking down a few locations. While I happily participate in the greater location hunting community, I also like to make sure my site is unique and represents my own work. Most other location hunters are wonderful, and would never take info without credit. But I still like to be careful with info I’ve put a lot of work into. Likewise, I give credit to others when they provide me with a location.
- To protect my copyrights. I recently caught one click-bait website who stole my American Housewife article, and republished it as their own. After that, I’ve learned I need to be a little more protective of what I publish.
What’s your favorite 80’s movie?
I love some of the classic 80’s movies! Ghostbusters and Back To The Future were the first movies I ever watched on video (we even had to rent a VCR to watch them). I also love a lot of John Hughes movies like Uncle Buck and Ferris Bueller. A Christmas Story and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure are other classic 80’s films I love to watch over and over.
Are there movies you really want to visit the locations from?
LOTS! As much as I’ve visited, I still have a list of locations I want to see. I’d love to get to Austria to visit The Sound of Music locations. I also want to visit some more of the Forrest Gump locations. They’re spread out across the US so it will take a lot of travel. One day I hope to visit the castle used in the Rocky Horror Picture Show as well.
What have your experiences been meeting owners of houses/buildings?
Everyone has been nice, honestly. I’ve never had anyone be rude. The woman who owns The Goldbergs house was very sweet. She pulled up to her house as I was taking photos. She put her groceries in the house and then came outside to chat for a while.
The lady who owns the Rose Apothecary (actually a wool store) from Schitt’s Creek was really nice as well. She told us about how the show is filmed, and how they put up a fake back wall to her store.
When I visited the Wheeler house from Stranger Things, they had a LOT of no trespassing signs. It seemed over the top, but I imagine they’ve had some issues with trespassers.
Have you ever broken the law or gotten into trouble while visiting locations?
NO!!! But actually yes….. nothing major. When visiting the golf-kart and mini-golf locations from an indie movie I was in, Undercover Angel, I may have passed a couple “do not enter” signs. The lot is abandoned and has been for sale for years. I wanted to see the site before it was potentially sold and destroyed, so I took the risk. I never condone or suggest doing this, though.
One time I was in Santa Monica and I pulled over to put an address into the GPS. A cop pulled up and told me it was a reserved parking spot. I told him I was just pulling over to be safe, instead of doing it while I was driving. He was quite nasty and told me it wasn’t allowed. So I drove a couple blocks away and used my GPS there.
Are you on social media?
You bet I am! My main social media is Instagram, where I share comparison shots. I’m also active on Threads. I do have a Facebook Page and a YouTube Channel, but I don’t post as much to those. Nonetheless, please follow me on all of those! I love interacting with people who share this interest!
How did you make this your job?
I didn’t. I work a full time job in the travel industry. This is just a hobby. I spend my own money to keep this site up, and to travel to these locations.
Why do you sometimes use other people’s photos?
There’s a couple reasons you may see a photo I haven’t personally taken. It may be a location I don’t have access to, like on a private film studio. For example, ColumbiaRanch.net has been very kind about allowing me to use some photos, as the Ranch was not open to the public.
Also, during the pandemic, I am not able to travel and visit filming locations in person. I have had some family and friends who live near locations who have kindly offered to take some photos for me, to help fill in some articles, until I can get there and take my own. Any photo on this site that I have no personally taken, I have obtained permission to use.
Can I use your photos?
If you have any inquires about my photos, articles, or anything else I have produced, you may contact me at rob@robonlocation.com to discuss use. All my work remains my intellectual property, but I’m happy to discuss any use you may have for them.
Have you met any celebrities?
I have met some, yes. To me, it’s more exciting to see locations, and I always feel awkward talking to celebrities, but it can still be thrilling. I have met the whole cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation at Ottawa Comiccon. I have also met a few celebrities from Broadway shows, as I’m a big theatre fan. I’ve even bumped into a couple celebrities here and there.
And there’s that one time I hung out with Jerry Springer in Vegas.
What are some of your favourite photos?
I’m glad you asked! Here are a few of my favourite highlights!
