Lights, Camera, Ashland! Movies Filmed In Oregon’s Charming City
Ashland is a name that likely conjures images of Shakespearean festivals, bucolic vineyards, and maybe a small-town getaway. But many don’t realize this Southern Oregon gem, nestled in the Rogue Valley, has also quietly played host to many film productions. The city’s unique natural beauty has made it a sought-after location for filmmakers. Here, we explore notable productions that have utilized Ashland’s unique settings. Additionally, we’ll uncover what makes Ashland such an attractive location for the film industry.
“Come On, Let’s Go” (1982)
Set in the late 1950s, this coming-of-age story follows a group of teenage boys from Queens, New York. They embark on a cross-country road trip to California. While the film starts in Queens, a significant portion of the narrative unfolds as the boys travel through various landscapes. Ashland and its surrounding areas were used to portray multiple small towns and roadside attractions the boys encounter on their journey. The scenic highways around Ashland were utilized to capture the vastness of the American landscape.
“Stand By Me” (1986)
Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” “Stand By Me” follows four young boys on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they encounter challenges that test their friendship and courage. While much of the film was shot in Brownsville, Ashland’s nearby landscapes, including forested trails, helped shape the movie’s overall feel. The film captures the nostalgia of small-town America, which Ashland embodies perfectly.
“Ricochet” (1991)
Nick Styles (Denzel Washington) is an honest cop. He is framed for murder by a vengeful criminal, Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow), whom he put away years earlier. After escaping prison, Blake systematically destroys Styles’ life. He is forcing him to fight back and reclaim his innocence. The opening scenes, depicting the idyllic small-town life of Nick Styles before his life is upended, were filmed in Ashland. This movie is an excellent choice to unwind and relax, like playing in an online casino. The filmmakers utilized Ashland’s charm to create a stark contrast with the gritty urban landscape of Los Angeles. They used this contrast to highlight the hero’s fall from grace.
“Coraline” (2009)
This stop-motion animated film follows young Coraline Jones as she discovers a hidden parallel world. This world seems perfect initially but quickly turns dark and sinister. While “Coraline” is an animated film, much of its creative inspiration came from Southern Oregon, including Ashland’s artistic atmosphere. The film’s eerie yet whimsical aesthetic mirrors the quaint
“Wild” (2014)
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild” chronicles her solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. She seeks to overcome personal tragedies and find inner peace. While much of the film was shot across various locations in Oregon, Ashland appears as part of Cheryl’s journey through the Pacific Northwest. The film captures the town’s scenic beauty and portrays it as a resting point for the weary traveler. In the movie, Cheryl arrives in Ashland after weeks on the trail, seeking rest and rejuvenation. The production filmed several key scenes in the Breadboard Restaurant, Papaya Boutique, and at the Downtown Plaza. The last one is the bustling heart of Ashland. It serves as the backdrop when Cheryl first enters the town, capturing the essence of the community.
“Leave No Trace” (2018)
A father (Ben Foster) and daughter (Thomasin McKenzie) live off the grid in a vast forest park near Portland, Oregon. When an encounter with authorities tears them from their idyllic existence, they are plunged into the dangerous world outside their chosen isolation. Many forest scenes in “Leave No Trace” were shot in the surrounding Ashland. The landscape is vital to the film as it portrays and provides the setting for many important themes. The thick forest, deep and dark, is almost another character in the movie,
Ashland: A Hidden Gem For Filmmakers
Ashland may not be Hollywood, but it has a distinct cinematic appeal that continues to attract filmmakers. From classic Westerns to modern dramas, the city’s charm and versatility make it a treasured filming location. Ashland proves that sometimes the most beautiful stories unfold in unexpected places.