The Filming Locations of Pretty Little Liars: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever wondered where the characters in Pretty Little Liars call home? The beloved drama series not only captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline, but also with its diverse and intriguing filming locations. From the Canadian paradise of Vancouver BC to the bustling studio of Burbank California, let's explore the locations that brought the drama to life.

Introduction

Pretty Little Liars is a popular TV series that ran from 2010 to 2017, consisting of 200 episodes over seven seasons. The show follows four friends—Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily—after they receive mysterious messages from a girl who knows details about their darkest secrets. The series has a unique combination of family drama, suspician, and love.

Season One and Pilot: Vancouver, BC, Canada

The pilot episode of Pretty Little Liars was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Known as the Hollywood North, Vancouver is a popular film and television hub, having hosted various notable productions. The choice of Vancouver for the pilot was strategic, as it was chosen for its diverse range of locations, beautiful scenery, and extensive infrastructure for filming.

Some of the notable locations in Vancouver that featured in the pilot include:

Langara College: The original campus of Langara College was used for exterior shots of the fictional Aria Mechanical High School. Note House Film Village: This studio complex includes several authentic-looking brownstones, but one particular house was often used for exterior shots of the Li family home and Aria's old house. New Westminster Bridge: This bridge, the longest bridge in the city, was used to depict the association of Li Typical Avenue in Aria's flashback scenes.

Seasons Two and On: Burbank, California, U.S.

After production moved to Burbank, California, in the second season, the series began using the ABC studio lot. This decision was made due to cost-effectiveness and the proximity to other popular series filmed in the area.

The ABC studio lot is a major film and television production facility located in Burbank. It was chosen as the main filming location for Pretty Little Liars for several reasons:

Proximity to Other Studios: The proximity to other studios, such as Warner Bros. and Columbia Pictures, allowed for easier crew movement and logistics. Diverse Space: The studio lot provided a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces that could be used to recreate scenes from the show. Flexible Contracts: The studio's flexible contracts made it easier for the show to film various scenes without having to search for new locations.

Major studio lot-based filming locations included:

Pratt Auditorium: This building was used to depict a high school, mainly for interior shots. Apartments and Mansions: Various apartment buildings and mansions within the studio complex were used to depict various residences and social spaces in the show. Baker Street Layout: An entire street layout was built on the lot, used to depict a bustling London street, known as Baker Street, in the show.

Conclusion

Both Vancouver and Burbank played a significant role in bringing Pretty Little Liars to life. From the scenic locations of Vancouver to the well-organized infrastructure of Burbank, the series thrived in both environments. The choice of locations influenced the series' atmosphere and storyline, adding depth and authenticity to the characters and their journeys.

If you're a fan of Pretty Little Liars or interested in the history of film and television, exploring these filming locations can enhance your appreciation for the show even more. Whether you're traveling to Vancouver for a walk through the streets or visiting Burbank's studio lot, the experience will undoubtedly provide a fascinating insight into the production of one of television's most iconic dramas.