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All American movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was All American filmed?

2018

City Locations

Los Angeles, El Segundo (USA)

Location Types

House, School, Estate, Gym

Location Styles

Cape Cod, Colonial, Mid-century Modern, Modern Building, Southwestern

About All American

All American is like a mashup of The O.C. and Friday Night Lights. While it may carry elements of cliché and cheesiness, it manages to captivate and engage the audience. All American is a drama television series created by April Blair that premiered on The CW on October 10, 2018. The show stars Daniel Ezra, Taye Diggs, Cody Christian, Karimah Westbrook, Bre-Z, Greta Onieogou, and Monét Mazur.

It follows the life of Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) from South Crenshaw High in Compton as he gets recruited to join the Beverly High School football team in Beverly Hills. The plot revolves around Spencer's struggle to balance two different worlds — his home neighborhood and the affluent lifestyle of Beverly Hills.

As he navigates through high school and football, he also learns about the dangerous consequences of making wrong choices and how they can affect his future. He has to make decisions between what is right and what will benefit him more in terms of his career dreams. With help from his mother, Grace (Karimah Westbrook), best friend Coop (Bre-Z), and coach Billy Baker (Taye Diggs), Spencer can keep a clear head to succeed both on and off the field.

All American has received mixed reviews from critics since its release. In 2020, the show received a nomination for Outstanding Writing at the NAACP Image Awards, and in 2022, an Outstanding Drama Series nomination at the NAACP. The series also received praise for its diversity behind the scenes; 50% of All American's staff are female, while half are people of color or members of minority groups.

All American Locations

The production of All American came to life in two distinct regions of Los Angeles, California — South Central and El Segundo. Filming took place primarily at Thomas Jefferson School in South Central Los Angeles, known as South Crenshaw School in the series, and El Segundo High School located in El Segundo. The team also used facilities at Warner Bros. Studios, with a cafe set built for Rescue Smoothies, complete with a functional kitchen.

The region is diverse, with several local landmarks nearby providing stunning visuals, such as expansive parks, tranquil beaches, and vibrant nightclubs. The area surrounding Thomas Jefferson High School is known for its historical significance and provides an excellent mix of urban and rural elements that create a unique atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the several shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions nearby.

The area around El Segundo High School is very different yet equally captivating, full of winding streets lined with lush landscaping leading to picturesque beachfront settings perfect for relaxation.

Yes, a trip to All American shooting locations would be worthwhile. It offers visitors an insight into the filming process and a chance to explore what these areas offer, from dining opportunities to sightseeing tours showcasing some of LA’s most iconic landmarks. With plenty of activities within both South Central and El Segundo, it can make for a memorable experience that will provide lasting memories long after you leave!

Spencer's house scenes in All American

1153 W 56th St, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA

In the pilot episode, an esteemed coach (Taye Diggs) from a prestigious and well-funded school in Beverly Hills approaches Spencer (Daniel Ezra), expressing a strong interest in having him join their team. At first, Spencer turns down the offer. However, Billy reaches out to Spencer's mother (Karimah Westbrook), who believes Spencer should not let such a promising opportunity slip away. As a result, Spencer ultimately decides to accept the offer.

1153 W 56th St, Los Angeles, provided the backdrop for the scenes featuring Spencer's house in Crenshaw. This charming residence is in the vibrant Vermont-Slauson neighborhood of South Los Angeles, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. Kindly note it is a privately owned house, so please be respectful and avoid disturbing its residents.

To reach this location, hop on Interstate 110 south of downtown Los Angeles; it should only take 15 minutes. Alternatively, catch the 204 and 40 buses.

The party house scene in All American

9200 Swallow Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90069, USA

The pilot episode features an iconic party scene that exemplifies teenage recklessness. Spencer's (Daniel Ezra) newfound friends bring him to a lavish party at a luxurious residence. The pool area is buzzing with activity, and Spencer indulges in excessive drinking. However, his friends purposefully intoxicated him to undermine his performance during the following day's practice.

Situated above the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles is a neighborhood called the Bird Streets, named as such because the streets get their names from various birds. The house featured in this scene was not a specially constructed set but a private residence owned by an individual. Its specific address is 9200 Swallow Drive.

Notably, you can quickly identify the house by its distinctive features, including a brick façade, a grand two-story entrance, elegant arched windows, beige walls, and a charming tiled roof. To get to this location from Hollywood Boulevard, drive up into the hills until you reach Mulholland Drive. After that, take Mulholland to Woodrow Wilson Drive and continue towards Coldwater Canyon Avenue until you reach Swallow Drive. The house is on the left side of the street, about halfway up.

The homecoming game scene in All American

Augustus Hawkins High School, 825 W 60th St, Los Angeles, CA 90044, USA

The highly anticipated Homecoming game creates a tense atmosphere, prompting Spencer's (Daniel Ezra) determination to make things right. Spencer makes an interception as the game begins, but Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) faces difficulties. By halftime, they find themselves trailing by two touchdowns.

Realizing that the opposing team is aware of their playbook, Billy (Taye Diggs) advises Spencer to teach Jordan some Crenshaw plays, with Chris (Spence Duane Moore II) lending a hand. As the game reaches a tie, there is one final play left. In a clutch moment, Spencer throws the ball to Jordan, resulting in a triumphant winning touchdown.

This moment is captured in Season 1, Episode 8, and has become a fan favorite for many viewers who have followed the series from its beginning. This moment also encapsulates what All American is about — resilience and overcoming obstacles no matter how difficult the challenge may be.

Augustus Hawkins High School in Los Angeles, California, provided the backdrop for the scene. This high school is part of one of the most extensive construction building programs ever done by the Los Angeles Unified School District. It offers a unique background that perfectly captures what it's like going to school in South Central LA. Visitors can explore this location and discover other sites from TV series that have remained unchanged.

Visitors can get to Augustus Hawkins High School by car or public transportation. It's located near downtown Los Angeles, about 15 minutes from Hollywood. To get there by car, you'll need to take the 110 freeway southbound or take public transportation via Metro J Line 910/950.

Spencer's speech at the school board meeting scene in All American

El Segundo High School, 640 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA

Viewers may recollect a significant moment from the 16th episode of season 2, where Spencer (Daniel Ezra) makes a compelling speech at the school board meeting. He announces his decision to return to South Crenshaw and successfully persuades the board to delay the school's conversion for another year. Furthermore, he invites Billy (Taye Diggs) to take up coaching at South Crenshaw.

The Beverly Hills school scenes were shot at El Segundo High School, 640 Main St. This location has lent backdrops to many movies and television shows like Superbad and Joan of Arcadia. It gives viewers a glimpse into what a typical high school looks like — with authenticity from the open space, classrooms, hallways, and the football field.

The campus also features its performing center and arena, so fans can easily imagine watching Spencer give his rousing speech in front of the school board members or following Billy out on the field to coach.

El Segundo High School is just off Pacific Coast Highway and about five miles from LAX airport. For car travel, follow the route via I-110 S and I-105 W/Century Fwy/Glenn Anderson Fwy, which should take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Football game scenes in All American

El Segundo High School Football field, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA

As the first game of the season draws near, Spencer (Daniel Ezra) finds himself under mounting pressure both on and off the field. Coach Montes (Alexandra Barreto) is pushing Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) to perform at his best while also encouraging Asher (Cody Christian) to absorb knowledge from the sidelines.

To add to the tension, Chris (Spence Duane Moore II) refuses to pass the ball to Spencer during practice. Despite the challenges, all of them are entirely focused on the goal of winning their inaugural season game, making it an intense and exhilarating moment. (3 seasons, episode 3).

At El Segundo High School Football Field, there is a sense of nostalgia. The brick facade buildings evoke memories of classic American high school films, with red and white colors adorning the stadium stands. Various locations, including the El Segundo High School Football field, lent backdrops for the field scenes for the game and practice scenes.

The school campus, constructed in 1927, comprises five buildings with beautiful brick facades. El Segundo High School has made its mark in the movie industry as the backdrop for numerous films and television productions.

El Segundo High School is at 640 Main Street, about 4 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can get there by car or public transport such as bus or rail service, which stops at El Segundo Boulevard Station just west of Sepulveda Blvd.; it takes only 5 minute's walk from here to reach El Segundo High School Football Field.

Coach Baker's house scene in All American

4760 Amigo Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356, USA

Viewers may remember an episode from the fourth season, "Murder Was The Case," where J.J. (Hunter Clowdus) hosted a murder mystery party that played a crucial role in maintaining their group's unity. The event not only prevented their friendship from weakening, but it also led to an unusual encounter with a SWAT team because of Olivia's (Samantha Logan) mysterious stalker.

Throughout the series, viewers witness other critical family-centric moments that give insights into the characters' lives. From Coach Baker's (Taye Diggs) emotional talks with his team to Spencer's (Daniel Ezra) search for identity, this house has seen a lot of memorable moments.

The filming location for these scenes is 4760 Amigo Ave, Tarzana - located about 10 miles northwest of Beverly Hills, across the Santa Monica Mountains. This property has an exterior that perfectly captures the feel of suburban Los Angeles and allows viewers to get an up-close look at what life may be like for those living in Southern California.

Take a private car or choose public transportation. If you prefer driving, you can take the US 101 N road. Alternatively, you can opt for public transport by taking the Pacific Surfliner buses from Union Station and then transferring to Metro G-Line 901, which will take you to Reseda Station.

Conclusion

All American is a show that starts with a good premise but unfortunately becomes bogged down in depressing drama. The performances are mostly good, and the script is serviceable. The idea of exploring race and class is interesting, and the show does allude to it from time to time but never really dives into it in any meaningful way.

Overall, All American does have its moments of entertainment for those who enjoy teen dramas. In terms of its contribution to the movie industry, many people have watched All American since its launch, and the show has become popular amongst its target demographic; however, it hasn't had much impact beyond that.

Any traveler working on their tour itinerary will find plenty of inspiration from the All American filming locations.