Where was Annabelle: Creation filmed?
2017
City Locations
Simi Valley, Los Angeles, Burbank, California (USA)
Location Types
House, Ranch, Film Studio
Location Styles
Cabin, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro, Dilapidated/Neglected, Georgian/Southern, Ranch Style
About Annabelle: Creation
Annabelle: Creation is a pivotal chapter in James Wan's famed The Conjuring series. With its expansive universe, this horror series has become an equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe within the genre. Annabelle: Creation, released in 2017, was directed by David F. Sandberg, renowned for his work on Lights Out. The film boasts a talented cast, including Anthony LaPaglia, Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Talitha Bateman, and Lulu Wilson.
The plot unfolds as a group of orphaned girls find themselves under the care of a doll maker and his wife, still mourning their daughter's untimely demise. However, their new home hides a terrifying secret - a haunted doll that terrorizes its inhabitants. This eerie presence soon turns their lives into a living nightmare.
Produced by James Wan, acclaimed for his work on The Conjuring and Insidious, Annabelle: Creation managed to gross over $306 million worldwide. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, many of whom considered it an improvement over its predecessor.
Peter Debruge of Variety, while not fully endorsing the storyline, praised the film for its successful frights. He commented, "This horror movie, despite being devoid of deeper substance, demonstrates how much audiences crave fear and that even a grotesque doll can deliver the chills when the intent is there."
Despite its spine-chilling premise, Annabelle: Creation didn't clinch any major awards but left a significant mark in horror cinema with its box office success and positive critical reception.
Annabelle: Creation Locations
The spine-chilling horror Annabelle: Creation used the picturesque landscapes and versatile soundstages of California for its momentous production. The filming process concentrated in Burbank, with Warner Brothers Burbank Studios providing the backdrop for a significant portion.
At Stage 26, at 4000 Warner Boulevard, two comprehensive sets replicating the interior of the Mullins' house were meticulously constructed, setting the eerie ambiance for most of the film's narrative.
A short distance away, in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, the crew brought to life the scenes featuring the orphanage. Shot at Clark Residences, a housing complex situated at 306 Loma Drive near downtown LA, these sequences further enhance the film's haunting atmosphere.
Venturing beyond the cityscapes, the crew also reportedly filmed additional scenes in Simi Valley, nestled in Ventura County. Big Sky Movie Ranch, located at 4927 Bennett Road, provided the backdrop for the exterior shots of the Mullins' house. This sprawling ranch has been the backdrop for numerous films, adding a touch of authenticity to the film's spectral world.
For fans of Annabelle: Creation or simply those intrigued by film production, a trip to these locations could be worthwhile. Exploring these sites offers an opportunity to step into the world of the film, experiencing the same landscapes and settings that shaped this terrifying tale. Moreover, the diverse attractions in and around Burbank, Los Angeles, and Simi Valley offer plenty to see and do beyond the film's specific locations.
The orphanage house scene in Annabelle: Creation
Mary Andrews Clark Home, 306 Loma Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
A particularly chilling sequence unfolds when the Mullins open their home to Sister Charlotte, and six orphan girls leave without a home due to their orphanage's closure. Ignoring warnings to avoid Bee's (Samara Lee) locked bedroom, Janice (Talitha Bateman), a young girl disabled by polio, stumbles upon a note that reads, "Find me." Intrigued, she sneaks into the mysteriously unlocked room and finds a key to Bee's closet. The sight that greets her is a haunting porcelain doll, setting the stage for the terrifying events.
This scene, featuring the orphanage, was filmed at the Clark Residences located at 306 Loma Drive near downtown Los Angeles. Constructed in 1913 as a Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) home for working women, this building still stands today, serving as a low-income housing complex amidst the city's skyrocketing rents and increasing construction of high-end housing.
To visit this location, head towards downtown Los Angeles. The Clark Residences are accessible via public transportation or car. From the city, take the Metro J Line towards North Hollywood and get off at the Westlake/MacArthur Park station. From there, it's a short walk to 306 Loma Drive. As always, be respectful of the fact that this is an active residence, so maintain your distance and avoid causing any disruptions.
The demon confronts Janice scene in Annabelle: Creation
Big Sky Movie Ranch, 4927 Bennett Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
A particularly harrowing scene unfolds one night when the demon, disguised as Bee (Samara Lee), confronts Janice (Talitha Bateman). The demon chillingly declares its desire for her soul. Despite her desperate attempts to escape using a stairlift, the demon manipulates the device, causing it to hurl Janice violently down to the ground floor. The encounter leaves Janice severely injured, increasing their sense of vulnerability and fear.
This tension-filled sequence unfolded in Simi Valley, in Ventura County, California. Big Sky Movie Ranch, situated at 4927 Bennett Road, provided the backdrop for the exterior shots of the Mullins house. This Southern California movie ranch offers a diverse range of backdrops for filming, including old ranch house sets, ponds, valleys, giant oak trees, grass meadows, and rocky outcroppings. It also boasts stunning views overlooking mountains, grassy hills, and more, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the film.
For those interested in visiting this iconic filming location, the Big Sky Movie Ranch is open for tours. From Los Angeles, reach Simi Valley by taking the US-101 N or CA-118 W. Follow the directions to Bennett Road to find the ranch. Here, you can immerse yourself in the haunting landscapes featured in the intense Annabelle: Creation scene.
Esther sees Bee's spirit transforming into the demon scene in Annabelle: Creation
Stage 26, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios, 4000 Warner Blvd bldg s16, Burbank, CA 91522, USA
One of the most memorable scenes takes place one fateful night when Esther (Miranda Otto) witnesses the spirit of Bee (Samara Lee) morph into a demonic entity. In a terrifying sequence, the demon gouges out Esther's eye, forcing her to wear a haunting half-doll-like mask to hide her disfigurement and scars. The horror escalates as priests are called upon to bless the house, eventually locking the sinister doll away in Bee's closet.
The chilling atmosphere and eerie visuals of this scene are enhanced by the meticulously designed set, representing the interiors. The scene came to life on Stage 26 of the Warner Brothers Burbank Studios, located at 4000 Warner Boulevard, California.
The film crew meticulously crafted two sets of the house interior, allowing for the seamless capture of elaborate scenes encompassing multiple rooms within a single frame. Every detail of the 1950s gothic interior enhanced the foreboding events transpiring within its walls flawlessly.
For fans of the film or those interested in movie production, visiting Warner Brothers Burbank Studios could become a fascinating experience. To reach Warner Brothers Burbank Studios, take a private car ride using US-101 N or public transportation with two bus transfers.
Conclusion
Annabelle: Creation is an intriguing addition to the horror genre, offering an origin story for one of the most unnerving dolls. The film successfully carves out its universe while maintaining echoes of the construction and themes from James Wan’s original film. Much like its predecessor, this installment centers around a group of young girls ensnared in a chilling nightmare, essentially delivering a haunted house flick that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The production used the stunning landscapes and flexible soundstages of California, predominantly in Burbank at the Warner Brothers Burbank Studios. Further scenes came to life in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, adding depth and realism to the narrative.
What sets Annabelle: Creation apart from its first installment is its strong visual language. Director Sandberg and his team excel at building tension through traditional horror movie tactics, forcing viewers to share the perspective of the terrified characters. The effective use of sound and light adds to the suspense, with creaking chairs, unexpected footsteps, and the ominous ring of Mrs. Mullins' bell all masterfully employed to keep the audience guessing and the tension high.
While Annabelle: Creation isn't flawless — its 109-minute runtime can feel lengthy, and it occasionally seems to be improvising its plot — it excels in its understanding of fear. It is more about the mystery of what could be causing the unsettling sounds in the hallway than the heavily made-up demon that eventually appears.
In conclusion, Annabelle: Creation is worth a watch for horror fans. Its strength lies in its well-crafted suspense, creative use of traditional horror elements, and its commitment to creating an immersive and terrifying universe for its characters — and its audience — to inhabit.