Where was Flipped filmed?
2010
City Locations
Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
Location Types
House, School, Gym, Riverside
Location Styles
Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Modern Building, School, Georgian/Southern
About Flipped
Journey into the heart of teen romance with Flipped, a charming 2010 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by the iconic Rob Reiner, recognized for his adept storytelling and timeless narratives. Delighting audiences with its release by Warner Bros. Pictures on August 6, 2010, Flipped features a dynamic cast that includes Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay, John Mahoney, Anthony Edwards, and others.
The emotionally engaging plot centers on two eighth graders, Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) and Julianna "Juli" Baker (Madeline Carroll). Despite their contrasting personalities, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. As they grapple with the complexities of adolescent emotions, their relationships unfold unexpectedly, providing viewers with an authentic exploration of first love. This coming-of-age tale captures the innocence, confusion, and wonder of adolescent love with sensitivity and humor.
While it may not have clinched any significant awards or nominations, Flipped garnered considerable attention, dividing critics. It holds a 55% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 76 reviews and a 45 out of 100 rating on Metacritic, indicating mixed to average views.
In essence, Flipped is a heartfelt journey into a teen romance that charts the inexplicable pull of first love, capturing the innocence and wonder of adolescence. Its charm lies in its authentic portrayal of young love, showcasing the poignant and hilarious moments that define a romantic coming-of-age experience.
Flipped Locations
Flipped, a romantic comedy-drama adapted from Wendelin Van Draanen’s young adult novel, takes viewers back to the late 1950s and early 1960s. Celebrating the spirit of old-world charm, the movie was entirely filmed in the beautiful midwestern state of Michigan. The most significant of these locations is Ann Arbor, a city rich in history and culture and famously known as a center of political activism during the Vietnam War era.
The cast and crew of Flipped transformed the city into a living movie set, with significant scenes shot at Thurston Pond, the Clague Middle School, and the Thurston Elementary School. Another prime location, Virginia Park, lends its natural beauty to the film, with the significant Sycamore tree being one of the highlights.
In some scenes, the viewer is given glimpses of the interiors of Bryce's house, which were filmed in an actual apartment and a set constructed inside a General Motors warehouse. Locations in Saline, like the Saline Middle School, are also featured in the film, as are the downtown area of Manchester and the countryside west of Ann Arbor.
These diverse shooting locations offer more than just their aesthetic charm. They echo the saga of the past, with every brick, tree, and street corner narrating a story. Whether it's the vintage cars cruising down the city streets, the historical school buildings with their classic architecture, or the beautiful landscapes and tranquil parks, a trip to these locations would be like traveling back in time.
Bryce holds Juli's hand scene in Flipped
Thurston Nature Center, 2398 Yorktown Dr, Ann Arbor, MI
Young Juli (Morgan Lily) believes that young Bryce Loski (Ryan Ketzner) shares her romantic feelings. She sees his bashfulness and awkwardness as indications of a shared attraction. The moment he "held her hand," Juli anticipated her first kiss from him would occur in the second grade. Juli was certain she had "flipped" for him from that point forward.
Some scenes of Juli's house were filmed near the Thurston Elementary School, 2300 Prairie Street in Ann Arbor. The school's classrooms served as the backdrop for several scenes in the movie, providing an authentic setting for the characters' school life. In addition to using the school, filmmakers also constructed a temporary house near the Thurston Pond at the Thurston Nature Center, which served as Juli's home.
With nearly 20 acres devoted to environmental education, Ann Arbor's Thurston Nature Center is a landmark spot. It's a stopover for migrating birds and a haven for various wildlife. A Monarch Butterfly Waystation and many rain gardens are also displayed at the Nature Center.
Make your way to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to visit this filming location. After you get there, the drive via Plymouth Rd. is only around 10 minutes. Bus lines are available for those who prefer that mode of transportation; however, remember that the trip could take up to forty minutes.
The cutting of the tree scene in Flipped
Virginia Park, Siller Terrace, Ann Arbor, MI
In a moving sequence, Juli Baker's (Madeline Carroll) love for a big, old sycamore tree takes center stage. Her personal growth and worldview are reflected in the tree at Virginia Park on West Liberty Street. For Juli, it's a place of revelation; from her perch, she can survey the landscape below. The audience is deeply affected by the important turning point in the narrative that occurs with the cutting down of this treasured tree, despite Juli's protests.
The film's wistful mood is mainly attributable to the sycamore tree and Virginia Park. Located five acres west of Ann Arbor, Michigan's downtown, this park is popular with locals and visitors because of its impressive array of sycamores and other large trees that provide welcome shade. Park amenities include a fountain for drinking water, a playground with an asphalt walkway, picnic tables, benches, a basketball court, softball fields, and an open field.
For those interested in visiting this iconic filming location, Ann Arbor is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you're driving, you can take the I-94, exit at Jackson Avenue, and head east until you reach West Liberty Street. Virginia Park is located between Virginia Avenue and Seventh Street.
The school's basket boy auction scene in Flipped
Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
At the school's basket boy auction, Juli (Madeline Carroll) is entangled in a whirlwind of emotions regarding Bryce (Callan McAuliffe). She learns Sherry (Ashley Taylor) plans to bid on Bryce, setting up a rivalry with another of the school's "popular" girls. Meanwhile, Bryce is under the impression that Juli intends to bid for him after he hears she walked into the event with a wad of cash, which she hadn't initially planned to bring.
This scene was filmed in the gym area of Clague Middle School, located at 2616 Nixon Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The middle school, built in 1972, is named after Ashley H. Clague, a local businessman and civic leader. While fans may be unable to access the gym because it is part of an operational school, its exterior can be observed.
If you're planning to visit Clague Middle School from downtown Ann Arbor, start by driving northeast on Plymouth Rd. The journey by car should take around 11 minutes. Alternatively, you could use public transportation. Buses #22 and #23 are available from the center of Ann Arbor, but please note that the bus ride will take approximately 40 minutes.
The lunch scene in Flipped
Saline Middle School, 7190 N Maple Rd, Saline, MI
Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) and Sherry (Ashley Taylor) sit across from Juli (Madeline Carroll) and her date, Eddie Trulock (Matthew Gold), who is basketboy number 8. As Juli faces Bryce, he cannot tear his gaze away from her. Seeing her enjoy herself with her date stirs feelings of jealousy in him. In a bold move, he abandons Sherry, pulls Juli aside to talk, and tries to kiss her in front of everyone. However, Juli evades his kiss and escapes.
This scene and several other significant scenes from this romantic comedy were filmed at Saline Middle School. The school, located at 7190 North Maple Road in Saline, Washtenaw County, opened its doors in 1971. While fans may not be able to visit the school for privacy and security reasons, they can take a stroll down the streets of Saline to locate more filming sites.
Just ten miles southwest of Ann Arbor is the bustling town of Saline. 'Saline' comes from the city's natural salt springs, while its historic charm and modern options make it unique. Community involvement, nationally ranked schools, cultural and recreational programs, downtown areas, dining and retail experiences, and accessibility to major metropolitan facilities have all contributed to its recognition as one of the most incredible places to live in America.
From Ann Arbor, choose S State St. as your starting point for your trek to Saline Middle School. About twenty minutes should pass on the way. Please be aware that this route has no accessible public transportation choices.
The happy end scene in Flipped
Ann Arbor, MI
Juli (Madeline Carroll) is taken aback and then amazed when Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) brings back a young sycamore tree. Upon placing it in a hole, he invites her to accompany him outdoors. As they plant the tree together, Bryce carefully places his hands on Juli's. Knowing their first kiss is coming, they both crack warm smiles.
Like most of the production, this touching scene was shot in the vibrant city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The houses of Bryce and Juli, which feature prominently in the movie, were also filmed in this location. Known for its vibrant university scene, Ann Arbor is a culinary paradise and a thriving technology center. The city, nestled in the Lower Peninsula of southeast Michigan, boasts a pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with world-class artistic and cultural attractions. As the central hub for communities in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor is where tradition and innovation intersect.
To get to Ann Arbor from Detroit, start on M-14 W from Gratiot Ave and E Lafayette St. Continue on M-14 W to your destination in Ann Arbor. This journey should take approximately 45 minutes by car. Unfortunately, public transportation options are limited for this route.
Conclusion
The charming and heartwarming romantic comedy-drama Flipped has received excellent reviews from critics and viewers alike.
Ann Arbor, a city in Michigan known for its rich history and culture, was the principal setting for the 1963 film. Setting the scene for a comforting bygone age, the location enhances the film's melancholy tone. With its simple tale of first love and all its highs and lows, Flipped evokes the essence of a bygone era. The picture stands out from the crowd because it makes you long for a bygone era when love was more important than everything else.
The hypnotic storyline, outstanding performances, and breathtaking scenery of Flipped make it impossible to turn off the screen.