Where did they film the Ewok movies?
I've never seen anyone post pictures or talk much about the filming locations used in the Star Wars Ewok Adventures TV movies. The area seen in them definitely looks like the hills and forests around Marin County and that's what the filming location is listed as in IMDB. It makes sense that they wouldn't stray too far away from Skywalker Ranch also since they would have had a limited budget with a made for television movie. Up until now, I haven't given it much thought, but a recent article I stumbled upon included a familiar looking rock in the background. In fact, it was Big Rock Ranch, directly next to Skywalker Ranch. You can even go for a hike on a trail that starts there. I wonder how many other recognizable Ewok movie locations can be seen along the trail? If I am ever in the area again, I'll definitely try going on a hike in the area. Marin County Parks & Open Space |
The movies are still available and were rereleased a few years ago (with a few minor changes). I don't have a copy myself but was able to take some screenshots from the versions posted on YouTube. If anyone happens to be in Marin County in the future, hopefully the screenshots will help in tracking down any other locations seen in the movies and I'd love to see some pictures if you do go so be sure to come back and share them here. Caravan of Courage (aka The Ewok Adventure) and The Battle for Endor are both on YouTube in pretty good quality and you can see them right here on the site.
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Eric Walker (aka Mace Towani) recently started a Kickstarter project called "Growing Up on Skywalker Ranch" to help raise money to release a Star Wars book detailing his time on Skywalker Ranch. The project looks great and I would encourage everyone to show their support and pledge a little if you can. The project will be running until Friday, August 5th 2011. There are some really great incentives for the different pledge levels also like copies of the book, autographed pictures, photographs taken on the movie set and while touring ILM and Skywalker Ranch, DVD video of footage from "The Making of The Ewok Adventure", an invitation to the Book Release Party, and you can even get a credit in the book at the highest pledge level. |
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I contacted Eric Walker to ask if he could share anything relating to where and how to get to the locations seen in the 2 Ewok Adventures movies. He wrote back right away with lots of great info that I listed below. It should definitely be possible to find some of the locations and line up some of the shots with all of this. There is also an interesting interview with him that I came across that you can read here. |
Roy's Redwoods:
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San Geronimo Golf Course and Archery Range:
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Skywalker Ranch:
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Basalt Rock Quarry in San Rafael:
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Other locations were of course at ILM on the main stage and Cookie Bay the smaller B stage. That was located on Kerner Ave in San Rafael. |
MDew