Steven Spielberg’s tender, semi-autobiographical film about a boy who falls in love with movie-making moves from the suburbs of Arizona to California – and filmed across Los Angeles and the deserts of Arizona.
Where was The Fabelmans filmed?
The Fabelmans was filmed across Los Angeles and in Arizona (Tucson and the Sonoran Desert).
Every Fabelmans location, explained
1
California – the family’s move west
Much of the film used Los Angeles, from Whittier to Malibu and the Golden Oak Ranch.
2
Arizona – the childhood years
The Phoenix childhood used Tucson and the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.
3
The camping trip
The family’s desert camping used the country around Santa Clarita and Arizona.
4
Hollywood – the dream
The film’s love of movies is rooted in the studios of Los Angeles.
Planning a visit
Los Angeles and the deserts of Arizona – the film’s two homes – are real, accessible settings behind Spielberg’s coming-of-age story.
The Fabelmans Fun Facts
1
Filmed in LA and Arizona The story moves from Arizona to California, and filmed in both.
2
Spielberg's own story The film is a semi-autobiographical portrait of the director’s youth.
3
A love of movies It follows a boy discovering the magic of making films.
4
A personal project Spielberg co-wrote the deeply personal film with Tony Kushner.
5
A famous cameo The film ends with a memorable cameo by another legendary director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Fabelmans filmed?
Across Los Angeles and in Arizona (Tucson and the Sonoran Desert).
Is it based on a true story?
Yes – it’s a semi-autobiographical story of Spielberg’s youth.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Los Angeles area and Arizona’s deserts are accessible.
Who directed The Fabelmans?
Steven Spielberg.
Who stars in it?
Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams and Paul Dano.
