Exploring the Filming Locations of Vegas Vacation
Vegas Vacation is a classic comedy film from 1997 starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, and Ethan Embry. It follows the Griswold family as they take a trip to Las Vegas for a fun-filled family vacation. The movie was filmed entirely on location in Las Vegas, taking full advantage of the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Here’s a look at some of the places where the movie was filmed.
The Strip
The majority of the movie was filmed on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. This is where the Griswolds stay at the fictional El Gato Hotel and where they experience all the glitz and glamour of Sin City. The Strip is also home to many of the movie’s most memorable scenes, such as when Clark (Chevy Chase) gets hustled by some street performers and when the family takes a gondola ride around the Venetian.
Red Rock Canyon
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the Griswolds take a road trip to Red Rock Canyon. This stunning natural landmark is located just outside of Las Vegas and is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. In the movie, the Griswolds take a leisurely drive through the canyon and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The Hoover Dam
Another stop on the Griswolds’ road trip is the Hoover Dam. Located just outside of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is an impressive engineering feat that serves as a source of hydroelectric power for the region. In the movie, Clark and his son Rusty (Ethan Embry) take a tour of the dam, which provides a fun and educational experience for the family.
The Casino Floors
No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without a visit to the casino floors. The movie features several scenes set in various casinos, including the Bellagio and the MGM Grand. These scenes show the Griswolds trying their luck at the slots and roulette tables, as well as having a wild time on the dance floor.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Vegas Vacation
In order to bring Vegas Vacation to life, a team of talented professionals had to work together to make it happen. From the cast and crew to the production design and special effects, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie was made.
Cast & Crew
At the helm of Vegas Vacation was director Stephen Kessler, who had previously worked with Chevy Chase on the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies. The cast of the movie included Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, and Ethan Embry as Rusty Griswold.
Production Design
The production design of the movie was handled by production designer John Corso. He was responsible for creating the look and feel of the movie, from the sets to the costumes. Corso also worked closely with the art department to create the authentic Las Vegas atmosphere seen throughout the movie.
Special Effects
The special effects of Vegas Vacation were handled by veteran special effects supervisor Steve Johnson. Johnson and his team were responsible for creating the various explosions and stunts seen throughout the movie. They were also responsible for creating the various visual effects, such as the fiery explosion seen at the end of the movie.
Revisiting the Cast and Crew of Vegas Vacation
Vegas Vacation featured an all-star cast of Hollywood talent. Let’s take a look at where the cast and crew are now.
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase starred as Clark Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the Netflix original series Community as Pierce Hawthorne. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Beverly D’Angelo
Beverly D’Angelo starred as Ellen Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. She recently appeared in the 2019 horror-comedy Zombieland: Double Tap. She is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Randy Quaid
Randy Quaid starred as Cousin Eddie in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the 2018 comedy The Last Movie Star. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Ethan Embry
Ethan Embry starred as Rusty Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the 2018 thriller Ready or Not. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
How Vegas Vacation Was Brought to Life on Screen
In order to bring Vegas Vacation to life on screen, a team of filmmakers had to work together to make it happen. From the cinematography to the editing and music, here’s a look at how the movie was brought to life.
Cinematography
The cinematography of Vegas Vacation was handled by veteran cinematographer Bill Pope. He and his team used innovative camera techniques to capture the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. They also used multiple cameras to capture the action in each scene.
Editing
The editing of Vegas Vacation was handled by veteran editor Richard Marks. He and his team worked to create a fast-paced and comedic tone for the movie. They also ensured that the movie flowed smoothly and that the jokes landed properly.
Music
The music of Vegas Vacation was composed by veteran composer David Newman. He and his team created an upbeat and energetic score for the movie. They also incorporated classic Vegas tunes into the soundtrack, helping to set the mood for each scene.
The Challenges of Filming a Movie in Las Vegas
Filming a movie in Las Vegas can be a challenge due to the city’s unique environment. Here’s a look at some of the challenges the filmmakers faced while making Vegas Vacation.
Crowd Control
Las Vegas is a bustling city and the filmmakers had to contend with large crowds of onlookers while shooting the movie. To ensure that the crowds stayed out of the way, the production team had to employ extra security and crowd control personnel.
Weather Conditions
Las Vegas can be hot and dry during the summer months, which can be difficult for filming outdoors. To combat this, the production team had to plan their shooting days carefully and use air conditioning units to keep the cast and crew cool.
Security Issues
Las Vegas is a major tourist destination and the filmmakers had to deal with heightened security measures while filming the movie. To ensure the safety of the cast and crew, the production team had to implement strict security protocols and hire additional security personnel.
The Legacy of Vegas Vacation: Where Are They Now?
Since its release in 1997, Vegas Vacation has become a cult classic. Let’s take a look at where the cast and crew are now.
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase starred as Clark Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the Netflix original series Community as Pierce Hawthorne. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Beverly D’Angelo
Beverly D’Angelo starred as Ellen Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. She recently appeared in the 2019 horror-comedy Zombieland: Double Tap. She is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Randy Quaid
Randy Quaid starred as Cousin Eddie in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the 2018 comedy The Last Movie Star. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Ethan Embry
Ethan Embry starred as Rusty Griswold in Vegas Vacation and has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the 2018 thriller Ready or Not. He is also set to appear in the upcoming remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation.
A Retrospective Look at When Vegas Vacation Was Filmed
Vegas Vacation was filmed on location in Las Vegas between October 1996 and January 1997. The movie was released in theaters on February 14, 1997 and went on to become a box office hit, grossing over $53 million worldwide.
Filming Dates
Vegas Vacation was filmed on location in Las Vegas between October 1996 and January 1997.
Release Date
The movie was released in theaters on February 14, 1997.
Box Office Performance
The movie went on to become a box office hit, grossing over $53 million worldwide.
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