White Water Summer is a classic 1987 coming-of-age film, directed by Jeff Bleckner and stars Kevin Bacon, Sean Astin, and Jonathan Ward. The movie was shot against a vast landscape that tells the story of a group of youngsters who go out with a wilderness expert only to have their lives changed by the events depicted there.
Movies like White Water Summer have inspired countless individuals to retrace the journey of the characters on their wild expedition. The movie, thanks to its cinematographer and director, delivers a perfect blend of natural beauty, captivating storytelling, and an unforgettable cinematic experience – let’s explore the stunning White Water Summer filming locations.
White Water Summer Filming Locations
The movie’s cinematography was in charge of English cinematographer John Alcott, whose work with Stanley Kubrick in films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, and The Shining makes him stand out as one of the best of their time. It was him whom director Jeff Bleckner chose to help him set the stage for this coming-of-age film that was shot between California and New Zealand.
Cromberg, California
Cromberg, in California, provided the picturesque setting for several of the unforgettable scenes in White Water Summer, like the one where Vic takes away Alan’s knife after carving his name on a tree. Nestled snugly in the lush heart of Plumas County, Cromberg’s secluded locale infused the film with a tranquil sense of isolation and genuine wilderness adventure that set the tone for the life-changing trip that the characters embark on.
Quincy, California, USA
Quincy is a town that has its roots all the way back to the California Gold Rush. Chosen by Bleckner and Alcott because of its outdoor ruggedness right in the middle of California, the town of Quincy provided an idyllic setting for White Water Summer’s more intimate scenes, as well as the outdoor driving scenes we see at the beginning of the film as the kids move and are transported towards Vic the outdoorsman’s way.
Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this quiet little California town lures adventure-seekers with the promise of rugged landscapes and unparalleled natural escapades.
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
The White Water Summer filming locations would be incomplete without discussing the sheer magnitude and awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These majestic, snow-capped peaks provided not just an essential backdrop to the film, but a conduit for the characters’ development as they tested their mettle against the unforgiving terrain. Undoubtedly, it was these mountains that enhanced the movie to become an unparalleled cinematic experience.
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Rangitaiki River, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
While the bulk of the movie was shot in California, for the white water rafting river scenes, director Bleckner and cinematographer Alcott chose the legendary Rangitaiki River, situated in the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand, to give White Water Summer’s unforgettable adventurous spirit.
This breathtaking river not only provided exhilarating and heart-pounding rafting scenes but also showcased the astounding beauty of the untamed waters of New Zealand.
To wrap things up, the locations chosen by the late John Alcott to deliver the inspiring and breathtaking scenes for White Water Summer not only among the most incredible outdoor places on the Pacific Coast of the United States but also showcase Alcott’s impeccable work, the kind of that often makes this film go under the radar when he has to talk about his work as a cinematographer.
Moreover, it is thanks to these filming locations that White Water Summer reached its cult-like status for coming-of-age films of the 1980s. It wouldn’t be possible to recreate that kind of scenes and dramatic dialogues against the backdrop of a studio; picking such picturesque locations gives the movie an extra layer of depth and inspires many people across the world to embark on journeys to emulate what Vic and the kids did in the movie.
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