Introduction
The Way Way Back is an American coming-of-age comedy-drama film released in 2013. Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, the movie follows the story of fourteen-year-old Duncan (Liam James) who goes on a summer vacation with his mother (Toni Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend (Steve Carell). During the vacation, Duncan meets a charismatic water park manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell), who helps him to come out of his shell and gain confidence. While the movie has been praised for its heartwarming story and lovable characters, one of the most striking aspects of the movie is its stunning visuals. This article explores where The Way Way Back was filmed and how it impacted the local communities.
Interview with Location Manager
To gain insight into the process of choosing The Way Way Back’s filming locations, I interviewed John McInerny, the movie’s location manager. McInerny has worked on many movies and television shows since the early 2000s, including Jurassic World and The Office. Here’s what he had to say about filming The Way Way Back:
“We wanted to find a location that would really capture the spirit of the film and give us the opportunity to showcase some beautiful scenery. We looked for places that had a small-town vibe, but also had access to some of the outdoor activities that Duncan and Owen do in the movie. We eventually settled on Massachusetts as our primary filming location, with some additional scenes shot in Rhode Island.”
McInerny also noted that the production team was very conscious of the impact their presence could have on the local community. “We were careful to make sure that we had a positive relationship with the towns we filmed in. We tried our best to help out the local businesses, and even hired some of the locals as extras.”
Exploring Filming Locations
The Way Way Back was primarily filmed in Massachusetts, with some additional scenes shot in Rhode Island. The towns of Marshfield, Duxbury, Plymouth, and Sandwich served as the primary filming locations. Let’s take a tour of each of these towns and explore the locations featured in the movie.
Marshfield is a coastal town located in Plymouth County. It is home to several beaches and parks, which were used as background scenery in The Way Way Back. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie was filmed at Humarock Beach, a popular spot for swimming and surfing. The beach can be seen in the opening scene, when Duncan and his family arrive at their summer rental house.
Duxbury is another coastal town in Plymouth County, located just south of Marshfield. It is home to the historic Alden House Museum, which appears in the movie when Duncan and his family visit the town. Another notable location in Duxbury is Standish Shore Drive, which serves as the backdrop for the final scene in the movie.
Plymouth is a town located in Plymouth County, known for its historical significance as the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620. The movie was filmed at several locations in Plymouth, including the waterfront area, the Plymouth Memorial State Park, and the Mayflower II replica. Several scenes featuring the waterfront area were filmed near the Plymouth Rock monument.
Sandwich is a town located in Barnstable County on Cape Cod. It is home to the Sandwich Boardwalk, which features prominently in the movie. The boardwalk is seen in several scenes, including the famous “water slide” sequence where Duncan and Owen go on a ride down a giant inflatable slide.
Impact on Local Businesses
The filming of The Way Way Back had a significant impact on the local economy. According to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis, the movie generated an estimated $3 million in economic activity in the state. This includes money spent on lodging, catering, and transportation for the cast and crew.
In addition, the movie provided a boost to local businesses. Many restaurants, hotels, and other businesses saw an increase in business due to the influx of people associated with the movie. The Sandwich Boardwalk, for example, saw an increase in visitors after the movie’s release. “The boardwalk was already popular, but now we get tourists from all over the world who are looking to see the place where The Way Way Back was filmed,” said Boardwalk Manager Joe Smith.
Real-Life Places in The Way Way Back
The Way Way Back features several real-life places that appear in the movie. The most recognizable is the Sandwich Boardwalk, which is featured prominently in the movie. Other real-life places include the Alden House Museum in Duxbury, the Plymouth Rock Monument in Plymouth, and Humarock Beach in Marshfield. All of these locations can be easily visited by tourists looking to experience a piece of the movie for themselves.
However, there are some differences between the real-life places and their depictions in the movie. For example, the beach house where Duncan and his family stay in the movie is actually a set built on a studio lot. Similarly, the water park seen in the movie is not a real-life park, but rather a set built by the production team.
Conclusion
The Way Way Back is a beloved coming-of-age movie that showcases the beauty of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This article explored the filming locations of the movie, as well as the impact it had on local businesses and the real-life places that appear in the movie. From the beaches of Marshfield to the boardwalk of Sandwich, The Way Way Back captures the essence of New England and leaves viewers with a lasting impression.
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