“I Saw the TV Glow” is a gripping American horror film directed by Jane Schoenbrun, starring Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. The story follows two teenagers who become obsessed with a supernatural TV show, leading them to question their reality. The movie also features actors Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Conner O’Malley, Emma Portner, Ian Foreman, Fred Durst, and Danielle Deadwyler. Produced by Emma Stone and Dave McCary under their Fruit Tree banner, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024, and was released by A24 in May 2024 to positive reviews.
Discovering the Real-Life Locations
The film was shot in various locations across New Jersey from July to August 2022, creating a thrilling and eerie atmosphere. Let’s take a detailed tour of these fascinating spots.
Verona High School, Verona, New Jersey
The movie’s school scenes were filmed at Verona High School, capturing the typical high school environment. This location played a significant role in the lives of the main characters, as it was the backdrop for many of their interactions and the eerie events that unfolded.
Cedar Grove High School, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Cedar Grove High School was another filming location for the school sequences. Cedar Grove High’s classrooms, halls, and common areas contributed to the film’s realistic portrayal of the teenage life.
Keansburg Amusement Park in Keansburg, New Jersey
The filmmakers chose Keansburg Amusement Park for their fun and exciting scenes. This vibrant park, famed for its rides and activities, served as the ideal setting for the protagonists’ daring moments, providing a dynamic contrast to the story’s horrific components.
The Saint Music Venue in Asbury Park, New Jersey
Address: 601 Main St, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
The Saint, a well-known music venue, was used for scenes involving music and nightlife. This iconic spot provided a gritty, realistic backdrop for the characters’ encounters and added depth to the movie’s atmosphere.
Funplex, East Hanover, New Jersey
Address: 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
Towards the end of the film, the characters are seen at Funplex, an amusement center where one of the protagonists works. Funplex’s lively environment contributed to the film’s dynamic and entertaining moments.
Grocery Store, Wayne, New Jersey
Address: 201 Berdan Ave, Wayne, New Jersey, USA
A crucial scene where the characters Owen and Maddy reconnect was shot at a grocery store in Wayne. This everyday setting added a sense of normalcy amidst the supernatural and dramatic elements of the film.
High School Football Field, Verona, New Jersey
Address: 151 Fairview Ave, Verona, New Jersey, USA
The high school football field in Verona was used for scenes depicting the outdoor activities and sports events of the characters. The open space and the athletic events highlighted the typical high school experiences intertwined with the film’s darker themes.
Camp Lewis, Rockaway Township, New Jersey
Address: Hibernia Section of Rockaway Township, Morris County
Camp Lewis was another important location, providing a forested and remote backdrop. The camp’s natural setting added an element of isolation and mystery, enhancing the film’s suspenseful mood.
Additional Locations Across New Jersey
The filmmakers also used cities and counties from New Jersey, including Monmouth, Essex, Morris, Union, Passaic, and Bergen counties. These locations added to the film’s authentic feel by portraying the varied and moody backgrounds required for the plot.
“I Saw the TV Glow” masterfully uses New Jersey’s diverse locations to create a captivating and eerie setting for the film. From high schools and amusement parks to music venues and camps, each place adds a unique element to the narrative. As you watch the movie, these real-life locations enhance the experience, blending ordinary places with extraordinary and supernatural events.
Shows Set in New Jersey
New Jersey has been a popular filming location for a variety of series and movies. “Diarra from Detroit” and “Fantasmas” are two prominent programs situated in this dynamic state. These shows, such as “I Saw the TV Glow,” benefit from New Jersey’s vast and diverse landscape, lending authenticity and depth to their storyline.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – I Saw the TV Glow
Q: Where Was “I Saw the TV Glow” Filmed?
A: “I Saw the TV Glow” was filmed in various locations across New Jersey, USA. Key filming spots include Verona High School and Cedar Grove High School, Keansburg Amusement Park, The Saint music venue in Asbury Park, Funplex in East Hanover, a grocery store in Wayne, a high school football field in Verona, and Camp Lewis in Rockaway Township. Additionally, the production utilized areas in Monmouth, Essex, Morris, Union, Passaic, and Bergen counties.
Q: When Was “I Saw the TV Glow” Filmed?
A: Principal photography for “I Saw the TV Glow” took place from July to August 2022. This summer filming schedule allowed the production to capture scenes in high schools and amusement parks during a time that would reflect the lively and dynamic settings required for the film.
Q: When Was “I Saw the TV Glow” Released?
A: “I Saw the TV Glow” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024. It was then released in a limited theatrical run in the United States by A24 on May 3, 2024. The film’s theatrical release expanded nationwide across the US and Canada on May 17, 2024.
Q: What Are Some Key Filming Locations in New Jersey for the Movie?
A: Some key filming locations in New Jersey include: Verona High School and Cedar Grove High School for various school scenes, Keansburg Amusement Park for lively amusement park sequences, The Saint in Asbury Park for music and nightlife scenes, Funplex in East Hanover for amusement center scenes, and Camp Lewis in Rockaway Township for scenes in a natural, remote setting.
Q: Why Were Locations in New Jersey Chosen for Filming?
A: New Jersey offered a diverse range of settings that suited the film’s needs for authentic and atmospheric backdrops. The state’s high schools, amusement parks, music venues, and natural areas provided realistic environments that enhanced the film’s narrative about teenage life and supernatural phenomena. The variety of locations helped create a believable world that effectively supported the film’s horror and suspense elements.
