The enchanting town of Storybrooke, Maine, a pivotal setting in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” wasn’t entirely a product of Hollywood magic. While much of the show’s production took place in British Columbia, Canada, Maine itself served as inspiration and, crucially, provided several key locations for establishing shots and capturing the authentic New England atmosphere.
Storybrooke’s Maine Roots: Reality Meets Fantasy
The series aimed for a believable, small-town New England aesthetic, and Maine, with its rugged coastline, historic architecture, and quaint charm, proved invaluable. Though the primary filming location was Steveston Village in British Columbia, which served as the backdrop for Storybrooke, Maine provided the visual texture needed to cement the show’s sense of place.
The most notable Maine location featured in “Once Upon a Time” is Ogunquit, a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning Marginal Way cliff walk and Perkins Cove harbor. While not used for extensive on-set filming, Ogunquit’s scenic beauty was captured in establishing shots, particularly during the early seasons, helping to establish the physical environment of Storybrooke. These shots usually focused on the rugged coastline and iconic lighthouse to suggest Storybrooke’s physical setting.
While Ogunquit offered the sweeping landscapes, other smaller towns around Maine acted as inspiration in shaping the fictional world of Storybrooke. These towns contributed the unique charm and personality portrayed on the show.
Beyond Ogunquit: Capturing the Essence of Maine
While Ogunquit receives the most attention, it’s important to remember that the creators drew inspiration from various Maine communities to create the overall feeling of Storybrooke. Aspects of Castine, Belfast, and Kennebunkport likely influenced the town’s architecture, local businesses, and general atmosphere. These towns share that New England charm, characterized by historic buildings, close-knit communities, and a connection to the sea.
The creators aimed to capture the essence of Maine rather than replicate any specific location perfectly. Therefore, viewers familiar with the state may recognize elements of various Maine towns woven into Storybrooke’s fictional tapestry.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Storybrooke’s Maine Connection
Q1: Did the “Once Upon a Time” cast actually film on location in Maine?
While the primary filming took place in British Columbia, the cast was likely not present during the shoots that captured Maine locations. These shots were primarily establishing shots, focusing on the landscape and scenic views to establish the setting. The actors filmed their scenes in the Canadian sets designed to resemble Maine towns.
Q2: What specific scenes were filmed in Ogunquit, Maine?
Ogunquit’s scenic beauty was primarily used for establishing shots. Think of sweeping vistas of the coastline, shots of the Marginal Way, or the picturesque harbor. Specific scenes involving dialogue or character interaction were almost always filmed in British Columbia.
Q3: Why did “Once Upon a Time” primarily film in British Columbia?
British Columbia offered significant financial incentives for film and television productions. Furthermore, Steveston Village provided a readily adaptable backdrop that could be transformed into Storybrooke with relatively minimal set design. Location and tax credits are always a big factor.
Q4: Are there any specific landmarks in Ogunquit that resemble locations in Storybrooke?
While Storybrooke is fictional, the Ogunquit Lighthouse (actually the Nubble Light in York, Maine) resonates with the classic New England coastal look that the show utilized. The general architecture and coastal scenery evoke the show’s ambiance. Perkins Cove also bears a resemblance to some harbor scenes in Storybrooke.
Q5: Did any Maine residents work on the “Once Upon a Time” crew?
While it’s difficult to definitively confirm, given the distance from Vancouver where most filming took place, it’s plausible that Maine-based crew members were involved in capturing the establishing shots filmed in Maine.
Q6: How can I visit the filming locations in British Columbia that served as Storybrooke?
Steveston Village in British Columbia is a popular tourist destination for “Once Upon a Time” fans. Many of the buildings used as exterior shots for Storybrooke still exist and are easily recognizable. Organized tours are available.
Q7: Was Maine chosen as the setting for Storybrooke for a specific reason?
Maine’s reputation for being a somewhat remote and enigmatic location with a rich history likely contributed to its selection. The state’s coastal charm and sense of timelessness fit the show’s themes of magic and hidden realities perfectly.
Q8: Are there any “Once Upon a Time” themed events or attractions in Maine?
While there aren’t any officially sanctioned “Once Upon a Time” events in Maine, visitors can enjoy the general atmosphere of the coastal towns and imagine themselves in Storybrooke. Self-guided tours of Ogunquit’s scenic spots are popular.
Q9: Did the creators of “Once Upon a Time” ever mention specific Maine towns as inspiration for Storybrooke?
While the creators haven’t explicitly named every town that inspired Storybrooke, they’ve acknowledged drawing inspiration from various small towns across New England, including those in Maine. Ogunquit is the most frequently mentioned location.
Q10: How accurate is the portrayal of Maine in “Once Upon a Time”?
While the show captures the essence of a New England coastal town, it’s important to remember that Storybrooke is a fictionalized version of Maine. The show takes liberties with geography and culture for narrative purposes.
Q11: Did the success of “Once Upon a Time” have any impact on tourism in Ogunquit or other Maine towns?
Ogunquit likely experienced a minor boost in tourism from “Once Upon a Time” fans curious to see the locations used for establishing shots. However, the primary impact was likely on Steveston Village in British Columbia, which served as the main filming location.
Q12: Where can I find behind-the-scenes information about the filming of “Once Upon a Time” and its Maine locations?
Online fan forums, interviews with the show’s creators and cast, and behind-the-scenes documentaries are excellent resources for learning more about the filming of “Once Upon a Time.” Searching for keywords like “Once Upon a Time filming locations” and “Ogunquit, Maine” can yield valuable results.
By combining authentic Maine landscapes with carefully crafted sets in British Columbia, “Once Upon a Time” successfully created a believable and captivating world that continues to resonate with viewers long after the series’ conclusion. The magic of Storybrooke may be fictional, but its connection to the real-world charm of Maine is undeniable.