P!nk’s visually stunning “Just Like Fire” music video, a vibrant extension of her song for Alice Through the Looking Glass, primarily filmed at the legendary Greystone Mansion & Gardens in Beverly Hills, California, which served as the Mad Hatter’s whimsical and slightly menacing manor. However, additional scenes, including the aerial silks performances, took place on sound stages.
A Glimpse Behind the Looking Glass: Greystone Mansion Unveiled
The “Just Like Fire” music video is a whirlwind of fantastical imagery, heavily inspired by the Tim Burton aesthetic of the Alice in Wonderland franchise. To bring this vision to life, director Dave Meyers chose Greystone Mansion, an iconic landmark known for its opulent interiors and expansive grounds.
The Historical Significance of Greystone Mansion
Greystone Mansion, officially known as the Doheny Mansion, boasts a rich and complex history. Built in 1928 for Edward L. Doheny Jr. and his family, it’s a sprawling estate embodying the Roaring Twenties extravagance. Over the years, it has served as a backdrop for countless films and television shows, drawn to its architectural grandeur and historical allure. This cinematic legacy made it the perfect choice for a video requiring a sense of timeless elegance and a touch of mystery. The mansion’s various rooms, including the grand hall and the library, are prominently featured in the video, providing the perfect setting for P!nk’s portrayal of a mischievous ringleader.
Beyond the Mansion: Sound Stage Magic
While Greystone Mansion provided the core location, the video also features complex aerial choreography and visual effects that necessitated studio work. The scenes featuring P!nk performing aerial silks and intricate gymnastic routines were likely filmed on a sound stage equipped to handle the technical requirements of these performances. These locations provided controlled environments allowing for elaborate rigging, precise lighting, and seamless integration of CGI elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Filming of “Just Like Fire”
FAQ 1: Was the entire video filmed at Greystone Mansion?
No, while Greystone Mansion served as the primary location, scenes requiring aerial performance and special effects were filmed on sound stages. This allowed for greater control over the lighting, safety, and integration of CGI.
FAQ 2: Can I visit Greystone Mansion?
Yes! Greystone Mansion is open to the public for self-guided tours of the grounds and gardens. However, access to the interior of the mansion is limited and often requires a pre-arranged tour or special event reservation. Check the City of Beverly Hills website for current hours and availability.
FAQ 3: Why was Greystone Mansion chosen as the primary filming location?
Greystone Mansion’s architectural style, historical significance, and cinematic history made it an ideal choice for capturing the fantastical and slightly dark aesthetic of the video, aligning perfectly with the Alice Through the Looking Glass theme.
FAQ 4: What other movies and TV shows have been filmed at Greystone Mansion?
Greystone Mansion has a long and impressive list of credits, including The Big Lebowski, There Will Be Blood, X-Men, Rush Hour, and National Treasure. Its versatility and grandeur make it a highly sought-after filming location.
FAQ 5: Who was the director of the “Just Like Fire” music video?
The music video was directed by Dave Meyers, a highly acclaimed director known for his innovative and visually stunning work with artists like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Billie Eilish.
FAQ 6: How much of the video was CGI versus actual sets and locations?
While the video incorporates CGI elements, particularly for enhancing the fantastical atmosphere and creating dreamlike sequences, a significant portion relies on the real sets and locations provided by Greystone Mansion and the sound stages. The blend of practical effects and digital enhancements creates a visually rich experience.
FAQ 7: Were there any challenges filming at Greystone Mansion?
Filming at a historical landmark like Greystone Mansion presents unique challenges, including adhering to strict preservation guidelines, coordinating with the city of Beverly Hills, and managing the logistics of a large film crew in a relatively confined space.
FAQ 8: How long did it take to film the “Just Like Fire” music video?
The exact filming duration is not publicly available, but given the complexity of the video’s production, including location shooting, aerial choreography, and CGI integration, it likely took several days to complete. Music video shoots can range from 1-3 days or longer depending on complexity.
FAQ 9: Are the rooms shown in the video accessible to the public during tours?
Access to specific rooms shown in the video may be restricted during general public tours. Certain areas may only be accessible through pre-arranged tours or during special events. It is advisable to check with the City of Beverly Hills for specific access information.
FAQ 10: Did P!nk perform all of her own stunts and aerial work in the video?
While P!nk is known for her athleticism and performs many of her own stunts, it’s highly likely that professional aerialists were used for the most complex and potentially dangerous maneuvers. It’s common for music videos and films to utilize stunt doubles for safety reasons.
FAQ 11: How did the filming locations contribute to the overall theme of the video?
The choice of Greystone Mansion and the sound stages directly contributed to the video’s fantastical and slightly unsettling theme. Greystone Mansion’s opulent and slightly decaying grandeur perfectly embodies the Mad Hatter’s world, while the sound stages provided the controlled environment needed to create the surreal and dreamlike sequences.
FAQ 12: Where can I find behind-the-scenes footage or information about the making of the “Just Like Fire” video?
While explicit behind-the-scenes footage might be limited, searching online for “Just Like Fire music video behind the scenes” or “Dave Meyers P!nk” might yield interviews or articles discussing the production process. Music channels or P!nk’s official website might also host exclusive content.