While Full House painted a picture of family life centered around a charming Victorian home in San Francisco, the reality of filming locations is more nuanced: exterior shots showcased a real house on Steiner Street, but the interior scenes were primarily filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles. This article delves into the specific locations, dissects the filming process, and answers frequently asked questions about the show’s San Francisco connection.
The Iconic Victorian: Fact vs. Fiction
The Steiner Street Façade
The iconic Victorian house forever associated with the Tanner family is indeed located in San Francisco, at 1709 Broderick Street, a corner property that visually faces onto Steiner Street. This location served almost exclusively for establishing exterior shots. It’s crucial to understand that this is a private residence; visitors are asked to be respectful of the owners and the neighborhood. The house’s distinctive painted lady architecture contributes significantly to its appeal and makes it a popular tourist destination. While the series utilized the real exterior, it’s important to note its limited role in actual filming.
Interior Illusions: The Los Angeles Soundstage
The warm and inviting interiors that defined the Tanner family home weren’t in San Francisco at all. These scenes were meticulously crafted on a soundstage at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. This allowed for greater control over lighting, camera angles, and overall set design. The soundstage offered a controlled environment, free from the distractions and logistical challenges of filming on location. Consequently, what viewers saw inside the Tanner house was a carefully constructed representation of a San Francisco home, not the interior of the actual Steiner Street house.
Beyond the Tanner House: Exploring Other San Francisco Connections
While the Tanner house is the most famous location, Full House occasionally ventured into other real San Francisco settings.
Limited On-Location Filming
Although the soundstage dominated the filming process, some scenes did take place in San Francisco. These were often establishing shots or short sequences that highlighted the city’s unique landmarks. Examples include shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies row houses, and snippets of street scenes. These on-location shoots helped to ground the show in its purported setting, adding to the authenticity of its San Francisco backdrop. However, comprehensive information detailing the exact locations of all these short scenes is scarce.
Fuller House: Revisiting the Familiar
The reboot, Fuller House, largely followed the same pattern as its predecessor. While some scenes were filmed in San Francisco, the majority of the interior shots continued to be filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles. This decision allowed the production to maintain consistency with the original series and streamline the filming process. The exterior shots of the Tanner house were still used, solidifying its enduring appeal.
FAQs: Unpacking the Full House Filming Locations
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the filming locations of Full House, offering further insights into the show’s San Francisco connection:
FAQ 1: Is the Tanner house open to the public for tours?
No, the house at 1709 Broderick Street is a private residence and not open for tours. Visitors are welcome to view the exterior from the street, but it is crucial to respect the privacy of the owners and neighbors.
FAQ 2: Can I go inside the Tanner house from Fuller House?
No. Even with the reboot, Fuller House, the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles. The exterior shots still use the Broderick Street house, but access inside is not available.
FAQ 3: Are there other “Full House” filming locations I can visit in San Francisco?
While the majority of the show was filmed on a soundstage, you can visit recognizable landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies row houses (of which the Tanner house is one). These locations contribute to the show’s San Francisco setting, even if they weren’t directly used for extended filming.
FAQ 4: Did the cast ever actually live in San Francisco during filming?
The main cast members did not live in San Francisco during the filming of Full House. The majority of their time was spent in Los Angeles, where the soundstage and other production facilities were located.
FAQ 5: Was the park where they often had picnics a real park in San Francisco?
While there were scenes of the family in parks, it’s uncertain if the specific park scenes were filmed in a real San Francisco park or on a set designed to resemble one. Without specific details, it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular location.
FAQ 6: What kind of house is the Tanner house in real life?
The house is a Victorian-style home, specifically a Painted Lady. These houses are characterized by their ornate architectural details and vibrant color schemes, making them a distinctive feature of San Francisco’s cityscape.
FAQ 7: Has the exterior of the Tanner house changed since the show aired?
Yes, the house has undergone some changes since Full House originally aired. Most notably, the exterior paint color has been altered. While it still retains its Victorian charm, the current appearance differs from the show’s portrayal.
FAQ 8: Did “Fuller House” film any scenes in the actual neighborhood around the Tanner house?
Fuller House did occasionally film exterior scenes in the neighborhood surrounding the Broderick Street house. These shots were used to establish the setting and maintain a sense of continuity with the original series.
FAQ 9: Are there any tours specifically focused on “Full House” filming locations in San Francisco?
While there aren’t dedicated “Full House” tours, some general San Francisco tours include a drive-by of the Tanner house as part of their itinerary, often combined with other famous landmarks. Check local tour operators for availability.
FAQ 10: Why did they film the interior scenes in Los Angeles instead of San Francisco?
Filming on a soundstage in Los Angeles offered several advantages, including greater control over lighting, sound, and set design. It was also more cost-effective and logistically feasible to film the majority of the show in Los Angeles, where the production company was based.
FAQ 11: What street is the “Full House” house on?
The house is located on Broderick Street at the corner of Steiner Street, in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood.
FAQ 12: Are there any other famous houses in San Francisco that look similar to the “Full House” house?
San Francisco is renowned for its Victorian architecture, and there are many other Painted Ladies that share similar architectural characteristics to the Tanner house. A walk through neighborhoods like Alamo Square and Pacific Heights will reveal a wealth of these charming homes.
By separating the reality from the fiction, and clarifying the extent of on-location filming in San Francisco, this guide provides a clear understanding of the true filming locations of Full House and its enduring connection to the city. Remember to be respectful when visiting the exterior and enjoy the charming architecture that makes San Francisco so special.