Where was School of Rock filmed? (2024)

Where was School of Rock filmed? (1)

Movie Locations Guide

2003

Where was School of Rock filmed? (2) City Locations

New York, New Jersey (USA)

Where was School of Rock filmed? (3) Location Types

Apartment, Bar, School, Concert, Auditorium

Where was School of Rock filmed? (4) Location Styles

Gothic, Dated, Colonial, Americana, Modern Building

About School of Rock

School of Rock is an exceptional comedy that should be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates outstanding humor and rock music. Released in 2003, this musical comedy is directed by Richard Linklater and features an impressive cast, including Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, Joan Cusack, Mike White, and Joey Gaydos Jr. The film follows Dewey Finn (Jack Black), an aspiring rocker who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to earn money for his struggling band. When he discovers his students’ musical talents, he begins teaching them the basics of rock music and forms them into a band to compete in an upcoming Battle of the Bands competition.The movie chronicles Dewey's journey as he cultivates his students' enthusiasm for rock music and assists them in refining their performance abilities. Concurrently, Dewey faces opposition from the school's headmistress (Joan Cusack), who disapproves of his unconventional teaching approach. Ultimately, as the Battle of the Bands contest approaches, Dewey's students wholeheartedly embrace their newfound love for rock music and demonstrate their prowess as musicians on stage.Upon its release in 2003, School of Rock garnered positive responses from critics and viewers. The film became one of Jack Black's iconic comedies and remains a fan favorite. It received multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Comedy or Musical for Black (though he lost to Bill Murray for Lost in Translation) and an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance, which he won. Additionally, the movie was awarded Best Comedy Film at the British Comedy Awards in 2004.

School of Rock Locations

The filming was done in two different regions in the US, namely New York and New Jersey. Most scenes were shot in Staten Island, New York, and Long Island, New Jersey. The backdrop for the shooting locations provides stunning vistas that viewers can enjoy even to this day. From breathtaking views of Wagner College to the grandiose St George theatre, viewers get a glimpse into what these places look like in real life, anchoring to surrounding landmarks and areas of interest. Staten Island's rustic charm has been highlighted through many of its scenes, while Long Island's unique landscape provides an ideal backdrop for Horace Green Preparatory School's Gothic exterior shots. Viewers are also taken on a musical journey with Finn, played by Jack Black, as he takes Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack) out for drinks at Cargo Cafe, which unfortunately remains closed to this day due to its closure a few years ago. A visit to the locations utilized for the School of Rock would be worthwhile as visitors have multiple landmarks to take photos of and explore each location’s history further. It would be an exciting experience for any fan or admirer who wishes to know more about this classic movie's setting and uncover more details that are not fully explored in the film itself.

Dewey Finn is fired from the band scene in School of Rock

66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY

Dewey (Jack Black) finds out he was fired from the band and replaced by another guitarist named Spider (Lucas Babin) during a rehearsal session. The atmosphere is tense and awkward, yet Dewey still shows a sense of humor before leaving the practice room.The scene was shot at Northsix, 66 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This former indie music venue closed its doors in 2003, soon after the movie's release, but has since been revived as Music Hall of Williamsburg. Northsix opened in the spring of 2001 and was among the early wave of music venues to emerge in Brooklyn. Before Northsix's debut, Manhattan had been the primary borough in New York City, hosting underground, indie rock, cutting-edge, and avant-garde rock concerts.To get to Music Hall of Williamsburg from Manhattan, you can take bus M15 or the subway (L train). The closest stop is Bedford Avenue, located only two blocks from the venue. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride from any part of Manhattan or hop on one of the Citi Bike Stations if you prefer cycling around town.

Discover Brooklyn Filming Locations

Dewey pretends to be Ned to get the job scene in School of Rock

Broadway Stages, 648 Bay St, Staten Island, NY

Dewey (Jack Black) urgently needs rent money and attempts to sell some equipment. He then receives a call from Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack), the principal of Horace Green Prep School. Mullins is looking for Ned Schneebly (Mike White) to fill in as a substitute teacher temporarily. Dewey, desperate for cash, poses as Ned and successfully takes the job.The production team chose Broadway stages in Queens as the filming location for the apartment shared by Dewey, Ned, and Ned's girlfriend, Patty (Sarah Silverman). Production Designer Jeremy Conway and his crew designed the apartment's interior, crafting a distinctive, brick-walled space filled with vinyl records, assorted guitars, and a secondhand drum set. While Ned and Patty's side of the apartment is neat and orderly, Dewey's side is chaotic, featuring a mattress on the floor and take-out containers scattered everywhere. The apartment is privately owned, so you can only see the exterior.This iconic scene was filmed at 648 Bay St, Staten Island, New York City. The area is known for its diverse population and pocket parks. It is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the bus from the 7 Avenue & 28 Street stop to the Bay St/Thompson St bus stop. From there, you can walk up Bay St until you reach your destination.

Locate Staten Island Filming Locations

Dewey creates the school band scene in School of Rock

Buckley Country Day School, 2 I U Willets Rd, Roslyn, NY

Dewey (Jack Black) listens in on the students during music class and hatches a plan to create a new band with them, aiming to audition for the Battle of the Bands contest. He appoints Freddy Jones (Kevin Clark) as the drummer, Zack Mooneyham (Joey Gaydos Jr.) as the lead guitarist, Lawrence (Robert Tsai) on keyboards, cellist Katie (Rivkah Reyes) for bass guitar, and himself as the lead vocalist and guitarist. The rest of the class is assigned various roles, such as co-lead and groupies, backup singers, roadies, and security, with high-achiever Summer Hathaway (Miranda Cosgrove) taking on the part of band manager.The interior school and classroom scenes were filmed at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn on Long Island. This island is known for its beautiful beaches and shore-side restaurants, making it an excellent destination for vacationers looking for sun or relaxation.One can take a train ride from Pennsylvania Station to Mineola Station (approximately 40 minutes) to get to this location from New York City. From there, transfer to the bus from 2 St / Mineola Bl stop, and in about 15 minutes, you will arrive at the Marcus Av / Hillside. Take a short walk, and you will reach the destination.

Browse Queens Video Shoot Locations

Principal Mullins and Dewey at the bar scene in School of Rock

Cargo Cafe, 120 Bay St, Staten Island, NY

Dewey (Jack Black) learns from other teachers about an incident where Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack) became inebriated at an alumni dinner. Using this information, he invites her out for drinks (claiming it's for coffee) and, while she's under the influence, asks for permission to take the students on a "field trip" (his euphemism for participating in the Battle of the Bands). It is a light-hearted and fun scene that evokes nostalgia for earlier times while highlighting the importance of an open mind and building relationships between people.This scene was filmed at the iconic Cargo Cafe on Staten Island. This cafe still offers music and karaoke nights for patrons, but it has been remodeled since the filming of School of Rock in 2003. To get here, visitors can take public transportation, such as taking the Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn followed by a bus or taxi ride to 120 Bay Street, or they can take a car ride over one of the bridges onto Staten Island.

Search Staten Island Video Shoot Locations

Horace Green Preparatory School scene in School of Rock

Wagner College, 1 Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY

During a parent-teacher meeting, the parents inquire about Dewey Finn's (Jack Black) teaching methods, prompting him to explain as best as possible. However, the meeting is interrupted when Ned (Mike White), Patty (Sarah Silverman), and the police (alerted by Patty) arrive at the school to confront Dewey.The fictitious shots of 'Horace Green Preparatory School,' where Finn manages to secure a position as a substitute teacher, is Wagner College. The gothic exterior of the school can be found on Staten Island, at Wagner College, 1 Campus Road, Grymes Hill. The college has buildings and pathways that lead to some hidden areas and courtyards throughout the campus, which adds to the cinematic feel of this scene in particular. Established in 1883, fans can visit the site to appreciate its stunning architecture.If you want to visit this iconic location, you can take public transportation from Manhattan via Staten Island Ferry or catch a bus. If you prefer driving, bridges connect Manhattan directly with Staten Island, making it easy to get there from any part of New York City.

Scout Brooklyn Video Shoot Locations

Battle of the Bands scene in School of Rock

St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY

The scene at the St George Theatre in School of Rock is an exciting and iconic moment towards the film's climax. Dewey Finn (Jack Black) leads his makeshift student band, ‘School of Rock,’ to their greatest battle against Dewey’s old band, No Vacancy. At first, the crowd was not impressed and thought the band was just a gimmick. However, as they continued playing, they won over the entire audience. Even though Dewey's old band, No Vacancy, won the Battle of the Bands, the crowd requested an encore from the School of Rock.The scene was filmed on location at the St George Theatre on Staten Island. The St George Theatre is a classic vaudeville movie house built in 1929. After being shut down for many years, it was restored in 2004, although you won't recognize it from its appearance in the film. This 2,800-seat theatre remains one of the most impressive local landmarks on Staten Island today. To get to St George Theatre, you can take public transportation from Manhattan or Brooklyn – either take the ferry to Staten Island or drive across via Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The theatre is at 35 Hyatt Street in the St George neighborhood.

Find Brooklyn Film Shoot Locations

Conclusion

School of Rock treats its comedic theme sincerely, never belittling its characters or audience. The children in the film maintain their individuality and, keeping to their characters, exhibit stubbornness, uncertainty, insecurity, and a genuine sense of childhood.The film takes us on a captivating musical journey across various locations that contribute to its vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Each filming venue adds depth and authenticity to the story, from the humble origins of Dewey's apartment at Broadway Stages and the school scenes at the prestigious Wagner College to the iconic Battle of the Bands venue at the St. George Theater.These locations contribute to the film's vibrant energy, capturing the spirit of rock music and emphasizing the power of passion and creativity. With its diverse filming locations, the movie delivers a dynamic and engaging experience that resonates with viewers long after the final credits roll. School of Rock made an impressive contribution to the movie industry. It blends humor, music, and emotion, creating a delightful experience for viewers worldwide. Boasting remarkable performances, its message about discovering one's passion through music remains relevant and resonates even today.

Where was School of Rock filmed? (2024)

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