Principal Photography Locations for The Summer I Turned Pretty
The primary filming for The Summer I Turned Pretty took place in and around Wilmington, North Carolina, and Tybee Island, Georgia. Production crews used these coastal areas to stand in for the fictional Cousins Beach setting. The series was developed by Jenny Han for Amazon Prime Video, with principal photography beginning in 2021. The showrunner and production team selected these locations for their ability to evoke a specific mid-Atlantic coastal atmosphere. The filming process utilized both exterior on-location shoots and controlled studio environments to build the interior scenes of the Conrad house and other key sets. A significant portion of the beach and town scenes were captured on location at specific public and private access points along the coast. The production adhered to local regulations and worked with regional film commissions to secure the necessary permits for the summer filming schedule. The visual aesthetic of the show relies heavily on the natural light and architectural styles found in these specific filming regions. The series is an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Jenny Han, and the location scouting was crucial to translating the book's setting to the screen. The choice of Wilmington and Tybee Island provided the necessary visual texture for the coming-of-age story. The production design team further enhanced these real-world locations with set dressing and minor modifications. This approach allowed the series to maintain a high degree of authenticity in its depiction of a summer vacation destination. The logistics of moving equipment and personnel between these distinct coastal sites were managed by a dedicated location management team. The final visual product is a composite of these carefully selected real-world backdrops and purpose-built interior sets. The series' visual identity is inseparable from the specific geographic characteristics of its filming locations. The production schedule was structured around seasonal weather patterns to maximize the summer look of the footage. This strategic planning ensured that the visual narrative remained consistent with the story's temporal setting.
Specific Filming Sites and Studio Work
Interior scenes for The Summer I Turned Pretty were filmed at dedicated soundstages and private residences in the Wilmington area. The production utilized a number of historic homes and modern estates to represent the luxurious properties associated with the characters. Exterior shots of the iconic Conrad house were captured at a private residence that was temporarily transformed for the camera. The production team also used Tybee Island, Georgia, for key beach scenes that required a distinct coastal landscape. The island's lighthouse and beachfront properties provided the backdrop for several pivotal moments in the series. The filming schedule balanced the demands of the interior sets with the logistical challenges of on-location beach shoots. The series also used nearby parks and public spaces in Wilmington to depict the town's central gathering spots. The production design department was responsible for the seamless integration of the actors into these real-world environments. The use of practical locations was a deliberate choice to ground the series in a tangible, relatable reality. The crew had to navigate the complexities of filming in residential and public areas with a high degree of sensitivity. The visual effects team then supplemented the practical footage to enhance the coastal atmosphere and create seamless transitions. The combination of on-location filming and studio work allowed for a high level of control over the final image. The production's attention to detail in selecting these specific sites contributed significantly to the show's immersive quality. The series' success is partly attributed to the authenticity that these real-world locations brought to the screen. The filming process required close coordination between the location managers, the director, and the cinematography team. This collaboration ensured that the visual language of the series was cohesive and compelling. The specific sites chosen for filming are now points of interest for fans of the series. The show's popularity has led to increased tourism in the areas where it was filmed. The legacy of the production is visible in the continued interest in these real-world locations.
Production Companies and Distribution Details
The Summer I Turned Pretty is produced by Alloy Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television. The series is distributed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, where it premiered as a flagship original. The production companies leveraged their extensive experience in adapting young adult novels to bring the project