The 1988 film Big, starring Tom Hanks, utilized several locations to create its whimsical atmosphere. While the fantasy sequences depicting the Zoltar machine and the FAO Schwarz toy store were filmed in New York City, a significant portion of the movie, including Josh Baskin’s home and workplace scenes, was filmed in White Plains, New York. Additional filming took place in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
Knowing the filming locations provides context and enriches the viewing experience. It allows audiences to connect with the film on a deeper level, appreciating the filmmakers’ choices in crafting the narrative’s visual landscape. Furthermore, these locations often become points of interest for fans, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia. Identifying the real-world settings can also illuminate how practical effects and set design were utilized in an era preceding extensive CGI reliance.