Where Was “Napoleon Dynamite” Filmed?

• Where was “Napoleon Dynamite” filmed?
• The production filmed in the actual Preston High School
• Where did they film Napoleon’s house?
• Why did they choose to film in Preston?
• Book your own filming locations similar to those in Napoleon Dynamite

Created by husband-and-wife team Jared and Jerusha Hess as their debut film, 2004’s “Napoleon Dynamite” quickly became a cult classic. The movie focuses on the titular character, an awkward and nerdy teen with a memorable perm played by Jon Heder. Napoleon navigates the challenges of his daily life with quirky and hilariously quotable aplomb. If you’re now wondering, “Where was “Napoleon Dynamite” filmed?” then no worries — we’ll get to that soon!

Much of the movie was heavily based on Jared’s experiences growing up in Preston, Idaho. Hess has stated, “The character of Napoleon was a hybrid of all the most nerdy and awkward parts of me and my brothers growing up.” That authenticity comes through and makes for a truly hilarious film. It was not only extraordinarily and unexpectedly popular when it was released, but also remains widely beloved today.

Amazingly, although the movie only cost $400,000 to make, it has grossed more than $45 million since it was released, according to Fantastic Facts. Like several other movies of the era (“Little Miss Sunshine” comes to mind), it’s the quintessential example of a low-budget, independent film that broke through into the mainstream to become a major blockbuster.

Did they actually film the movie in the location where its events took place? Discover where “Napoleon Dynamite” was filmed and unique locations in the same area that you can easily rent for yourself through Peerspace. Peerspace is the most extensive online marketplace for hourly rentals of all kinds of spaces.

Where was “Napoleon Dynamite” filmed?

“Napoleon Dynamite” feels so authentic as it was set in Jared Hess’ hometown of Preston, Idaho. Preston is a tiny town with a population of around 5,000. And interestingly, the production actually filmed there as well in July 2003.

According to Tucson.com, the release of the comedy “put this farm town near the Utah border on the map.” In addition, the movie “generated $1 million for Preston, according to the chamber of commerce, one of the first to bill the town as a destination for ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ aficionados.”

The production filmed in the actual Preston High School

Because Napoleon’s character is a high school student, much of the film takes place at his school. They actually filmed these scenes at the real Preston High School. The school was the location for both interior and exterior shots of the high school throughout the film.

Jared Hess himself graduated from Preston High School in 1997. For instance, this hilarious scene where the “Happy Hands Club” performs was filmed in one of the school’s classrooms. So was this famous scene where a bully tries to force Napoleon to hand over his tater tots.

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Where did they film Napoleon’s house?

When you ask the question, “Where was ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ filmed?” another location that likely comes to mind is Napoleon’s house. According to Rob on Location, “The house where Napoleon and his brother Kip live with their grandmother is located on the outskirts of Preston.

“The house is surrounded by farmland, just as seen in the film. The field next door to the house is where Napoleon fed his llama Tina, and the pasture across the street is where the farmer shot the cow.”

Why did they choose to film in Preston?

Why did Hess choose to film in Preston, rather than in a more well-known location a bit closer to Hollywood? As described in an article by Looper, “While other filmmakers would have chosen other locations, Preston had inspired so much of the film’s Midwestern style.

“There were also finances to consider; Hess could only make ‘Dynamite’ for $400,000, so he simply made the film with his buddies.” It was a bold choice, but ultimately it was the right one, both for the limited budget of the movie and its memorable aesthetic, which is so integral to its widespread appeal.

Plus, as Hess himself recounts in an oral history of “Napoleon Dynamite” released by Rolling Stone, he and his filmmaking buddies had an absolute blast throughout the film’s whirlwind shooting schedule: “It was so much fun being in this rural farm town making a movie.

“We shot it in 23 days, so we were moving very, very fast; I just didn’t have a lot of film to be able to do a lot of takes. It was a bunch of friends getting together to make a movie. It was like, ‘Are people going to get this? Is it working?’” Almost two decades later, looking back on the film’s stunning success, it’s clear the answer was a resounding, “Yes!”

For more throwback cult classic fun, check out all the filming locations for “The Sandlot” next!

Book your own filming locations similar to those in Napoleon Dynamite

When you use the Peerspace platform, you get instant access to amazing filming locations in towns and cities across the globe. So if you want to film a production with a similar aesthetic to Napoleon Dynamite (or even throw a party in tribute!), you can use Peerspace to find the perfect location.

While there aren’t tons of options in Preston, ID itself, there are quite a few Peerspace rentals between Preston and Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the nearest major cities. Take a look at examples of hourly production location rentals available.

1. Explore the Idaho countryside in comfort from this 62-acre ranch in Preston, ID

We think the Napoleon Dynamite filmmakers would have been proud to hang out and film at this 62-acre ranch in the heart of Preston. It’s a massive 4,600-square-foot ranch building surrounded by farmland. The hosts invite you to host an event, production, or meeting here, thanks to its rustic setting and well-equipped amenities. This is the type of space that will help you achieve your creative vision while surrounding you in peace and comfort.

2. Meet or film in this private conference room and lobby space in Logan, UT

Looking for a private space to gather with your production crew? You can easily book stylish and well-equipped meeting rooms no matter your location on Peerspace. One great example near Preston just over the state border in Utah is this private conference room in downtown Logan. It not only looks great, but it also offers you access to three distinct spaces: a private conference room, a lobby, and the kitchen we featured above. Doesn’t the kitchen area look like a fancy teacher’s room in a high school like that in Napoleon Dynamite?

The hosts invite you to film and/or meet here and the space provides a monitor, a video conferencing camera, parking, and complimentary snacks and drinks.

3. Renovated 1930s storefront in Ogden, UT

If you’re looking for a studio with historic charm, then this renovated Ogden, UT store from the 1930s is a great choice. The shop features tall ceilings with original ’30s rafters and raw brick. Large windows let in ample natural light, and they have a privacy film on them.

Where was Napoleon Dynamite filmed: conclusion

We hope you loved learning all about Napoleon Dynamite’s filming locations with us! And remember, if you need a special venue to host your own production, meeting, or event, rely on Peerspace. We make it easy to find sensational hidden gem spaces near you. Head to our platform to find all the best spots near you!

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