Fantasy Island is a popular US television show that originally ran from 1977 to 1984. The show follows the adventures of the mysterious Mr. Roarke, played by Ricardo Montalban, and his assistant Tattoo, played by Herve Villechaize. Each episode features a new group of guests who arrive on the island and have their fantasies fulfilled. Many of the show’s episodes were filmed in various locations around the world, from California to the Caribbean.
Filming Locations
The majority of Fantasy Island’s episodes were filmed in Hollywood, California, at the CBS Studio Center. This studio was used for both exterior and interior shots. The exterior shots of the island were filmed at the nearby Paramount Ranch, which is now part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Other exterior shots were filmed at various locations around Los Angeles, including Malibu and the Hollywood Hills.
The Caribbean
Several episodes of Fantasy Island were also filmed in the Caribbean islands. The most famous of these locations is St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island was the setting for the “Love Boat Fantasy” episode, which featured the cast of the popular TV show The Love Boat. Other Caribbean locations used for filming include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Barbados.
Other Locations
Other locations used for filming Fantasy Island include Hawaii, Canada, and Spain. The Hawaii episodes were filmed in Oahu, while the Canadian episodes were filmed in Ontario and British Columbia. The Spain episode was filmed in the Canary Islands.
Filming Techniques
Fantasy Island was shot with a combination of 35mm film and videotape. This allowed the producers to switch between different camera angles quickly and easily. The show also made use of optical effects to create the illusion of a magical island. For example, the producers used a matte painting to make the island appear larger than it was.
Fantasy Island Today
Fantasy Island has been off the air for over 30 years, but it remains an iconic show in the history of television. It has been released on DVD and its episodes can be seen on streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime. While the show is no longer being filmed, its legacy lives on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was 'Fantasy Island' filmed?
The majority of Fantasy Island’s episodes were filmed in Hollywood, California, at the CBS Studio Center. Other exterior shots were filmed at various locations around Los Angeles, including Malibu and the Hollywood Hills. Several episodes were also filmed in the Caribbean islands, such as St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other locations such as Hawaii, Canada, and Spain.
What filming techniques were used for 'Fantasy Island'?
Fantasy Island was shot with a combination of 35mm film and videotape. The show also made use of optical effects to create the illusion of a magical island. For example, the producers used a matte painting to make the island appear larger than it was.
Is 'Fantasy Island' still on the air?
No, Fantasy Island has been off the air for over 30 years. However, it has been released on DVD and can be seen on streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Who starred in 'Fantasy Island'?
The show starred Ricardo Montalban as Mr. Roarke, and Herve Villechaize as his assistant Tattoo. Other notable guest stars included Charlton Heston, George Kennedy, Roddy McDowall, and William Shatner.
Which episodes of 'Fantasy Island' were set in the Caribbean?
The “Love Boat Fantasy” episode was set in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Other Caribbean locations used for filming include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Barbados.
Which other locations were used for filming 'Fantasy Island'?
Other locations used for filming Fantasy Island include Hawaii, Canada, and Spain. The Hawaii episodes were filmed in Oahu, while the Canadian episodes were filmed in Ontario and British Columbia. The Spain episode was filmed in the Canary Islands.
What optical effects were used to create the illusion of a magical island?
The producers used a matte painting to make the island appear larger than it was. Other optical effects included the use of smoke, fog, and filters to create a dreamy atmosphere.
What is the legacy of 'Fantasy Island'?
Fantasy Island has been off the air for over 30 years, but it remains an iconic show in the history of television. It has been released on DVD and its episodes can be seen on streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime.