December 16, 2015, will forever remain etched in the memories of French Star Wars fans. Why? Because that day—a Wednesday—marked the nationwide theatrical release of *The Force Awakens*, the seventh installment in cinema’s most famous intergalactic saga. More than 10 years after the last installment, Jedi, Padawans, and droids are finally making their return…
In a galaxy far, far away…
But while, on the big screen, the saga revolves around planets lost “in a galaxy far, far away”—to quote the iconic opening line of every film—the actual filming locations are, in fact, right here on Earth. Better yet: many of the locations for this highly international production are in countries you might have the privilege of discovering during a language study trip with LEC…What are they? Where can you find them? In partnership with Science & Vie Junior magazine, which has dedicated several articles to the most anticipated film of 2015, LEC presents these few locations where the Force has made its presence felt…
A film shoot from Europe to the Middle East
From Abu Dhabi, a vast emirate in the Middle East, to Iceland, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean located between Greenland and Norway, it is clear that the filming of *The Force Awakens* was a global endeavor. But the film—which we’ll be careful to call The Force Awakens during a language study trip to an English-speaking country —also—and above all—took shape in one of France’s neighboring countries: the United Kingdom. And not just anywhere: in the legendary Pinewood Studios…
Pinewood Studios, a legend of the film industry in England
Pinewood Studios is a massive studio complex located in the heart of Buckinghamshire. The county, colloquially known as “Bucks” by locals, is situated not far from London, southeast of the capital. If Pinewood Studios has managed to carve out a lasting place in British film history, it is primarily due to its long history: the first film produced at the complex was released in 1936. Since then, the studios have hosted prestigious productions, starting with the James Bondseries …and the Star Wars saga.
An unexpected filming location on the Emerald Isle
Filming for Star Wars: Episode VII also took place in another country featured in our language travel program: Ireland. And to say the least, the location is truly out of the ordinary! The cast has indeed taken over Skellig Michael, an island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and immortalized thanks to its curious stone monastic structures…
What about the prequel to Episode VII?
But the Star Wars saga also features other LEC destinations chosen as filming locations —and this was the case long before *The Force Awakens*. Among the many examples, we can think of Spain and Seville’s famous Plaza de España (chosen for a scene in Episode II), or the United States, whose landscapes served as the backdrop for Naboo, Endor… and even Tatooine!
Discover the world of Star Wars on Science & Vie Junior!
Want to learn more about the Star Wars saga or science fiction in general? LEC invites you to visit on the Science & Vie Junior website. And while you wait for your next language study trip to England, Ireland, or elsewhere: may the Force be with you…