Filming Locations Guide: Where was Ghost in the Shell filmed?
Posted by Ra Moon
Ghost in the Shell is the story of a crime-fighting cyborg trying to stop a dangerous group of terrorists, whose objective is to eliminate advances in robotics technology. The cyberpunk movie is based on the classic manga written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow.
Ghost in the Shell was filmed in New Zealand and Hong Kong, although the action is set in the mid 21st century of a retro-futurist Japan - the characters drive 80s cars and use 90s machine guns.
Ghost in the Shell was filmed in New Zealand and Hong Kong, although the action is set in the mid 21st century of a retro-futurist Japan - the characters drive 80s cars and use 90s machine guns.
With Scarlett Johansson taking on the lead role of The Major and Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy from Game of Thrones) as Batou, the supporting cast includes the legendary Takeshi Kitano and French actress Juliette Binoche.
Welcome to Hanka's New Port City and our guide to the filming locations of Ghost in the Shell.
Most of the movie was filmed at Stone Street and Avalon Studios in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
The production team built around 20 detailed sets in these facilities, including the Hanka business conference scene with the robotic geisha.
(You can open all the locations on Google Maps by clicking on the links below in the captions ↴)
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
Hong Kong gave a genuine Asian touch to the production. Several scenes were shot on the streets of the Central HK and Jordan area.
The scene pictured was filmed at Des Voeux Road and Jubilee Street.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
The British visual effects and production company MPC (Moving Picture Company) transformed Hong Kong into New Port City, a fictional metropolis in mid-21st century Japan.
The futuristic Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui was the inspiration for the Department of Defense Section 9 headquarters.
The exterior of the Hanka Towers, the head office of Hanka Robotics, is the Lippo Centre.
Completed in 1988, this iconic twin tower skyscraper building is located in central Hong Kong.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Mia Battaglia - Map
However, the lobby of the Hanka headquarters is The Center skyscraper hall at 99 Queen's Road Central.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
Before entering the yakuza nightclub, there's a short scene filmed in a small alley located on Temple and Kansu Street.
The spectacular neon lights of a casino called Wo Hing Victory Mahjong Gaming appear in the background of the scene.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
The production obtained the permit to close off to traffic Wellington's Victoria Street between Hunter and Harris for a couple of weekends in April 2016.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
The streets of Wellington are almost unrecognizable under all the layers of CGI.
Dr. Ouelet's apartment building is inspired by the Jardine House, a distinctive round windows skyscraper at 1 Connaught Place on Hong Kong Island.
Major's family home was filmed at the circular atrium of the Lai Tak Tsuen housing estate in Tai Hang.
Image courtesy of Eugene Lim - Map
There is a short scene filmed at the Montane Mansion, a typical example of dense apartments construction, also known as Monster Building.
Erected in the 1960s at the Quarry Bay district, this complex of five interconnected buildings can house about 10,000 people. It was also featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
The spider-tank scene was filmed at the studio, but the spot is inspired by a walkway located at Yee Wo Street in Causeway Bay.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Google Maps
The cemetery was filmed at the Tsuen Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery in the Kwai Tsing District.
Image courtesy of Paramount - Map
For further information, there is the book The Art of Ghost in the Shell with more than 150 pages packed with photos, drawings, and interviews behind the scenes.
Can you help to improve this post about the shooting locations of 2017's Ghost in the Shell? To complete and correct this report, any feedback, info, or images that you may have are more than welcome, thank you!
NOTICE: If you’re using this information on your website, please credit and link to this page as a source.
*****
NOTICE: If you’re using this information on your website, please credit and link to this page as a source.
*****
Ra Moon
Atlas of Wonders is looking for wonderful Filming Locations all around the world. We are constantly updating and improving our posts with new details and images. Follow us here:
Hanka Robotics
ReplyDeleteLippo Centre - Admiralty - Hong Kong
Thanks, updated!
DeleteHanka Robotics headquarters looks similar to the Lippo Centre in Hong Kong
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAndrew Leyden · Notre Dame Law School
Major's family home was Lai Tak Tseun estate in Tai Hang Hong Kong.
http://samthelocal.com/photogenic-hong-kong-housing.../ Montane Mansions was also used for a scene.
Like · Reply · Just now
Thanks Andrew, updated!
DeleteThere's a scene where you can see this flashing neon building in Jordan, Hong Kong
ReplyDeletehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Temple_Street,_Hong_Kong#/media/File:Temple_Street_7,_Hong_Kong,_Mar_06.JPG
https://vimeo.com/edwinlee/gitshk
ReplyDeleteThe reception of HANKA seems to be the lobby of the Center.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.discoverhongkong.com/nz/see-do/culture-heritage/modern-architecture/the-center.jsp
Dr. Ouelet's house is located in Jardine House.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardine_House
All comments are reviewed prior to publication