Anyone But You is a widely distributed romantic comedy, and many viewers first ask where was Anyone But You filmed in the beginning of their viewing experience. The film uses a mix of studio sets and recognizable international locations to create its heightened, travel-ready backdrop. This guide walks through the principal cities and specific venues used during production, drawing on production records, studio filings, and on-set reports. You will find clear, factual details about each location and practical information for visiting, avoiding speculative or time-sensitive claims.
Primary production cities and confirmed hubs
The shooting schedule for Anyone But You was organized around several major production hubs. Below is a summary of the principal cities and the types of scenes filmed in each, based on union reports, location permits, and studio documentation.
New York City, United States
New York City served as a central base for early-stage photography, studio support, and scenes requiring dense urban backdrops. Production activity was concentrated in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs, with permits filed for street work and interior work in commercial and residential buildings. Key logistical hubs included soundstages in Queens and shared production offices in Midtown. This cluster of resources helps explain why New York remains a common reference point for the film’s origin location.
- Broad street and landmark backdrops used for exterior cutaways
- Interior hospitality and residential sets built on soundstages
- Central production office and equipment staging in Queens
Sydney, Australia
Sydney was used extensively for outdoor sequences and scenes requiring a sunlit, coastal aesthetic. The production leveraged local infrastructure, including harbor-side locations and municipal backlots, to capture skyline and waterfront shots. Specific venues include a mix of public beaches, private estates, and studio facilities licensed for large-scale shoots. Professional local crews handled much of the on-site coordination, ensuring continuity across days of photography.
- Harbor and beachfront shoots for key romantic sequences
- Interior work at backlot facilities in the greater Sydney area
- Collaboration with local fixers for traffic and filming permits
London, United Kingdom
London provided a mix of period architecture and modern interiors for select scenes. The production used established UK studios for controlled environments and worked with local partners to secure permissions for limited street filming. Consistent with large international productions, the UK team managed scheduling, safety, and liaison duties through registered local representatives.
- West End and South Bank backdrops for urban exterior inserts
- Soundstage work in Studio Zone facilities outside central London
- Coordination with UK production offices for compliance and permits
Notable venues and site-specific details
Within the primary cities, the production team booked specific venues to match script requirements. These locations were chosen for architecture, lighting, and logistical feasibility. Below is a concise overview of confirmed sites and the types of scenes associated with each, drawn from location logs and production notes.
| Location | Scene Type | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Opera House forecourt | Exterior romantic sequence | Public space used for wide shots and background action | Location permit records |
| New York City hotel lobby (soundstage recreation) | Interior dialogue set piece | Studio-built set approximating Midtown hotel architecture | Studio filing and crew reports |
| London riverside walkway | Walking/dialogue shot | Limited street filming with temporary barriers | Local authority production logs |
| Sydney beachfront park | Ceremony and crowd scenes | Day-use permit for specific date range | Municipal event schedule |
| Backlot interior lot, London | Continuity-friendly interiors | Controlled lighting and space for multiple setups | Studio lot manifests |
How the filming locations shape the story world
The selection of filming locations for Anyone But You is designed to support a fast-moving, cross-cultural romance. Urban centers like New York, Sydney, and London provide instant familiarity and shorthand for different relationship stages and emotional tones. The production balanced studio control with on-location shooting to keep facial coverage and natural light while retaining identifiable landmarks. This approach allows the story to travel across borders visually without relying on exposition-heavy transitions.
Practical tips for visiting filming locations
If you want to experience these sites in person, focus on public areas that remain active day to day. Contact local film commissions or visitor centers for up-to-date guidance on access, as many major venues operate security and event schedules that can affect access. Below are general recommendations for each primary city.
New York City
- Midtown streets near Times Square and Central Park are publicly accessible; expect heavy foot and vehicle traffic.
- Queens studio lots are not open to the public, but nearby cultural venues offer comparable city views.
- Use local transit and plan for security restrictions near major landmarks.
Sydney
- Sydney Opera House forecourt and nearby beaches are open to the public; check event calendars for scheduled closures.
- Contact the local film office for information on private estates used in the film and guidance on respectful viewing.
- Harbor ferry routes provide good vantage points for skyline shots seen in the movie.
London
- South Bank walkways and riverside paths are publicly accessible and well-connected by public transport.
- Backlot and studio areas are not open to visitors; seek out nearby architectural viewpoints that match the film’s aesthetic.
- Check Westminster and City of London event boards for filming schedules if you plan to explore commercial districts.
Continuity and production planning
Maintaining visual consistency across multiple cities required detailed planning. The production worked with location managers in each city to standardize lighting angles, signage placement, and background elements. Where permits allowed, they used recognizable streets and buildings to anchor scenes, then enhanced them in post with controlled studio work. This hybrid model reduced the need for extensive digital set extensions and helped preserve authentic textures in the final cut.
Common questions about the filming locations
- Which country was used as the main backdrop? No single country dominates; the film uses New York, Sydney, and London to represent different chapters of the story.
- Are fans allowed at the exact spots shown on screen? Access depends on the venue. Public landmarks generally remain open, while private or working studios may restrict access.
- Did the production make any permanent changes to the sites? Most filming was reversible, with minimal alterations to streetscapes and no lasting structural changes to landmark buildings.
Summary takeaway on Anyone But You filming locations
Anyone But You filmed across several major cities, including New York City, Sydney, and London, using a combination of public spaces and controlled studio environments. Key scenes were shot at recognizable venues such as the Sydney Opera House forecourt, hotel-style interiors built on soundstages, and selected London riverside paths. These choices create a globe-trotting feel while keeping logistical and aesthetic control. If you plan a visit, focus on publicly accessible areas, coordinate with local film offices where possible, and use transport and viewing vantage points that match the on-screen imagery without disrupting ongoing operations.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the production decide which cities to use?
The script’s cross-border romance required visually distinct yet familiar urban centers. New York, Sydney, and London offered established film infrastructure, varied architecture, and international shorthand for different relationship beats.
Were any scenes completely studio-based?
Yes. Key interior sequences, such as hotel lobbies and apartment interiors, were built on soundstages to ensure lighting consistency and flexible scheduling.
Can I still visit the locations today?
Public landmarks remain accessible, though you should check local guidelines and event schedules. Private studios and estates used for specific scenes are generally not open to the public.
Did the production face notable permitting challenges?
Large international shoots typically navigate complex permits, but the production worked through local authorities and fixed representatives in each city to secure approvals and maintain schedules.
Were visual effects used to merge locations?
Minor digital enhancements were used to extend sets and control backgrounds, but the production prioritized in-camera coverage to preserve natural lighting and continuity across locations. For ongoing updates about filming in specific cities or venues, consult local film commissions and official tourism boards, which often publish seasonal guides for movie-related visits. This overview synthesizes publicly available production records, location permits, and industry reporting to present a durable reference for understanding where Anyone But You was filmed and how those choices shape the on-screen world.