Filming Airport 77: Behind The Scenes Secrets

Airport '77 is a 1977 American air disaster film, the third instalment of the Airport film series. The film stars an ensemble cast of veteran actors including Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, and Brenda Vaccaro. The plot concerns a customized 747, owned by a wealthy industrialist, that is hijacked and crashes into the ocean in the Bermuda Triangle. The film features several impressive special effects, including scenes depicting a submerged airplane and underwater rescue efforts. The offshore filming was shot around the San Diego area, while underwater scenes were filmed on the Universal backlot and at Wakulla Springs State Park in Florida, where a 70-foot mockup of the 747 jet was placed into the spring basin.

Filming locations included Burbank Airport, LAX, Dulles International Airport, and Wakulla Springs State Park

The 1977 American air disaster film Airport '77 was filmed in various locations across the United States, including Burbank Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dulles International Airport, and Wakulla Springs State Park.

Burbank Airport, now known as the Burbank Bob Hope Airport, served as one of the filming locations for Airport '77. Located at 2627 North Hollywood Way in Burbank, California, the airport provided a convenient and accessible setting for the production crew.

Los Angeles International Airport, commonly known as LAX, was another key filming location for the movie. As one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX offered a bustling and dynamic backdrop for the film's scenes.

Additionally, Dulles International Airport in Virginia was also used for filming. This airport provided a unique and distinct setting that added to the authenticity of the film's portrayal of air travel and disaster.

For the offshore and underwater scenes in Airport '77, the production team chose locations that offered both practicality and visual appeal. The offshore filming took place in the San Diego area, known for its diverse marine environments. Meanwhile, the underwater scenes were meticulously crafted on the Universal backlot and at Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla Springs, Florida. A 70-foot mockup of the 747 jet was placed into the spring basin at Wakulla Springs, creating a realistic and immersive setting for the underwater sequences. Wakulla Springs State Park, located near Tallahassee, has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, recognising its significance and contribution to filmmaking.

The film's underwater scenes were shot on the Universal backlot and at Wakulla Springs State Park

The 1977 American air disaster film Airport '77 features a private Boeing 747 that is hijacked and crashes into the ocean in the Bermuda Triangle. The underwater scenes in the film were shot on the Universal backlot and at Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, near Tallahassee, Florida. A 70-foot mockup of the 747 jet was placed into the spring basin at Wakulla Springs State Park, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The film's special effects, particularly the scenes depicting the submerged airplane and the underwater rescue efforts, were considered impressive for their time. The underwater scenes add to the sense of realism and danger faced by the characters. As the film portrays a fictional incident, text appears before the end credits to clarify that the rescue capabilities utilized by the Navy are real.

The underwater scenes were not the only challenging aspect of filming Airport '77. The film also required a mansion setting, which was found at Villa Vizcaya, 3251 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Florida. This location has also been featured in other films, including Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, Iron Man 3, and Any Given Sunday.

In addition to the underwater scenes and mansion setting, Airport '77 was also filmed at Burbank Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The offshore filming took place around the San Diego area.

The film's special effects, particularly the submerged plane and underwater rescue scenes, were impressive for the time

The special effects in Airport '77 were impressive for a film of its time. The film, released in 1977, features a customized 747 that crashes into the ocean, with the survivors left to fight for their lives.

The underwater scenes were filmed on a Universal backlot and at Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida, where a 70-foot mock-up of the 747 jet was placed into the spring basin. The scenes depicting the submerged plane and underwater rescue efforts were particularly impressive, adding to the sense of realism and danger faced by the characters. The film also features a scuba team making underwater preparations to raise the plane, and the amount of time for the plane to rise to the surface is longer in the extended version of the film.

The film's director, Jerry Jameson, effectively conveyed the suspense and drama of the story, which centres on the passengers' and crew's fight for survival. The strong performances of the ensemble cast, including Jack Lemmon as Captain Don Gallagher, further elevated the material and brought depth to the characters.

The film explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and redemption, as the characters confront their fears and limitations in the face of danger. The resilience of the human spirit and the bonds formed in times of crisis are also central to the narrative, offering a compelling and engaging story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film's sets were recreated at Universal Studios Tour in California, where members of the audience played various parts

The interior of the crashed Boeing 747, used for the majority of the film's setting, was recreated at Universal Studios Tour in California. The set was open to the public, and visitors to the studio were able to explore the set and even play the parts of some of the film's characters. This was a unique opportunity for members of the public to engage with a film set and act as temporary stand-ins for the film's stars.

The set was a detailed recreation of the interior of a luxury Boeing 747, complete with all the amenities one would expect on a luxury airliner. Visitors were able to explore the set, which included a fully-stocked bar, comfortable seating areas, and even a grand piano. This level of detail helped to create an immersive experience for both the film's audience and the visitors to the studio.

Members of the public who toured the set were able to take on the roles of the film's characters, including pilots, flight attendants, and passengers. This interactive aspect of the set design allowed people to directly engage with the film and experience the story first-hand. It also helped to foster a sense of participation and ownership among those involved.

Recreating the film set at Universal Studios Tour offered a unique and immersive experience for visitors. By allowing them to step into the roles of the characters, the studio provided an interactive and engaging way for the public to connect with the film. This innovative approach to film promotion and audience engagement created a memorable experience and helped build excitement and interest.

The film's cast included Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, and Brenda Vaccaro

Airport '77 is an American air disaster film released in 1977. It is the third instalment of the Airport film series. The film was directed by Jerry Jameson and produced by William Frye. It stars an ensemble cast of veteran actors, including Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, and Brenda Vaccaro. Lemmon plays the heroic pilot, Captain Don Gallagher, who must lead the crew and passengers in a struggle for survival after the plane crashes into the ocean. Lemmon's character also has an onscreen romance with Brenda Vaccaro's character. James Stewart plays the role of a wealthy industrialist whose customised 747 is hijacked. Joseph Cotten plays Nicholas St. Downs III, and Olivia de Havilland takes on the role of Emily Livingston, with whom Captain Don Gallagher is in love.

The film received mixed critical reviews, with some commenting on its "corny, soap opera-ish elements" and others calling it a "'big, slick entertainment'". Despite this, Airport '77 was a box-office hit, grossing $91.1 million worldwide and receiving two Academy Award nominations.

From 1977 until the early 1980s, the Universal Studios Tour in California featured the "Airport '77" Screen Test Theater, where members of the audience were chosen to play various parts in recreated scenes from the film, including the hijacking, crash, and rescue.

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