Did They Film Funny Face in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

The Setting of Funny Face

Funny Face is a classic romantic musical comedy film that was released in 1957. The story follows Jo Stockton, a bookstore clerk who is discovered by a fashion photographer, Dick Avery.

Jo is whisked away to Paris to model for a famous fashion magazine and soon falls in love with Dick. The film is known for its stunning visuals and memorable songs, but did they really film it in Paris

Paris or Hollywood

While the movie is set in Paris, most of it was actually filmed on the backlot at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood. However, there were some scenes that were indeed shot on location in Paris.

Chanel Show Scene

  • The iconic scene where Jo walks down the stairs wearing a black dress was filmed at the Palace of Versailles.
  • The scene was shot without permission and had to be done quickly before the authorities could intervene.

Eiffel Tower Scene

  • The scene where Jo and Dick share their first kiss with the Eiffel Tower in the background was also filmed on location.
  • The crew had to wait until midnight to shoot the scene as that was when the tower’s lights were turned off, allowing them to use their own lighting equipment.

Why Film Some Scenes on Location

Filming on location can add an extra layer of authenticity to a movie, especially when it comes to depicting real-life locations like Paris. It can also provide unique opportunities for cinematography and storytelling. However, filming on location can also be costly and logistically challenging, which is why most movies rely on sets and backlots.

In Conclusion

While most of Funny Face was filmed in Hollywood, there were some key scenes that were shot on location in Paris, including the iconic Chanel show scene and the Eiffel Tower kiss scene. These scenes add an extra layer of authenticity to the movie and help transport viewers to the romantic city of Paris.