Movies on Location - 'Star Wars: A New Hope'

My Valley Pass - The San Fernando Valley's #1 Visitors Guide!

In celebration of Star Wars Day, My Valley Pass is thrilled to present Star Wars: A New Hope as part of our ongoing film series Movies On Location. Throughout this exciting series, we screen films at their actual filming locations, or at settings that go hand-in-hand with these specially curated movies. The series features state of the art projection and sound.

This May the 4th, join us in Van Nuys as we screen Star Wars: A New Hope in the parking lot of Neiman & Company, formerly the original location of Industrial Light & Magic where all of the visual effects for Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) were produced.

We'll be leading building tours of the former ILM facility all day long! You have the option to purchase combo tour/movie tickets or just tour tickets. Please see the ticket options page for more information.

UPDATE 4/26/24 - Now joining us to help introduce the film will be Star Wars Miniature and Optical Effects Unit Assistant Cameraman and Academy Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor (Independence Day) Douglas Smith. 

UPDATE 4/23/24 - Richard Edlund is unable to attend this event due to a recent scheduling conflict.

We're also thrilled that renowned Academy Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Producer Richard Edlund will be joining us, schedule permitting, to help introduce the movie. Mr. Edlund is a veteran of the original ILM team that brought the world the iconic effects for Star Wars. Over his 40-year career, he has created the visual effects for some of Hollywood's biggest and most-loved films including Ghostbusters, Poltergeist, and Die Hard just to name a few. Along with an Oscar won for the first Star Wars film, on which he worked as the lead cameraman for the miniature and optical effects unit, Mr. Edlund has also taken home Academy Awards for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Along with a number of other nominations, he has also been awarded three Scientific and Technical Achievement Oscars for his innovations and contributions to the art of filmmaking and the field of visual effects. 

Seating Policy:

Doors open at 6:00pm*, Film begins at 8:00pm

Tickets for this event are limited, Arrive early to choose your seats and and grab some popcorn. All seating is on a first come, first served basis. More details can be found on the ticket options page.

*Ticketholders for the 4:15pm, 5:00pm, and 5:45pm building tours will be able to enter at your chosen tour time and either stay at the location after the tour's conclusion or leave and return closer to the start of the movie.

No refunds.

Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977, 121 minutes, USA, Dir: George Lucas

Rated PG

Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire.

About My Valley Pass:

My Valley Pass is the official visitors guide for the San Fernando Valley. Learn about events, restaurants, nightlife, museums and points of interests. The San Fernando Valley Summer and Halloween Drive-In Nights are their premier hosted events. Their other signature events highlighting the San Fernando Valley include a Film Tour, Bizarre Tour, Brewery Tour, and Restaurant Tour. Other tours include the Pasadena Film Tour and the Langham Huntington Film Tour. www.myvalleypass.com

About Neiman & Company:

Founded in 1965 by industry icon Harry Neiman, Neiman & Company is recognized as a regional leader in custom architectural sign fabrication. Our work is featured in the finest hotels, corporate offices, universities, hospitals and museums throughout Southern California and beyond. We take great pride that the majority of our product is fabricated by our talented in-house crew who work hand-in-hand with our expert project managers. Our commitment to the highest level of quality and exceptional customer service has contributed significantly to our longstanding reputation.  As we celebrate our 52nd Anniversary, we look forward to another half-century of Excellence! www.neimanandco.com 

FAQs

Is this the original Star Wars: A New Hope from 1977?

We are screening the Special Edition of the 1977 film. We obtained the licensing to show the original movie at the actual building used by Industrial Light & Magic. 

What are the details of the building tour?

A limited number of tour tickets are being made available for this event. Tour ticket holders will have the rare opportunity to tour the former ILM facility. Each ILM building tour can accommodate (10) people and runs approximately 30 minutes. Tours will begin at 12:00pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3:00pm, 4:15pm, 5:00pm, 5:45pm, 6:30pm and 7:15pm. When purchasing tour tickets, please purchase tickets for your preferred time slot. Each tour will depart at its scheduled time and you will not be able to join another tour if you arrive late. There will be no refunds for any reason including late arrival.

What will Tour ticketholders see on the building tour?

Areas where the visual effects for Star Wars: A New Hope were filmed and offices used by ILM legends.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, but we ask that you please refrain from shooting video of the tour. Special arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Will this be similar to your popular SFV Summer/Halloween Drive-In Movies

No. Movies On Location is a series in which we show films at actual filming locations or at venues that match the themes of the movies. We will be providing seating and amenities similar to a full service movie theater. 

Should I purchase tickets in advance?

We recommend purchasing tickets in advance. This is a rare opportunity to see this film at this location. Previous Movies On Location screenings - including last year's screening of Star Wars: A New Hope - typically sell out.

Can I buy my tickets at the door?

Yes. If tickets are still available, and you arrive without a ticket, you will need to buy one at the check-in table. A limited amount of tickets are being sold for this event.

Can I buy a ticket just for the tour or just for the movie?

Yes, but certain tour timeslots require a combo tour/movie ticket. Please see the ticket options page for more information. 

What age is free?

Free child tickets are not available, as this a special engagement with a limited amount tickets. 

What time should I get there?

The doors open at 6:00pm* and the film begins promptly at 8:00pm. We encourage you to arrive early to choose your seats.

*Ticketholders for the 4:15pm, 5:00pm, and 5:45pm building tours will be able to enter at your chosen tour time and either stay at the location after the tour's conclusion or leave and return closer to the start of the movie.

What is your seating policy?

All seating is on a first come, first served basis. More details can be found on the ticket options page. 

Do I need to bring a printed ticket with me?

No....we can scan the digital ticket on your mobile device.

Are the facilities clean and is it safe?

You bet! We go to great lengths to ensure the venue, restrooms and area are clean throughout the night. We hire a team dedicated to keeping the area spotless, and restrooms fresh and clean. Safety is a top priority. We work with an amazing security company and have plenty of staff on hand to ensure you enjoy the movie without any interruptions. We will be checking bags for any weapons or items not permitted in the venue. 

Can I bring my own food?

You are welcome to bring in outside food. Popcorn, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Help us keep the location clean by disposing of your trash in the dumpster we will have on site.

Do you provide seating and can I bring my own chair?

We will be providing seating. No outside chairs, canopies or umbrellas will be allowed. 

How will the movie audio be played?

We will be playing the film's audio on high quality speakers.

Can I bring my pet?

For your pet's safety and the safety of others, pets are not allowed at this event.

Where do I park?

Street parking is available near the venue, but you may consider using a ride share service.

Can I wear a costume?

Yes. However, costumes that obscure the face - such as masks or face paint - may not be permitted. Any items or props that can cause a safety hazard or may be construed as weapons are not allowed on the property. 

Can I bring my Lightsaber?

Yes, we just ask that you please use extreme caution and limit wielding it. Please be mindful of other people's space. 

What happens if it rains?

If we are experiencing inclement weather in on the day of the event, please check the My Valley Pass website (myvalleypass.com) for the most recent, up-to-date status. You can also check your email periodically. We will send you a notification if there is the need to reschedule the event.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Send us an email at [email protected]

What's the refund policy?

No refunds at any time

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Yes...if you cannot attend the event you can transfer the ticket to another person.