Bears on a Ship is a crazy indie horror movie directed by Eduardo Castrillo. The film follows stranded travelers during a Mexican airline strike who opt for a sea journey to the US, unaware that two man-eating bears are also on board. It stars Krystal Shay, Kevin Duffy, Clint Beaver, and Rudy Ledbetter, with Tony Todd originally cast but replaced due to the SAG strike. Plans were made for him to appear in a sequel before his death in 2024.
Wondering about the Bears on a Ship filming locations? You’ve landed at the right spot. Here at NetFilming, we reveal the locations where this bloody, action-packed thriller was shot. Ready for the details? Let’s dive into the creepy locations that bring this nightmare to life.
What’s Bears on a Ship All About?
The story centers on a group of travelers stranded in Mexico due to an airline strike. Seeking an alternative route to the United States, they board a dubious ship, unaware that two predatory bears are also on board. This premise sets the stage for an intense survival narrative filled with suspense and gore. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Krystal Shay, Derek Crowe, Jo’nez Cain, Sherill Quinn, Kevin Duffy, and Clint Beaver. Originally, the SAG strike forced the replacement of acclaimed actor Tony Todd. Prior to his passing in 2024, plans were in place for his involvement in a potential sequel. Currently, the production is supported by a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, engaging fans to help bring this thrilling project to fruition. For audiences who enjoy gripping horror with a unique premise, Bears on a Ship promises to deliver a compelling experience.
Bears on a Ship Filming Locations
Bears on a Ship was primarily filmed on the MV Aurora, a decommissioned cruise ship moored at Little Potato Slough in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta near Stockton, California. Here’s the breakdown of where the filming took place.
MV Aurora – Little Potato Slough, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Stockton, California
The star of the movie is the MV Aurora, a decommissioned cruise ship parked at Little Potato Slough in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta near Stockton, California. Filming happened in the summer of 2023, and this rusty, spooky ship was the perfect stage for bear attacks. Built in 1955 as the Wappen von Hamburg, the Aurora was once a fancy cruise liner. Now, it’s a decaying relic, half-submerged with containment booms around it due to oil leaks. The ship’s rusted decks and eerie atmosphere evoke a horror movie, perfectly suited for a tale of entrapment with deadly bears. The tight hallways and shadowy corners of the ship intensify the tension, making no place feel safe when bears are prowling around.
The MV Aurora’s got a Hollywood history, too. It’s been in James Bond: From Russia With Love, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, and Baywatch. It even inspired The Love Boat! Its mix of faded glamour and creepy decay makes it a filmmaker’s dream, especially for Bears on a Ship’s gritty survival vibes.
Potential Additional Locations
Indie films like this often get creative to save cash, so other spots might’ve been used. The story mentions a Mexican airline strike, so some exterior shots could’ve been filmed in coastal areas to look like a port. Consider Southern California or possibly Mexican coastal cities for brief dockside scenes, although confirmation is still pending. Soundstages or warehouses in California could’ve doubled as the ship’s interiors for close-up shots. Low-budget horror flicks are masters at turning simple locations into something scary, so expect some clever stand-ins to round out the film’s look.
Why the MV Aurora Rocks for Horror
The MV Aurora isn’t just a location—it’s practically a character. Its peeling paint, cramped corridors, and foggy delta surroundings create a claustrophobic nightmare. When bears are chasing you, this ship feels like a trap with no escape. The real-world decay adds authenticity, making every growl and scream hit harder. Castrillo nailed it by picking this spot; it’s like the ship was built for horror.
Whether you’re a horror nerd or just love cool filming spots, this movie’s got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where was Bears on a Ship filmed?
The movie was primarily shot on the MV Aurora, a decommissioned cruise ship located at Little Potato Slough in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta near Stockton, California. - What is the MV Aurora, and why was it chosen for Bears on a Ship?
The MV Aurora is a retired 1955 cruise liner, now a decaying relic in Stockton, California. Its rusted, eerie atmosphere made it the perfect setting for the film’s claustrophobic horror involving man-eating bears. - Did Bears on a Ship use any other filming locations?
While the MV Aurora was the main location, indie films often use budget-friendly spots like soundstages or coastal areas in Southern California or Mexico for exterior shots, though specific additional locations aren’t confirmed. - Has the MV Aurora been used in other movies or shows?
Yes, the MV Aurora has appeared in James Bond: From Russia With Love, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, and Baywatch. It also inspired the classic TV series The Love Boat. -
When did the filming of Bears on a Ship take place?
Filming of Bears on a Ship took place in summer 2023, mainly on board the MV Aurora in California.
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