It’s not new to anyone that Cloverdale is a film and television hot spot. X-Files, Smallville, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, and many more have film in the historic and picturesque Surrey town centre.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer’s Body (2009) was a comedy/horror flop that barely managed to break even by the end of its theatrical run. However, in the nearly ten years since its release it has transformed into a cult classic following closely in the footsteps of the iconic Canadian film Ginger Snaps (2000).
Clova Cinema Jennifer’s Body / 20th Century Fox
Clova Cinema (now Crossridge Church) / Google Streetview
Hot Rod (2007)
Another film that bombed in theaters and grew into a cult classic, Hot Rod (2007) was the first feature film put together by comedy team The Lonely Island. Shot largely in Cloverdale, production of the film drew modern comedy stars to the neighbourhood like Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Danny McBride, and Will Arnett. Below is the famous shot of Rod Kamble’s (Andy Samberg) attempt at riding his dirt bike off a ramp in front of his parents’ house.
Hot Rod (2007) / Paramount Pictures
Rod Kimble’s (Andy Samberg) neighbourhood / Google streetview
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016-17)
Based on the novel series by Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency starred Elijah Wood in a comedic sci-fi detective role produced by BBC America. The TV series was received well, scoring an 8.4/10 on IMDb, but due to low viewership it was cancelled by the network after only two seasons. The scenes below were shot right here in Cloverdale on the tracks behind Clover Square Village.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (S02E02) / BBC America
Railroad Tracks behind Clover Square Village / Google Streetview
The X-Files (1993 – Ongoing)
The X-Files series has been shooting in and around Metro Vancouver for years. The show was initially cancelled in 2002, but it was revived in 2016 for a short 6-episode 10th season. The revival did so well that the show was renewed for an 11th season that premiered in January 2018. At this point, it’s hard to find a location in BC that hasn’t been featured in The X-Files. Below is a shot from the 5th episode of the 10th season, in which they use Elements Casino as an airport terminal in Texas.
The X-Files (S10E05) / 20th Century Fox
Elements Casino / Google Streetview
Fringe (2008-2013)
Created by JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Star Wars), Fringe ran for 5 seasons and was nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. The show starred Vancouver-born Joshua Jackson as an FBI agent investigating a storm of unexplained phenomena. Cloverdale played the role of Westfield, a nearly deserted town whos remaining residents have turned deranged and homicidal. The shot below is of Jackson’s character arriving in the ominous town in the middle of the night, which in reality is 176th Street.
Fringe, “Welcome to Westfield” / Warner Bros. Televsion
176th Street between 56a Ave & 57 Ave / Google Streetview