Behind the Scenes

The Real High School of Performing Arts lcated at 120 West and 46th Street in New York City refused to let Alan Parker e film or even photograph the exterior of the real building because they weren't happy with the adult content in the film. So the film makers had to look for an alternative venue. This turned out to be the disused church on the opposite side of 46th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue.

The Church doorway was used as the school's main entrance, with Students seen running out of it and hanging from the windows for the "Fame" street dance routine.

The interiors of the film were filmed at Haaren High School on 10th Avenue at 59th Street..

This building was later used for both interior and exterior shots of the school for the TV series Pilot episode.