 Principal photography began on December 6 , 2010 , in Los Angeles . The working title was Fiona 's Tale . The 90 @-@ day shoot included two weeks in New York City , while the bulk of filming occurred in and around Los Angeles , including such locations as the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood , St. John Bosco High School 's Gym , Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Mid @-@ Wilshire and various locations around South Pasadena , San Pedro and Woodland Hills . Sony Entertainment spokesman Steve <unk> explained , " [ T ] here is a comfort level in producing a project of this size and scope on your own backlot ... Basing the film on the lot also makes it easier for producers to interact with Sony 's in @-@ house visual effects team , and gives the studios greater control of quality and security . " 
