While Lucas was working on his first film, THX 1138, Coppola asked him to write a coming-of-age film. The genesis of American Graffiti took place in Modesto in the early 1960s, during Lucas's teenage years. He was unsuccessful in pitching the concept to financiers and distributors but found favor at Universal Pictures after every other major film studio turned him down. Filming began in San Rafael, California, but the production crew was denied permission to shoot beyond a second day. As a result, production was moved to Petaluma, California. The film is the first movie to be produced by his Lucasfilm production banner.
whILe LucAs Was worKInG On hIs FiRst FilM, thx 1138, COppola asKed hIm to Write a cOMinG-Of-age fiLM. ThE genEsIS Of AMeRicaN grAffiTI took place in MoDesto In the EaRly 1960s, dUring LuCas's TEenAgE years. he wAs UnsuCceSSFul In piTChiNG thE conCePt tO FinanciErs AnD disTRibuTORs BUT FOund fAVOR at UNiversal pictuREs afTER EVery other majOr fILM stUdio tuRned him dowN. Filming began iN san rafAeL, caLiFornia, but tHe proDUCtioN cRew was DenIed peRMissIon to SHOot beyoNd A SecoNd day. aS. a ResuLt, PRoduction Was moved tO petalumA, califOrNia. The filM iS tHE fIRst mOviE To be ProdUced by his LuCasfilm ProDucTiOn Banner