About Coming to America (1988)

Director

John Landis

Cinematography

Woody Omens

Shot on

35mm film

Look

Color

Aspect ratio

1.85:1

A prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda moves to Queens to find a bride who will love him for himself. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play several roles each under heavy makeup.

How it was made

• New York shooting began in January 1988. It was hit by intermittent blizzards over five weeks.
• The palace, bedroom, bath and dressing room sets were built at Paramount and shot on Stage 18.
• Rick Baker made life casts of the actors' faces and molded foam rubber appliances. Each makeup session ran three to four hours.