Late Actor James Van Der Beek Filmed in Redlands

By David James Heiss

Redlands News Collective

In 2001, the University of Redlands transformed for a few days into the fictional New England institution Camden College of New Hampshire.

At various locations on the U of R campus, James Van Der Beek filmed scenes for his role as drug dealer Sean Bateman in the Lionsgate film “The Rules of Attraction,” a transgressive satire based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel.

It was an edgier role following his breakout run as aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek.” While that show launched him into stardom, the actor often noted it may have limited the types of roles offered to him early in his career.

Movie still credit: Lionsgate

James Van Der Beek sits at the Alumni Greek Theater at the University of Redlands during filming of “Rules of Attraction” in 2001.

Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11, 2026, at age 48 following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, was 24 when “Rules” was released in 2002. In the film, his character is entangled in a love triangle with characters played by Ian Somerhalder and Shannyn Sossamon.

Filming occurred during the summer months when few students were on campus, though several shots ironically depicted winter.

Production took place at Bekins Hall (renamed Booth Hall for the film), a dormitory primarily for students in the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies; the women’s dormitory Grossmont Hall (Leigh Hall); and Fairmont Hall. Scenes were also shot in front of Memorial Chapel, between the Hall of Letters and the Greek Theatre, and in front of the Administration Building and around the Quad.

Director Roger Avary recalled in a Vimeo commentary that exterior scenes for the film’s “The End of the World Party” were shot during a summer heatwave.

“The crew was wearing shorts and T-shirts during shooting because it was hot,” Avary said, explaining that for snow, they used a combination of “snow blankets,” foam, cornstarch snowflakes, and ice chipped from large slabs trucked to the set.

According to Ellis, the opening sequence was shot on the first day of production. While waiting for Van Der Beek to arrive to film a scene lying at the base of an oak tree on the U of R’s quad, the crew spotted a praying mantis — which they considered a good omen — and filmed the insect.

Ellis captured the mantis in a cup. When Van Der Beek arrived, Ellis told him to keep his eyes closed.

“I whispered, ‘I’m going to put a praying mantis on your face. Don’t move,’” Ellis recalled. When the actor asked if the insect bit, Ellis told him no, despite not knowing if it was venomous. “Years later James told me that it bit him multiple times as it crawled up his chin, and that it hurt.”

Video still via Instagram

On his birthday, March 8, 2024 James Van Der Beek discusses facing down his own mortality as he battled cancer.

Van Der Beek had dropped out of Drew University, where he studied English and sociology, to pursue acting. Nearly 27 years later, the school granted him an honorary degree, and in 2024, he served as the commencement speaker for the university’s College of Liberal Arts.

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly Brook, and their children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.