We identify with more than just the characters we see in films and advertising. The setting of the story is also significant, but its significance may not be immediately apparent. It has far-reaching effects on our psyches, some of which we may not even be aware of. It doesn’t matter what type of film we’re discussing, the setting must be optimal. This is why scouts go to such lengths to find the right people wherever they may be.
Some locations, though, are more captivating than others. Everyone has seen them multiple times on TV or in the movies. However, the experience of actually meeting them is unparalleled. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular filming sites worldwide, so you may see them for yourself if you’re interested.
Morocco’s Ait Benhaddou Ruins
Located on the ancient caravan road between the Sahara and Marrakech, this fortified town has a rich history. Since it played a significant role in global history, UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site. But that’s not why so many people flock here. Since appearing in so many films, it has become a popular tourist destination.
Due to its remote location, getting there with production equipment can be difficult. But once you see it, you’ll know why so many filmmakers coveted this location for their projects. It’s an entire metropolis built out of earth and sand. What else is there to ask for?
Movies including “The Mummy,” “Gladiator,” and “Babel” were shot in this location. Yunkai, a city-state in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, was also given new life thanks to Ait Benhaddou. You’ll quickly realise after seeing Ait Benhaddou why it’s one of the most popular filmmaking sites worldwide.
Scotland’s Glencoe
If you’re a fan of action films, the sight of Glencoe probably brings to mind Adele’s Oscar-winning theme song for Skyfall. However, many other films, not just James Bond ones, were shot in this location.
It’s no surprise that the Scottish Highlands have attracted directors from all over the world. It offers a lot, including stunning, undeveloped landscapes and amazing natural light that can’t be recreated in a studio.
That’s why films like Harry Potter, Monty Python, and Braveheart were filmed here. Just because Mel Gibson and Alfonso Cuaron liked it doesn’t mean you have to. If you want to snap some very spectacular drone photos, then you should come here.
The Big Apple, Manhattan
Almost any film you take from your shelf, pop into your DVD player, and the watch will have at least one scene filmed in the city of New York. Without question, this is one of the world’s most often-used filmmaking sites, but why is that? It’s common knowledge that if you want to be at the epicentre of things, you should hire a local moving company and set up shop in the Big Apple. You can hear gunfire around every corner, and there’s always something going on here. On a moving day, you can count on hearing at least a few interesting tales from your movers. This New York borough’s accessibility and diversity have made it a favourite among filmmakers.
It’s a complete package in every way. Central Park’s amazing natural beauty and the city’s hectic streets are crowded with people and autos. You can find anything you need within a block of here, and getting there is a breeze. When you put it that way, it’s easy to see why so many famous films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghostbusters, Elf, and countless others were shot in the heart of New York City. Filmmakers adore New York City because of its accessibility and variety of locations.
Utah and Arizona’s Monument Valley
Hollywood has been using Monument Valley as a backdrop since 1930. If you’re looking for magnificent plateaus and cloud-filled canyons, this is the place to go. Located close to the Four Corners, this picturesque scene from the American West is easily accessible.
And even if you’re not planning on shooting here, there are still lots of good reasons to do so. Stagecoach, Easy Rider, and The Lone Ranger all used it, so fans of classic American cinema can rejoice. These names are perfect in every way. However, Forrest Gump was likewise moved to return home after visiting Monument Valley. And if that isn’t enough to convince you to go, we don’t know what would.
Los Angeles’s Famous Venice Beach
Those who would rather not deal with the hassle of packing and moving film equipment may appreciate the option of shooting locally. The Hollywood studio system is enthusiastic about this concept, too. They consequently located an ideal dwelling in the area. That’s right, I’m referring to Venice Beach.
Luckily, the area’s popularity wasn’t driven just by its closeness to the studios. The canals and bungalows in Venice are charming, while the city’s amusement piers bring to mind a funfair. The addition of eclectic architecture only boosted the area, and it quickly became a popular location for feature films. You now know where to go if you want to replicate the beachside Los Angeles setting of The Big Lebowski. The city of Los Angeles is home to one of the most stunning locations on this list.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, a jewel at Africa’s southernmost tip, has become one of the world’s most in-demand filmmaking destinations thanks to its adaptable landscapes, reasonable costs, and top-notch production infrastructure. It has a wide variety of beautiful settings for films, such as sandy shores, scenic vineyards, steep mountains, and a bustling metropolis.
For instance, the highly regarded TV series “Black Sails” was shot entirely in Cape Town Film Studios. The scenic coastline and well-preserved historical buildings were just two of the many locations used in the production. Also featuring Karl Urban, the dystopian film “Dredd” made use of Cape Town as a setting, changing the city’s scenery into a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world.
YLO Productions is one of the many excellent local production companies that help make Cape Town a desirable site for shooting. These businesses offer invaluable local expertise and resources thanks to their considerable experience working with both domestic and international productions. To further entice foreign productions, the government of South Africa grants rebates of up to 35% for qualifying productions through programmes like the Film and Television Production and Co-Production incentive.
Cape Town is ideally suited for filming due to its Mediterranean-like temperature and long summer days. Professional crew members, first-rate post-production facilities, and cutting-edge studios like the Cape Town Film Studios all contribute to the city’s allure as a filming location. When taken together, these elements have established Cape Town as a serious contender to Los Angeles and New York as the world’s preeminent location for filming and television.
Hawaii’s Oahu
Extreme weather productions, in most cases, refer to films shot in the snow. However, filming in the tropics presents its unique challenges. Fortunately, there are some places where this is much less of a challenge. Oahu, Hawaii, is one such place. You may recognise this island from its appearances in films like Jurassic Park and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, as well as the recent The Descendants.
The wide variety of sceneries here makes it an ideal location for filming. There are craggy mountains formed by volcanic activity, green valleys, and sheer rock faces. It can, therefore, stand in for virtually any location in Africa or South America. If you need, you can even stage a scene from the English countryside. The sheer variety of its landscapes and cultures makes it a great movie location.
