Morrocco, Ouarzazate – Atlas Film Studios
Published: 6.8.2022
raveling to see movie backdrop is more popular every year, so it's no wonder that the Ouarzazate Moroccan Valley is a sought-after and, most of all, a cheap destination for movie enthusiasts from around the world. Everyone is eager to see and touch the scenery that has played a major role in many series and movies. In the valley you can see real shooting places, such as the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Above all, there are large Atlas studios built on the dusty plains of the eastern foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
The studios were founded in 1983 near the town of Ouarzazate, which today has about 60,000 inhabitants and is an unusually modern agglomeration for Moroccan conditions. Near the studios there is an airport, designed especially for the transport of scenery and members of shooting crews. The city itself is very clean and developed, but there is everything revolving around the influx of shooting crews and tourists. Except for the movie and tourist season, the hotels and restaurants are empty.
The film industry thrives in Morrocco, thanks to its reliable climate, the diverse landscape landscape, which is particularly suitable for shooting historical films, as well as low running costs. As far as the area is concerned, Atlas Studios are the largest in the world. Spread over 30,000 m², it can be almost an adrenaline experience, as all the scenery is built on a sandy surface and is not connected by asphalt roads.
The tour can be either guided or on your own. The ticket can be purchased at the main entrance, where Youssef is willing, who knows exactly where to find and which films come from. He also likes to show shots of films he played as a comparator. In the main building, you can see Ferrari's film models, the backdrop of various Egyptian and medieval films, but the biggest draw is Ben Hur's ship deck.
The more interesting part of the study, however, are the individual scenery, standing within walking distance of the main building. Especially amazing is the backdrop of the apparently medieval castle, which hides several courtyards in various historical styles. This is where the scenes were shot, for example, from the Game of Thrones, the Kingdom of Heaven and recently also from the Vikings series. The whole castle is built on scaffolding and is completely passable. Photographers will surely be pleased with its absolute symmetry and perfect orientation towards light
GPS: (Ouarzazate) 30°56'07.7"N 6°56'08.1"W
Text and photos: Barbara Nováková
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