Where was American Made filmed?
2017
City Locations
Atlanta, New Orleans, Madison (USA), Medellin, Caquetá (Colombia)
Location Types
House, Film Studio, Museum
Location Styles
Americana, Manufacturing, Plane Style, Rustic
About American Made
American Made is an action comedy every Tom Cruise fan and, generally, anyone who appreciates good storytelling should watch. Released in 2017, Doug Liman, who also directed Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow, helmed the film.
Cruise shares the screen with Sarah Wright, Domhnall Gleeson, Jesse Plemons, Jayma Mays, Caleb Landry Jones, and Lola Kirke. It is based on the real-life story of Barry Seal, a pilot portrayed by Tom Cruise in the film. The plot follows Seal’s exploits as a CIA operative who is recruited to smuggle drugs and weapons worldwide for the US government.
His illegal activities soon see him crossing paths with the Colombian Medellín cartel and he also gets involved in the Iran-contra scandal. As his fortune increases, Seal finds himself going too deep into dangerous territory.
American Made was well-received critically, with an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the critical consensus on the site, its portrayal of a real-life story matches the carefree and enjoyable energy brought by Tom Cruise in the lead role.
The film received three award nominations, including the Detroit Film Critics Society Awards (Breakthrough Artist - Caleb Landry Jones), the Location Managers Guild International Awards (Outstanding Locations in a Period Film), and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists.
American Made Locations
On May 18, 2015, the slate went down on the production of American Made. Principal photography took place in Georgia, using the generous incentives and experienced crew base the state offers. Most scenes were filmed in the small town of Ball Ground, located 50 miles north of Atlanta. This picturesque area of Georgia provided an ideal backdrop for an ‘80s Arkansas setting, with its expansive rural landscape and distinctive old-fashioned buildings.
Cherokee Airport was transformed into Seal's airline enterprise and a Nicaraguan airstrip, while the local community enthusiastically embraced the production. A visit to the filming locations of American Made would certainly be worthwhile for anyone who wants to follow in Tom Cruise's footsteps and explore his movie-making experience in greater detail.
Visitors can immerse themselves in local history by visiting popular attractions like Stone Mountain Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, or get lost in art galleries around Georgia's major cities.
Fun Facts:
Besides performing his stunts in most of the movies he graces, Tom Cruise is a licensed pilot. He handled the flying scenes in American Made during filming.
The plane scenes in American Made
Atlanta Media Campus, 6305 Crescent Dr, Norcross, GA 30071, USA
The movie is set in 1978 and revolves around the story of Barry Seal (Tom Cruise), a Trans World Airlines pilot, who is happily married to Lucy (Sarah Wright). They share two children and have another on the way. During one of his missions, Barry crosses paths with three members of the Medellin Cartel; Carlos Lehder (Fredy Yate), Jorge Ochoa (Alejandro Edda), and Pablo Escobar (Mauricio Mejía).
The cartel wants to transport drugs to the United States, but most pilots consider the runway risky. Barry decides to take up the task, despite almost crashing into trees during his maiden drug run flight. He eventually manages to recover from the close call and completes his journey without trouble.
The scenes showing Barry on a plane were filmed at Atlanta Media Campus at 6305 Crescent Dr, Norcross, GA 30071, USA. Most of the stage work was filmed at Atlanta Media Campus, a production facility located outside the city.
The studio facility is known for its state-of-the-art filmings equipment, including green screen technology, lighting rigs, and more. The site may not be open to tourists, but you can still contact the owners.
To get to Atlanta Media Campus from Atlanta, take I-85 North or US-78 E and navigate your way there.
Monty takes Barry to the hangar scene in American Made
Candler Field, Williamson, Georgia, USA
Barry meets Monty Schafer (Domhnall Gleeson) at a bar. Schafer recognizes Barry's work as a pilot and offers him a job flying reconnaissance missions for the CIA in a smaller plane equipped with cameras. The missions are to take place just south of the border, and Schafer convinces Barry that he will be doing important work, but stresses the need for secrecy, even from family members. He then allows Barry to test-fly the plane.
Candler Field is also a symbol of Atlanta’s rich aviation history dating back to the ‘20s and ‘30s when it served as an airfield. The museum grounds now house exciting pieces, including old aircraft such as a 1940 Douglas DC-3A, Ford Model A, and other vintage planes. Unfortunately, the museum closed in February 2021, but fans can still get a glimpse exterior and take some photos.
From Atlanta navigate your way there via Tara Blvd and US-19 S/US Hwy 41 S. Alternatively, take a bus from Atlanta downtown terminal to Lovejoy GA.
Barry's house scenes in American Made
Ball Ground, Gilmer Ferry Road, GA 30107, USA
A pivotal scene in American Made was shot in the town of Ball Ground, located 50 miles north of Atlanta. Barry urges his wife and their children to pack their belongings so that they can move away hastily. This was in response to a DEA raid on one of the cartel's compounds where Barry was arrested, and Schafer warned him that his house would be next.
Ball Ground provided an authentic ‘80s Arkansas atmosphere, including views of Barry's house, dinner scenes, and city views. A crew filmed the scene at Gilmer Ferry Road, GA 30107, USA for five weeks.
The town has a historical connection with the Cherokee people and is named after a sport they played, which required a large flat field. Interestingly, the Cherokee won the land in a ball game against the Creeks.
From Atlanta, take I-75 N and I-575 N to get to Ball Ground. Public transportation from downtown Atlanta can also get you there.
The Nicaraguan airstrip scene in American Made
Cherokee Airport, 1350 Bishop Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, USA
The production team transformed Cherokee Airport into a Nicaraguan airstrip. The local community was supportive of the production.
Seal has a dangerous lifestyle involving cocaine and leading three different lives. Meanwhile, Schafer continues giving him risky tasks, such as flying guns to the Nicaraguan Contras, leading to the Iran/Contra scandal during Reagan's second term. The audience is treated to the sight of Tom Cruise in action, doing thrilling stunts while flying an airplane, as well as his witty interactions with other characters.
The airport is situated at 1350 Bishop Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, USA. Cherokee Airport has various aviation facilities, including terminals, hangars, maintenance, and control towers. It also provides access to parking facilities, retail, and dining services, access to nearby hotels, and different modes of transportation such as rental cars, buses, and taxis. The site is accessible to tourists, making it easy for fans to visit.
To get to this location from Atlanta, take I-75 North to Exit 24 toward Airport Dr and then make your way onto Bishop Road.
Conclusion
So you won’t exactly have to hop on a flight to Nicaragua but visiting the filming location of American Made in the U.S. would prove worthwhile. Recounting the tale of TWA pilot Barry Seal, the film takes viewers on a journey through his exotic trade routes across South America and the rapid escalation of events that ultimately lead to his downfall. Through its entertaining visuals, thrilling action scenes, and intriguing storyline, American Made surely delivers an enjoyable experience for any moviegoer.
The movie's high production values make it stand out from other films in the same genre, the exotic sceneries pass for what you expect to see traversing across South America. In conclusion, American Made offers viewers an exciting cinematic experience that they are sure to enjoy.
Although there are some misgivings regarding its anti-American Dream rhetoric, Tom Cruise's captivating performance and the excellent charm offensive undertaken by Liman and Spinelli surely make up for this lack of depth. Therefore, anyone looking for a thrilling ride should definitely check out American Made, which will undoubtedly inspire their filming locations tour in Georgia.