Where was American Sniper filmed?
2014
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA); Morocco
Location Types
House, Film Studio, Museum, Ranch, Bar
Location Styles
Craftsman, Dilapidated/Neglected, Foreign, Moroccan, Ranch Style, Retreat
About American Sniper
Reflecting on the history of war films in American cinema, it becomes clear that a comprehensive narrative regarding the United States' involvement in the Middle East has yet to be fully realized. The 2014 American biographical war drama American Sniper will engross you and make you think. Featuring an enthralling performance by Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle and Sienna Miller as his wife Taya, the film was directed and co-produced by the renowned Clint Eastwood. The film, based on Chris Kyle's fascinating autobiography, was released worldwide on December 25, 2014. This film follows the life of Chris (Bradley Cooper), a sniper who became famous for his unmatched accuracy and became the deadliest American soldier in military history. During his four tours in Iraq, he was verified to have killed 255 enemy combatants. The story delves deeply into his battles with PTSD and the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life after the war, revealing the heavy burden his military victories placed on his personal and familial life. American Sniper was a smashing hit at the box office and in critical circles. For the 87th Academy Awards, it was one of six nominees, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Bradley Cooper for Best Actor. It was victorious in the Best Sound Editing category. It was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning over $547 million to become Clint Eastwood's highest-grossing picture and the thirteenth-highest-grossing film of 2014.
American Sniper Locations
Filming took place primarily in gorgeous Morocco and Los Angeles, California, creating a rich and immersive environment that greatly enhanced the film's charm. 'Iraq' was partly shot on the 100-acre Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, while most of the action took place in the inner city areas of Los Angeles in central California. An ancient milk processing plant was used to recreate the abandoned "date factory" location for the climactic battle of "Sadr City," which occurred near El Centro, approximately 100 miles east of San Diego. The San Bernardino International Airport was the site of the "military air base" sequences. The mesmerizing scenery of Morocco served as both the idyllic setting for the 'Fallujah' and the epic setting for the 'Iraq' war scenes, with Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and its neighboring city Sale, serving as the archetypal settings for each. Due to their striking similarity to Middle Eastern landscapes, these areas were previously used in Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott. Anyone interested in films or travel will enjoy touring these destinations. Just picture yourself reliving the moments of excitement and suspense from the film by exploring the locations the protagonists once did. Whether you're in the urban jungle of Los Angeles or the sandy dunes of Morocco, visiting these locations will immerse you in the universe of American Sniper, creating a fantastic journey.
Kyle meets Taya scene in American Sniper
O'Malley's On Main, 140 Main St, Seal Beach, CA
Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) encounters Taya (Sienna Miller) in a setting that's as casual as it is fateful. The venue for this momentous meeting is a bar, and Kyle and Taya's initial interaction unfolds. Taya candidly shares her reservations about marrying a SEAL, citing her sister's unhappy experience. Despite asserting her toughness by challenging Kyle to a drinking contest, the night takes a turn when she ends up vomiting outside the bar. Since its opening over 20 years ago, O'Malley's has carved out a reputation as one of the best Irish pubs in Orange County. Known for its authentic cuisine, extensive whisky selection, and the acclaimed quality of its Guinness pour, O'Malley's On Main encapsulates the charm and warmth of traditional Irish hospitality. O'Malley's On Main remains open and unchanged from how it appeared in American Sniper. Located in the picturesque Seal Beach community, O'Malley's On Main is conveniently reachable by car. From the heart of Los Angeles, a brief 30-minute drive via I-5 S and I-605 S will get you there. Bus services are also available for those preferring public transportation.
The sniper training scene in American Sniper
Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA
Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) is trained to be a sniper. As he practices his deadly trade, Chris repeats the instructor's words of wisdom, "aim small, miss small," over and over again. This theory states that focusing on a minutely particular goal, such as a button on a man's shirt, dramatically minimizes the margin of failure compared to aiming at a larger target. Set in the Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles, this classic scene was shot at the Paramount Ranch. Famous for housing several classic Western towns, the Paramount Ranch has a place in cinematic and television history books. Its adaptable settings and vivid vistas have inspired countless films and television shows since the 1920s. The Paramount Ranch is an exciting park and historical site that welcomes visitors worldwide. Located in the Conejo Valley, close to Agoura Hills, California, the ranch can be easily reached by car from Los Angeles. The most direct route is by taking US-101 N, which typically takes about 38 minutes to arrive at the destination.
Kyle's tour of duty scene in American Sniper
Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, 20019 Blue Cloud Rd, Santa Clarita, CA
Overseeing the protection of troops on the ground, Kyle (Bradley Cooper) eliminates multiple threats poised to attack with guns and bombs. After this intense watch, Kyle reports six kills, surpassing the combined total of all other snipers during the same shift. The vivid portrayal of Kyle's military service in 'Ramadi' was meticulously crafted at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita. A detailed urban 'Iraq' setting was meticulously recreated within the 100-acre ranch to integrate with the Moroccan shoot. The Blue Cloud Movie Ranch has been a versatile filming location since 2001, undergoing significant renovations and expansions since 2015 under new ownership. It has hosted a variety of productions, offering a range of settings from Middle Eastern towns to American suburbs. For those interested in visiting the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch and exploring the backdrop of these gripping American Sniper scenes, it's important to note that the ranch operates primarily as a film production site. It is closed on weekends (except for scheduled shoot days) unless arrangements are made in advance with the ranch manager. Situated just 40 minutes north of Los Angeles via US-101 N, the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch provides a fascinating peek into the film production process. For those preferring public transportation, it's accessible by bus, though it requires several transfers.
The battle scenes in American Sniper
El Centro, CA
The suspense rises during a climactic fight in 'Sadr City.' One of Kyle's (Bradley Cooper) teammates, Biggles (Jake McDorman), sustains a severe injury amid the mayhem when enemy sniper Mustafa (Sammy Sheik) shoots him in the face. As Biggles is hurriedly returned to the base for emergency surgery, the seriousness and pressing nature of the crisis become apparent. In a tender moment of brotherhood, Biggles confides in Kyle, giving him a very personal mission: to return his engagement ring to his fiancée if anything were to happen to him. This intense sequence was filmed in El Centro, a desert town located approximately 100 miles east of San Diego, in the vast expanses of the Imperial Valley. A former dairy processing facility on Broadway Street's north side, close to the railway line and just west of North 3rd Street, was repurposed as the film's deserted 'date factory.' On the factory's roof, Kyle and his team battle Iraqi insurgents and struggle against a blinding sandstorm. The latter was created through practical effects and digital wizardry, adding to the scene's dramatic impact. To visit El Centro, one can enjoy a picturesque road trip from San Diego by heading east across the varied terrains of Southern California. The destination is reachable by taking the I-8 E, with the drive lasting approximately 2 hours.
San Diego Filming Locations Finder
Kyle returns home scene in American Sniper
8843 Newcastle Ave, Sherwood Forest, CA
Reconnecting with his domestic life is difficult for Chris (Bradley Cooper). After completing his last duty tour, Kyle returns to his house in "Midlothian, Texas." However, the emotional and psychological chasm accompanying his departure remains unbridged upon his return. During a family cookout, his estrangement becomes apparent when his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller), discovers him fixated on an unplugged TV. She tries to get him to enjoy the company of relatives and the simple pleasure of seeing their kids play, but he can't tear his eyes away from the invisible fights going on inside, which are just as real as any physical ones. Filming took place at 8843 Newcastle Avenue in Northridge, in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, for this intense action. Fans interested in paying a visit should know that the house portrayed as Kyle's residence is privately owned. Please consider the residents' privacy and property while appreciating the property's exterior. Taking US-101 N into the San Fernando Valley from downtown Los Angeles will get you there in about 30 minutes. The bus ride should take around two hours if you prefer to travel that way, and that doesn't even include changing buses at the Highland/Sunset and Universal/Studio City stops.
Conclusion
As a riveting story that returns to the complicated reality of combat, American Sniper is Eastwood's most accomplished directorial effort since 2009's "Invictus." The diverse surroundings greatly enhance the visual storytelling of the picture. The film's captivating vibe is enhanced by its numerous locations, ranging from Morocco's gorgeous panoramas to Los Angeles, California. To replicate the Iraqi battlegrounds, the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita and an old milk processing plant in El Centro were altered, lending the film a more realistic and dramatic vibe. Visitors interested in cinematography and the significance of setting stories may also find the locations where the film was shot to be a fascinating source of information about the production.