Where was Major Payne filmed?
1995
City Locations
Charlottesville (USA), Goochland (USA), Ashland (USA), Richmond (USA)
Location Types
School, Unusual
Location Styles
Federal Building, School
About Major Payne
The 1995 military comedy, Major Payne, was directed by Nick Castle and stars Damon Wayans. Wayans also co-wrote the script with Dean Lorey and Gary Rosen. The movie also features Steven Martini, Karyn Parsons, and Michael Ironside in prominent roles.
Major Payne is a modern adaptation of the 1955 film The Private War of Major Benson, which starred Charlton Heston. The story revolves around Wayans' character, a discharged military officer who takes up the challenge of training an inept group of young cadets and leading them to victory in a competition.
Taking up the job as an instructor to a group of outcasts provides Major Payne with a renewed sense of purpose, leading him on a hilarious journey that is bound to leave audiences in stitches.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates film reviews, Major Payne received an approval rating of 29%. Kevin Thomas, a reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, praised Damon Wayans' performance in the film, calling it an "ideal entertainment" for younger viewers despite being predictable for adults.
Caryn James, writing for The New York Times, noted that while the movie was not particularly clever, Wayans' comedic talents gave the dark comedy a subversive quality. Upon its release, Major Payne debuted at number two at the US box office, behind Outbreak, earning $7 million in its opening weekend. The movie went on to gross $30.1 million worldwide.
Major Payne Locations
Major Payne was shot almost entirely in the state of Virginia, more specifically at the Miller School of Albemarle located in Old Main. This historic school campus provided a beautiful backdrop for the action-packed comedy. Set against rolling hills and vibrant trees, the movie featured shots of the learning institution’s impressive architecture, lush fields, and picturesque gardens.
During filming, most cast members commented on how they were able to get into character easily thanks to the inviting nature of the campus and its surrounding areas. The Miller School of Albemarle is situated close to several prominent landmarks and points of interest that are worth exploring for visitors interested in getting a real taste of Virginia’s culture and history.
Some nearby attractions include Monticello Plantation, Mount Airy Plantation House, James Monroe’s Highland, and Ash Lawn-Highland, as well as countless parks and forests. This unique combination of natural beauty blended with historic plantations makes the region an ideal location for filmmakers looking for prime regions with rich landscapes to bring their stories to life.
And with so much culture surrounding it, a virtual or physical tour of these areas is certainly worth embarking on, for any fan of Major Payne or Cinephile who wants to explore its locations further. For those interested in finding out more about the movie's filming location, we'd be happy to guide you through it.
Cadets sabotaging Major Payne scene in Major Payne
Old Main, 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
Under the influence of their rebellious leader, Alex Stone (Steven Martini), the cadets make numerous attempts to sabotage Payne (Damon Wayans) and force him to leave the school. In one such attempt, Stone and the cadets hire a biker to attack Payne.
However, the plan backfires, and in the aftermath of the incident, Payne appoints Stone as the new squad leader. The situation eventually reaches a boiling point, and Payne proposes that he will resign only if the cadets can successfully steal the Military Games trophy from Wellington Academy.
The vast majority of filming for Major Payne took place within the grounds of The Miller School of Albemarle. This co-educational private preparatory school boasts a picturesque 1,600-acre campus complete with historic buildings, which made for an ideal backdrop during the production.
The school is located in Albemarle County, within the historic city of Charlottesville, renowned for its stunning Neoclassical architecture, visually appealing gardens, and plenty of outdoor activities near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville has also become a popular destination for filmmakers, having hosted the production of numerous movies over the years, such as Evan Almighty, Toy Soldiers, True Colors, and Blue Ruin.
If you're up to take a trip to one of the most iconic buildings on the University of Virginia campus, you're in luck! Old Main, located at 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, is accessible by various modes of transportation. Whether you're driving, biking, or taking the bus, it's easy to get to this historic location.
If you're driving, there are several parking lots nearby, or if you prefer to bike, there are bike racks located throughout the area. And for those who prefer public transportation, the UTS bus system has multiple routes that pass by Old Main.
Waiting for a train scene in Major Payne
112 N Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005, USA
Preceding the Military Games, Payne is requested to rejoin the Marines and depart to fight in Bosnia. Despite his eagerness to accept the new assignment, he is disappointed that his deployment means he will miss out on participating in the Games.
While waiting for the train to depart, Payne daydreams about having a family with Emily (Karyn Parsons) and Tiger (Orlando Brown). Initially hesitant to compete without Payne, the cadets are ultimately persuaded by Alex (Steven Martini) to go ahead with the games.
Ashland station served as the setting for the Major Payne scene, which is an Amtrak intercity train station that was built in 1923 to replace an earlier railway station constructed in 1866. In addition to serving as a transportation hub for neighboring towns for a considerable period, the rail has played a crucial role in driving the economy of the city since the 19th century.
The station is also a stop on the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile multi-use trail that runs from Richmond to Williamsburg. Cyclists and hikers can easily access the station from the trail, making it an ideal location for a quick pit stop or a longer stay in the town of Ashland.
To visit 112 N Railroad Ave in Ashland, the quickest and easiest way to get there is by car. Simply plug the address into your GPS and let technology do the rest. Alternatively, hop on the CATS bus route 14 or 59, which both have stops near the vicinity.
And if you're feeling adventurous, feel free to walk or bike your way there and take in the scenic views of Ashland. No matter the mode of transportation, you'll be sure to arrive at 112 N Railroad Ave in no time.
Conclusion
Major Payne is a classic comedy that many movie-goers will never forget. The film follows former marine Major Benson Winifred Payne, who is discharged and takes a job as a military school commandant. He quickly finds himself surrounded by a group of unruly cadets whom he must train to become soldiers.
From natural landscapes to historic buildings and churches, director Nick Castle made use of the beautiful scenery to bring the story of Major Payne’s journey to life. One memorable scene included a dramatic backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests as Payne runs with his cadets from one location to another. Other scenes featured downtown Richmond as well as Lexington and Charlottesville in its colorful bustling streets.
Major Payne encapsulates not only the comedy elements but also pays homage to the state of Virginia for being such an inspirational setting for its filming process. Locations like Old Main contributed significantly to the classic film’s setting. With brilliant writing and diverse locations, Major Payne has charmed thousands over the years with its humor and heartwarming tale about second chances and redemption.