Where was Partners Filmed?
1999
City Locations
Los Angeles, Acton, Santa Clarita (USA)
Location Types
American, Naturescapes
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Bed & Breakfast, Motel
About Partners
Bob (David Paymer) is a slightly geeky computer programmer who has come up with a rather disturbing plan to make money. He decides to turn on his boss and steal a highly valuable set of computer codes from his workplace, which he then proceeds to offer for sale to their competitors.
At first, things seem to be going well for Bob; he is confident that he will receive a hefty payday for the stolen data worth seven figures. However, his plot takes an unexpected turn when he mentions it in passing on a bus, where it is overheard by a drifter (Casper Van Dien). The drifter lifts the briefcase with the stolen goods, and Bob soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with this unscrupulous character.
In order to get back what belongs to him, Bob has no choice but to cooperate with the drifter's wishes and play along, despite feeling increasingly discontented with the situation. Matters become even more complicated when they come across the drifter's former girlfriend (Bridget Moynahan), who invites them into her home in order to help them out. It isn't long before Bob discovers that there are other people involved in this illicit scheme of theirs who have darker motives than just making quick money by selling stolen goods. As their plan starts unraveling piece by piece and danger looms ever closer, Bob must decide whether or not he has what it takes to pull off this white-collar crime comedy amidst all odds stacked against him.
Partners Locations
The comedy Partners was filmed in multiple locations throughout Southern California. The majority of the scenes for this film were shot in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, providing a backdrop that was both beautiful and diverse. Santa Clarita is a city located north of Los Angeles in the Santa Clarita Valley; it is home to many natural attractions such as Six Flags Magic Mountain, Castaic Lake, and Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. It is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities where visitors can take part in activities like fishing, hiking, and biking.
Los Angeles was another important filming location for Partners. This sprawling metropolis offers many iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and Universal Studios Hollywood. It has vibrant communities that contain unique shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and more. A trip to these two distinct regions would be a great way to explore the locations used while filming Partners.
Santa Clarita provides scenes of vast farmland with rolling hillsides surrounded by mountains while Los Angeles showcases the hustle and bustle of city life with its distinct skyline filled with tall buildings and bright lights. Both regions bring together a combination of urban energy combined with breathtaking natural vistas which make them an ideal setting for this romantic comedy film. In addition to being able to visit these captivating sites from Partners movie locations, fans also have access to a variety of entertainment options including live music venues, theaters, museums, and nightlife hotspots which provide more than enough options to keep visitors busy during their stay.
Axel drinking coffee scene in Partners
3638 Smith Ave, Acton, CA
After a successful robbery, Axel (Casper Van Dien) is pleasantly having coffee in a cafe nearby with a briefcase and plans for the future. Though, his moment of happiness isn`t long, as Bob notices the disappearance and comes back to the cafe where Axel takes him as a hostage.
The scene is taking place at an Acton Market. Stop by the newly reopened Original Acton Market to try something from fresh, homemade cuisine and experience the pleasant, small-town atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a deli and meat market, Mediterranean specialties, delicious pizza counter dishes, or even just basic grocery items, this retail locale has it all! And after shopping, you can get a cup of coffee the same as Axel did. Don`t steal the waiter`s money, though.
If you're not located in Acton, the most reliable option to get there is by car. To reach your destination, start by heading north on Sierra Hwy and make a left turn at the first cross street onto Crown Valley Rd. Then take another left on Smith Ave before making one last right which will bring you straight to your desired spot—it'll be just ahead on the left!
A motel scene in Partners
7041 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA
After a long and tiresome journey, Axel (Casper Van Dien) decides to pause his travels at a local motel. Here, he meets the vividly dressed hotel clerk Johnny Dark who mistakenly assumes that Bob (David Paymer) and Axel are in fact an affectionate couple. Consequently Mr. Dark rewards them with the honeymoon suite as their lodging!
It`s hard to believe that the motel which was shot in this movie can still be visited. Imagine staying in the same romantic suite with pink colors everywhere. We doubt the hotel clerk is the same, though! Hyland Motel Van Nuys is the perfect choice for travelers. It happens to be the same motel that was used for filming Partners more than 20 years ago—talk about making history come alive!
This destination can be reached by various modes of transportation. If you choose to take the bus, Vanowen/Sepulveda bus stop is closest to the motel. Simply disembark and walk east towards Sepulveda Boulevard for about six minutes (0.3 mi). Then, make a left onto Sepulveda Blvd until you arrive at your destination. However, if you prefer going by car, then taking Vanowen Street to Sepulveda Blvd would be your fastest route!
Car rental scene in Partners
23737 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA
This is a hilarious car scene when Axel (Casper Van Dien) plays music while enjoying the future perspective and worry-free life. Bob (David Paymer) isn`t satisfied that he`s been kept as a hostage and asks to turn the music off, but he`ll get the advantage later. The two are on their way to a car rental business where they take an amazing mint-colored car.
Santa Clarita's ATM car rental company offers a unique experience for passers-by who take a moment to observe it. With its beautiful natural surroundings, the area is certainly an interesting sight. Unfortunately, this car rental location is currently closed, and leasing a vehicle at this location isn't an option. Even so, there's still plenty to admire when walking around the area; the breathtaking scenery alone makes it worth visiting.
For those who plan to take the bus, the closest stop is located on Newhall Ave & Carl Ct. From there, you’ll be able to walk for a mere two minutes and find your destination on the right. For drivers, head southeast onto Newhall Ave and you'll arrive in no time!
Conclusion
Some think this film does not offer anything particularly unique or special, and the actors fail to bring the roles to life in a convincing way. However, there is one very big exception, and that is David Paymer, a veteran actor who has starred in many films over the years such as The Hurricane, Mumford, and two City Slickers films. He really shines in this movie and brings his character Bob completely to life with his strong performance. And of course, the unique Partners movie locations are a treat to seek out.
As a curiosity, it can be mentioned that the director Joey Travolta is the brother of the rather more well-known John Travolta. Joey has established himself as an actor and director in his own right, appearing in more than 20 films and directing almost a dozen films that may not be widely known but are still noteworthy. Many say Partners fails to stand out from the crowd and can't be considered great cinema, but it’s a fun movie yet.
Enjoy the film and keep an eye out for the locations we’ve pointed out above. Then get ready for a road trip!