Science fiction geeks are probably pretty disappointed that Westworld was canceled as of 2022. But for those of you who are curious about Westworld, this article should shed some light on the HBO television series. So where was Westworld filmed? The series ran from 2016 to 2022 and was filmed in a few different locations. For the purpose of this article we’ll focus on one location. In the meantime, let’s start with what the series was all about.
What was Westworld All About?
Westworld was a science fiction series set in a futuristic theme park populated by android hosts. Guests of the park can explore different lifestyles and have adventures without consequence. The show follows several storylines, exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, morality, and fate. It was an immensely popular show that gained critical acclaim and a cult following since it first premiered in 2016.
Where Was Westworld Filmed?
Westworld was mainly filmed in California. The show’s main set is located in Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Santa Clarita. Other locations used include Paramount Studios, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Latigo Canyon and Malibu Creek State Park. In addition to these filming sites in California, some scenes were also shot in Utah and Wyoming.
The show’s main set, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, was specifically chosen for its resemblance to the traditional Western movie sets from the past. The site features a convenient location with plenty of backdrops for filming action sequences. Paramount Studios is another great location that provides everything needed for a fully-fledged production. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is also used for scenes that require an outdoor setting, like horseback riding sequences.
Latigo Canyon was used for filming some of the show’s iconic windmill shots. The picturesque canyon offers remarkable visual effects, thanks to its stunning landscape. Finally, Malibu Creek State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, was used for exterior shots of Westworld.
Who Was In The Cast of Westworld?
The cast of Westworld was comprised of a stellar ensemble of actors, including: Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores Abernathy, Thandie Newton as Maeve Millay, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Robert Ford, Jimmi Simpson as William, Ed Harris as The Man in Black, Jeffrey Wright as Bernard Lowe and Tessa Thompson as Charlotte Hale. Other notable cast members include Luke Hemsworth, Rodrigo Santoro and Angela Sarafyan.
Who Directed Westworld?
Westworld was directed by Jonathan Nolan, who also served as the show’s executive producer. Other directors included Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones), Michelle MacLaren (Breaking Bad) and Vincenzo Natali (Splice).
Did Westworld Receive Any Awards?
Yes, Westworld has won several awards and nominations. It was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Drama Series and won the 2017 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama. Other awards include a Critics’ Choice TV Award, People’s Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards and more.
Technical Information About Westworld
The main cameras used in the Westworld production were the Arricam and Arriflex. Here is the detailed list:
- Arri/Zeiss Master Prime
- Arricam LT, Cooke S4, Canon K35, Fujinon Premier and Angenieux Optimo lenses
- Arricam LT, Zeiss Master Prime, Supreme Prime, Todd-AO and Fujinon Lenses
- Arricam ST, Cooke S4, Canon K35, Fujinon Premier and Angenieux Optimo lenses
- Arricam ST, Zeiss Master Prime, Supreme Prime, Todd-AO and Fujinon lenses
- Arriflex 235, Cooke S4 and Canon K35 lenses
- Arriflex 435, Zeiss Master Prime and Supreme Prime lenses
- Arriflex 535B, Zeiss Master Prime and Supreme Prime lenses
- Leitz SUMMILUX-C lenses
- Panavision G Series Anamorphic lenses
- Sony Venice
- Todd-AO Anamorphic lenses
- Zeiss Supreme Prime lenses
These cameras and lenses were used throughout the production of the entire series.
Fun Facts
- Ben Barnes (Logan) broke his foot before the first day of shooting. He was afraid of losing the job so he didn’t tell anyone. He just incorporated the limp into his character.
- Warner Brothers had been trying to remake Westworld since the 1990s.
- In the early stages of Westworld, the producers considered having Clint Eastwood play the Man in Black.
- In Season 3, Ed Harris wasn’t happy with the material he was given to work with.
- Luke Hemsworth originally auditioned for the role of Teddy Flood.
Can You Visit the Set of Westworld?
Unfortunately, the Westworld filming locations are not open to the public. However, fans may be able to visit some of the show’s sets in the future as certain sites have been preserved for potential tours.
You can certainly take a tour of Paramount Studios but it won’t include any of the Westworld sets right now.
What is Los Angeles Famous For?
There’s one thing you can say about Los Angeles and California in general. You’ll never be bored there.
Los Angeles is an iconic city that is famous for its entertainment industry, sunny beaches, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. It’s home to Hollywood studios and some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
The city has a rich history that dates back to 1781, when it was founded as El Pueblo de La Reina de Los Ángeles. Today, the city is known for its world-class entertainment industry, diverse cultures, and vibrant nightlife.
So even if you can’t see the Westworld sets, you can still enjoy where it was filmed.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
For fans looking to explore the world of Westworld, Los Angeles offers some unique locations that were featured in the show.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall was featured as the Delos Corporation’s corporate headquarters. The iconic building is located in downtown L.A. and is open for tours.
The Bradbury Building is also located in downtown Los Angeles and was featured as the Mariposa Saloon in Westworld. Fans can take a guided tour of this beautiful building which has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
Rancho Simi was used as an exterior location for some of the show’s scenes. This park is located in Simi Valley and offers visitors a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes.
Griffith Park Observatory is another iconic Los Angeles location that was featured in Westworld. Fans can take a guided tour of this beautiful building, which has breathtaking views of the city.
The Bradbury Building is also located in downtown Los Angeles and was featured as the Mariposa Saloon in Westworld. Fans can take a guided tour of this beautiful building which has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
The Santa Monica Pier was used to film some of the show’s beach scenes. Visitors can take a stroll along the pier, grab a bite to eat, or take in the ocean views.
Visiting these iconic locations will give fans a chance to explore the world of Westworld and immerse themselves in its captivating stories.
Unique Places in Los Angeles
This article wouldn’t be complete without a few wacky and weird things to do in Los Angeles. Afterall, isn’t that what Los Angeles is all about? It’s a melting pot of wacky and weird since it’s where so many movie and television studios are located.
So here are a few odd places you may be interested in:
- Cafe Jack
- Two-Bit Circus
- Phantasma Gloria at Randyland
- Echo Park Time Travel Mart
- California Institute of Abnormal Arts
- Underground Tunnel Networks
These are just a few of the many things you can check out on your visit to Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westworld Season 1 filmed?
Filming locations in California included various soundstages, backlots at both Universal Studios and Warner Bros., the Paramount Ranch in Agoura, the Melody Ranch in Santa Clarita, the Skirball Cultural Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, and the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.
Why was Westworld canceled?
Westworld was canceled due to a steady decline in viewership. The fourth season was considered a flop altogether.
And That’s a Wrap!
It’s probably disappointing to know that you can’t actually visit the set of Westworld. But you can still visit many of the places where some of the scenes were filmed. If you plan to visit Los Angeles, make sure to have a car. It will be tough to get around without one.
