Masters of the Air Filming Locations
What to expect from a follow-up to two Emmy-awarded series? A lot. And the $250 million production cost tells us that’s what we’re going to get.
After Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks brought us Band of Brothers and The Pacific, their third installment is expected to raise the standard for realism even more. The audience was already expecting high altitudes, but as the excitement grew, the bar got higher.
The series is based on Donald L Miller’s book and tells the story of American bomber pilots of the U.S. Eighth Air Force.
These brave pilots will be embodied in the series by well-known Hollywood names such as Anthony Boyle, Austin Butler, and Jude Law’s son, Rafferty Law.
Ready for take-off? Let’s check out the amazing Masters of the Air filming locations!
Trinity Church Square, London, UK
Trinity Church Square is a picturesque square in South London, steeped in history. Also, it is one of the most famous filming locations in London. Moreover, many of its former residents shared their experiences of living in such a popular location. They reported remembering lots of movies being filmed there including Christopher Robin, Mary Poppins, and Sherlock Holmes. However, in the miniseries, you’ll see it covered with rubble and sandbag walls. For a couple of days, during the filming, the square looked as if a bomb had actually hit it.
Oxford City Centre, Oxfordshire, UK
When vintage war vehicles were spotted in Radcliffe Square and Catte Street, everyone was very excited. They knew what the hype was about. Moreover, actors were spotted around Radcliffe square while filming. Passers-by figured out right away that this was a big production with big names starring. Furthermore, Radcliffe square is surrounded by Oxford University, an already well established filming location. The main attraction is the Radcliffe Camera. Namely, this gorgeous building is a reading room connected to Bodleian Library via tunnels. Needless to say, this historic jewel is of great importance. However, we would like to point out that is it also of great beauty. In addition, there are no modern buildings in the square. Therefore, it is frequently used as a filming location for period films such as Young Sherlock Holmes.
Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK
The Dalton Barracks are not quite in Abingdon, but they’re close enough. The location is only about half an hour away by car. It served as a setting for shooting outdoor airfield operation scenes. Furthermore, for filming purposes, two full-sized B-17 airplane replicas were brought to the scene. They were lifted in the air by a crane to shoot some takeoff/landing scenes. In addition, a flight control center has been built on the site. It seems like these scenes are not only going to be dramatic but also very authentic.
Newland Park, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, UK
Chalfont St Giles is a charming small village situated near London. It dates back to medieval times and is very well preserved. In fact, it won the “Britain’s best kept village” award several times. Furthermore, one of its most popular attractions is Newland Park. It is a country estate encompassing a house, a park, gardens, and pleasure grounds. In addition, the estate is also home to Chiltern Open Air Museum. It is a popular tourist attraction featuring a collection of historic buildings. However, in the series, it is portrayed as a personnel hub of a US Army Air Forces airfield.
Bledlow, Buckinghamshire, UK
Bledlow is a gorgeous historic village. Its main attraction is the Church of The Holy Trinity, which dates back to the 13th century. Furthermore, this has been a popular filming location for quite some time. That is to say, it served as a setting for shooting some scenes for Midsomer Murders series. That is why the locals weren’t too surprised when they spotted a filming crew. However, they were surprised to spot a wartime road sign pointing to Norfolk villages. Also, the Lions pub was transformed into Kings Head. Namely, for filming purposes, the village was made to look like a Norfolk village in the 1940s.
Hinds Head pub, Bray, Berkshire, UK
Bray is another charming village that Hanks and Spielberg used as a time machine. This time, the “shooting star” was the Hinds Head pub. Curious passers-by reported seeing plenty of extras, all of whom looked as if they had just arrived straight from the 1940s. Furthermore, Hinds Head pub dates back to the 15th century. However, in the 1920s it was converted into a restaurant. Nevertheless, even today the interior exudes antique charm. It is owned by celebrity chef and food writer Heston Blumenthal and has a Michelin star.
Hemel Hempstead Old Town, Hertfordshire, UK
Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town served as a filming location for several films and TV shows including Endeavor and After Life. As a Masters of the Air filming location, part of the Old Town was transformed to look like bombed-out streets and bomb shelters. Furthermore, its High Street is one of its most interesting parts. It contains Victorian, Georgian, and Tudor architecture. In other words, it almost looks like an open-air museum. Also, it is brimming with period pubs and retro cafes. In fact, the High Street is sometimes described as ”the prettiest street in Hertfordshire”.
Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, UK
Bovingdon is a small village located just outside London, making it a great choice for a day trip. Furthermore, one of its most beautiful attractions is St Lawrence Church which dates back to approximately the 13th century. The village served as a filming location for several movies and TV shows such as Hanover Street, 633 Squadron, and Mosquito Squadron. As you may have noticed, these are all war movies. That is because World War II, Eighth Air Force and post-war Royal Air Force airfield are located right next to the village. Therefore, it is no surprise that the producers chose this as a Masters of the Air filming location.
