“Atlas” is an intense sci-fi action thriller based on the computer game Titanfall. The plot revolves around Atlas Shepherd, a data analyst with a strong disdain for artificial intelligence (AI) and people in general. She is recruited to apprehend a lethal android named Harlan, who wishes to end all human conflict by eradicating humanity. Surprisingly, Harlan has a mysterious past with Atlas and has dangerous designs against his creators. During her mission, Atlas pilots a mech that crashes on a frigid and dangerous planet. This strong mech comes with an advanced AI dubbed Smith, who becomes crucial for Atlas to control the machine despite her initial aversion to artificial intelligence.
The Plot and Visual Appeal
As Atlas and Smith begin to fight together, she starts to see that the technology she feared might not be as malicious as she thought. Directed by Brad Peyton, the film features stunning visuals of futuristic cities, icy alien worlds, and vibrant action scenes. This diverse range of backdrops makes the filming locations of “Atlas” particularly intriguing.
Primary Filming Locations
“Atlas” was mainly filmed in a studio in Los Angeles, California, but it also features environmental shots from Cupertino, California; Shanghai, China; the UK; and New Zealand. The principal photography for the film started on August 24, 2022, and wrapped up by November 19, 2022. Brad Peyton faced significant challenges filming different sequences and seamlessly stitching them together to maintain his vision.
What Were the Challenges Faced During Filming?
In an interview, Brad Peyton stated, “The biggest challenge was that this film was done in pieces.” I had to record Jen (Jennifer Lopez) in the mech suit, then record the surroundings with specific people with whom the mech suit would interact, and then add visual effects. Our images were often made up of three or four sections that were patched together.”
Los Angeles, California
The majority of “Atlas” was shot at Quixote Studios in Los Angeles. Quixote Studios has several facilities throughout the city, but the majority of the stages used for “Atlas” were at 12137 Montague Street in Pacoima. The studio has 24 stages in six locations, with stages 11-20 being used for the film. Additional stages (1–3) are located in West Hollywood at 1011 North Fuller Avenue.
Why Was Quixote Studios Selected?
“Atlas” needed a controlled environment where complex scenes could be filmed in pieces and later seamlessly stitched together with visual effects. Quixote Studios provided the necessary space and technical infrastructure. The soundstages are equipped with advanced lighting, soundproofing, and rigging capabilities, ensuring precise control for the film’s intricate shots. Peyton revealed, “This movie was really challenging. In terms of technical complexity, it’s right up there with ‘Avatar.’ This movie is so complex and unique, unlike anything I’ve done before.”
Support from Quixote Studios
Quixote Studios is well-known for providing extensive production services, including set construction, design, and post-production facilities. For “Atlas,” this means that expensive sets such as the interior of the mech suit could be built and filmed in great detail. Jennifer Lopez, the lead actress, spent five weeks filming scenes in the practically created cockpit of the mech suit. Peyton explained, “It was her in the chair, talking to someone who wasn’t there. For five weeks, we used a large gimbal that moved with her movements and cameras mounted all around.”
Cupertino, California
A second filming unit traveled to Silicon Valley for on-location shooting. Cupertino, known for its modern architecture, scenic landscapes, and tech-centric environment, provided a fitting backdrop for the sci-fi film. Cupertino is famously home to Apple Inc., adding to its futuristic and high-tech vibe.
Other filming locations
To capture various environments in the movie, the production team also traveled to the UK, New Zealand, and Shanghai, China. The skyline shots of Shanghai, including iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower, add to the movie’s visual appeal. The tower, located at No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, is the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower and offers spectacular views from its top deck.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Atlas
Q: Where was “Atlas” filmed?
A: “Atlas” was mostly shot in a studio in Los Angeles, California, notably Quixote Studios. Additional outdoor shots were taken in Cupertino, California, Shanghai, China, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand to capture the film’s various and futuristic surroundings.
Q: What are some specific locations in Los Angeles used for filming “Atlas”?
A: Most of the filming in Los Angeles took place at Quixote Studios’ location on 12137 Montague Street, Pacoima. The film utilized several of the studio’s stages, particularly stages 11 to 20, to create the complex and detailed sets needed for the movie.
Q: When was “Atlas” filmed?
A: Principal photography for “Atlas” began on August 24, 2022, and wrapped up by November 19, 2022. The production faced various challenges, including the need to film complex sequences in segments and then seamlessly stitch them together.
Q: When was “Atlas” released?
A: “Atlas” was released on May 24, 2024 on Netflix.
