Where Was The Movie Blended Filmed In Africa
The 2014 romantic comedy Blended, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, captivated audiences with its heartwarming story and exotic backdrop. While much of the film takes place at a luxurious resort in Africa, pinpointing the precise filming location requires a closer look beyond the fictional "Lost World of Africa" setting depicted on screen.
This article delves into the actual filming locations used for Blended, separating fact from cinematic fiction, and exploring the real African landscapes that brought the movie's vibrant visuals to life. Understanding where a film is shot offers insight into the creative choices made by the filmmakers and can even inspire travel to these picturesque destinations.
The Sun City Resort: The Heart of the "Lost World"
The primary filming location for Blended was the Sun City Resort in South Africa. This sprawling entertainment complex, located in the North West Province, served as the main setting for the movie's fictional African resort.
Specifically, the luxurious Palace of the Lost City hotel within the Sun City Resort was heavily featured, showcasing its opulent architecture and stunning surroundings. The resort's various amenities, including its pools, water parks, and golf courses, were also incorporated into the film's narrative.
Why Sun City?
Sun City offered the filmmakers a complete and controlled environment to bring their vision to life. Its existing infrastructure, diverse landscapes, and readily available resources made it an ideal location for a large-scale production.
The resort's established tourism industry also meant that accommodating the cast and crew was relatively straightforward. The choice of Sun City also provided a safe and secure environment for filming, which is a crucial consideration for international productions in Africa.
Beyond Sun City: Additional Filming Locations
While Sun City formed the core of the African filming, some scenes were shot in other locations within South Africa to enhance the film's authenticity. According to various sources, including interviews with crew members, additional scenes were filmed in and around Johannesburg.
These locations provided diverse backdrops that complemented the scenes shot at Sun City. This ensured the film didn't feel confined to a single resort environment.
The Animal Encounters
The movie features several scenes involving African wildlife, which added to the immersive experience for viewers. While the exact locations for these scenes are less documented, it is highly probable that they were filmed in game reserves or wildlife sanctuaries near Sun City or Johannesburg.
South Africa boasts numerous reputable wildlife facilities that prioritize animal welfare while providing controlled environments for filming. These facilities allowed the production team to safely capture the necessary footage while adhering to ethical standards.
Impact and Significance
The use of Sun City as a primary filming location for Blended had a notable impact on South Africa's tourism industry. The film showcased the beauty and luxury of the resort to a global audience, potentially attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
The exposure could further increase demand for South Africa's luxurious resorts, game reserves, and overall hospitality, making Sun City a top-of-mind holiday destination. The movie, therefore, indirectly contributed to promoting tourism in South Africa.
Accuracy vs. Artistic License
It's important to remember that Blended is a fictional film, and as such, it takes certain artistic liberties with its portrayal of Africa. The movie condenses diverse landscapes and cultures into a singular resort experience, which may not accurately reflect the vastness and complexity of the continent.
Viewers should be aware that the "Lost World of Africa" depicted in the film is a cinematic construct. Rather than using Blended as an accurate guide to the geography or culture of Africa, viewers should use it to inspire and then conduct authentic research.
Conclusion
The movie Blended was primarily filmed at the Sun City Resort in South Africa, with some additional scenes shot in and around Johannesburg. The choice of Sun City provided the filmmakers with a controlled and picturesque environment to bring their story to life.
While the film offers a glimpse into the beauty of South Africa, it's essential to recognize the artistic license taken in portraying the continent. By understanding the real filming locations, viewers can appreciate the movie's visual appeal while acknowledging its fictional nature.
