The 2007 novel “Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Versus Nazi Germany” by Donald L. Miller served as the inspiration for the combat action drama series “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+. The show was created by John Shiban and John Orloff.
The story, which takes place amid World War II, is focused on the airmen of the Eighth Air Force’s B-17 Flying Fortress unit, the 100th Bomb Group. These airmen risk their lives by dropping bombs on Nazi Germany while enduring dangerous circumstances, such as oxygen deprivation.
The squad earned the nickname “Bloody Hundredth” because, despite dealing great damage to the enemy’s camp, they also sustained some serious losses during combat missions.
With an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Barry Keoghan, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Anthony Boyle, Austin Butler, and Callum Turner, the thriller drama series transports us to the Second World War with its lifelike cinematography, leaving us to wonder where “Masters of the Air” is shot.
The whole movie “Masters of the Air” was filmed in England, specifically in London, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Berkshire. Under the working title “Whirlwind,” production on the action series’ first season reportedly began in April 2021.
However, in July 2021, a team member’s positive COVID-19 test resulted in a brief stop to filming.
Following the postponement, the main photography started up again and was ultimately completed in April 2022. It’s interesting to note that Lux Machina was used for on-set virtual production in the cockpit scenes.
The show’s opening minutes essentially operate as a mission statement, introducing us to the 100th and terrifyingly reminding us that any one of these men could be suddenly removed from the story by a stray gunshot or a broken engine. Salutations from the front lines.
Filming Locations
Oxfordshire, England
The ceremonial county of Oxfordshire, in South East England, serves as the backdrop for numerous crucial scenes in the film “Masters of the Air.” Former RAF Thorpe Abbotts, a station of the Royal Air Force, is now Dalton Barracks, a military installation near Abingdon.
Additionally, to record a few key scenes, the production crew camps down at Abingdon-on-Thames, also known as Abingdon.
This medieval market town and civil parish has buildings and monuments that could be used as the setting for historical dramas such as “Masters of the Air.” One of the well-known locations for the war show’s filming is the Didcot Railway Centre, located on Station Road in Didcot.
The Austin Butler film also features scenes with Oxford scenery serving as the background. In and around the Mapledurham House, several significant scenes are also filmed. Situated in the civil parish of the same name, it is a majestic Elizabethan mansion with Grade I listing status.
Buckinghamshire, England
“Masters of the Air” production crews also go to Buckinghamshire for filming, specifically to the town of Aylesbury, where they supposedly use a soundstage.
The film crew sets up in Newland Park, close to Chalfont St. Peter, to shoot the scenes that are centered around the American pilots’ landing field and English base.
The history of the Grade II listed rural mansion dates back to the 18th century, and it has been featured in several TV series and movies throughout the years, including “Thief Takers” and “Class Act.” The settlement of Bledlow, which is located along the historic Icknield Way, is even noted for a few episodes.
Other Locations in England
The Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire town, is one of several other locations in England where the “Masters of the Air” production is located. The Old Town from the 1940s, for example, is recreated on the High Street. Additionally, Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, provides ample facilities for the cast and crew to utilize.
The film studio has four cutting-edge sound stages, 100 acres of a rural World War II airport for a backlot, production offices, workshop space, and other facilities. These features make it an excellent option for a variety of production types.
The London Borough of Southwark’s Trinity Church Square in Newington is another significant location used for “Masters of the Air” filming. One of the filming locations for the military drama series is the English county of Berkshire’s suburban community of Bray.