Atlas Corporation Studios, Morocco - History

1962 - Ouarzazate was first used as a movie location by acclaimed British director David Lean for his epic Lawrence of Arabia. Familiar with the area, Lean knew that the site could provide an authentic setting for any ancient, desert-based story.

1983 - Atlas Film Studios built, when Moroccan entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi recognized the need for a permanent studio in the area.

Over the years, Ouarzazate has served as a shooting location for Alexander the Great, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, The Mummy (1999), Star Wars (1977), The Living Daylights (1987), Martin Scorsese's Kundun (1997), and many others, including Ridley Scott's epic Gladiator (2000), starring Russell Crowe, and Body of Lies (2008) also starring Russell Crowe along with Leonardo DiCaprio.