The movie trailer known as "Innocence of Muslims," blamed for sparking riots in Egypt, Libya and Yemen, has cast an unwelcome spotlight on one of the busiest movie ranches in Los Angeles County.
According to FilmL.A. Inc., responsible for filming permits in the area, a Duarte-based group called Media for Christ obtained a permit to film in the county for one day in August 2011.
Although FilmL.A. did not disclose the location, citing a request by authorities not to release the permit because of public safety concerns, a source familiar with the project who was not authorized to speak publicly said the movie was partially shot at Blue Cloud Movie Ranch.
The 100-acre ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley specializes in military settings, with a Middle East Town and Baghdad Square set that is so real the U.S. military uses it for training.
The ranch also has a full-scale army camp, aircraft hangar and 50 military vehicles, including tanks, Humvees and helicopters. Blue Cloud has a long list of credits, including such movies as "Iron Man" and television series like "NCIS Los Angeles" and "Jag."