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  • Location Inspiration for ‘There Will Be Blood’

Location Inspiration for ‘There Will Be Blood’

June 24, 2021 | Austin, Texas

In celebration of the Texas Film Commission's 50th Anniversary, we went to the archives to see how our history has been shaped by the initiatives, programs and productions from the past 50 years. View more from the archives here. #TFC50.


March 25, 2005 | Back in March of 2005, while prepping There Will Be Blood, director Paul Thomas Anderson sent in location research photos to convey what type of locations he was looking for to bring the tale of a turn of the century oil prospector in the early days of the business to life. Texas Film Commission staff then compiled a locations package of photo options for him to review.

Paul Thomas Anderson has sent a reference package to Tom’s attention for this project which they expect to arrive any day now. Ken Lavet called to talk with you about what you sent him before and would like for you to call him tomorrow after the see the reference package so you guys can discuss. – Amy Cadenhead, Head of Production

Research photos from production. Click to see entire packet.
Property of the Texas Film Commission.

There Will Be Blood would eventually go on to film in Summer 2006 in Marfa and Shafter – two film-friendly communities of West Texas.

One of the free services provided by the TFC is assistance in finding the perfect location(s) to help capture a filmmaker’s vision for their story. From iconic western landscapes to contemporary urban settings, the TFC highlights a wide range of statewide locations on our public-facing searchable online database.

Learn more about TFC Location Services 

Explore TFC History 

TFC50_Archive_2000s_There_Will_Be_Blood_10.jpg Image
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Texas Film Commission

P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-9200


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