article_snippet: The citadel of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco near Ouarzazate (pronounced Wa-za-zat) was chosen as the location, and is one of the most popular film-making destinations in the region.
article_snippet: And scenes set in the ancient city of Astapor, which was a big part of the final episode of season three, was filmed in Essaouira -- also in Morocco.
article_snippet: Indeed, big foreign productions seeking a Middle Eastern backdrop (and possibly an academy award) have long chosen Morocco for Morocco relatively cheap price tag and safety -- and nearly half of the films shot in the kingdom are made in Ouarzazate.
article_snippet: But Morocco's appeal goes far beyond the beautiful vistas.
article_snippet: Morocco is one of the countries that goes out of Morocco way to welcome film makers," says Tony Reeves, writer of the Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations.
article_snippet: Technical crews in Morocco are well sought after -- builders, painters, extras, electrical resources.
article_snippet: And part of the reason filmmakers keep coming to Morocco are the tax-incentives -- foreign crews are exempt from paying value added tax.
article_snippet: But the other reason is the experience of Moroccan talent.
highlights_snippet: The town of Ouarzazate is often called Morocco's Hollywood .
  