Pioneertown Motel

Reviving a desert icon through story and place

Details

In the high desert of Southern California, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the stars shine with unfiltered clarity, lies the Pioneertown Motel, a place where history and modernity converge. Originally established in 1946 as a haven for Western film stars, this 19-room lodge was part of a live-in movie set designed to immerse actors in the very scenes they portrayed.


Decades later, brothers Michael and Matt French took on the mantle of restoration, breathing new life into the motel while honouring its storied past. Their meticulous efforts have transformed the space into a retreat that resonates with artists, travellers, and seekers of authenticity. Each room, adorned with handcrafted details and local artistry, tells a story of its own, a narrative of connection, creativity and reverence for the land.


CATEGORIES

Place

Culture

Year

2020

Our collaboration with the French brothers and the team at JourneyMaker aimed to capture the essence of Pioneertown Motel. Through immersive storytelling and visual exploration, we delved into the motel's unique blend of cinematic heritage and contemporary charm. The result is a portrayal of a place that offers more than just accommodation; it provides an experience—a chance to step into a living narrative where the past and present coalesce under the vast desert sky.


This is Pioneertown Motel, as seen through our lens: a testament to enduring stories, thoughtful restoration, and the timeless allure of the American West.

Credits

Director & Film

Juliet Taylor, Dominic Locher

Producer

Nick Bonney, JourneyMaker

Photography

Myles Pritchard

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