Andrea McKenna • July 1, 2026
Did You Know? Marlon Brando Filmed a Commercial in Anza-Borrego
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A Hollywood fun fact courtesy of longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee.
Did you know that Marlon Brando once filmed a Telecom Italia commercial in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
The commercial was directed by Tony Scott, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Top Gun, Days of Thunder, and Crimson Tide. Tony was the younger brother of legendary director Ridley Scott, known for films including Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, and The Martian.
Helping make the production possible was Anza-Borrego Desert State Park staff, including longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee, who assisted the production with location planning, logistics, and access during filming at Fonts Point, one of the park's most iconic overlooks.
From Hollywood films to international commercials, Anza-Borrego's dramatic desert landscapes have long attracted filmmakers from around the world.
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