If you're a fan of dystopian dramas and binge-watching thrillers, then you’ve likely found yourself glued to the screen with The 100. This post-apocalyptic series, set in a distant future, has captivated audiences worldwide. As fans, one of our favorite aspects is exploring the real-world locations where the show was filmed. Combining insights from industry professionals, data-driven findings, and our deep knowledge of film production, we’re here to reveal the filming secrets of The 100.
The Magic of Filming Locations
Filming locations play a crucial role in creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere. The meticulous selection of sets and real-world locations ensures that the visual storytelling aligns with the show’s narrative. This is especially evident in The 100, where the harsh post-apocalyptic environment relies heavily on the backdrops for conveying the dire circumstances of the characters. Let’s dive deeper to uncover which locales were pivotal to this gripping saga.
Key Insights
Key Insights
- The strategic choice of filming locations in The 100 reflects the show’s commitment to realism, with multiple filming sites across British Columbia.
- Technical considerations, such as weather conditions and specific landscape requirements, heavily influenced location selection.
- The experts recommend visiting these locations for a firsthand glimpse into the production processes and the real-world environments that brought The 100 to life.
British Columbia: The Hidden Gem
The majority of The 100 was filmed in British Columbia, Canada, specifically in Vancouver and on its nearby studio soundstages. The province’s diverse landscapes provided the perfect combination of natural beauty and urban decay, crucial for portraying the show’s dystopian setting. Vancouver, renowned for its film industry, served as the ideal hub for shooting. Let’s break down the specifics.
Vancouver and Its Iconic Buildings
The city of Vancouver is peppered with modern high-rises and historic buildings that the show’s production team expertly incorporated into various episodes. One of the most notable locations is the University of British Columbia, which was transformed to depict the remnants of humanity’s high-tech past, including the now-desolate Mount Weather Observatory.
Studio Soundstages
In addition to outdoor shoots, the vast soundstages at Vancouver’s GreenGate Studios were another critical element. These expansive sets allowed the filmmakers to craft complex scenes with elaborate designs, from interior spaces to expansive post-apocalyptic ruins, all under controlled conditions.
Remote Wilderness: Filming on Location
While Vancouver and the nearby soundstages served as central hubs, The 100 also ventured into more remote and rugged locations, drawing from the breathtaking natural scenery of British Columbia. The show’s team took advantage of British Columbia’s unique terrains to authentically depict survival in the wilderness.
Mountains and Canyons
The majestic peaks and steep canyons of the province were perfect for representing the harsh, unforgiving environments the characters navigated. Locations such as the Garibaldi Provincial Park and various filming spots along the Garibaldi Highway were pivotal in showcasing the ruggedness of a world in decay.
Forests and Rivers
Filming in British Columbia’s expansive forests and beside serene rivers provided both the rawness and tranquillity required for many narrative beats. The forests of British Columbia were used to depict the vastness of the now-untouched wilderness, while riverside locations highlighted moments of solitude and reflection.
International Inspiration
While British Columbia largely provided the backbone for The 100’s shooting locations, there were instances where international inspiration was essential for certain narrative elements. A notable example includes the use of locations in New Zealand, adding an exotic twist to the storytelling.
New Zealand’s Scenic Allure
For a handful of episodes, the production team explored the contrasting yet stunning scenery of New Zealand. The diverse landscapes of New Zealand, ranging from lush forests to serene beaches, lent a global flavor to certain parts of the series.
The Technical Precision Behind The 100
A production of The 100’s magnitude requires meticulous technical precision. Behind the scenes, a myriad of technical considerations were paramount in ensuring every frame delivered the visual storytelling the show demanded.
Weather Conditions and Seasonality
As much as the storyline demands a post-apocalyptic setting, weather and seasonality played an instrumental role in choosing filming dates. Given British Columbia’s diverse climate, planning around the seasonal changes ensured that the right weather conditions could be captured for each scene, adding authenticity to the scenes set in diverse times of year.
Lighting and Camera Angles
Cinematographers had to play a masterful game with lighting and camera angles to effectively convey the show’s mood. The contrast between the cold, grey, lifeless city and the warm, vibrant wilderness was accentuated through meticulous lighting choices and dynamic camera work, ensuring the audience felt every detail, from the oppressive low-light interiors to the expansive, sunlit scenes.
FAQ Section
What are some of the most memorable filming locations in Vancouver?
Some of the most memorable locations in Vancouver include the University of British Columbia, which stood in for Mount Weather Observatory, and the GreenGate Studios’ expansive soundstages that provided a variety of set possibilities.
Did The 100 have to deal with any significant weather issues during filming?
Yes, weather posed a significant challenge, given British Columbia’s variable climate. However, precise planning around the seasonal changes ensured that most scenes could be shot in optimal conditions, balancing natural elements with the controlled studio environment.
Why did the production choose to film in British Columbia?
British Columbia offered a perfect blend of natural landscapes and urban environments, combined with excellent infrastructure and favorable tax incentives for film productions, making it an ideal choice for the production of The 100.
With this exploration into the meticulous efforts behind filming The 100, it’s clear that multiple layers of planning and technical expertise went into creating the visual storytelling that has captured our imaginations. By combining expert insights, practical applications, and a data-driven approach, we’ve uncovered the hidden gems that made this dystopian masterpiece a visual tour de force.