Netflix’s reimagining of Lost in Space captivated audiences with its compelling characters and breathtaking alien landscapes. But behind the dazzling special effects and gripping narrative lies a practical question that has intrigued fans: Where did they film this visually stunning series? The answer is a carefully orchestrated blend of dramatic real-world locations, primarily in Iceland and British Columbia, Canada, meticulously combined with sophisticated studio sets.
A Tapestry of Terrestrial Wonders: The Real-World Backdrops
The production team behind Lost in Space strategically chose locations that could evoke the harsh beauty and unexplored nature of a distant planet.
Iceland’s Volcanic Majesty
Iceland, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, played a crucial role in portraying the extraterrestrial environments of the show.
- Glaciers: The stark, unforgiving beauty of Icelandic glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, provided the backdrop for numerous scenes showcasing the Robinson family’s perilous encounters with the elements. The vast icy expanse perfectly captured the sense of isolation and vulnerability that defined their initial struggles for survival. Filming on glaciers presented logistical challenges, requiring specialized equipment and expert guides to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.
- Volcanic Landscapes: The black sand beaches and volcanic rock formations of Iceland contributed to the show’s distinctive visual style. Locations like the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geothermal activity and dramatic coastline, were used to depict alien landscapes scarred by volcanic eruptions and geological upheaval. The contrast between the black sand and the vibrant colors of the alien flora created visually arresting scenes.
British Columbia’s Versatile Terrain
British Columbia, Canada, offered a wider range of landscapes, allowing the production to transition between different alien environments.
- Forests and Mountains: The lush forests and towering mountains of British Columbia provided the setting for scenes involving dense alien jungles and treacherous mountain passes. Locations in the Squamish and Whistler regions, known for their stunning natural beauty, were frequently used to depict the diverse ecosystems encountered by the Robinson family.
- Studio Sets: While outdoor locations were essential, significant portions of Lost in Space were filmed on meticulously constructed studio sets in Vancouver. These sets allowed for greater control over lighting, weather conditions, and the creation of elaborate alien environments that would be impossible to replicate in the real world. The Bridge Studios in Burnaby, known for hosting large-scale productions, served as the primary hub for the show’s studio filming.
Crafting the Illusion: Blending Reality and Visual Effects
The success of Lost in Space‘s visual world lies in the seamless integration of real-world locations with cutting-edge visual effects. The production team employed a variety of techniques to enhance the landscapes and create a truly immersive experience for the viewer.
Enhancing Real Locations with CGI
Visual effects artists used CGI to augment the real-world landscapes, adding alien flora, fauna, and geological features that would not be found on Earth. This allowed them to create a unique and believable alien world while still grounding the show in the reality of the physical locations.
Creating Virtual Environments
In some cases, entirely virtual environments were created to depict locations that were too dangerous or impossible to film in the real world. These virtual environments were often based on photographs and scans of real-world locations, ensuring a consistent visual style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the alien planet entirely computer-generated?
No, the alien planet was not entirely computer-generated. As detailed above, the production team primarily utilized real-world locations in Iceland and British Columbia to establish the foundation for the alien landscapes. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) was then employed to enhance these locations and add fantastical elements, creating a seamless blend of reality and visual effects.
2. Why were Iceland and British Columbia chosen as filming locations?
Iceland and British Columbia were selected for their diverse and visually stunning landscapes. Iceland offered a unique combination of glacial landscapes, volcanic terrain, and black sand beaches, providing an otherworldly feel. British Columbia provided a broader range of environments, including lush forests and mountainous regions, offering more versatility. Their proximity to major production hubs also simplified logistics.
3. Which specific glaciers in Iceland were used in the filming?
While the production team did not publicly disclose all the specific locations, it’s widely believed that Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, was a prominent filming location. Its vast size and dramatic ice formations were ideally suited to depict the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the alien planet.
4. What challenges did the crew face filming on location in Iceland?
Filming on location in Iceland presented a number of challenges, including extreme weather conditions, logistical difficulties related to transporting equipment and personnel to remote locations, and the need for specialized safety precautions due to the hazardous terrain.
5. Were any Canadian locations specifically meant to resemble Earth?
Not explicitly. While some of the forest and mountain scenes in British Columbia might evoke familiar Earth landscapes, the overall goal was to create the impression of an alien world. Even these scenes were often enhanced with CGI to further differentiate them from typical Earth environments.
6. Did the cast and crew enjoy filming in such remote locations?
Interviews with the cast and crew suggest they generally enjoyed the experience of filming in such stunning locations. While the remote environments presented logistical challenges, they also provided a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the show and appreciate the beauty of nature.
7. Where were the interior scenes filmed?
The interior scenes, including those within the Jupiter spacecraft and the Robinson family’s camp, were primarily filmed on sound stages at Bridge Studios in Burnaby, British Columbia. This allowed the production team greater control over lighting, sound, and set design.
8. What role did virtual sets play in the series?
Virtual sets played a significant role, particularly in creating expansive alien vistas and complex environments that would have been impossible or too expensive to build physically. These virtual sets were often blended seamlessly with real-world locations and physical sets, creating a cohesive and believable world.
9. How much of the environment was practically built vs. digitally created?
A substantial amount of the environment was practically built, particularly for interior sets. However, the exteriors relied heavily on a combination of practical locations and digital enhancements. The ratio varies from scene to scene, but a significant investment was made in both practical and digital elements to achieve the show’s visual style.
10. Are there any public tours of the Lost in Space filming locations?
Unfortunately, there are no official public tours of the Lost in Space filming locations in either Iceland or British Columbia. Many of the locations are remote and difficult to access, and some may be on private property. However, visitors to Iceland and British Columbia can explore some of the general areas where filming took place.
11. What other popular TV shows or movies have filmed in Iceland?
Iceland has become a popular filming destination for numerous high-profile TV shows and movies, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars, James Bond, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Its unique landscapes continue to attract filmmakers seeking otherworldly and dramatic backdrops.
12. Did the filming locations influence the show’s narrative or character development?
While the specific narrative wasn’t written around the locations, the choice of filming locations certainly informed the show’s visual identity and contributed to the overall sense of isolation, danger, and wonder experienced by the Robinson family. The harshness of the environment undoubtedly played a role in shaping the characters’ responses and their struggles for survival. The stunning beauty also contributed to the sense of awe and discovery.