The visually stunning and thrilling second season of Netflix’s Lost in Space wasn’t confined to the Resolute spaceship. Instead, the production crew ventured to diverse and breathtaking locations across Iceland and British Columbia, Canada, to bring the alien world to life.
Iceland: A Land of Volcanic Wonders
Iceland served as the primary setting for many of the visually striking alien planet scenes in Lost in Space Season 2. Its dramatic landscapes, characterized by glacial lagoons, black sand beaches, and active volcanoes, offered the perfect backdrop for a world both beautiful and dangerous. The stark, otherworldly terrain made it an ideal choice to represent the unnamed planet where the Robinsons and their fellow colonists found themselves stranded.
Glaciers and Ice Caves
Specific locations within Iceland played crucial roles in establishing the season’s ambiance. The Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, provided the backdrop for scenes requiring vast, icy expanses. Its impressive scale and icy textures lent an undeniable sense of scale and isolation to the show. Furthermore, the intricate ice caves beneath the glacier were also used to depict some of the alien world’s more mysterious and hidden locales.
Black Sand Beaches and Volcanic Fields
The south coast of Iceland, famous for its black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, provided a contrasting yet equally compelling setting. The dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and stark black sands created a foreboding and alien environment. These locations offered a visual juxtaposition to the glacial landscapes, showcasing the diverse and dangerous ecosystem the Robinsons were forced to navigate. Volcanic fields further contributed to the planet’s volatile and unpredictable nature.
British Columbia: Forests and Soundstages
While Iceland offered the raw, natural beauty needed for exterior shots, British Columbia, Canada, provided essential resources for both interior and additional exterior scenes. The province boasts a well-developed film industry with skilled crews and versatile locations.
Vancouver Film Studios
The majority of the interior scenes for Season 2, particularly those on the Resolute and within the various habitable structures found on the alien planet, were filmed in Vancouver Film Studios. These soundstages allowed for precise control over lighting, sound, and environmental conditions, crucial for creating the detailed and realistic environments required by the show.
Additional Exterior Shots
Beyond the soundstages, British Columbia’s varied landscapes also contributed to the exterior shots. Areas with dense forests and mountainous terrain were used to supplement the Icelandic locations, providing a more temperate contrast to the often-harsh Icelandic environments. This helped to create a more believable and nuanced alien world.
Why These Locations? The Production Design Philosophy
The choice of Iceland and British Columbia was a deliberate one, driven by the production team’s desire to create a visually stunning and believable alien world. The combination of Iceland’s raw, untamed landscapes and British Columbia’s versatile film infrastructure allowed them to achieve their vision. The selection process involved extensive location scouting and a careful consideration of the visual aesthetic, logistical feasibility, and overall storytelling goals. The result is a second season that builds upon the first, delivering a visually immersive and emotionally engaging experience for the viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specific challenges did the crew face filming in Iceland?
Filming in Iceland presents several challenges. The unpredictable weather can shift dramatically in a matter of hours, requiring careful planning and flexible scheduling. The remote locations often require significant logistical planning to transport equipment and personnel. Also, protecting the delicate ecosystem is paramount, demanding a commitment to environmentally responsible filming practices.
Were any local Icelandic or Canadian cast or crew members involved in the production?
Yes, both Icelandic and Canadian cast and crew members were integral to the production. Local talent provided expertise in navigating the landscapes, understanding the weather patterns, and ensuring the production adhered to local regulations and environmental guidelines. Their involvement helped to create a more authentic and sustainable filming experience.
How did the filming locations in Season 2 differ from those in Season 1?
Season 1 primarily utilized locations in Canada, specifically British Columbia. The significant addition of Iceland as a primary location in Season 2 marked a notable shift, allowing the production to achieve a more otherworldly and visually distinct aesthetic for the alien planet. This expansion in location scope significantly enhanced the visual storytelling.
What role did CGI play in enhancing the filming locations?
CGI played a crucial role in enhancing the filming locations, extending the landscapes, adding alien flora and fauna, and creating the visual effects necessary for the Resolute and other spacecraft. CGI artists worked closely with the location footage to seamlessly blend the practical and digital elements, creating a cohesive and believable world.
Were any special permits required to film in Iceland’s protected areas?
Yes, filming in Iceland’s protected areas requires obtaining special permits from the relevant authorities. These permits ensure that the filming activities comply with environmental regulations and do not harm the delicate ecosystems. The production team worked closely with local authorities to secure the necessary permits and adhere to all guidelines.
How did the cast and crew adapt to the extreme weather conditions in Iceland?
Adapting to the extreme weather conditions in Iceland required careful preparation and specialized gear. The cast and crew were provided with appropriate clothing and equipment to protect them from the cold, wind, and rain. They also underwent safety training to prepare them for potential hazards, such as rapidly changing weather patterns and challenging terrain.
What measures were taken to protect the environment during filming?
Protecting the environment was a top priority during filming in both Iceland and British Columbia. The production team implemented strict environmental protocols, including minimizing waste, using environmentally friendly materials, and avoiding disturbance to wildlife and vegetation. They also worked with local environmental organizations to ensure that their activities were sustainable and responsible.
Were any scenes filmed underwater?
While the series contains scenes depicting water environments, there were no significant underwater scenes filmed in Iceland or British Columbia for Season 2. Any underwater elements were likely created using CGI or filmed in controlled water tank environments.
Did the producers consider other locations besides Iceland and British Columbia?
The producers undoubtedly considered other locations during the initial planning stages. However, Iceland and British Columbia offered a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes, established film infrastructure, and logistical feasibility, making them the ideal choices for bringing the alien world to life.
How long did filming for Season 2 take?
Filming for Season 2 of Lost in Space took several months, typically spanning from late 2018 through early 2019. The exact duration varied depending on the complexity of the scenes and the challenges posed by the filming locations.
Are there any organized tours that visit the filming locations of Lost in Space in Iceland or British Columbia?
While there aren’t specifically branded “Lost in Space” tours, many tour operators in both Iceland and British Columbia offer tours that visit locations used in the show. Visitors can explore the glaciers, black sand beaches, and national parks that served as the backdrop for the series. Researching tour operators and cross-referencing their itineraries with known filming locations is the best way to experience the Lost in Space landscape.
What kind of equipment was used to capture the stunning visuals in such challenging locations?
Capturing the stunning visuals in challenging locations required a range of high-end filming equipment, including drones for aerial shots, stabilized cameras for handheld and vehicle-mounted shots, and specialized lighting equipment to compensate for the variable weather conditions. The production team also relied on skilled cinematographers and camera operators to capture the breathtaking landscapes and bring the story to life.