Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix’s ambitious reality spin-off of the global phenomenon, wasn’t confined to just one location. Filming took place primarily at Cardington Studios, a sprawling former aircraft hangar located near Bedford, England, with additional scenes shot in various locations across the UK.
The Heart of the Game: Cardington Studios
Cardington Studios, formerly known as the Royal Airship Works, provided the vast, blank canvas needed to recreate the iconic sets from the original series. Its history as a space for constructing airships gives it an immense scale capable of housing even the most ambitious reality television productions. The sheer size allowed the production team to build multiple sets concurrently, streamlining the filming process. This meant that challenges like Red Light, Green Light and the honeycomb challenge could be filmed efficiently and effectively.
A Studio Steeped in History
Cardington Studios boasts a rich history, having served as a location for other major film productions, including Batman Begins, Inception, and Star Wars: Rogue One. Its impressive scale and technical capabilities make it a natural choice for projects requiring large-scale sets and controlled environments. The studios’ two vast hangars, known as Shed 1 and Shed 2, provided the space necessary for recreating the surreal and often dangerous games featured in Squid Game: The Challenge. The controlled environment of the studios also allowed for precise control over lighting and sound, crucial for capturing the drama and intensity of the competition.
Recreating the Iconic Sets
The production designers meticulously recreated the sets from the original Squid Game within Cardington Studios. From the colorful dormitory to the terrifying glass bridge, the attention to detail was paramount. This commitment to authenticity helped to immerse the contestants (and viewers) in the world of the game, amplifying the psychological pressure and competitive spirit. The vastness of the space also allowed for elaborate set pieces, such as the giant piggy bank filled with cash, to be constructed and displayed in all their glory.
Beyond the Studio Walls: Additional Filming Locations
While Cardington Studios served as the primary filming location, the production also ventured to other sites across the UK for specific scenes and challenges. These locations added depth and realism to the show, contrasting with the more artificial environment of the studio sets.
The Arrival Scene
Specific details about the location of the contestant’s arrival scene remain tightly guarded. However, given the series’ emphasis on visual impact, it is likely that the production team chose a location that mirrored the isolated and unsettling feeling of the original series. It is highly probable that a location with a barren or industrial landscape was chosen to amplify this atmosphere of isolation and uncertainty.
Strategic Location Choices
Choosing locations beyond the studio was crucial to break up the visual monotony and introduce elements of the real world into the game. This helped to ground the series and create a greater sense of believability, despite the fantastical premise. These locations were likely carefully selected to maximize dramatic effect and complement the overall narrative of the show. The use of multiple locations also allowed the production team to introduce unexpected challenges and surprises, keeping both the contestants and viewers on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Was the dormitory set actually as cramped as it appeared on screen?
Yes, the dormitory set at Cardington Studios was designed to be deliberately cramped and uncomfortable, mirroring the conditions faced by the contestants in the original Squid Game. This claustrophobic environment contributed to the psychological pressure and heightened tensions among the players.
Q2: Did they film all the games at Cardington Studios?
The majority of the games were filmed at Cardington Studios, allowing for the creation of controlled environments and the seamless integration of special effects. However, certain establishing shots and exterior scenes may have been filmed elsewhere.
Q3: How long did filming take at Cardington Studios?
While the exact filming schedule hasn’t been officially released, it is estimated that filming at Cardington Studios took several months, given the scale and complexity of the production. Multiple crews worked simultaneously to construct sets, film challenges, and capture contestant interviews.
Q4: Were any parts of the original Squid Game series filmed at Cardington Studios?
No, the original Squid Game series was filmed in South Korea. Cardington Studios was specifically chosen for the production of Squid Game: The Challenge due to its vast space and technical capabilities.
Q5: How did they ensure the safety of the contestants during the physically demanding challenges?
The production team implemented strict safety protocols and provided extensive training to the contestants before each challenge. Medical personnel were on standby at all times to provide immediate assistance if needed. Stunt coordinators also worked closely with the production team to ensure the safety of the participants during physically demanding tasks.
Q6: What other film and TV productions have used Cardington Studios?
Cardington Studios has a long history of hosting major film and TV productions, including Batman Begins, Inception, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Justice League. Its size and versatility make it a popular choice for projects requiring large-scale sets and complex technical requirements.
Q7: Did the contestants stay at Cardington Studios during filming?
No, the contestants were housed in separate accommodations near the studio to allow for rest and recovery between filming days. This separation also helped to maintain a degree of separation between the game and their personal lives.
Q8: How much did it cost to build the sets for Squid Game: The Challenge?
The budget for building the sets has not been publicly disclosed. However, given the scale and attention to detail, it is likely that the set construction represented a significant portion of the overall production budget.
Q9: Why was the show filmed in the UK instead of South Korea?
Filming in the UK likely provided logistical and financial advantages, including access to experienced crew members, tax incentives, and established studio infrastructure. The UK’s robust film and television industry made it a natural choice for a production of this scale.
Q10: Were any changes made to the sets during filming?
The sets were constantly being adjusted and modified throughout filming to accommodate the different challenges and camera angles. This required a flexible and adaptable production team capable of responding quickly to changing requirements.
Q11: How closely did the set design adhere to the original Squid Game series?
The set design adhered very closely to the original Squid Game series, with meticulous attention paid to recreating the iconic visuals and atmosphere. This commitment to authenticity helped to immerse viewers in the world of the game.
Q12: Are tours of Cardington Studios available to the public to see the Squid Game: The Challenge sets?
Currently, there are no public tours of Cardington Studios that specifically showcase the Squid Game: The Challenge sets. Access is generally restricted to film and television productions. However, it is worth checking the studio’s official website for any future announcements regarding tours or special events.