Season 9 of “The Walking Dead” swapped familiar landscapes for a more rugged and overgrown aesthetic, primarily filmed in and around the state of Georgia, specifically near the city of Senoia and surrounding areas in Coweta County. This season saw a noticeable shift in visual style, mirroring the narrative’s exploration of societal rebuilding and the challenges of adapting to a world drastically changed.
Return to Georgia’s Heartlands
While previous seasons of “The Walking Dead” utilized various locations within Georgia, Season 9 doubled down on the rural landscapes surrounding Senoia, a town practically synonymous with the series. The production team expertly utilized the natural beauty and existing infrastructure to create the diverse communities and threatening environments that defined the season’s narrative. The series had been a mainstay in Georgia, boosting the local economy and becoming deeply intertwined with the community. This season solidified that relationship, cementing Georgia’s role as the heart of the zombie apocalypse, at least onscreen.
Key Filming Locations in Season 9
Identifying specific filming locations brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. Season 9 showcased a variety of settings, each contributing to the season’s distinct atmosphere:
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Alexandria: The iconic Alexandria Safe-Zone, a pivotal location throughout the series, remained a central hub in Season 9. Its walls, buildings, and surrounding fields continued to serve as the backdrop for community life and internal conflicts. This location is actually a purpose-built set located near Senoia, reinforcing the show’s commitment to realism.
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Hilltop Colony: Another crucial settlement, Hilltop Colony, also retained its significance in Season 9. Its rustic charm, born from pre-apocalyptic structures, provided a contrasting aesthetic to Alexandria’s more modern design. Hilltop is largely filmed at Riverwood Studios near Senoia.
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Oceanside: While not as frequently featured as Alexandria or Hilltop, Oceanside, the seaside community, made appearances in Season 9, reminding viewers of the diverse pockets of civilization surviving in the post-apocalyptic world. Exterior scenes are often filmed near Lake Lanier, providing the necessary coastal backdrop.
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The Sanctuary: Although mostly abandoned by this point, the skeletal remains of The Sanctuary, Negan’s former stronghold, still haunted the landscape, serving as a reminder of past conflicts and a potentially dangerous location for scavenging. Its industrial appearance stood in stark contrast to the more pastoral settings of Alexandria and Hilltop.
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Unspecified Rural Areas: A significant portion of Season 9 takes place in unspecified rural areas, showcasing the dangers of traversing the wilderness and highlighting the increasing threat posed by walkers. These scenes often utilized the dense forests and overgrown fields prevalent in the Coweta County region, enhancing the feeling of desolation and vulnerability.
The Significance of Location in Storytelling
The choice of filming locations wasn’t simply about aesthetics; it was integral to the storytelling. The juxtaposition of the familiar communities of Alexandria and Hilltop with the vast, untamed wilderness emphasized the fragile nature of civilization and the constant struggle for survival. The decaying remains of The Sanctuary served as a constant reminder of the brutal past, while the inclusion of Oceanside showcased the diversity of survival strategies in a world forever changed. The deliberate use of natural landscapes heightened the tension and immersion, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the filming locations of “The Walking Dead” Season 9:
Where is Alexandria located in real life?
Alexandria is a purpose-built set located near Senoia, Georgia. It’s not accessible to the general public for tours, though glimpses can sometimes be caught from nearby roads. The set is carefully guarded to maintain its authenticity and prevent unauthorized access.
Can I visit the filming locations of “The Walking Dead”?
While the Alexandria set is not accessible, the town of Senoia has become a tourist destination for “The Walking Dead” fans. You can visit shops, restaurants, and other establishments that have embraced the show’s legacy. There are also guided tours that take you to some external filming locations visible from public roads. However, remember to respect private property and avoid trespassing.
Is Woodbury a real place?
The town of Woodbury, featured prominently in earlier seasons, was primarily filmed in Senoia, Georgia. Many of the buildings used for Woodbury still exist, although they have been repurposed. The town’s architecture contributes to the atmosphere and identity of the filming locations.
What county in Georgia is “The Walking Dead” filmed in?
The majority of “The Walking Dead,” especially Season 9, is filmed in Coweta County, Georgia, particularly around the town of Senoia. The county’s diverse landscapes and proximity to Atlanta made it an ideal location for the production.
How has “The Walking Dead” impacted the local economy in Georgia?
“The Walking Dead” has had a significant positive impact on the Georgia economy. The production has created numerous jobs for local residents, boosted tourism in towns like Senoia, and contributed to the growth of the film industry in the state.
Are there any filming locations from Season 9 that are open to the public?
While specific locations are generally not open to the public for safety and privacy reasons, some external shots and landscapes are viewable from public roads and areas surrounding Senoia. Tour companies sometimes offer guided tours that include these locations. Always check the accessibility and regulations beforehand.
Did they film any of Season 9 outside of Georgia?
While Georgia has been the primary filming location for “The Walking Dead,” Season 9, like other seasons, may have included some minor location shooting elsewhere, though Georgia remained the core and recognizable landscape. Any such locations were likely for specific scenes requiring unique environments.
What is Riverwood Studios and its relationship to “The Walking Dead”?
Riverwood Studios, located near Senoia, Georgia, is a major production facility that has served as a base of operations for “The Walking Dead” and other film and television projects. Several sets, including Hilltop, are located at Riverwood Studios.
Are the forests in “The Walking Dead” enhanced with CGI?
While CGI is used to enhance certain aspects of the show, such as walker numbers or special effects, the forests and landscapes are largely real locations in Georgia. The production team often relies on practical effects and natural environments to create a sense of realism.
How do they secure filming locations for “The Walking Dead”?
The production team of “The Walking Dead” works closely with local authorities and property owners to secure permission and permits for filming on private and public land. They also implement security measures to protect the cast, crew, and equipment during filming.
Is “The Walking Dead” still filming in Georgia?
While the original “The Walking Dead” series has concluded, various spin-offs and related projects are still filmed in Georgia, continuing the state’s association with the zombie franchise.
How long did it take to film Season 9 of “The Walking Dead”?
Filming for a season of “The Walking Dead” typically takes several months, with Season 9 following a similar timeframe. The exact duration varies depending on the number of episodes, complexity of the scenes, and weather conditions. Production schedules can be lengthy, reflecting the scale and ambition of the series.