Episode 6 of HBO’s The Last of Us, titled “Kin,” transported viewers to the seemingly idyllic community of Jackson, Wyoming, a stark contrast to the ravaged world outside its fortified walls. This heartwarming and pivotal episode was primarily filmed in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, offering a stunning backdrop that brought the spirit of Jackson to life.
The Canadian Rockies Stand In For Wyoming: Canmore Takes Center Stage
The producers of The Last of Us masterfully leveraged the natural beauty and small-town charm of Canmore to create the believable setting of Jackson. Canmore, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, provided the crucial elements the story demanded: snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and a welcoming atmosphere that belied the dangers lurking outside.
Main Street Transformations
The most recognizable location from the episode is undoubtedly Canmore’s Main Street, which underwent a remarkable transformation to become the bustling center of Jackson. Existing businesses were adorned with period-appropriate signage, snow was artificially enhanced (despite the already snowy conditions!), and meticulous details were added to create a lived-in and thriving community. This level of commitment to authenticity truly immersed viewers in the world of The Last of Us.
Beyond Main Street: Other Key Locations
While Main Street served as the primary location, other areas in and around Canmore contributed to the episode’s overall visual narrative. These included:
- Residential streets: Canmore’s residential neighborhoods, with their cozy houses and snow-covered yards, perfectly captured the intimate and communal feel of Jackson.
- Surrounding forests: The dense forests surrounding Canmore provided the ominous backdrop for Joel and Ellie’s perilous journey to and from Jackson, highlighting the ever-present danger of the infected and other threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Last of Us Episode 6 Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the filming locations of The Last of Us Episode 6:
FAQ 1: Was the entire episode filmed in Canmore?
No, while Canmore served as the primary filming location for Jackson, some scenes, particularly those involving outdoor travel and other locations outside of Jackson, were filmed in other parts of Alberta, Canada. This strategy allowed the production team to capture diverse landscapes that contributed to the show’s immersive experience. The show also utilized Calgary Film Centre for soundstage work and interior sets.
FAQ 2: Is Jackson a real place in Wyoming?
Yes, Jackson, Wyoming is a real town. However, the Jackson portrayed in The Last of Us is a fictionalized version, and the series did not film in the actual Jackson, Wyoming. Canmore, Alberta, was chosen for its aesthetic suitability and logistical advantages.
FAQ 3: Can I visit the filming locations in Canmore?
Yes, Canmore is a popular tourist destination, and the areas used for filming The Last of Us are accessible to the public. However, it’s important to remember that these are real businesses and residential areas. Visitors should be respectful of the local community and avoid trespassing on private property.
FAQ 4: Were any set pieces from the show left in Canmore after filming?
Most of the temporary set pieces and decorations were removed after filming concluded. However, the experience undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the town and its residents, contributing to Canmore’s growing reputation as a filming-friendly location.
FAQ 5: How did the filming impact the local community in Canmore?
The filming of The Last of Us brought both positive and negative impacts to Canmore. On the positive side, it provided economic opportunities for local businesses and residents, boosted tourism, and raised the town’s profile internationally. On the negative side, it caused temporary disruptions to traffic and businesses, and some residents expressed concerns about the potential for increased tourism in the long term.
FAQ 6: What other movies or TV shows have been filmed in Canmore?
Canmore’s stunning scenery has made it a popular filming location for many years. Other notable productions filmed in and around Canmore include The Revenant, Brokeback Mountain, and Shanghai Noon.
FAQ 7: Why was Canmore chosen as the filming location for Jackson?
Several factors contributed to the choice of Canmore. These include its stunning mountain scenery, its small-town charm, its proximity to Calgary (a major film production hub), and the availability of skilled local crew and resources.
FAQ 8: How did the production team create the snowy conditions in Canmore?
While Canmore is known for its snowy winters, the production team sometimes used artificial snow to enhance the existing conditions and create a more consistent look throughout the filming process. This involved using snow-making machines and other special effects techniques.
FAQ 9: Are there any tours of The Last of Us filming locations in Canmore?
Currently, there are no officially sanctioned tours specifically focused on The Last of Us filming locations in Canmore. However, you can explore the town independently and identify the key locations based on online resources and screenshots from the episode.
FAQ 10: What was the biggest challenge in filming Episode 6 in Canmore?
One of the biggest challenges was managing the logistics of filming in a busy town center during the winter months. This required careful planning, coordination with local businesses and residents, and measures to minimize disruptions to daily life.
FAQ 11: Did any of the actors express their feelings about filming in Canmore?
Yes, many of the actors involved in The Last of Us, including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, have spoken positively about their experience filming in Alberta and Canada as a whole. They praised the beautiful scenery, the friendly people, and the professional film crews.
FAQ 12: How does the Jackson depicted in the show compare to the one in the game?
While the show stays true to the core essence of Jackson as a safe haven, there are differences in the visual representation. The game features a slightly more fortified and sprawling settlement. The show aims for a more grounded and realistic portrayal while still capturing the community spirit and the sense of hope that Jackson represents in the post-apocalyptic world.