Season 9 of American Horror Story, aptly titled 1984, takes viewers back to the slasher-filled summer camps of the 1980s. The show meticulously recreated that era’s aesthetic, primarily filming on location at Malibu Creek State Park and surrounding areas in Southern California, effectively transforming the landscape into the fictional Camp Redwood.
The Real-Life Camp Redwood: Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park served as the heart of American Horror Story: 1984. This vast park, known for its diverse landscapes and Hollywood history, provided the perfect backdrop for the season’s chilling narrative. The production crew leveraged the park’s various features, including its dense woodlands, rocky cliffs, and open meadows, to create a believable and unsettling summer camp environment. It’s not just the aesthetics that are chilling, but also the park’s historical significance. The location was used as a filming location for the series MASH and many others, which adds to the allure of this already amazing location.
Recreating the 80s Summer Camp Vibe
The production design team worked tirelessly to infuse the sets with the distinct style of the 1980s. From the rustic cabins and communal areas to the iconic sports fields and waterfront, every detail was carefully considered to transport viewers back in time. Using vintage props, period-appropriate costumes, and a washed-out color palette, the team successfully captured the nostalgia and inherent eeriness of 80s slasher films. This attention to detail, coupled with the natural beauty (and creepiness) of Malibu Creek State Park, gave 1984 its immersive and terrifying atmosphere.
Beyond Malibu Creek: Expanding the Horror
While Malibu Creek State Park was the primary filming location, other areas in Southern California were also utilized to create a more diverse and expansive world for the season.
- Areas Around Simi Valley: Specific scenes requiring unique landscapes were shot in areas surrounding Simi Valley. This provided flexibility for the production to capture different types of environments, contributing to the overall visual variety of the season.
- Sound Stages: As with most television productions, sound stages played a crucial role in filming interior scenes. These allowed for greater control over lighting, sound, and set design, particularly for scenes requiring specialized effects or controlled environments. These are speculated to be located around Los Angeles county, however, the exact location is unknown.
The Impact of Location on the Narrative
The choice of Malibu Creek State Park significantly impacted the narrative of American Horror Story: 1984. The park’s inherent natural beauty juxtaposed with the gruesome events of the story created a sense of unease and dread. The isolated setting further amplified the feeling of vulnerability and confinement experienced by the characters, mirroring the themes of paranoia and fear that permeated the season.
Historical Significance and Added Layers of Creepiness
Interestingly, Malibu Creek State Park has its own dark history, which subtly contributes to the season’s unsettling atmosphere. It has been linked to real-life crimes and unsolved mysteries, creating an extra layer of eeriness that resonates with the show’s themes of violence and the unknown. The blending of real-world history with the fictional horrors of 1984 elevated the season beyond a simple slasher story, making it a more deeply unsettling and memorable experience for viewers.
The Power of Natural Light and Environment
The production team cleverly utilized the natural light and environment of Malibu Creek State Park to enhance the visual storytelling. The sun-drenched days created a false sense of security, while the shadowy nights amplified the feeling of danger and suspense. The park’s natural sounds, from rustling leaves to distant animal calls, further contributed to the season’s immersive and unsettling atmosphere. These techniques are what help to create this scary environment.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Filming of American Horror Story: 1984
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the filming locations of American Horror Story: 1984:
FAQ 1: Was Malibu Creek State Park chosen for its resemblance to real 80s summer camps?
Yes, Malibu Creek State Park’s natural features and accessibility made it ideal for recreating the look and feel of 1980s summer camps. The park’s diverse landscapes offered various possibilities for different scenes.
FAQ 2: Did the production team build any structures specifically for filming at Malibu Creek State Park?
While the park’s existing structures were utilized, the production team also constructed and modified existing buildings to create the Camp Redwood set. This included adding period-appropriate details, signage, and set dressing to enhance the 1980s aesthetic.
FAQ 3: Were there any challenges associated with filming in a state park?
Yes, filming in a state park presented several challenges. The production team had to adhere to strict environmental regulations, manage noise levels, and minimize disruption to the park’s natural ecosystem. Coordinating with park authorities and obtaining necessary permits was also crucial.
FAQ 4: Can visitors still see remnants of the Camp Redwood set at Malibu Creek State Park?
While the major sets were dismantled after filming concluded, some minor remnants may still be visible, though often naturally integrated back into the environment. Nature has had its turn to reclaim the area. Visiting with respect and without disturbing the environment is important.
FAQ 5: How long did filming take at Malibu Creek State Park?
Filming for American Horror Story: 1984 at Malibu Creek State Park spanned several months, allowing the production team to capture the changing seasons and utilize different lighting conditions. The exact duration is not publicly available, but can be estimated as a standard time frame based on that for a season of television.
FAQ 6: Were any other American Horror Story seasons filmed at Malibu Creek State Park?
While Malibu Creek State Park is a popular filming location, it was not used for other seasons of American Horror Story. Each season typically utilizes unique locations to match the specific theme and setting.
FAQ 7: Did the actors find the location particularly creepy during filming?
Many actors have commented on the unsettling atmosphere of Malibu Creek State Park, particularly when filming night scenes. The combination of the park’s natural darkness, the show’s eerie subject matter, and the knowledge of the park’s real-life history contributed to a palpable sense of unease.
FAQ 8: What are some other popular filming locations in Malibu Creek State Park?
Besides American Horror Story, Malibu Creek State Park has been used for numerous films and television shows, including M*A*S*H, Planet of the Apes, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Its diverse landscapes make it a versatile and desirable location for filmmakers.
FAQ 9: How did the use of practical effects impact the location shooting?
The reliance on practical effects in American Horror Story: 1984 required careful planning and execution during location shooting. Blood, gore, and other practical effects needed to be applied safely and responsibly, with minimal impact on the environment. This is another area where the team needs to consider everything and ensure everything is planned accordingly.
FAQ 10: Did the production team use drones to capture aerial shots of Camp Redwood?
Yes, drone footage was likely used to capture sweeping aerial shots of Camp Redwood and the surrounding area. This provided viewers with a broader perspective of the camp’s isolated location and the vastness of Malibu Creek State Park.
FAQ 11: How did the filming location influence the season’s overall color palette and visual style?
The natural colors of Malibu Creek State Park, including the greens of the trees, the browns of the soil, and the blues of the sky, heavily influenced the season’s overall color palette. The production team also employed techniques to enhance the 1980s aesthetic, such as using washed-out colors and grainy textures.
FAQ 12: Are there any guided tours of the American Horror Story: 1984 filming locations at Malibu Creek State Park?
While there aren’t official guided tours specifically for American Horror Story: 1984, some local tour operators may offer general tours of the park, highlighting its history as a filming location for various productions. Individual exploration is permitted, but respectful behavior and adherence to park rules are essential.