Z: The Beginning of Everything, the Amazon Prime series chronicling the tumultuous love affair between Zelda Sayre and F. Scott Fitzgerald, found its evocative backdrop primarily in Savannah, Georgia, offering a historical charm that authentically reflected the Jazz Age. The production skillfully utilized Savannah’s architectural heritage and Southern atmosphere to bring the Roaring Twenties to life, immersing viewers in the world of the iconic literary couple.
Savannah: The Heart of the Jazz Age Revival
The creative team behind Z: The Beginning of Everything chose Savannah as the principal filming location due to its preserved historic districts, its ability to visually represent the various settings depicted in the Fitzgeralds’ early lives, and the strong support of the local film community. The city’s squares, adorned with Spanish moss-draped oak trees and lined with grand Victorian homes, provided a stunningly authentic representation of the Southern elegance that characterized Zelda’s upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as the broader cultural landscape of the era.
Utilizing Existing Architecture
Instead of relying heavily on studio sets, the production frequently utilized existing structures to recreate the opulence and vibrancy of the 1920s. For instance, several mansions in the historic district served as stand-ins for the Sayre family home and various high-society gatherings. These choices not only lent authenticity to the visuals but also contributed to the overall immersive experience for both the actors and the audience. Specific examples include use of buildings around Forsyth Park for establishing shots.
The Importance of Location Scouting
Extensive location scouting was crucial to identifying the ideal spots within Savannah that could best reflect the narrative’s needs. The team searched for locations that offered visual variety, from the grandest of ballrooms to the humblest of boarding houses, to effectively portray the social contrasts that defined the Fitzgeralds’ world.
Beyond Savannah: Expanding the Narrative Canvas
While Savannah served as the primary filming location, other sites were utilized to capture specific scenes or landscapes that couldn’t be adequately recreated within the city limits.
Charleston, South Carolina
Though not as central as Savannah, Charleston, South Carolina played a role in filming some scenes. Its similar historical architecture and proximity to Savannah made it a convenient location to capture additional elements of the Southern setting, specifically scenes which needed a slightly different visual feel or specific historical features not readily available in Savannah.
Studio Work
While on-location filming was prioritized, some interior scenes, particularly those requiring specialized lighting or set design, were filmed in studio settings. Details about the exact studio locations used remain somewhat limited in publicly available sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Savannah chosen as the primary filming location?
Savannah’s rich architectural heritage, reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, coupled with a supportive film community, made it the perfect choice for bringing the era of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald to life. The city’s aesthetic closely matched the visual requirements of the story, particularly the depictions of the South.
2. Were any scenes filmed in Montgomery, Alabama, Zelda Sayre’s hometown?
While the story begins in Montgomery, the majority of scenes representing Montgomery were actually filmed in Savannah, Georgia, which possessed similar architectural styles and offered more convenient production resources.
3. What types of buildings were used as filming locations?
The production utilized a variety of buildings, including grand mansions, historic hotels, and charming squares, to recreate the ambiance of the 1920s. Many private residences were also used.
4. How did the filmmakers ensure historical accuracy in the filming locations?
The filmmakers worked with historical consultants and meticulously researched the architectural styles and social settings of the 1920s to ensure authenticity. They also relied on local historians for insight.
5. Did the filming process impact the local community in Savannah?
Yes, the filming process brought economic benefits to Savannah, creating jobs for local residents and generating revenue for businesses. However, it also caused some disruption to daily life, such as temporary street closures.
6. Are there any specific landmarks in Savannah that fans can visit that were featured in the series?
Yes, the Forsyth Park area and many of the historic squares were heavily featured. Exploring the Victorian District will likely give visitors a sense of the show’s setting.
7. Were any set pieces or special effects used to enhance the filming locations?
While the production prioritized using existing architecture, set pieces and special effects were employed to enhance the historical accuracy and visual appeal of certain scenes. Digital enhancements were used to remove modern elements from some shots.
8. How long did it take to film Z: The Beginning of Everything in Savannah?
The filming schedule spanned several months, encompassing pre-production, principal photography, and post-production work within the Savannah area. Exact filming timelines are difficult to determine.
9. What challenges did the production crew face while filming in historic locations?
The production crew faced challenges related to preserving the integrity of the historic sites, managing logistics in confined spaces, and coordinating with local authorities to minimize disruption to residents. They also had to contend with the variable weather conditions in the South.
10. Did the cast and crew enjoy filming in Savannah?
Many members of the cast and crew expressed their appreciation for Savannah’s charm and hospitality. The city’s unique atmosphere contributed to the overall creative experience.
11. Are there any behind-the-scenes documentaries or featurettes that show the filming locations?
While comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentaries focusing solely on the filming locations may be limited, some interviews and articles may offer glimpses into the production process and the use of specific locations in Savannah. Searching online for “Z: The Beginning of Everything Behind the Scenes” should yield results.
12. Did the success of Z: The Beginning of Everything increase tourism to Savannah?
It’s plausible that the show contributed to increased tourism, particularly among fans interested in historical settings and literary figures. However, quantifying the exact impact is challenging. Savannah’s inherent popularity as a tourist destination makes it difficult to isolate the series’ influence.