News of the World, the 2020 Western drama starring Tom Hanks, wasn’t solely confined to the studio lot. Its breathtaking visuals were largely brought to life through on-location filming across the state of New Mexico, leveraging its diverse terrains to authentically portray the post-Civil War American West.
From Plains to Towns: New Mexico’s Versatile Canvas
Director Paul Greengrass sought to immerse viewers in the rugged beauty and harsh realities of 1870s Texas, and New Mexico proved to be the perfect canvas. The state’s varied landscapes offered everything from sprawling plains reminiscent of West Texas to quaint towns that could easily be transformed into period-accurate settlements. The production team meticulously scouted locations, ensuring each setting resonated with the narrative’s emotional core.
The Heart of the West: Practical Sets & Authentic Backdrops
While some scenes were shot on meticulously constructed sets to guarantee specific design elements and controlled filming environments, the majority of News of the World benefited from the authenticity and scale offered by New Mexico’s natural scenery. This blend of practical sets and real-world environments played a crucial role in creating a believable and immersive viewing experience for the audience. The wide-open spaces, coupled with the distinctive architecture of the region, contributed significantly to the film’s Western aesthetic.
Beyond the Horizon: Detailed Location Breakdown
Several specific locations within New Mexico were utilized for filming, each contributing unique visual elements to the movie. Let’s explore some of the key areas that played a significant role in bringing the story to life:
Santa Fe: A Hub for Production
Santa Fe, the state capital, served as a significant base for the production team. While exact filming locations within Santa Fe are not extensively detailed publicly, the city’s infrastructure and proximity to other key filming areas made it an ideal operational hub. This allowed for efficient movement of cast, crew, and equipment, streamlining the overall production process.
Galisteo: Stepping Back in Time
The historic village of Galisteo, located south of Santa Fe, provided an invaluable backdrop for various town scenes. Its preserved architecture and authentic Southwestern charm offered a ready-made setting that required minimal alteration. Galisteo’s natural beauty and sense of history were perfectly suited to capture the feel of a frontier settlement in the late 19th century.
Española: A Northern New Mexico Gem
Española, situated in northern New Mexico, also contributed to the film’s visual tapestry. This region provided diverse landscapes, from agricultural settings to river valleys, which enhanced the film’s depiction of the protagonist’s journey through different terrains and communities. The surrounding areas offered a sense of vastness and isolation, perfectly aligning with the themes of resilience and connection explored in the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About News of the World Filming Locations
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that provide further insights into the filming locations of News of the World:
FAQ 1: Why was New Mexico chosen over Texas for filming News of the World?
New Mexico offers a compelling combination of factors that make it attractive for film production. These include:
- Tax Incentives: New Mexico boasts attractive tax incentives for film and television productions, making it a more financially viable option compared to other locations, including Texas.
- Diverse Landscapes: As previously mentioned, New Mexico provides a variety of landscapes that can effectively mimic various regions within Texas and beyond.
- Experienced Crew Base: The state has developed a robust film industry, fostering a skilled and experienced crew base that can handle large-scale productions.
- Supportive Infrastructure: New Mexico has invested in developing infrastructure to support film production, including studios, equipment rentals, and logistical support.
FAQ 2: Were any parts of News of the World actually filmed in Texas?
While the film is set primarily in Texas, the majority of filming took place in New Mexico. There’s no publicly available information confirming on-location shooting in Texas itself. The decision to film almost entirely in New Mexico was likely driven by the aforementioned factors of cost-effectiveness and logistical feasibility.
FAQ 3: How much of the film was shot on location versus on sets?
While specific percentages are not readily available, the production heavily utilized on-location shooting in New Mexico, particularly for scenes depicting the open plains, vast landscapes, and exterior shots of towns. Sets were primarily used for interior scenes or when controlled environments were necessary for specific shots or effects.
FAQ 4: What specific sets were constructed for News of the World?
Information regarding the precise sets built for the film is limited. However, it’s likely that interior scenes of buildings, such as saloons, homes, and other businesses, were constructed on sound stages or on location in existing buildings that were renovated for the purpose of filming. These sets allowed the production team to precisely control the lighting, sound, and overall aesthetic of these scenes.
FAQ 5: Did the filming impact the communities where it took place?
Film productions often bring economic benefits to the communities where they film, including job creation and increased tourism. However, they can also cause temporary disruptions, such as road closures and increased traffic. New Mexico has regulations in place to minimize these negative impacts and ensure that filming activities are conducted responsibly.
FAQ 6: How was the historical accuracy of the locations ensured?
The production team likely conducted extensive research to ensure the historical accuracy of the locations and sets used in News of the World. This research would have included studying historical photographs, documents, and accounts of life in 1870s Texas. They likely consulted with historians and other experts to ensure that the visual elements of the film were as authentic as possible.
FAQ 7: Was any CGI used to enhance the filming locations?
Yes, CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) was undoubtedly used to enhance some of the filming locations in News of the World. This likely included adding details to the landscapes, such as distant mountains or expanding the size of towns. CGI may also have been used to remove modern elements from the scenery or to create specific visual effects.
FAQ 8: Are there any tours of the News of the World filming locations in New Mexico?
As the filming locations are spread across various areas in New Mexico, there aren’t specific organized tours exclusively dedicated to News of the World. However, some local tour operators in Santa Fe, Galisteo, and Española might offer customized tours that include visits to areas where filming took place, alongside other historical and cultural sites. Checking with local tourism boards and tour companies is recommended.
FAQ 9: What type of equipment was used to capture the vast New Mexico landscapes?
Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski likely utilized a combination of camera equipment and techniques to capture the breathtaking New Mexico landscapes. This likely included wide-angle lenses to emphasize the vastness of the scenery, as well as drone shots to capture aerial perspectives. The choice of film stock and lighting techniques would also have been crucial in creating the desired visual aesthetic.
FAQ 10: How did the weather in New Mexico affect the filming schedule?
Weather conditions can significantly impact film production schedules. New Mexico is known for its sunny days and clear skies, which are generally favorable for filming. However, the state can also experience extreme weather events, such as thunderstorms and flash floods, which can disrupt filming. The production team likely had contingency plans in place to deal with these types of weather events.
FAQ 11: Did the actors enjoy filming on location in New Mexico?
Based on interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the actors, including Tom Hanks, seemed to enjoy filming on location in New Mexico. They often commented on the beauty of the landscapes and the authenticity that the locations brought to the story. Working on location can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience for actors, as it allows them to immerse themselves in the world of the film.
FAQ 12: Where can I find more information about the filming locations of News of the World?
Additional information about the filming locations of News of the World can be found through online resources such as:
- Film New Mexico Website: This website provides information about film production in New Mexico, including details about tax incentives and filming locations.
- Movie Location Websites: Websites dedicated to movie location information often feature details about News of the World filming locations.
- Behind-the-Scenes Articles and Interviews: Look for articles and interviews with the cast and crew of News of the World, which may contain insights into the filming process and location choices.
By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and authenticity of the locations that helped bring News of the World to life.