For seven seasons, *The 100* captivated audiences with its post-apocalyptic drama, complex characters, and stunning visuals. Set ninety-seven years after a nuclear apocalypse destroyed Earth, the show follows a group of juvenile delinquents sent from the orbiting space station, the Ark, to a desolate planet to determine if it is habitable. Filled with treacherous landscapes, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas, *The 100* left an indelible mark on television. But beyond the captivating storylines and compelling characters, the show’s breathtaking cinematography, scenery, and immersive locations played a pivotal role in creating the world of *The 100*. This article delves into the filming locations of *The 100*, revealing the stunning places that brought this post-apocalyptic drama to life, crafting the various terrains and environments that made this series so unique.
The Heart of the Show: Vancouver, Canada
The vast majority of *The 100* was filmed in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This vibrant city and its surrounding areas provided the perfect backdrop for the series’ varied landscapes, from the lush forests of the “Ground” to the harsh interiors of the Ark. The decision to film in Vancouver was strategic, a combination of factors contributing to its selection.
Vancouver offered an impressive range of landscapes within a relatively short distance. The city’s proximity to dense forests, rocky coastlines, and even abandoned industrial sites made it incredibly versatile for the show’s needs. This allowed the production team to effortlessly capture a variety of environments that could double for both the pre-apocalyptic world and the post-apocalyptic wastelands. Moreover, Canada, particularly British Columbia, offered attractive tax incentives for film productions, significantly reducing production costs. This, coupled with the availability of a highly skilled and experienced crew base, made Vancouver a very appealing choice for the show’s production.
Key Vancouver Locations
One of the primary locations employed to create the “Ground” was **Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park** and **Iona Beach**. These areas provided the ideal setting for the initial scenes of the 100’s arrival on Earth, as well as the various camps and settlements the characters established. The park’s dense vegetation and waterfront views were ingeniously used to represent the diverse and often dangerous environments of the post-apocalyptic Earth. The area’s topography and natural surroundings were extensively exploited to create the visual identity of the 100’s drop ship and the initial camp.
Furthermore, various forests surrounding Vancouver became a crucial backdrop for the series. These forests were used to create the look and feel of the new, dangerous world, offering the required atmosphere for many of the show’s most iconic scenes. The forests acted as a versatile set, able to transform to match the changing seasons and the evolving narrative of the show. These forests were not just a backdrop but a vital component of the storytelling. As the seasons went by, the landscapes within the forest sets were transformed to match the ever-changing challenges and narrative developments of the series. The forests were a consistent reminder of the world’s rebirth, and an arena for danger, adventure, and survival.
Another significant location was the **Britannia Mine Museum**. This historical site, with its industrial architecture and dark interiors, was cleverly transformed into the formidable Mount Weather facility. The mine’s existing infrastructure, including tunnels, shafts, and cavernous spaces, provided the perfect setting for the underground complex, the home of the mountain men, a key element of the series. The authentic feel of the mine enhanced the sense of realism and claustrophobia required for those scenes, making Mount Weather a chilling and unforgettable location.
Beyond these key locations, other areas contributed significantly to the show’s visual identity. **Steveston**, a historic fishing village near Vancouver, was occasionally used for establishing shots and some exterior scenes. Similarly, **Stanley Park** and other areas within Vancouver were used to create the look of the various areas and forests throughout the series. Even the sound stages in Vancouver, which housed many of the interior sets, played a vital role in bringing the show’s world to life, from the sterile environment of the Ark to the more primitive interiors of the Grounders’ settlements. The strategic use of each location provided the rich and complex backdrop for *The 100*.
Transforming Reality: Creative Use of Locations
The success of *The 100* in creating a believable post-apocalyptic world was greatly facilitated by the creativity and innovation of the production design team. Every location was not simply a backdrop but a canvas for storytelling, carefully selected and adapted to enhance the series’ atmosphere and narrative.
The production design team worked tirelessly to modify and adapt these existing locations to meet the needs of each scene. This involved a combination of practical effects, set dressing, and digital enhancements. They would meticulously dress each set, adding details like overgrown vegetation, rusting metal, and makeshift structures to reflect the consequences of the nuclear apocalypse. The team would also use the specific details and textures of each location to amplify the mood and atmosphere required for any given scene.
Beyond these practical effects, *The 100* made extensive use of visual effects and CGI. Special effects enhanced the realism, adding details impossible to capture on set. The integration of CGI effects with the physical locations was seamlessly done. The effects were never overwhelming but used to enhance the existing scenes. They did this by adding the effects of weather, fires, or even large-scale battles. This blend of practical and digital effects allowed the filmmakers to create a world that felt both realistic and immersive.
The ability of the production team to adapt and modify locations was critical to the series’ storytelling. Locations were completely transformed, sometimes multiple times, to reflect different environments and storylines. Take the Ark, for instance. The interior of the space station was primarily constructed on sound stages, but the design aesthetic influenced how all the locations appeared. City of Light, was the product of computer-generated imagery that allowed the production team to create the required utopian settings. This adaptability ensured that the environments within *The 100* remained visually compelling and thematically relevant throughout the series.
A Look Beyond Vancouver
While Vancouver was the primary hub for filming, the production occasionally ventured further afield to find specific locations that served the series’ needs. Some instances may have involved specific outdoor locations or specific shoots that required a change of environment.
The Legacy of the Locations
The filming locations of *The 100* have had a lasting impact, not just on the show itself but also on the Vancouver film industry and the show’s dedicated fanbase.
The production of *The 100* provided significant employment opportunities, contributing to the growth and reputation of the Vancouver film industry. The success of the show highlighted the region’s ability to host large-scale productions, leading to more film and television projects filming in the area.
Furthermore, the locations themselves have become popular destinations for fans eager to experience the world of *The 100* firsthand. Fan tours and informal visits to the filming sites have become common, demonstrating the powerful connection between the show and its locations. The sites continue to be a reminder of the show’s creation.
Moreover, the careful selection and creative use of these locations contributed significantly to the show’s lasting appeal. The visuals of the show were a key ingredient to the series’ success. The natural beauty of the forests, combined with the industrial feel of locations like the Britannia Mine Museum, created a unique visual identity that set *The 100* apart from other post-apocalyptic dramas.
Conclusion
From the lush forests of Vancouver to the gritty interiors of the Ark, the filming locations of *The 100* played an essential role in creating an unforgettable world. The choice of the Vancouver area, combined with the innovative production design and the integration of visual effects, resulted in a show that visually captivating and thematically rich. The choice of locations in the area created an experience that was both captivating and immersive, contributing to the series’ popularity and cultural impact. This carefully constructed backdrop helped to bring the characters, storylines, and themes of *The 100* to life. Ultimately, the filming locations of *The 100* stand as a testament to the power of location, design, and creativity in crafting truly immersive television experiences. The locations used in the series will continue to be visited and remembered, a reminder of the show’s creation.
