Resident Alien, the sci-fi comedy-drama series based on the comic book Resident Alien by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, has captured the hearts of viewers since its premiere in January 2021. One of the show’s standout elements is its picturesque backdrop, which adds charm and intrigue to the storyline. If you’ve ever wondered, where is Resident Alien filmed?, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the filming locations that bring the small-town mystery and extraterrestrial humor to life.
The Appeal of Small-Town America in Resident Alien
Before we delve into the filming locations, it’s important to understand the role of the setting in Resident Alien. The series takes place in the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, where an alien named Harry, played by Alan Tudyk, crash-lands after his spacecraft is damaged. He assumes the identity of a local doctor and embarks on an adventure that combines humor, drama, and mystery.
The rural, mountain-filled landscape of Patience serves as the perfect setting for this quirky alien story. The small-town vibe plays a crucial role in the series, as it creates the ideal environment for a wide range of interactions between Harry and the human residents. But the question remains: where is Resident Alien filmed to capture such a unique atmosphere?
Filming Locations of Resident Alien: The Heart of the Show
1. British Columbia, Canada: The Primary Filming Destination
The primary filming location for Resident Alien is in the province of British Columbia, Canada. While the show is set in the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, the production team chose British Columbia for its stunning landscapes, diverse environments, and proximity to major film studios. The mountainous scenery, dense forests, and charming small towns in British Columbia offer an ideal backdrop for the series.
Key Filming Locations in British Columbia:
- Vancouver: As the epicenter of Canada’s entertainment industry, Vancouver is home to many TV productions, including Resident Alien. Several scenes are shot in and around the city, using Vancouver’s natural beauty and its diverse architecture to stand in for the fictional town of Patience. The city’s proximity to forests and mountains provides a picturesque setting for outdoor scenes.
- Squamish: Situated just north of Vancouver, Squamish is another key filming location for Resident Alien. Known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, Squamish serves as the perfect environment to depict the scenic and often mysterious landscapes of Patience.
- Pemberton: Located further north, Pemberton is often used for its rural and mountainous terrain. The area’s proximity to Vancouver makes it a popular filming destination for productions looking for both natural beauty and a remote, small-town feel.
2. Set Construction and Studio Work in Vancouver
While much of Resident Alien is filmed on location in British Columbia, several indoor scenes are shot in film studios in Vancouver. The show’s sets, including the interior of Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle’s office and various town buildings, are constructed in these studios to allow for controlled filming and special effects.
The production team worked meticulously to create a believable small-town doctor’s office and other key locations in Patience. The sets reflect the quirky, rustic charm of the fictional town, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the series.
Filming Challenges and the Role of Special Effects
The success of Resident Alien lies not just in its unique story, but also in the production quality. The combination of location shooting and studio work helps to bring the story of Harry the Alien to life. However, the show’s production team also faces challenges when filming in these remote areas.
For instance, many of the locations are subject to unpredictable weather conditions, which can delay filming. Snowstorms in mountainous regions like Squamish and Pemberton, particularly in the winter months, require careful planning.
Additionally, the show relies heavily on special effects, especially in scenes involving Harry’s alien spaceship and the alien itself. The advanced CGI work helps to seamlessly integrate Harry’s alien nature into the real-world environments of British Columbia. Despite the challenges, the production team’s commitment to capturing the authentic beauty of these locations plays a significant role in making Resident Alien visually captivating.
Why Was British Columbia Chosen for Filming?
You might be wondering, why the production team chose British Columbia to represent Patience, Colorado. The decision was likely influenced by a variety of factors:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Filming in British Columbia offers significant tax incentives and financial support for film productions. The Canadian government provides rebates and funding for many aspects of the production process, which helps keep costs manageable for a show like Resident Alien.
- Diverse Locations: British Columbia is home to a wide range of landscapes, from dense forests and mountains to charming towns and urban areas. This variety makes it a versatile location for shooting a show that requires a mix of outdoor, rural, and urban settings.
- Experienced Crew: Vancouver has long been a hub for film production, boasting a highly skilled and experienced crew. This makes it an attractive location for large-scale productions, as the talent and resources are readily available.
Behind the Scenes: The Filming Process
Filming Resident Alien in remote locations like Squamish and Pemberton doesn’t come without its challenges. The production team needs to consider several factors, such as:
- Logistics: Transporting crew and equipment to remote filming sites can be time-consuming and expensive. Often, the crew must rely on helicopters or off-road vehicles to access the more challenging filming locations.
- Weather Conditions: The mountainous terrain of British Columbia is known for its unpredictable weather, with heavy rainfall and snow during the winter months. These conditions can sometimes delay filming schedules, but they also contribute to the authenticity of the show’s rural backdrop.
- Environmental Preservation: With its commitment to showcasing the natural beauty of British Columbia, the production team must adhere to strict environmental guidelines. This ensures that the filming process has minimal impact on the environment, particularly in protected wilderness areas.
The Impact of Filming Locations on the Show’s Success
The decision to film Resident Alien in British Columbia has undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success. The scenic beauty of the landscapes, combined with the authenticity of the small-town setting, adds depth to the series. Viewers can appreciate the contrast between the peaceful surroundings of Patience and the chaos that unfolds when an alien infiltrates the town.
Moreover, the picturesque settings allow the show to tap into the rich traditions of American sci-fi and Western genres, with vast, open spaces that symbolize the unknown and the mysterious. This setting choice elevates the storytelling, making Resident Alien more than just a show about an alien—it’s a story about an alien trying to navigate human complexities in an often beautiful, but challenging world.
Conclusion: The Allure of British Columbia in Resident Alien
In answer to the question of where is Resident Alien filmed, the show is primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, with key locations in Vancouver, Squamish, and Pemberton. The stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes of these areas have helped create the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, providing the perfect backdrop for the alien tale.
The use of both outdoor filming locations and controlled studio sets ensures that Resident Alien maintains its high production value while capturing the essence of the small-town charm that is so central to the story. Ultimately, British Columbia’s combination of financial incentives, skilled crew, and diverse locations made it the ideal choice to bring this quirky and captivating series to life.
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